Head-to-head reliability
Dodge RAM VAN vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Dodge RAM VAN 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 RAM VAN vs Chevrolet Silverado: The RAM VAN has 1,529 complaints over 4 years (382.3/year) and 2 recalls, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints over 10 years (510.5/year) and 100 recalls. The RAM VAN reports more structural and airbag issues, while the Silverado reports more engine and transmission problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Dodge RAM VAN or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Dodge RAM VAN
The Dodge RAM VAN is a full-size work van with a loyal following, but NHTSA data shows 1,529 complaints over four years, averaging 382.3 per year. Owners frequently report serious structural failures like rusted frames and broken stabilizer bars, as well as airbags that fail to deploy in crashes. With 65 crash-related complaints, 98 injuries, and 2 deaths, the van demands careful inspection before purchase.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a popular full-size pickup with 5,105 complaints over ten years, averaging 510.5 per year. Complaints often involve engine and transmission problems, including sudden loss of power and braking issues. With 100 recalls and 117 crash-related complaints, it has more documented issues overall but a lower fatality count (1 death) than the RAM VAN.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Dodge RAM VAN | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,529 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 2 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 65 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 382.3 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 98 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 RAM VAN
- 01STRUCTURE554
- 02AIR BAGS432
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER166
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM134
- 05POWER TRAIN112
Owners report severe frame rust-through, often due to factory A/C drainage routing, which can cause the steering mechanism to separate. Others describe stabilizer bars snapping and falling off, leading to loss of control. These are critical safety issues that can make the van unsafe to drive.
Multiple complaints state that airbags failed to deploy in frontal crashes, even at speeds around 40 mph, resulting in facial and chest injuries. This suggests a potential defect in the airbag system that could leave occupants unprotected.
Owners report stalling without warning and under-hood fires originating from the ABS module area, even when parked. These electrical faults can lead to sudden loss of power or total vehicle loss.
The two recalls both involve the automatic transmission column shift lever and linkage, which could affect gear selection. Complaints also mention fuel line cracks causing fires, though this is listed under unknown or other.
“WHILE COMING BACK FROM SOME ERRANDS AS I PULLED INTO MY DRIVEWAY I HEARD A BIG SNAP ON MY FRONT END AND BANG AND SCRAPPING ON PAVEMENT AS SOON AS I STOPPED TO LOOK THE WHOLE PIECE OF THE STABILIZER BAR FELL OFF THE FRONT END CHASSIS AND AS I LOOKED ON FRONT E…”
“URGENT SAFETY ISSUE: DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD VEHICLE LOSES COMPLETE STEER ABILITY!!! HAD TOWED TO DEALERSHIP AND FOUND FRAME RUSTED THROUGH (DUE TO FACTORY ROUTING OF A/C WATER DRAINAGE) AND CAUSED STEERING MECHANISM TO SEPARATE WHERE THE STEERING CONNECTION IS…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners of newer Silverados report engine issues like excessive diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service, and sudden loss of motive power with loud pinging sounds. These can leave drivers stranded and require costly repairs.
Complaints include vehicles suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly, and transmission problems linked to engine issues. This can cause loss of control in parking lots or on hills.
Owners describe severe loss of braking with a firm pedal, and simultaneous loss of brakes, steering, and motive power at highway speeds. These electrical or electronic failures are extremely dangerous.
Braking problems are reported, including sudden loss of normal braking and inoperable brakes after engine failure. This is a critical safety concern that needs immediate attention.
“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 RAM VAN — 2 recalls
The defect: ON CERTAIN VAN AND PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, THE IGNITION/PARK SHIFT INTERLOCK SYSTEM MAY BECOME INOPERATIVE. THIS CAN ALLOW THE SHIFTER TO BE MOVED OUT OF THE "PARK" POSITION WITH THE IGNITION KEY REMOVED (OR IN THE "LOCK" POSITION). THIS CAN ALSO ALLOW THE IGNITION KEY…
The risk: EITHER OF THESE CONDITIONS COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY CAUSING A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE GEARSHIFT BLOCKER AND BRACKET ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
The defect: ON CERTAIN VAN AND PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, THE IGNITION/PARK SHIFT INTERLOCK SYSTEM MAY BECOME INOPERATIVE. THIS CAN ALLOW THE SHIFTER TO BE MOVED OUT OF THE "PARK" POSITION WITH THE IGNITION KEY REMOVED (OR IN THE "LOCK" POSITION). THIS CAN ALSO ALLOW THE IGNITION KEY…
The risk: EITHER OF THESE CONDITIONS COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY CAUSING A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE GEARSHIFT BLOCKER AND BRACKET ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER 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 RAM VAN or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Dodge RAM VAN has fewer complaints per year (382.3) than the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), but the RAM VAN's issues are often more severe, involving structural rust and airbag failures. The Silverado has more recalls (100 vs 2) and a higher annual complaint rate, but its problems are spread across more model years. In practice, the RAM VAN may be more prone to catastrophic failures, while the Silverado has more frequent but sometimes less immediately dangerous issues.
Key differences
- The Dodge RAM VAN has 2 recalls, both for transmission column shift linkage, while the Chevrolet Silverado has 100 recalls covering tailgate latches, steering, seat belts, and brake fluid warnings.
- RAM VAN complaints are heavily concentrated in STRUCTURE (554) and AIR BAGS (432), with reports of frame rust and non-deploying airbags; Silverado complaints are led by ENGINE (1698) and POWER TRAIN (1453), with reports of stalling and sudden power loss.
- The RAM VAN has 2 deaths and 98 injuries in 4 years, while the Silverado has 1 death and 104 injuries in 10 years, indicating different severity patterns.
- Silverado owners report modern electronic issues like brake failure and loss of steering at speed, while RAM VAN owners report mechanical failures like stabilizer bars falling off and fuel line fires.
- Inspect the frame and undercarriage for rust-through, especially around the steering box and A/C drain routing, as this can cause steering separation.
- Check the airbag system for proper function and any recall history, as multiple owners report non-deployment in crashes.
- Test the transmission for sudden neutral engagement, especially at low speeds, and check for engine pinging or power loss.
- Verify that all recalls have been performed, particularly those related to brakes, steering, and tailgate latches, as these are common failure points.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the frame (RAM VAN) or engine/transmission (Silverado).
- For the RAM VAN, specifically ask the mechanic to inspect the frame for rust and the airbag system for proper deployment readiness.
- For the Silverado, test drive at various speeds and check for transmission slipping, brake performance, and any warning lights.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and confirm that all safety recalls have been addressed.
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 RAM VAN or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Dodge RAM VAN vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Dodge RAM VAN total complaints
- 1,529
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Dodge RAM VAN total recalls
- 2
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Dodge RAM VAN avg complaints/year
- 382.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Dodge RAM VAN
- Dodge RAM VAN top complaint area
- STRUCTURE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE