Head-to-head reliability
Dodge Journey vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Dodge Journey 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 Journey vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Journey averaged about 195 complaints per year with 27 recalls, while the Silverado averaged about 823 complaints per year with 101 recalls. The Silverado also had 3 deaths and 160 injuries reported, compared to 0 deaths and 125 injuries for the Journey. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Dodge Journey or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Dodge Journey
The Dodge Journey is a mid-size SUV that averaged about 195 complaints per year over a decade, with 27 recalls. Owners frequently report electrical problems, especially backup cameras that fail intermittently or stay off, and engine issues like faulty coil packs and spark plugs. These recurring faults can be frustrating and costly, so a used Journey should be inspected carefully.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that generated roughly 823 complaints per year over ten years, along with 101 recalls. Common owner reports include engine problems such as rough running or diesel particulate filter soot accumulation, and power train issues where the truck suddenly shifts to neutral or shuts off. Electrical and brake complaints also appear, sometimes involving sudden loss of braking or engine shutdown while driving.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Dodge Journey | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,954 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 27 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 101 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 195.4 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 125 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 Journey
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM482
- 02ENGINE436
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER328
- 04SERVICE BRAKES299
- 05POWER TRAIN260
Owners of the Dodge Journey frequently report the rearview camera failing intermittently or staying off without warning. This matters because a non-working backup camera can make parking and reversing less safe, especially around children.
Some owners report faulty coil packs and spark plugs that cause engine misfires or rough running, and repairs may not always fix the issue on the first try. This can lead to repeated shop visits and unexpected costs.
Brake-related complaints are among the top categories, though specific symptoms are not detailed in the sample. Buyers should still have the braking system checked, as brake problems can affect stopping distance and safety.
Power train complaints appear in the data, but the sample text does not describe specific failures. This area still warrants attention because transmission or drivetrain issues can be expensive to repair.
“Vehicle: 2019 Dodge Journey Issue: Rearview Camera Failure / Malfunction I am reporting an ongoing issue with the factory-installed backup camera in my 2019 Dodge Journey. The camera has been malfunctioning for several years. The camera intermittently display…”
“The rear backup camera will fail often and stay off without any warning I was just pulling into my garage and it stopped halfway. This type of equipment failure seems to be a big issue because if I am around my kids at school or really anywhere where I use my…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine problems such as a 6.2L motor failing shortly after purchase and a 6.6L Duramax diesel experiencing repeated diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events. These can cause breakdowns and require dealer service, sometimes multiple times.
Some owners describe the truck suddenly going into neutral or the engine shutting off while driving, with messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start'. This is dangerous because it can leave you without power in traffic or in a parking garage.
Complaints include sudden loss of normal braking where the brake pedal stays firm but braking is ineffective, as well as the engine shutting off while driving. These electrical-related failures can be frightening and may require immediate repair.
Owners report severe loss of braking shortly after dropping a child at school, with the pedal firm but the vehicle not stopping normally. This is a critical safety concern that should be addressed before purchase.
“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 Journey — 27 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Ram ProMaster and 2019-2020 Dodge Journey vehicles. Cracks in the microprocessor may cause the vehicle's rearview camera image not to display properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety…
The risk: A rearview image that does not display properly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed beginning September 30, 2025. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticip…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Ram ProMaster and 2019-2020 Dodge Journey vehicles. Cracks in the microprocessor may cause the vehicle's rearview camera image not to display properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety…
The risk: A rearview image that does not display properly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed beginning September 30, 2025. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticip…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysle…
The risk: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-8…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Dodge Journey vehicles. The amber side reflex reflector assembled into the headlamp may not reflect brightly enough. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflec…
The risk: A dim reflector may reduce the visibility of the vehicle to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the headlamp assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 16, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z99.
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 Journey or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Dodge Journey has far fewer complaints per year (about 195) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823), but both have serious reported issues. In practice, the Journey may mean fewer overall trips to the shop, while the Silverado's higher complaint rate suggests more frequent problems, some of which involve sudden engine shutdown or brake loss.
Key differences
- The Dodge Journey averages about 195 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages about 823 per year, meaning the Silverado has more than four times as many complaints annually.
- Dodge Journey owners most often report electrical issues like backup camera failure, whereas Silverado owners report engine and power train problems such as sudden neutral engagement or engine shutdown.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 27 for the Journey, and the Silverado's recalls include fuel pump control and forward collision warnings, while the Journey's recalls include backup camera and wiring issues.
- The Silverado has 3 reported deaths and 160 injuries in the data, while the Journey has 0 deaths and 125 injuries, though these numbers alone do not prove which is safer.
- Test the backup camera thoroughly—turn the vehicle on and off several times, shift into reverse, and see if the camera displays consistently or fails intermittently.
- Ask for maintenance records related to ignition coils and spark plugs, and listen for engine misfires or rough idling during a test drive.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any sudden loss of power, warning messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start', or the engine shutting off, especially at low speeds or in parking lots.
- Check for brake performance by braking firmly from moderate speed in a safe area; if the pedal feels firm but the truck does not slow normally, that is a serious red flag.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all open recalls have been repaired, especially for the backup camera on the Journey and fuel pump or brake-related recalls on the Silverado.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the engine, transmission, electrical system, and brakes for both vehicles.
- For the Dodge Journey, specifically test the rearview camera and ask about any history of coil pack or spark plug replacements.
- For the Chevrolet Silverado, scan for stored diagnostic trouble codes related to the diesel particulate filter (if diesel) and check for any software updates for the engine or transmission.
- Take an extended test drive that includes highway, city, and parking lot driving to reproduce intermittent issues like engine shutdown or brake loss.
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 Journey | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 0 | 450 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 0 | 961 |
| 2020 | 65 | 868 |
| 2019 | 101 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 234 | 597 |
| 2017 | 197 | 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 Journey or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Dodge Journey vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Dodge Journey total complaints
- 1,954
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Dodge Journey total recalls
- 27
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Dodge Journey avg complaints/year
- 195.4
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Dodge Journey
- Dodge Journey top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE