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: The Challenger averages 62.2 complaints per year with 30 recalls, while the Silverado averages 510.5 complaints and 100 recalls. The Challenger's top issue is electrical; the Silverado's is engine. Both have crash-related complaints. 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 sporty coupe that sees about 62 complaints per year, with electrical problems being the most common. Owners report issues like sudden instrument cluster failures, power steering loss, and engine stalling, which can be alarming. With 30 recalls and 69 crash-related complaints, it requires diligent maintenance and recall checks. Overall, it's a car that demands attention to electrical and engine systems.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that averages 510 complaints per year, far more than the Challenger. Engine and power train issues dominate, with reports of catastrophic failures and transmission problems even on new trucks. It has 100 recalls and 117 crash-related complaints, indicating a higher volume of serious issues. Buyers should be prepared for potential major repairs, especially on newer models.
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 | 622 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 30 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 69 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 62.2 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 60 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
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 SYSTEM179
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER115
- 03ENGINE103
- 04POWER TRAIN84
- 05AIR BAGS60
Owners report sudden instrument cluster failures where all warning lights illuminate at once, sometimes causing jerking or minor accidents. Electric steering rack failures have also been reported, rendering the vehicle impossible to steer without warning.
Complaints include catastrophic fuel pump failure within the first 1,000 miles, causing the vehicle to power off while driving. This can leave drivers stranded and poses a safety risk.
Some owners have purchased vehicles with undisclosed prior damage or washed titles, leading to immediate mechanical issues. Others report driveshaft problems causing near-accidents shortly after purchase.
With 60 complaints, air bag issues are notable, though specific failure patterns are not detailed in the sample. Buyers should verify recall status for air bag components.
“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
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners of new Silverados report severe engine issues, such as diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service, and engine failure with loss of power and braking at highway speeds.
Transmission problems include sudden shifting into neutral while driving slowly, and complete power loss. These issues can occur with less than 300 miles on the odometer.
Complaints describe sudden loss of braking effectiveness and inoperable steering and brakes at speed, often accompanied by warning messages. These failures can be terrifying and dangerous.
Owners report brake pedal remaining firm but braking effect severely reduced, leading to inability to stop normally. This is a critical safety concern.
“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 — 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 Challenger or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Dodge Challenger has far fewer complaints per year (62.2) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5). However, the Challenger's issues often involve electrical and engine failures that can be sudden and dangerous, while the Silverado's higher volume includes many engine and transmission problems. In practice, the Challenger may have fewer overall problems, but the Silverado's issues are more frequent and can affect core driving functions.
Key differences
- The Silverado has over 8 times more complaints per year than the Challenger, indicating a much higher rate of owner-reported issues.
- Engine problems are the top complaint for the Silverado (1,698 complaints), while electrical issues lead for the Challenger (179 complaints).
- The Silverado has 100 recalls versus 30 for the Challenger, suggesting more widespread safety defects.
- Crash-related complaints are higher for the Silverado (117) than the Challenger (69), despite the Challenger being a sports car.
- Check for any signs of electrical gremlins, such as flickering dashboard lights or warning messages, and test the power steering at low speeds for any stiffness or failure.
- Inspect the fuel pump and engine for any hesitation or stalling, especially on models with low mileage, as some owners reported catastrophic failure within the first 1,000 miles.
- Test drive at highway speeds and listen for abnormal engine noises, and check for any loss of power or braking issues, as some owners reported sudden failures.
- Inspect the transmission for smooth shifting, especially at low speeds, and check for any signs of diesel particulate filter issues if equipped with a Duramax diesel.
Before you buy
- Verify all open recalls are addressed by checking the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Obtain a vehicle history report to check for prior damage, washed titles, or structural issues.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a certified mechanic familiar with the specific model.
- Test drive the vehicle under various conditions, including highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic, to detect any transmission or engine anomalies.
- For the Silverado, specifically ask about any engine or transmission repairs, and for the Challenger, check the electrical system and steering.
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 | 41 | 0 |
| 2022 | 9 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 19 | 934 |
| 2020 | 20 | 0 |
| 2019 | 57 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 75 | 591 |
| 2017 | 49 | 0 |
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
- 622
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Dodge Challenger total recalls
- 30
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Dodge Challenger avg complaints/year
- 62.2
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Dodge Challenger
- Dodge Challenger top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE