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 averages 277 complaints per year over 7 years, while the Silverado averages 510.5 per year over 10 years. The Caliber's top issue is suspension (522 complaints), and the Silverado's is engine (1698 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, a compact hatchback, shows a high rate of owner complaints, averaging 277 per year over seven years. The most frequent issues are in the suspension, electrical system, and structure, with owners reporting premature wear of suspension parts, electrical failures, and rust-related structural problems. These issues suggest that the Caliber may require frequent repairs, especially as it ages, and could be costly to maintain.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado, a full-size pickup, has a higher total number of complaints but a lower rate per year (510.5) over ten years, reflecting its larger sales volume. The dominant problems are in the engine, power train, and electrical system, with owners reporting engine failures, transmission issues, and sudden loss of power or braking. These are serious safety concerns that could leave owners stranded or in dangerous situations.
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 | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 10 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 121 | 117 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 277.0 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 95 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 4 | 1 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 report leaking struts, replaced control arms, and clunking noises from the front end, often at low mileage. This indicates premature wear of suspension components, leading to poor ride quality and potential alignment issues.
Complaints include keypads failing to lock doors and complete vehicle shutdowns, which can leave owners stranded. These electrical gremlins can be intermittent and hard to diagnose, causing frustration and potential safety risks.
There are reports of wobbling at highway speeds and rusted subframes, which compromise the vehicle's structural integrity. Rust on subframes can lead to dangerous failures and may be expensive to repair.
A specific issue is the shift interlock assembly failure, which can allow the vehicle to roll away when parked, as reported in several incidents. This is a serious safety defect that could cause accidents or injuries.
“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
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report engine failures, including a 6.2L motor failing at low mileage and diesel particulate filter clogging issues. These can lead to loss of power and expensive repairs, especially if out of warranty.
Transmission problems include sudden shifts into neutral while driving, which can be dangerous, especially in traffic. This indicates potential transmission control module or mechanical failures.
There are reports of sudden loss of braking and steering, along with loud pinging from the engine, which may be related to electrical or sensor failures. These can cause loss of vehicle control and increase crash risk.
Brake failures are reported, with the pedal remaining firm but braking ineffective. This could be due to hydraulic issues or sensor problems, leading to extended stopping distances and potential collisions.
“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 2010 DODGE CALIBER VEHICLES. SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN INCORRECT DOOR LOCK ROD IN THE RIGHT FRONT DOOR.
The risk: AN UNLATCHED DOOR COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF AN UNBELTED FRONT SEAT PASSENGER BEING EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE FRONT RIGHT DOOR LOCK ROD AS REQUIRED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JUNE 2010. 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 — 100 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertently…
The risk: An unlatched tailgate may open while driving and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2024. Owners may contact Chevr…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 vehicles. The steering gear shaft may fracture and disconnect from the steering arm.
The risk: A steering arm that disconnects may result in a total loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering gear, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 22, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-4…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra HD 2500, 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertentl…
The risk: An unlatched tailgate may open and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 17, 2024. Owners may contact…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023-2024 GMC Hummer EV pick up, 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV, and 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV vehicles. The left or right front seat belt buckle attachment bolts may not be tightened properly.
The risk: An improperly tightened seat belt buckle may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will tighten the left and right front seat belt buckle attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-833-EVCHEVY (1-833-382-4389) (TTY 711 /…
Buyer analysis
Dodge Caliber or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Dodge Caliber has fewer complaints per year (277) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), but the Caliber's issues are more concentrated in suspension and structure, which may be less catastrophic but still costly. The Silverado's engine and brake failures are more severe and could lead to dangerous situations. In practice, the Caliber may be cheaper to fix but more annoying, while the Silverado poses higher safety risks.
Key differences
- The Caliber's top issue is suspension (522 complaints), while the Silverado's is engine (1698 complaints).
- The Caliber has 4 reported deaths, whereas the Silverado has 1, despite the Silverado having more crash-related complaints.
- The Caliber's structure issues include rusted subframes, while the Silverado's brakes can fail suddenly.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls over 10 years, compared to the Caliber's 10 recalls over 7 years.
- Inspect the suspension components, especially struts and control arms, for leaks or wear, as owners report premature failure.
- Check for rust on the subframe and underbody, as this can lead to structural weakness and costly repairs.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including sudden stops, to ensure no loss of braking power, as reported by owners.
- Listen for unusual engine noises and check for any warning lights, as engine failures have been reported at low mileage.
Before you buy
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on suspension and underbody for the Caliber, and engine and brakes for the Silverado.
- Check the vehicle's recall status and ensure all recalls have been addressed.
- Review the maintenance history for any repeated repairs, especially for the specific issues mentioned.
- Take both vehicles for an extended test drive, including highway speeds and braking, to feel for any vibrations or abnormal noises.
- Consider the cost of potential repairs: the Caliber's suspension parts are cheaper, but the Silverado's engine and transmission repairs can be very expensive.
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
- 5,105
- Dodge Caliber total recalls
- 10
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Dodge Caliber avg complaints/year
- 277.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Dodge Caliber
- Dodge Caliber top complaint area
- SUSPENSION
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE