Head-to-head reliability
Dodge NEON vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Dodge NEON 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 NEON vs Chevrolet Silverado: The NEON averages 185.5 complaints per year over 6 years, while the Silverado averages 822.7 over 10 years. The NEON has 8 deaths and 172 injuries; the Silverado has 3 deaths and 160 injuries. Both have numerous recalls. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Dodge NEON or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Dodge NEON
The Dodge NEON is a compact car with a mixed reliability record, averaging about 186 complaints per year over six years. Owners frequently report electrical gremlins, air bag failures, engine stalling, and brake problems. With 41 recalls and 204 crash-related complaints, it demands careful inspection before purchase.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher annual complaint rate—about 823 per year over ten years. Common issues include engine and transmission problems, electrical glitches, and brake concerns. Despite 101 recalls, it remains popular, but buyers should be aware of frequent powertrain complaints.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Dodge NEON | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,113 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 41 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 204 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 185.5 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 172 | 160 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 8 | 3 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 NEON
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM192
- 02AIR BAGS177
- 03ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING162
- 04SERVICE BRAKES152
- 05POWER TRAIN141
Owners report fog lights turning on unexpectedly, smoke from the steering wheel, and window seals cracking, leading to water damage in doors. These issues can cause distractions and costly repairs.
Complaints include air bags failing to deploy in crashes, such as a 60 mph highway collision and a 65 mph impact. This raises serious safety concerns for occupants.
Sudden loss of acceleration and coolant loss are reported, sometimes causing the car to stall in traffic. This can leave drivers stranded and lead to engine damage.
Owners describe brake pedal going to the floor, wheel lock-up, and complete brake failure without warning. Such failures significantly increase crash risk.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE NEON. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH WITH THE HEADLIGHTS ILLUMINATED, THE FOG LIGHTS SUDDENLY ILLUMINATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO EMIT SMOKE AND BECAME UNUSUALLY HOT IN TEMPERATURE. SHE WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICL…”
“ABOUT 2 1/2 YEARS AFTER I PURCHASED MY DODGE NEON SXT THE SEAL AT THE BOTTOM OF ALL THE WINDOWS BEGAN TO DRY UP, CRACK, AND FALL OFF. AT THIS POINT I BARELY HAVE ANY SEAL IN BETWEEN ALL 4 OF MY CAR WINDOWS AND THE CAR DOOR. WATER HAS GONE DOWN INTO MY DOOR AN…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Reports include rough running, diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service, and engine shutdowns while driving. These can cause loss of power and expensive repairs.
Transmission issues such as sudden neutral engagement and failure to accelerate are noted, sometimes with very low mileage. This can leave drivers unable to move the vehicle.
Owners report engine shut-off while driving, display messages like 'Return to Neutral', and loss of braking assist. These electrical faults can create dangerous driving conditions.
Complaints include sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal, and complete shutdown of screens and acceleration in parking lots. Brake failures are a critical safety issue.
“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 NEON — 41 recalls
The defect: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES…
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
The defect: K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND A…
The risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.
The defect: CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO.…
The risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The fix: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
The defect: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE D…
The risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The fix: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
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 NEON or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Dodge NEON has far fewer complaints per year (about 186) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823). However, the NEON's complaints often involve severe safety issues like air bag and brake failures, while the Silverado's higher volume includes many engine and transmission problems. In practice, the NEON may have fewer overall issues, but both require thorough inspection.
Key differences
- The Dodge NEON has 1,113 complaints over 6 years, while the Chevrolet Silverado has 8,227 over 10 years, indicating a much higher annual rate for the Silverado.
- Air bag non-deployment is a prominent complaint for the NEON, whereas the Silverado's top issues are engine and power train failures.
- The NEON has 8 reported deaths in its data, compared to 3 for the Silverado, despite the Silverado's higher complaint count.
- Electrical problems are common in both, but the NEON's include smoke from the steering wheel, while the Silverado's involve engine shutdowns and braking loss.
- Check for air bag recall completion and test that the air bag warning light functions properly; owners report non-deployment in crashes.
- Inspect brake system for leaks or soft pedal, and test drive at varying speeds; complaints include sudden brake failure and wheel lock-up.
- Listen for engine noises and check for diesel particulate filter warning lights; owners report soot accumulation and engine shutdowns.
- Test transmission engagement and electrical functions; complaints include sudden neutral and loss of braking assist.
Before you buy
- Verify all safety recalls are completed for the specific vehicle by checking the NHTSA VIN lookup.
- Obtain a pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic, focusing on brakes, air bags, and electrical systems.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially for engine and transmission services.
- Test drive in various conditions, including highway and stop-and-go traffic, to check for stalling or brake issues.
- Check for signs of water leaks in the doors and windows (NEON) or electrical glitches (Silverado).
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 NEON or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Dodge NEON vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Dodge NEON total complaints
- 1,113
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Dodge NEON total recalls
- 41
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Dodge NEON avg complaints/year
- 185.5
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Dodge NEON
- Dodge NEON top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE