Head-to-head reliability
Dodge Hornet vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Dodge Hornet 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 Hornet vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Hornet has 50 complaints over 3 years (about 17 per year) and 15 recalls, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints over 10 years (about 511 per year) and 100 recalls. The Hornet's issues are mostly electrical and driver-assist; the Silverado's are engine, transmission, and brakes. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Dodge Hornet or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Dodge Hornet
The Dodge Hornet is a compact SUV that has been on the road for three model years, accumulating 50 complaints—about 17 per year. That's a modest rate, but the pattern is troubling: electrical gremlins and driver-assist glitches dominate, with owners reporting power steering loss, false automatic braking, and inoperable emergency call systems. Recalls are frequent (15 in three years), often for back-over prevention and electrical connectors, and some owners say parts aren't available to fix them.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a 10-year history and a massive 5,105 complaints—roughly 511 per year. The volume is partly due to huge sales, but the top issues are serious: engine and transmission failures, sudden brake loss, and electrical faults that can disable steering and motive power. With 100 recalls and 104 injuries reported, the Silverado's reliability picture is one of frequent, sometimes severe, problems across core systems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Dodge Hornet | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 50 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 15 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 2 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 16.7 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 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 Hornet
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM21
- 02FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE14
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER7
- 04BACK OVER PREVENTION6
- 05SERVICE BRAKES6
Owners report power steering failure, dashboard warning lights, and inoperable emergency call systems. One owner described the steering failing right after purchase, with multiple service messages. These faults can leave you without steering assist or emergency communication.
Sensors malfunction, causing warning lights or unexpected automatic braking. One owner said the car 'slammed on the brakes' thinking something was in the way. This erodes trust in the safety system and could cause a rear-end collision.
Complaints include recall repairs not being available and brake pedal failures where the vehicle rolled backward. One owner said the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to stop as intended. This is a serious risk when parking or reversing.
Some owners report the brake pedal feeling firm but braking effectiveness reduced, and in one case the vehicle rolled after stopping. Brake issues on any vehicle are a red flag, especially when they involve inconsistent stopping power.
“Date: April 1, 2026 Subject: FINAL NOTICE: Repeated Safety Failures and Demand for Buyback – 2024 Dodge Hornet (VIN: [XXX] ) To [XXX] Autoland, Management and Stellantis Customer Care, I am writing to formally document a persistent and life-threatening safe…”
“We Purchased the Dodge Hornet GT on 04/17/2024 drove it home and parked it. My Husband tried to drive it on 04/18/2024 and the steering failed and the dash board lit up with: Service Power steering, Drive mode unavailable, Park sense disabled, Service Engine,…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report rough running, loss of power, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. One owner had three separate filter events in 10,000 miles. Engine problems can strand you and lead to costly repairs.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral and transmission failure. One owner with less than 300 miles had the vehicle go into neutral while driving uphill. Transmission issues can leave you unable to move and are expensive to fix.
Owners describe sudden loss of braking, inoperable steering, and engine pinging at highway speed. One owner lost motive power, brakes, and steering at 70 mph. Electrical faults that affect steering and brakes are extremely dangerous.
Reports include a firm brake pedal with reduced braking effect, and brake fluid warning sensor issues. One owner said the vehicle would not stop normally at a stop sign. Brake problems on a heavy truck are 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 Hornet — 15 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale and 2023-2024 Dodge Hornet plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. The 12-volt battery positive cable and/or high voltage connector cable may not be tightened properly, which can overheat the electrical connections and result in a fi…
The risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and tighten the cable connections as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 28, 2023…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Dodge Hornet and Alfa Romeo Tonale Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. The pedestrian alert siren may be missing or disconnected and fail to alert pedestrians when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of F…
The risk: Failure to alert pedestrians when backing up increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the rear pedestrian siren connection and, if necessary, secure and/or replace the connector or siren, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 14, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer se…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Dodge Hornet and Alfa Romeo Tonale vehicles. The maximum vehicle capacity weight value on the tire placard label is incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tir…
The risk: A vehicle with an incorrect maximum capacity weight value may be overloaded, which can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will add an overlay label to the tire placard information, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this reca…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale and Dodge Hornet vehicles. The display module may not show the rearview camera image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
The risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the software or replace the display as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning May 13, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's numbers for this r…
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 Hornet or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Dodge Hornet has far fewer complaints per year (about 17 vs. 511 for the Silverado), but both have serious safety-related patterns. The Silverado's higher volume means you're more likely to encounter engine, transmission, or brake failures, while the Hornet's issues cluster around electronics and driver-assist systems. In practice, the Hornet may spend less time in the shop overall, but its faults can be just as alarming when they occur.
Key differences
- The Hornet averages about 17 complaints per year; the Silverado averages about 511 per year, though the Silverado sells in much higher volumes.
- Hornet complaints center on electrical and driver-assist systems (power steering loss, false automatic braking); Silverado complaints center on engine, transmission, and brake failures.
- The Silverado has 104 reported injuries and 1 death in its complaint data; the Hornet has 0 injuries and 0 deaths, but its 2 crash-related complaints still indicate safety risks.
- Both have many recalls (15 for Hornet, 100 for Silverado), but Hornet owners report parts unavailability for some recalls, while Silverado recalls include tailgate latches and brake fluid warnings.
- Check for power steering assist failure: test steering at low speeds and listen for warning chimes or dashboard messages like 'Service Power Steering.'
- Verify forward collision avoidance and emergency call systems work: ask the seller to demonstrate, and scan for stored trouble codes related to sensors or telematics.
- Test the transmission for sudden neutral engagement: drive slowly uphill and at steady speeds, feeling for any slip or loss of power.
- Inspect brake function carefully: press the pedal firmly and check for a firm but ineffective feel, and ask about any brake fluid warning lights or recent brake work.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls; for the Hornet, confirm recall repairs are actually available and completed.
- Have a mechanic scan all computer modules for stored fault codes, especially for electrical and driver-assist systems on the Hornet and engine/transmission codes on the Silverado.
- Test-drive extensively, including highway speeds, parking maneuvers, and uphill starts, to reproduce reported issues like false braking or transmission neutral.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, focusing on oil changes for the Silverado's engine and any software updates for the Hornet's electronics.
- Inspect tires, brakes, and suspension for wear, and budget for potential repairs based on the common failure patterns.
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 Hornet | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 150 |
| 2024 | 22 | 0 |
| 2023 | 26 | 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 Hornet or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Dodge Hornet vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Dodge Hornet total complaints
- 50
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Dodge Hornet total recalls
- 15
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Dodge Hornet avg complaints/year
- 16.7
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Dodge Hornet
- Dodge Hornet top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE