Head-to-head reliability
Dodge Dakota vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Dodge Dakota 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 Dakota vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Dakota averages 162 complaints per year, with air bag issues (440) and suspension failures common, while the Silverado averages 510 per year, led by engine problems (1,698) and brake failures. Both have safety recalls, but the Dakota's lower rate may appeal to some buyers. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Dodge Dakota or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Dodge Dakota
The Dodge Dakota, a mid-size pickup, shows a high complaint rate of about 162 per year, with air bag issues dominating (440 complaints), many tied to the Takata recall. Owners also report serious suspension failures, like tie rods and ball joints failing at 60,000 miles, and brake problems that undermine confidence. These patterns suggest a truck that may have safety-critical defects and requires vigilant maintenance.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado, a full-size pickup, has a much higher complaint volume (510 per year), but this reflects its larger sales base. Engine problems lead (1,698 complaints), including severe issues like sudden power loss and DPF clogging in diesels. Electrical and brake failures are also common, with reports of sudden braking loss and steering/brake failure at speed, indicating potential safety hazards.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Dodge Dakota | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,624 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 53 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 111 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 162.4 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 76 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 2 | 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 Dakota
- 01AIR BAGS440
- 02SUSPENSION244
- 03POWER TRAIN236
- 04STEERING221
- 05SERVICE BRAKES209
Owners report Takata recall notices with parts unavailable, and air bag warning lights staying on, leaving them uncertain if air bags will deploy in a crash.
At around 60,000 miles, all tie rods and ball joints can fail completely, causing loss of steering control while driving, a serious safety risk.
Some owners describe the truck not stopping safely in emergency situations, with brake issues that dealers dismiss as normal for the antilock system, undermining braking confidence.
“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V352000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMO…”
“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE AND AIR BAG WARNING INDICATORS REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V3…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report sudden loss of motive power, often with loud pinging sounds, and diesel models experience repeated DPF soot buildup requiring dealer service, leading to breakdowns.
Transmission can suddenly shift into neutral while driving, such as uphill in a parking garage, leaving the vehicle without drive power.
Sudden severe loss of braking effectiveness, with a firm pedal but no stopping power, and instances where brakes and steering become inoperable at highway speed, are reported.
“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 Dakota — 53 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger vehicles, and 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas,…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2018. Owners may…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2…
The risk: These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. These inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occur…
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM owners. Mitsubishi owners will be notified by their company. Dealers will replace the passenger front…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Dodge Ram 2500, 2004-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 and Durango, 2006-2009 Dodge Ram 3500, 2008-2010 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2005-2010 Chrysler 300, 300C, 300S, and SRT8, 2006-2010 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Magnum, 2005-…
The risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler and Dodge owners and Mitsubishi will notify the affected Raider owners. Dealers will replace the driver's frontal…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger vehicles, and 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas,…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2018. Owners may…
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 Dakota or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Dodge Dakota has fewer complaints per year (162 vs 510), but its issues are concentrated in safety-critical areas like air bags and suspension. The Silverado's higher volume reflects its popularity, but engine and brake failures are equally concerning. Neither is trouble-free, but the Dakota's lower frequency may appeal to those wanting fewer overall issues.
Key differences
- Dakota: air bag complaints dominate (440), mostly Takata recall-related, while Silverado: engine issues lead (1,698), including power loss and DPF problems.
- Dakota: suspension failures (tie rods, ball joints) at ~60k miles are a known issue; Silverado: electrical problems can cause sudden brake loss and steering failure.
- Dakota: lower annual complaint rate (162/yr) vs Silverado (510/yr), but both have serious safety complaints.
- Silverado: brake complaints (691) include sudden loss of braking, while Dakota's brake issues (209) are often linked to antilock system concerns.
- Inspect front suspension components (tie rods, ball joints) for wear or play, especially if mileage is near 60,000.
- Check if all Takata air bag recalls have been completed; ask for proof of repair.
- Test brakes thoroughly, including sudden stops, and check for any warning lights or unusual pedal feel.
- Ask about any engine stalling or transmission issues, and verify diesel DPF service history if applicable.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report to confirm recall completion for both models.
- Have a mechanic inspect the Dakota's suspension and the Silverado's brakes and electrical system.
- For the Silverado, check engine oil and look for signs of DPF issues if diesel.
- Test drive both at highway speeds to feel for any loss of power or braking anomalies.
- Ask for service records, especially for the Dakota's air bag recalls and the Silverado's transmission.
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 Dakota or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Dodge Dakota vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Dodge Dakota total complaints
- 1,624
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Dodge Dakota total recalls
- 53
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Dodge Dakota avg complaints/year
- 162.4
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Dodge Dakota
- Dodge Dakota top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE