Head-to-head reliability
Dodge DART vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Dodge DART 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 Dart vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Dart averages 578.5 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages 510.5. The Dart has 16 recalls, the Silverado 100. Owners report transmission and engine issues in both, but the Silverado also has brake and electrical failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Dodge DART or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Dodge DART
The Dodge Dart is a compact sedan that, in owner reports, shows a high rate of powertrain and engine complaints, with many tied to an unresolved transmission shift cable recall. Owners describe waiting months for a remedy, which can lead to unexpected loss of Park function. Electrical issues and brake problems also appear, sometimes with severe consequences like stalling or caliper failure. Overall, the Dart's reliability picture is concerning, with frequent and sometimes safety-critical failures.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that, despite a lower average complaint rate per year, has a high total number of complaints, especially for engine and powertrain issues. Owners report serious problems like sudden loss of motive power, brake failure, and diesel particulate filter clogging. Electrical system issues can also lead to loss of braking and steering. The Silverado's complaints often involve newer models with low mileage, suggesting potential early-life defects.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Dodge DART | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2,314 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 16 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 131 | 117 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 578.5 | 510.5 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 85 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 DART
- 01POWER TRAIN906
- 02ENGINE483
- 03SERVICE BRAKES446
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM423
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
Owners report transmission shift cable issues that can cause unexpected loss of Park function, and many are waiting for recall repairs. This can lead to the vehicle rolling away or being difficult to shift.
Complaints include unusual noises from under the hood, such as an electrical motor spinning after shutdown, and stalling. Some owners also report engine-related issues that are part of the transmission recall, indicating broader drivetrain concerns.
Brake problems range from calipers coming off completely to sudden loss of braking power. One owner reported the car shutting down and battery dying, which could affect brake assist.
Electrical issues include battery failures, stalling, and problems that may be linked to the transmission recall. Owners report needing jump starts and having to replace batteries, sometimes at relatively low mileage.
“The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Dart. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V674000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of ti…”
“I am requesting assistance regarding an unresolved safety recall affecting my 2016 Dodge Dart GT. In October 2025, a recall was issued for the transmission shift cable. My vehicle is included in the affected population, and I had been experiencing issues with…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine problems such as sudden loss of motive power, loud pinging sounds, and diesel particulate filter clogging. These can lead to breakdowns and require dealer intervention.
Transmission issues include sudden shifting into neutral while driving, which can be dangerous. Some complaints are tied to engine failures, suggesting a broader powertrain concern.
Electrical failures can cause loss of braking and steering, as well as warning messages. Owners report sudden severe loss of normal braking, which is critical for safety.
Brake problems include sudden loss of braking effectiveness, even with a firm pedal. This can happen without warning and is a major 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 DART — 16 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Dodge Dart vehicles equipped with 6-speed automatic transmissions. The shifter cable bushing may fail allowing the shift cable to detach from the transmission.
The risk: If the shifter cable detaches from the transmission, the vehicle may not perform the shifts performed by the driver. Additionally, despite selecting PARK with the shifter, the vehicle may roll away. These scenarios may increase the risk of…
The fix: This recall will be replaced by NHTSA recall number 25V674. Vehicles already repaired under this recall will need to have the new remedy completed. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission side shifter cable b…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may…
The risk: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Dodge Dart vehicles manufactured April 13, 2015, to June 7, 2016. Due to voltage spikes caused by a problem within the windshield washer pump, the windshield wiper circuit may fail.
The risk: Without functioning windshield wipers, the driver's visibility may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the windshield washer pumps, free of charge. The recall began on December 28, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Dodge Dart vehicles manufactured July 25, 2015, to December 16, 2015 and equipped with a 2.0L engine and a manual transmission. Additionally included are certain 2015 Dodge Dart vehicles similarly equipped and brought in for dealer service…
The risk: Without a backup layer of software, the control module may fail to prevent an un-commanded torque event, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the Engine Control Module software, free of charge. The recall began on March 25, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall…
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 DART or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Dodge Dart has a higher average complaint rate per year (578.5) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), but the Silverado has more total complaints and more recalls. In practice, the Dart's issues are more concentrated in powertrain and engine, while the Silverado's are spread across engine, powertrain, and electrical. The Silverado's lower per-year rate may be misleading due to its longer production history.
Key differences
- The Dart has a higher average complaints per year (578.5) than the Silverado (510.5), but the Silverado has more total complaints (5105 vs 2314).
- The Dart's top issue is powertrain (906 complaints), while the Silverado's top issue is engine (1698 complaints).
- The Dart has a recall for transmission shift cable that is unresolved for many owners, leading to loss of Park function.
- The Silverado has reports of sudden loss of braking and steering due to electrical issues, which is a critical safety concern.
- Check if the transmission shift cable recall has been performed; if not, be aware of potential loss of Park function.
- Inspect the electrical system for battery issues and stalling, as these are common complaints.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for any sudden loss of braking power, as this has been reported.
- Check for engine issues like pinging or loss of motive power, especially on newer models.
Before you buy
- Verify that all recalls have been completed, especially the Dart's transmission shift cable recall.
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission and engine for any signs of failure.
- Test drive at various speeds and inclines to check for sudden neutral shifts or loss of power.
- Check the electrical system, including battery health and any warning lights.
- Review the vehicle's service history for any repeated repairs or unresolved issues.
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 DART or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Dodge DART vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Dodge DART total complaints
- 2,314
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Dodge DART total recalls
- 16
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Dodge DART avg complaints/year
- 578.5
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Chevrolet Silverado
- Dodge DART top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE