Head-to-head reliability
Dodge Magnum vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Dodge Magnum 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 Magnum vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Magnum averages about 291 complaints per year over 4 years, while the Silverado averages about 511 per year over 10 years. The Magnum has 22 recalls and 47 crash-related complaints; the Silverado has 100 recalls and 117 crash-related complaints. Both show serious owner-reported issues, so a pre-purchase inspection is essential. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Dodge Magnum or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Dodge Magnum
The Dodge Magnum is a rear-wheel-drive station wagon that has been out of production for years, so you're shopping an aging vehicle with an average of about 291 complaints per year across four model years. Owners most often report transmission problems that trigger limp mode, air bags that fail to deploy in crashes, and engine stalling. With 22 recalls and 47 crash-related complaints, living with a Magnum means budgeting for repairs and verifying that safety recalls were actually completed.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much longer 10-year complaint history, averaging about 511 complaints per year. The most common owner reports involve engine problems, transmission issues, electrical faults, and brake concerns, including sudden loss of braking and stalling at speed. With 100 recalls and 117 crash-related complaints, the Silverado's issues span many model years, so condition and service history matter more than the nameplate alone.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Dodge Magnum | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,162 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 22 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 47 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 290.5 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 57 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 Magnum
- 01POWER TRAIN235
- 02AIR BAGS221
- 03ENGINE194
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM160
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM158
Owners report the Magnum suddenly entering limp mode, limiting speed to about 35 mph, and getting stuck in Park because of a shift interlock latch failure. A dealer software update may not fix it, leaving you with a car that can slow down unexpectedly in traffic.
Multiple owners describe front-end crashes where the driver or passenger air bag did not deploy, sometimes with injuries. This is a critical safety concern because the system may not protect you in a collision.
Complaints include stalling without warning at various speeds and coolant leaks that can lead to overheating. These issues can leave you stranded and may be hard for mechanics to diagnose.
Some owners report the engine stalling immediately after refueling, especially when the tank is filled to capacity. This can happen in traffic and is a serious drivability and safety problem.
“MY DODGE MAGNUM KEEPS GOING INTO LIMP MODE. LIMITS TO 35 MPH AND WILL SLOW YOU TO 35 QUICKLY. I TOOK IT IN TO A DODGE DEALER AND THEY PREFORMED A TCM UPDATE AND ALLOWED ME TO TAKE THE CAR I MADE IT 5 MILES BEFORE GOING INTO LIMP MODE. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DE…”
“POWER TRAIN - "SHIFT INTERLOCK LATCH" - VECHILE STUCK IN PARK - DODGE WILL NOT PERMIT OUR VECHILE TO BE COVERED BY THEIR "CUSTOMER SATISFACTION NOTIFICATION K39 TRANSMISSION SHIFTER INTERLOCK LEVER." BECAUSE EVEN THOUGH IT IS THE CORRECT MODEL AND YEAR, OUR V…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners of newer Silverados report engine failures, excessive diesel soot accumulation, and loss of power while driving. These problems can require major repairs and may leave you without motive power on the road.
Complaints include the transmission suddenly shifting into neutral and the engine losing power. This can happen at low speeds or while driving, making the truck unpredictable.
Owners describe sudden loss of normal braking, with a firm pedal but reduced stopping ability, as well as warning messages and inoperable steering. Electrical faults can affect critical safety systems.
Reports include severe loss of braking effectiveness and brake fluid warning issues. Brake problems are especially dangerous in a heavy pickup and should be inspected immediately.
“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 Magnum — 22 recalls
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) 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 IS RECALLING 20,283 MY 2006-2009 CHARGER AND MAGNUM VEHICLES BUILT WITH THE POLICE PACKAGE AND EQUIPPED WITH A COLUMN SHIFTER. THE GEARSHIFT CABLE MAY BECOME DISENGAGED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN MOUNTING BRACKET AND CAUSE AN INCORRECT TRANSMISSION GEARSHIFT POSITION DISPLAY.
The risk: THIS COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO MOVE IN AN UNEXPECTED DIRECTION STARTLING THE DRIVER, AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The fix: DEALERS WILL ADD A REDUNDANT LOCKING MECHANISM TO THE GEARSHIFT CABLE AT THE MOUNTING BRACKET TO ENSURE PROPER RETENTION AND SHIFT LINKAGE FUNCTION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 10, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, THE SOFTWARE PROGRAMMED INTO THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE CAN CAUSE A MOMENTARY LOCK UP OF THE DRIVE WHEELS IF THE VEHICLE IS TRAVELING OVER 40 MPH AND THE OPERATOR SHIFTS FROM DRIVE TO NEUTRAL…
The risk: IF THE DRIVE WHEELS LOCKED UP, LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL COULD OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 2, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
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 Magnum or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Dodge Magnum has far fewer complaints per year (about 291) than the Chevrolet Silverado (about 511), but the Magnum's smaller total is spread over just four years and includes serious air bag and stalling reports. The Silverado's higher annual rate reflects a much larger population and a longer production run, with engine, transmission, and brake issues appearing across many model years. In practice, the Magnum may have fewer reported problems overall, but both vehicles require a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Key differences
- The Magnum averages about 291 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages about 511 per year, but the Silverado's data covers 10 years versus 4 for the Magnum.
- Magnum owners frequently report limp mode and shift interlock failures, while Silverado owners report engine failures, transmission neutral drops, and brake loss.
- Air bag non-deployment is a repeated Magnum complaint, whereas Silverado complaints more often involve electrical and brake system faults.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls and 117 crash-related complaints, compared with 22 recalls and 47 crash-related complaints for the Magnum.
- Test the transmission through all gears and check for any history of limp mode or shift interlock repairs; a car that has been stuck in Park may need a costly fix.
- Ask for proof that the air bag inflator recalls were performed, and have a mechanic scan for any stored air bag fault codes before purchase.
- Check for any signs of engine misfire, excessive diesel soot, or loss of power, especially on 6.2L and 6.6L Duramax models; these can indicate expensive repairs.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for a firm pedal with reduced stopping power, and ask whether any brake fluid warning or electrical brake issues have been repaired.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm that all open safety recalls have been completed by a dealer.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the transmission, engine, brakes, and air bag system.
- For the Magnum, specifically test for limp mode, shift interlock operation, and any coolant leaks after a test drive.
- For the Silverado, scan for engine and transmission fault codes and check for brake fluid warning messages or electrical glitches.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and be wary if the vehicle has a history of repeated stalling, brake, or air bag complaints.
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 Magnum or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Dodge Magnum vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Dodge Magnum total complaints
- 1,162
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Dodge Magnum total recalls
- 22
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Dodge Magnum avg complaints/year
- 290.5
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Dodge Magnum
- Dodge Magnum top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE