Head-to-head reliability
Dodge Durango vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Dodge Durango 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 Durango vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Durango averages 97 complaints per year with 30 recalls, while the Silverado averages 823 complaints per year with 101 recalls. Both have safety-related issues, but the Silverado's higher volume and reports of engine, brake, and electrical failures may mean more risk. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Dodge Durango or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Dodge Durango
The Dodge Durango is a three-row SUV that averages about 97 complaints per year over the last decade, with 30 recalls. Owners frequently report electrical gremlins, lighting problems, and transmission shifting into neutral unexpectedly. While it has fewer complaints than the Silverado, the issues can be serious and leave you stranded or without critical functions.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that generates roughly 823 complaints per year, with 101 recalls. Common owner reports include engine and transmission failures, sudden loss of braking, and electrical shutdowns while driving. The sheer volume of complaints suggests a higher likelihood of encountering problems, some of which are safety-critical.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Dodge Durango | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 973 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 30 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 38 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 97.3 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 37 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 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 Durango
- 01EXTERIOR LIGHTING333
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM266
- 03ENGINE128
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER116
- 05POWER TRAIN86
Owners report that the transmission can shift into Neutral while accelerating, and Uconnect infotainment failures cause loss of critical vehicle functions. These issues are dangerous because they can happen while driving, distracting the driver or causing a loss of power.
Complaints include a brand-new Durango that would not start (only clicking) at 800 miles, and AC failing at 340 miles with repeated dealership visits. Electrical faults can leave you stranded and are often hard to diagnose, leading to long repair times.
Owners report AC failure and exhaust issues, such as a 2024 Durango with dual exhaust pipes that had a problem while parked. Engine-related problems can be costly and may affect emissions or performance.
Some Durangos come without a spare tire or tire inflation kit, and others have unresolved front-end noises that dealerships cannot fix. These issues are frustrating because they may not be covered under warranty and can affect safety or resale value.
“2024 Dodge Durango (SXT Plus, GT Plus, RT trims) Update to my prior complaint regarding a dangerous shifter defect. Defect Description: While driving and pressing the accelerator (no brake, no shifter button pressed), the transmission shifts into Neutral with…”
“I am submitting this complaint regarding recurring safety-related defects on my 2023 Dodge Durango RT. 1.Uconnect Failure: The Uconnect infotainment/communication box has repeatedly failed, causing loss of access to critical vehicle functions. These failures…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report severe engine problems, including a 2026 Silverado with a 6.2L motor that had a major failure during a family trip, and a 6.6L Duramax diesel with repeated diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events. These can lead to expensive repairs and leave you stranded.
Complaints include a Silverado that suddenly went into neutral while driving slowly uphill in a parking garage, and another with a 6.2L motor that had a major failure. Transmission issues can cause loss of control and are safety-critical.
Owners report sudden loss of braking, engine shutdown while driving with messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start'. These electrical glitches can disable critical safety systems and are extremely dangerous.
Complaints include a Silverado that would not stop normally at a stop sign, with a firm brake pedal but reduced braking effect, and another that shut off completely in a parking lot. Brake failures are among the most serious safety concerns.
“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 Durango — 30 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023 Dodge Durango Pursuit vehicles equipped with an instrument panel mounted shifter. The shifter may experience an interference with the shifter boot and come out of gear while driving, which can result in a sudden loss of drive power.
The risk: A sudden loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the instrument panel mounted shifter boot, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 7, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recal…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Dodge Durango vehicles. The rear spoiler may not be aligned properly with the roof, possibly resulting in damage to the spoiler during liftgate use.
The risk: A damaged rear spoiler may detach and create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace or repair the spoiler and align the liftgate as necessary, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 10, 2026. A second notice will be sent onc…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Jeep Gladiator and Jeep Cherokee, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler, and Jeep Renegade and 2019 Dodge Challenger vehicles equipped with 8.4" or 12" radio d…
The risk: The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will update the radio display software, free of charge. Optionally, owners can choose to remotely update their software via an Over-The-Air (OTA) update available as of May 1, 2020. The recall bega…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Dodge Durango vehicles. The Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtain (SABIC) fastener may be loose or missing.
The risk: A loose or missing fastener may cause the side curtain air bag to deploy incorrectly, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will tighten or replace the fastener, free of charge. Owner notification letters were sent on May 7, 2021. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is Y16.
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 Durango or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Dodge Durango has far fewer complaints per year (about 97 vs. 823 for the Silverado) and fewer recalls (30 vs. 101). In practice, this means you are less likely to encounter frequent problems with the Durango, but both vehicles have reported safety issues that require attention.
Key differences
- The Silverado has over 8 times as many complaints per year as the Durango, with engine and power train issues dominating.
- Durango owners frequently report electrical and lighting problems, while Silverado owners report engine, transmission, and brake failures.
- The Silverado has 3 deaths and 160 injuries reported, compared to 0 deaths and 37 injuries for the Durango.
- Both have recalls for critical systems: Durango for transmission lever, air bag fasteners, and brakes; Silverado for fuel pump, tires, and forward collision avoidance.
- Check for transmission shifting into Neutral unexpectedly—test drive at various speeds and listen for unusual noises.
- Inspect all exterior lights and infotainment functions; ensure Uconnect system works and no warning messages appear.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including emergency stops, and look for any signs of reduced braking or pedal issues.
- Check for engine shutdowns or electrical glitches by test driving and paying attention to dashboard warnings like 'Return to Neutral'.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on the components with the most complaints for each model.
- Test drive extensively, including highway and stop-and-go traffic, to replicate conditions where failures are reported.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and whether any recurring issues have been addressed.
- Verify that all safety features (brakes, lights, airbags) are functional and check for any unusual noises or behaviors.
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 Durango | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 13 | 120 |
| 2025 | 8 | 157 |
| 2024 | 14 | 527 |
| 2023 | 37 | 450 |
| 2022 | 58 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 202 | 961 |
| 2020 | 55 | 868 |
| 2019 | 142 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 232 | 597 |
| 2017 | 212 | 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 Durango or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Dodge Durango vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Dodge Durango total complaints
- 973
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Dodge Durango total recalls
- 30
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Dodge Durango avg complaints/year
- 97.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Dodge Durango
- Dodge Durango top complaint area
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE