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 has 54 complaints per year versus 510 for the Silverado, but both show serious safety issues. Charger owners report air bag deployments and A/C failures, while Silverado owners face engine shutdowns and brake loss. 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, a performance-oriented sedan, shows a reliability profile dominated by electrical and air bag issues. Owners report repeated A/C evaporator core failures and unexpected air bag deployments, even when parked. Engine and powertrain complaints include sudden power loss and steering seizure, which can be alarming. While the complaint count is relatively low, the nature of these issues suggests potential safety concerns.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado, a full-size pickup, has a much higher complaint volume, with engine and powertrain problems leading the list. Owners frequently report engine failures, transmission issues, and brake system malfunctions, often occurring at low mileage. The high frequency of these complaints indicates a pattern of significant mechanical and safety-related problems that could affect reliability and ownership satisfaction.
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 | 541 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 31 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 36 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 54.1 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 31 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 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 Charger
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM164
- 02AIR BAGS117
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER107
- 04ENGINE60
- 05POWER TRAIN56
Owners report the A/C evaporator core failing repeatedly, causing the air conditioning to stop blowing cold air. This is a known issue across Dodge/RAM vehicles, leading to discomfort and repair costs.
There are reports of the driver-side air bag deploying unexpectedly while the vehicle is parked and off, with no crash. This poses a serious safety risk and can cause injury or damage.
Some owners describe sudden loss of power and steering wheel seizure while driving, with no warning lights. This can lead to loss of control and potential accidents.
“The A/C evaporator core in my 2020 Dodge Charger Hellcat has failed twice within a short period of ownership. The first failure occurred at approximately 20K miles in 2022, when the air conditioning suddenly stopped blowing cold air. The dealership diagnosed…”
“Through conversations with a Dodge Certified Tech, this is ongoing and known issue with Dodge (RAM) trucks, dodge chargers etc. Curious as to why a safety recall has not been issued, with reports and complaints found online spanning back 2-3 years now. My car…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Frequent reports of engine failure, including complete shutdown while driving, often related to the 6.2L and 6.6L Duramax engines. Some owners experienced multiple incidents requiring dealer intervention.
Transmission issues are common, such as the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, which can be dangerous in traffic. Owners also report loss of motive power.
Several owners report sudden, severe loss of braking effectiveness, with the brake pedal firm but the vehicle not stopping. This is a critical safety concern that can 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 Charger — 31 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Jeep Wagoneer S and Dodge Charger electric vehicles. A software error may cause the instrument panel display to fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 108, "Lamps, Refl…
The risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as gear selection and warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the instrument panel software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 14, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 39D. Vehicle Identification…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Dodge Charger vehicles. The amplifier may be missing software, which can prevent the amplifier from emitting exterior sound, including pedestrian warnings. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Saf…
The risk: A vehicle that does not emit sound may fail to alert pedestrians of a moving vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and update the amplifier software, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 26, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 4…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Dodge Charger and Jeep Wagoneer S electric vehicles. An incorrectly installed spring may cause the loss of the park function when the vehicle’s gear selector is placed in the park (P) position, which can result in a vehicle rollaway. As such, th…
The risk: A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the electric drive module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 25, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 63C. Vehicle Iden…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Dodge Charger Pursuit vehicles equipped with a "stealth mode." When stealth mode is selected, the backup camera rearview image will not display when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federa…
The risk: The lack of a back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update body control module software to disable stealth mode when the vehicle is shifted into "Reverse", free of charge. The recall began October 22, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer s…
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 Charger or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Dodge Charger has significantly fewer complaints per year (54.1) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5). While both have serious issues, the Charger's lower volume suggests a lower likelihood of encountering problems, though the nature of its air bag and electrical issues is concerning.
Key differences
- The Charger has far fewer complaints per year (54) than the Silverado (510), indicating a lower rate of reported issues.
- Charger owners report A/C evaporator core failures and unexpected air bag deployments, while Silverado owners face engine shutdowns and brake failures.
- Silverado complaints are heavily concentrated in engine and powertrain, suggesting major mechanical problems, whereas Charger issues are more electrical and safety-related.
- Both have recalls, but the Silverado has more than three times as many recalls (100 vs 31), pointing to more widespread defects.
- Check the A/C system for prior evaporator core replacements and test the air conditioning thoroughly.
- Inspect the air bag system for any signs of previous deployments or recalls, and ensure all recalls are performed.
- Ask for service records related to engine or transmission repairs, especially for the 6.2L or 6.6L engines.
- Test the brakes at various speeds and check for any warning lights related to brake fluid or ABS.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA's website to check for open recalls on both vehicles.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the A/C and air bags for the Charger, and engine and brakes for the Silverado.
- Review the vehicle's service history for any repeated repairs or major component replacements.
- Take both vehicles for an extended test drive, including highway speeds, to feel for any power loss or braking issues.
- Consider the cost of potential repairs: the Charger's A/C core and air bag issues can be expensive, while the Silverado's engine and transmission problems may be even costlier.
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 | 98 |
| 2025 | 35 | 150 |
| 2024 | 1 | 0 |
| 2023 | 26 | 0 |
| 2022 | 14 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 33 | 934 |
| 2020 | 57 | 0 |
| 2019 | 120 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 122 | 591 |
| 2017 | 128 | 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 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
- 541
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Dodge Charger total recalls
- 31
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Dodge Charger avg complaints/year
- 54.1
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Dodge Charger
- Dodge Charger top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE