Head-to-head reliability
Dodge Charger vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Dodge Charger 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 Charger vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Charger averages about 55 complaints per year with 32 recalls, while the Silverado averages about 823 complaints per year with 101 recalls. Charger issues often involve electrical and air bag systems; Silverado issues more often involve engine, powertrain, and brakes. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Dodge Charger or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Dodge Charger
The Dodge Charger is a large sedan with a sporty image, but owner complaints over 10 years show a pattern of electrical gremlins and air bag concerns. With 549 complaints (about 55 per year) and 32 recalls, it's less complaint-heavy than some rivals, yet the electrical system is the most common trouble spot, often involving turn signals or headlights. Air bag issues, including problems after recall repairs, also appear. Overall, it's a car that can be enjoyable but may demand attention to electrical and safety systems.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a huge owner base, and its 8,227 complaints over 10 years (about 823 per year) reflect that volume. The most common trouble areas are the engine and powertrain, with reports of stalling, rough running, and transmission problems. Electrical and brake issues also show up, sometimes with serious symptoms like sudden loss of braking or engine shutdown while driving. With 101 recalls and 233 crash-related complaints, it's a truck that has had notable safety-related problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Dodge Charger | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 549 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 32 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 36 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 54.9 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 31 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 Charger
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM168
- 02AIR BAGS118
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER107
- 04ENGINE61
- 05POWER TRAIN56
Owners report turn signals that fail (like a recurring right turn signal malfunction) and headlights that flicker or go out due to wiring harness overheating. These are safety issues because signals and lights are required for visibility and communication.
Complaints include air bag recall work done incorrectly, leaving headliners and mirrors hanging and obstructing the driver's view. Another owner reported losing control and hitting a guard rail, though the cause was unclear. Buyers should verify any air bag recalls were properly completed.
Some owners describe surging on mild acceleration that worsens over time, and others find plastic under-engine covers dislodged or components falling off. These can lead to drivability annoyances and potential debris or damage underneath.
Complaints mention known problems with SRT models that lack recalls, and theft vulnerability—one owner noted the Charger is easy to steal and received a recall notice about it. This matters for insurance and security.
“I am submitting this complaint regarding a recurring right turn signal malfunction on my 2022 Dodge Charger SXT, VIN [XXX]. The vehicle is experiencing a failure involving the right turn signal. This is concerning because the turn signal is required safety eq…”
“1. Headlight low/high beam keeps going out and comes back on. It seems like the wiring harness overheating, bulb is fine but continues to go out and on. 2. Transmission, does a very aggressive down shift at gear 6 it makes the car jump and if it happens too m…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of newer Silverados report severe engine issues, including a 6.2L motor that failed shortly after purchase and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These can leave you stranded and lead to costly repairs.
Complaints include a truck suddenly going into neutral and losing power while driving slowly, and transmission problems. This is dangerous because it can happen without warning, affecting control.
Reports describe sudden loss of normal braking (firm pedal but ineffective) and engine shutting off while driving with messages like 'Return to Neutral'. These are critical safety failures that could cause crashes.
Owners report braking loss and the truck shutting off completely in parking lots, requiring restart. Brake failures are among the most serious safety concerns for any vehicle.
“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 Charger — 32 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 2022 Dodge Charger and Durango vehicles. The shifter assembly was not properly heat-treated, which can prevent the shifter from properly engaging in the "drive" position.
The risk: An improperly engaged shifter assembly may slip out of the "drive" position, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the shifter assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 17, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall ZB3.
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…
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 Charger or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Dodge Charger has far fewer complaints per year (about 55) than the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823), but both have safety-related issues. The Silverado's higher volume and reports of stalling, brake loss, and engine failures suggest a higher risk of serious problems. In practice, the Charger may be less likely to leave you stranded, but it still has electrical and air bag concerns to check.
Key differences
- The Silverado has about 15 times more complaints per year than the Charger, largely due to its much larger sales volume, but the absolute number of serious safety complaints (stalling, brake loss) is higher.
- Charger complaints often center on electrical accessories (turn signals, headlights) and air bag repair quality, while Silverado complaints frequently involve engine and powertrain failures that can disable the vehicle.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 32 for the Charger, covering issues like fuel pump control and forward collision warnings, indicating broader safety-related campaigns.
- Both have crash-related complaints, but the Silverado's 233 crash-related complaints and 160 injuries are much higher than the Charger's 36 and 31, though these numbers are not adjusted for sales volume.
- Check that all air bag recalls were performed correctly—look for loose headliner, rearview mirror, or sunglass holder that could obstruct your view.
- Test the turn signals and headlights thoroughly, including high/low beams, for flickering or failure, as wiring harness overheating is reported.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any hesitation, rough running, or sudden loss of power, and check for warning messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start'.
- Test the brakes at low speed and in a parking lot for any loss of braking effectiveness or engine shutdown, as owners report these dangerous symptoms.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls (especially air bag for Charger, fuel pump and forward collision for Silverado) have been completed.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the electrical system, including turn signals, headlights, and wiring, on the Charger.
- For the Silverado, have a mechanic check the engine, transmission, and brakes, and scan for any stored diagnostic trouble codes.
- Test drive both vehicles in various conditions (highway, parking lot, uphill) and note any unusual noises, surges, or warning lights.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and specifically inquire about any prior repairs related to the complaints listed here.
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 Charger | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5 | 120 |
| 2025 | 39 | 157 |
| 2024 | 1 | 527 |
| 2023 | 26 | 450 |
| 2022 | 16 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 35 | 961 |
| 2020 | 57 | 868 |
| 2019 | 120 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 122 | 597 |
| 2017 | 128 | 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 Charger or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Dodge Charger vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Dodge Charger total complaints
- 549
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Dodge Charger total recalls
- 32
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Dodge Charger avg complaints/year
- 54.9
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Dodge Charger
- Dodge Charger top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE