Head-to-head reliability
Dodge Nitro vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Dodge Nitro 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 Nitro vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Nitro averaged 242.7 complaints per year over 6 years, while the Silverado averaged 822.7 per year over 10 years. The Nitro's top issue is electrical (540 reports), often random no-starts; the Silverado's is engine (2,521 reports), including shutdowns while driving. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Dodge Nitro or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Dodge Nitro
The Dodge Nitro is a compact SUV that averaged about 243 complaints per year over six years, with electrical and fuel-system issues dominating the list. Owners frequently describe bizarre electrical glitches and fuel spills during refueling, which can be both frustrating and hazardous. With 18 recalls, including repeated airbag inflator recalls, living with a Nitro means staying on top of safety campaigns.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that generated about 823 complaints per year over ten years, with engine and power-train problems leading the count. Owners report serious issues like engines shutting off while driving and sudden braking loss, which are far more consequential than typical wear items. With 101 recalls, including fuel pump and forward-collision warning problems, the Silverado demands diligent recall monitoring.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Dodge Nitro | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,456 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 18 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 49 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 242.7 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 60 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 Nitro
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM540
- 02FUEL SYSTEM223
- 03GASOLINE221
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM155
- 05POWER TRAIN144
Owners report the horn blaring, wipers running, washer fluid spraying, and doors locking/unlocking randomly when using the remote key. Others describe random no-start conditions where the car only clicks, sometimes requiring 20+ attempts. These glitches can leave you stranded or with a dead battery.
A common complaint is gasoline backflowing or spewing out during refueling, sometimes covering the owner and the ground. Some report the filler pipe failing to shut off when the tank is full, leading to fuel spills. This is a fire hazard and an environmental mess.
Power-train complaints appear in the top five, though the sample text focuses on electrical and fuel issues. Buyers should still be aware that transmission or drivetrain problems are part of the Nitro's complaint profile, potentially leading to costly repairs.
“WHILE USING THE REMOTE KEY TO LOCK/UNLOCK THE CARE, THE HORN STARTS BLARING, THE WIPERS (FRONT AND REAR) START GOING, WASHER FLUID SHOOTS OUT, DOORS LOCK AND UNLOCK INDEPENDENTLY. DOORS WILL NOT UNLOCK/LOCK WITH REMOTE. THE LIGHTS START BLINKING. I HAVE TO PH…”
“I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR STARTING FOR ABOUT A LITTLE OVER 3 YEARS. IT RANDOMLY WILL NOT START AND WILL ONLY CLICK WHEN YOU TRY TO START. IT STARTED OUT TURNING ON AFTER A COUPLE OF ATTEMPTS AND HAS ESCALATED TO MORE THAN 20 ATTEMPTS BEFORE IT WOULD STA…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of newer Silverados report engines shutting off while driving, with dashboard messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start.' Others describe diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events requiring dealer service at low mileage. An engine that quits on the road is a serious safety concern.
Complaints include a vehicle suddenly going into neutral while driving slowly uphill, leaving the driver unable to accelerate. This loss of power can happen in parking garages or traffic, creating dangerous situations.
Owners describe a sudden, severe loss of normal braking where the pedal stays firm but braking effectiveness drops. In one case, the truck also shut off completely, blanking the screens and preventing acceleration. Brake failure is among the most critical issues a driver can face.
Electrical complaints often involve the engine shutting off and displays going blank, which can disable power steering and braking assist. These glitches overlap with brake and engine complaints, compounding the risk.
“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 Nitro — 18 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2008-2010 Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan and 2007-2011 Dodge Nitro vehicles. These vehicles may have a loose or missing brand emblem in the center of the steering wheel. The loose emblem or the securing nuts for the emblem within the dri…
The risk: Projectiles as a result of driver air bag deployment in the event of a crash can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag cover with a redesigned cover, free of charge. The recall began February 11, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's numb…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2008-2010 Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan and 2007-2011 Dodge Nitro vehicles. These vehicles may have a loose or missing brand emblem in the center of the steering wheel. The loose emblem or the securing nuts for the emblem within the dri…
The risk: Projectiles as a result of driver air bag deployment in the event of a crash can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag cover with a redesigned cover, free of charge. The recall began February 11, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's numb…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2008-2010 Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan and 2007-2011 Dodge Nitro vehicles. These vehicles may have a loose or missing brand emblem in the center of the steering wheel. The loose emblem or the securing nuts for the emblem within the dri…
The risk: Projectiles as a result of driver air bag deployment in the event of a crash can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag cover with a redesigned cover, free of charge. The recall began February 11, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's numb…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2008-2010 Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan and 2007-2011 Dodge Nitro vehicles. These vehicles may have a loose or missing brand emblem in the center of the steering wheel. The loose emblem or the securing nuts for the emblem within the dri…
The risk: Projectiles as a result of driver air bag deployment in the event of a crash can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag cover with a redesigned cover, free of charge. The recall began February 11, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's numb…
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 Nitro or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Dodge Nitro has far fewer complaints per year (about 243) than the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823), but the Nitro's issues are concentrated in electrical gremlins and fuel spills. The Silverado's higher volume includes more severe engine, brake, and power-train failures that can strand or endanger occupants. In practice, the Nitro may be simpler to live with day-to-day, but the Silverado's problems are more likely to be safety-critical.
Key differences
- The Nitro's top complaint is electrical (540 reports), with symptoms like random horn honking and no-start clicks, while the Silverado's top complaint is engine (2,521 reports), including engines shutting off while driving.
- Fuel-system complaints on the Nitro involve gasoline backflow and spills during refueling, a fire hazard; the Silverado's fuel-related recall covers a fuel pump control module, but owner complaints center more on engine and brake failures.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 18 for the Nitro, meaning more potential safety campaigns to track, including forward-collision warning and tire pressure monitoring issues.
- The Nitro's sample complaints are largely annoying and inconvenient, while the Silverado's include sudden braking loss and power-train neutrals that can directly cause crashes.
- Test the remote keyless entry repeatedly: lock, unlock, and listen for the horn blaring or wipers activating on their own, which signals electrical gremlins.
- Inspect the fuel filler neck and tank for signs of overflow or pressure buildup; try refueling during the test drive to see if gasoline spits back out.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any sudden engine shutdown or dashboard messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start'; also check for hesitation or loss of power.
- Test the brakes at low speed in a safe area: a firm pedal with reduced stopping power could indicate the brake issue owners report, and any complete electrical shutdown is a major red flag.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm that all open recalls, especially airbag inflators on the Nitro and fuel pump or forward-collision warnings on the Silverado, have been repaired.
- For the Nitro, test all electrical functions: remote key, horn, wipers, door locks, and starting system; for the Silverado, scan for stored engine and transmission codes and check for diesel particulate filter history if equipped.
- Take a lengthy test drive that includes refueling the Nitro to check for fuel spit-back, and for the Silverado, drive at various speeds to feel for transmission slipping or unexpected neutral engagement.
- Have a mechanic inspect the brake system on the Silverado, including pedal feel and ABS operation, and check the Nitro's fuel tank and filler pipe for leaks or damage.
- Review the complaint history on NHTSA for the specific model year you're considering, as patterns may vary, and budget for potential electrical or engine repairs accordingly.
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 Nitro or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Dodge Nitro vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Dodge Nitro total complaints
- 1,456
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Dodge Nitro total recalls
- 18
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Dodge Nitro avg complaints/year
- 242.7
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Dodge Nitro
- Dodge Nitro top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE