Head-to-head reliability
Dodge Caliber vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Dodge Caliber 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 Caliber vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Caliber averaged 277 complaints per year over 7 years, while the Silverado averaged 822.7 per year over 10 years. The Caliber has 10 recalls and 4 deaths; the Silverado has 101 recalls and 3 deaths. Both have serious safety complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Dodge Caliber or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Dodge Caliber
The Dodge Caliber is a compact hatchback that, based on owner complaints, can be a headache to own. Over 7 years, it averaged 277 complaints per year, with many about suspension and steering problems like leaking struts and clunking noises. Electrical gremlins and structural rust are also common, and there are 10 recalls, including seat belt pretensioners and door latches. While it's affordable, buyers should expect potential repairs and safety concerns.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint rate: 822.7 per year over 10 years. Owners report serious engine and transmission issues, sometimes on brand-new trucks, including sudden power loss and brake problems. There are 101 recalls covering fuel pumps, tires, and forward collision warnings. It's a popular truck, but the volume of complaints suggests you should be cautious and check for recalls.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Dodge Caliber | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,939 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 10 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 121 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 277.0 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 95 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 4 | 3 Better |
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 Caliber
- 01SUSPENSION522
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM357
- 03STRUCTURE345
- 04POWER TRAIN227
- 05VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL201
Owners frequently report clunking noises from the front end, leaking struts, and worn control arms, sometimes at low mileage like 23,000 miles. These failures can affect steering and ride comfort, and repairs can be costly.
Complaints include key fobs not working, doors not locking, and even complete vehicle shutdowns. These issues can leave you stranded and are often intermittent, making them hard to diagnose.
Rust on the front subframe and cross members is a common complaint, leading to rattling noises and potential structural weakness. This is a safety concern, especially in areas with road salt.
The shift interlock assembly can fail, causing the vehicle to roll away even when parked. Owners report roll-away incidents, which are dangerous and can lead to crashes.
“MY CAR CURRENTLY HAS 23000 MILES ON IT AND STILL UNDER STANDARD WARRANTY. WITHIN THE LAST MONTH & 1/2 OR SO THEY HAVE HAD TO REPLACE NEARLY EVERYTHING UNDERNEATH, ALL HAVING TO DO WITH SUSPENSION AND STEERING. STRUTS WERE LEAKING, CONTROL ARMS WERE REPLACED,…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A CLUNKING NOISE EMERGING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CROSS MEMBERS ON BOTH SIDES NEED…”
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, sometimes with messages like 'Return to Neutral.' Diesel models have repeated diesel particulate filter issues requiring dealer service. These problems can happen at low mileage and are a major safety risk.
Transmission problems include sudden shifting into neutral and loss of power, even at low speeds like in parking garages. This can cause accidents if it happens in traffic.
Complaints include sudden loss of braking assist, where the brake pedal feels firm but the truck doesn't stop normally. Also, engine shut-offs and blank screens are reported, which can be terrifying while driving.
Owners describe severe loss of braking, with the pedal remaining firm but braking effectiveness reduced. This is a critical safety issue that could lead to crashes.
“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 Caliber — 10 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pret…
The risk: If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCR, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that parts are not available yet were mailed on October 26, 2016. The recall began on August 15, 2017. Owners may contact Chrys…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pret…
The risk: If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCR, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that parts are not available yet were mailed on October 26, 2016. The recall began on August 15, 2017. Owners may contact Chrys…
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 (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pret…
The risk: If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCR, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that parts are not available yet were mailed on October 26, 2016. The recall began on August 15, 2017. Owners may contact Chrys…
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 Caliber or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Dodge Caliber has far fewer complaints per year (277 vs. 822.7), but both have serious safety-related issues. The Caliber's problems are more about wear and rust, while the Silverado's are often sudden and electronic, affecting brand-new trucks. In practice, the Caliber may be cheaper to buy but could need suspension work, while the Silverado's higher complaint rate suggests more frequent trips to the dealer.
Key differences
- The Caliber's top complaint is suspension (522 complaints), with clunking and leaking struts, while the Silverado's top complaint is engine (2521 complaints), including sudden shutdowns.
- Silverado has 101 recalls vs. 10 for the Caliber, covering critical systems like fuel pumps and brakes.
- Caliber complaints often involve rust and wear on older models, while Silverado complaints include brand-new 2026 models with low mileage.
- Both have roll-away risks: Caliber from shift interlock failure, Silverado from transmission shifting into neutral.
- Listen for clunking or rattling from the front end during a test drive, which could indicate worn control arms or subframe rust.
- Check for rust on the front subframe and cross members, especially if the car has been in a salt-belt state.
- Test the brakes at low speed; a firm pedal with poor stopping could indicate a brake assist failure.
- During a test drive, watch for any hesitation or sudden neutral engagement, and check for stored codes related to the transmission or engine.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the suspension and subframe on the Caliber, and the engine/transmission on the Silverado.
- Test drive both vehicles extensively, including highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic, to feel for shifting or braking issues.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes and brake service.
- For the Silverado, confirm that any recall repairs (like fuel pump or brake software) have been completed.
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 Caliber or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Dodge Caliber vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Dodge Caliber total complaints
- 1,939
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Dodge Caliber total recalls
- 10
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Dodge Caliber avg complaints/year
- 277.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Dodge Caliber
- Dodge Caliber top complaint area
- SUSPENSION
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE