Head-to-head reliability
Dodge Challenger vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Dodge Challenger 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 Challenger vs Chevrolet Silverado: Over 10 years, the Challenger averaged 62.6 complaints per year and had 30 recalls, while the Silverado averaged 822.7 complaints per year and had 101 recalls. The Silverado also reported 3 deaths and 160 injuries, versus 0 deaths and 60 injuries for the Challenger. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Dodge Challenger or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Dodge Challenger
The Dodge Challenger is a two-door muscle car that averages about 63 complaints per year over the past decade, with 30 recalls. The most common trouble spots are electrical gremlins, engine stumbles, and power train issues, and owners describe sudden steering loss, fuel pump failure, and warning lights flashing all at once. It's a car that can be fun but demands attention to electronics and drivetrain health.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that generates roughly 823 complaints per year, far more than the Challenger, with 101 recalls. Owners report serious engine and transmission problems, including sudden shutdowns, brake loss, and diesel exhaust issues, often on very new trucks. The sheer volume of complaints suggests that while many Silverados serve reliably, a notable number develop costly, safety-relevant faults.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Dodge Challenger | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 626 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 30 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 69 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 62.6 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 60 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 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 Challenger
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM181
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER116
- 03ENGINE103
- 04POWER TRAIN84
- 05AIR BAGS60
Owners report the instrument cluster lighting up all at once while accelerating, causing jerking, and electric steering racks failing without warning, making the car impossible to steer. These failures can happen at speed and may lead to crashes, so a buyer should test all electronics and steering feel.
Complaints include catastrophic fuel pump failure within the first 1,000 miles, causing the car to shut off while driving, and momentary power loss at around 30 mph. Such stalling can leave you stranded or in a dangerous spot, so a pre-purchase inspection should focus on fuel delivery and engine codes.
Some owners report buying used Challengers with undisclosed structural damage or driveshaft problems that caused near-accidents right after purchase. This highlights the importance of a thorough title check and mechanical inspection before buying.
With 60 air bag complaints, this is a top component, though specific failure text isn't provided. Air bag issues can mean the system may not deploy correctly in a crash, so check for any open recalls and warning lights.
“The cars light notifications on instrument cluster panel turned on all of them at the same time while accelerating jerking the car on freeway I have video of that happening and can provide it upon request it did caused a minor accident but I settled the accid…”
“While operating my vehicle at road speed the electric steering rack failed. This rendered the steering inoperative. It was impossible to steer the vehicle. Not only is this situation extremely dangerous and deadly, there was no advanced warning. I received no…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of new Silverados report engine shutdowns while driving, requiring a restart, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events that need dealer service. These can leave you stranded and lead to expensive repairs, especially on 6.2L and Duramax models.
Complaints include a 2026 Silverado suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly uphill, causing loss of power. Transmission failures like this can be dangerous in traffic and often require major repairs.
Owners describe sudden, severe loss of braking with a firm pedal, plus engine shut-off and messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start'. These electrical glitches can disable critical safety systems, so a buyer should test drive and check for software updates.
Reports include the truck completely shutting off with all screens going blank while barely applying throttle in a parking lot, leaving the driver unable to accelerate. Brake and electrical failures together are a serious safety concern and should be inspected by a mechanic.
“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 Challenger — 30 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, and Chrysler 300 vehicles. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor battery may fail prematurely and cause the sensor to become inoperative. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Fede…
The risk: Inoperative TPMS sensors will not alert the driver to low tire pressure. In addition, a TPMS warning light that is already illuminated from a failed battery sensor will mask an actual tire pressure failure issue. Either of these scenarios…
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the TPMS sensors, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 2, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z68.
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, and Chrysler 300 vehicles. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor battery may fail prematurely and cause the sensor to become inoperative. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Fede…
The risk: Inoperative TPMS sensors will not alert the driver to low tire pressure. In addition, a TPMS warning light that is already illuminated from a failed battery sensor will mask an actual tire pressure failure issue. Either of these scenarios…
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the TPMS sensors, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 10, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is ZB5. This…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, and Chrysler 300 vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of…
The risk: A windshield that separates from the vehicle during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will remove and replace the front windshield urethane sealant, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 31, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for thi…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Dodge Challenger vehicles. The affected vehicles do not illuminate their safety system status indicators sufficiently in both daylight and nighttime driving conditions. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Veh…
The risk: Without visible safety system indicators, a driver may not receive information regarding vehicle safety, increasing the risk of injury or a crash.
The fix: Dealers will re-program instrument clusters with the correct software version, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 5, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-140. FCA US LLC's number…
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 Challenger or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Dodge Challenger has far fewer complaints per year (about 63) than the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823), and fewer recalls (30 vs 101). In practice, that means you're less likely to encounter a reported problem with a Challenger, but the Silverado's issues tend to be more severe when they occur, including engine shutdowns and brake loss.
Key differences
- The Silverado has about 13 times more complaints per year than the Challenger, with 8,227 total vs 626 over 10 years.
- Silverado complaints often involve sudden engine shutdowns, transmission neutral drops, and brake loss, while Challenger complaints center on electrical glitches and fuel pump failures.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls vs 30 for the Challenger, including fuel pump control modules and forward collision warnings.
- Challenger has 0 reported deaths in the data, while Silverado has 3 deaths and 160 injuries, though these numbers don't prove cause.
- Check for any signs of electrical issues: test all lights, infotainment, and steering assist; listen for unusual noises from the electric steering rack.
- Inspect fuel pump and engine operation: look for rough idle, hesitation, or stored codes; ask for service records related to fuel delivery.
- Test drive at low speeds and in parking lots to check for sudden neutral engagement or engine shut-off; also test braking firmly to ensure no loss of assist.
- Scan for engine and transmission codes, especially related to diesel particulate filter on Duramax models, and check for any open recalls on fuel pump and brake systems.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls using the VIN on NHTSA's website.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the components listed in the complaint patterns for each model.
- During the test drive, deliberately test all electronics, steering, brakes, and transmission shifting at various speeds.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially any repairs related to fuel pump, steering, or transmission.
- For the Silverado, verify that any diesel particulate filter or software updates have been performed; for the Challenger, check for spare tire or inflation kit condition.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Dodge Challenger | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 43 | 450 |
| 2022 | 9 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 19 | 961 |
| 2020 | 20 | 868 |
| 2019 | 58 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 75 | 597 |
| 2017 | 49 | 1154 |
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 Challenger or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Dodge Challenger vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Dodge Challenger total complaints
- 626
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Dodge Challenger total recalls
- 30
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Dodge Challenger avg complaints/year
- 62.6
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Dodge Challenger
- Dodge Challenger top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE