Head-to-head reliability
Dodge Avenger vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Dodge Avenger and Chevrolet Silverado compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Dodge Avenger vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Avenger averaged 291 complaints per year over 9 years, while the Silverado averaged 823 per year over 10 years. The Avenger's top issues are electrical and air bags; the Silverado's are engine and power train. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Dodge Avenger or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Dodge Avenger
The Dodge Avenger is a mid-size sedan that, based on owner complaints, can be a headache to own. Over nine years, it averaged about 291 complaints per year, with electrical and air bag issues dominating the list. Many owners report persistent problems that are hard to diagnose, leading to multiple shop visits and ongoing frustration. This suggests that living with an Avenger often means dealing with nagging electrical gremlins and safety-system warnings.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that, according to NHTSA data, generates a high volume of complaints—about 823 per year over ten years. The most common trouble spots are the engine and power train, with reports of stalling, rough running, and transmission problems. Electrical and brake issues also appear frequently. While it's a popular truck, the complaint pattern indicates that some owners face significant mechanical and safety-related failures.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Dodge Avenger | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2,623 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 32 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 151 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 291.4 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 147 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 Better | 3 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Dodge Avenger
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM552
- 02AIR BAGS515
- 03ENGINE437
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER418
- 05POWER TRAIN366
Owners report erratic idle RPMs, starting problems, and windows that fall into the door. These issues can be intermittent and difficult for mechanics to fix, leading to repeated repairs and unreliable operation.
The air bag light may flash or stay on, sometimes accompanied by beeping, especially when turning. Owners worry about accidental deployment or failure to deploy in a crash, which is a serious safety concern.
Complaints include RPM surges, unintended acceleration, and difficulty stopping. Some owners have spent large sums on sensors and repairs without solving the problem, making the car feel unpredictable to drive.
Reports range from the car bogging down at highway speeds to electrical issues after the key is removed. These vague but troubling symptoms can be hard to pin down and may indicate deeper electrical faults.
“2009 DODGE AVENGER RPMS WOULD RISE AND FALL 200-300 AT IDLE. EXHAUST/MUFFLER WOULD RATTLE. HAVE BEEN TO MULTIPLE SHOPS AND THEY CANNOT DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. IT IS TAKING LONGER TO START UP. THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED 2 MONTHS AGO. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED LA…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE AVENGER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ROLL DOWN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW WHEN IT SUDDENLY SLID DOWN INTO THE DOOR. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO ROLL THE WINDOW BACK UP. THE CONTACT TOOK THE…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of newer Silverados report engine shutdowns while driving, excessive diesel soot accumulation, and other stalling events. These can leave drivers stranded and require dealer intervention, sometimes repeatedly.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral, loss of acceleration, and transmission problems even at low mileage. Such failures can be dangerous, especially in traffic or parking situations.
Reports of sudden loss of braking assist, engine shut-off while driving, and dashboard warnings like 'Return to Neutral' are alarming. These electrical glitches can affect critical systems and safety.
Some owners describe a firm brake pedal with reduced braking power, or the truck shutting off entirely during low-speed maneuvers. Brake problems are a major safety risk and should be addressed immediately.
“I purchased the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado with a 6.2L motor "new" from the dealer with 5700 miles on XXX. Roughly a month and 2500 miles later, my family and I were in the vehicle, 750 miles from home, returning from a vacation to [XXX] from the [XXX]/[XXX] ar…”
“My 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 with the 6.6L Duramax diesel has experienced three separate P2463 Diesel Particulate Filter excessive soot accumulation events at approximately 4,300, 5,500, and 10,280 miles. Each event required a Chevrolet dealer to perform…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Dodge Avenger — 32 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2012 Jeep Liberty and 2012-2013 Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger vehicles. A component within the occupant restraint controller (ORC) may fail and prevent the active headrests from deploying in the event of a rear-end crash.
The risk: If the active headrests do not deploy in certain rear-end crashes, the front seat occupants have an increased risk of injury.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ORC as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 4, 2017. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is T56.
The defect: Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Sebring and 200 vehicles manufactured June 28, 2011, through December 13, 2012; model year 2011-2013 Dodge Avenger vehicles manufactured June 25, 2011, through January 14, 2013; model year 2011-2012 Dodge Nitro vehicles manufactured June 17, 2011,…
The risk: In the event of a crash necessitating the deployment of the active head restraints , their non-deployment could increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will flash the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) or replace the occupant restraint control module, as needed, free of charge. The recall began on November 19, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler…
The defect: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011DODGE JOURNEY, JEEP WRANGLER, CHRYSLER 200, CHRYSLER 200 CONVERTIBLE, DODGE AVENGER, DODGE NITRO, JEEP LIBERTY, DODGE CALIBER, JEEP COMPASS, JEEP PATRIOT, DODGE GRAND CARAVAN AND CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUIL…
The risk: A MISSING OR INCORRECTLY INSTALLED RIVET COULD COMPROMISE THE ABILITY OF THE STEERING COLUMN TO SUPPORT THE OCCUPANT LOADS IN THE EVENT OF A FRONTAL CRASH, DECREASING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE FRONTAL IMPACT SAFETY SYSTEM. AS A RESULT, THE…
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR RIVET PRESENCE AND ALIGNMENT AND REPAIR THE STEERING COLUMN PIVOT AS REQUIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 4, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
The defect: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 CHRYSLER SEBRING; DODGE AVENGER AND NITRO; JEEP LIBERTY, COMMANDER AND GRAND CHEROKEE; AND MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 DODGE RAM TRUCK. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN IMPROPERLY FORMED OR MISSING BRAKE BOOSTER INPUT ROD RETAINING CLIP.
The risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN BRAKE FAILURE WITHOUT WARNING WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH.
The fix: CHRYSLER WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE BOOSTER INPUT ROD RETAINING CLIP FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING FEBRUARY 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Chevrolet Silverado — 101 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 vehicles. These vehicles may not have received an owner's manual during production. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, “Child Re…
The risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will provide the owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 30, 2025. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252532020. Vehicle Identifi…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, and GMC Sierra 3500 vehicles with gasoline engines and dual fuel tanks (RPOs L8T and N2N). The rear fuel pump may not transfer adequate fuel to the front tank, causing an engine stall.
The risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: The vehicle's engine control module (ECM) will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 8, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782…
The defect: General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ, Escalade IQL, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Corvette Convertible, Corvette Cou…
The risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reset the vehicle radio, which will facilitate automatic download of the electronic owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2026. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-467-970…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and GMC Sierra 2500 vehicles equipped with the enhanced towing option and 20-inch accessory tire/wheel package. The tire information label may state the incorrect rear tire pressure, resulting in underinflated tires an…
The risk: Driving with underinflated tires can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect, update the engine control module (ECM) software, apply a tire label overlay, inflate tires to the correct pressure, and perform a tire pressure monitor system (TPMS) re-learn process as necessary, free of charge. Owne…
Buyer analysis
Dodge Avenger or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Dodge Avenger has far fewer complaints per year (about 291) than the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823), but both have serious issues. The Avenger's problems tend to be electrical and air bag related, while the Silverado's are more often engine, power train, and brake failures. In practice, the Avenger may be cheaper to buy but could nickel-and-dime you with persistent electrical faults; the Silverado's higher complaint rate suggests a greater chance of major mechanical trouble.
Key differences
- The Avenger's top complaint areas are electrical and air bags, while the Silverado's are engine and power train.
- Silverado owners report sudden engine shutdowns and transmission failures, which can be dangerous; Avenger owners report air bag warnings and electrical gremlins.
- The Silverado has more than double the recalls (101 vs 32) and a higher complaint rate per year.
- Both have crash-related complaints, but the Silverado has more injuries (160 vs 147) and deaths (3 vs 1) reported.
- Check for air bag warning lights that flash or stay on, and listen for beeping—this could indicate a faulty air bag system.
- Test all electrical components, including windows, and look for erratic idle or starting issues; these are common and hard to fix.
- Look for any signs of engine stalling or transmission slipping during a test drive, especially at low speeds or when shifting.
- Check for brake pedal feel and any dashboard warnings related to brakes or electrical systems; sudden loss of braking assist has been reported.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the known problem areas for each model.
- During a test drive, pay attention to transmission shifting, engine idle, and any warning lights.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for electrical, brake, and engine repairs.
- For the Silverado, verify that any diesel particulate filter or engine software updates have been performed.
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Dodge Avenger or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Dodge Avenger vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Dodge Avenger total complaints
- 2,623
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Dodge Avenger total recalls
- 32
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Dodge Avenger avg complaints/year
- 291.4
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Dodge Avenger
- Dodge Avenger top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE