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 averaged 1,128 complaints per year over 4 years, with 11 deaths, while the Silverado averaged 823 per year over 10 years, with 3 deaths. The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 2 for the RAM VAN. 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 van or truck with a heavy-duty frame, but owner complaints show a pattern of serious structural rust and air bag problems. Over 4 years, it averaged about 1,128 complaints per year, with many reports of rusted frames and fenders that can break during routine lifting. Air bag recalls are common, but owners say brittle dashboards make dealers refuse repairs. This van may be cheap to buy, but rust and safety defects can make it costly and risky to own.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that has been sold for many years, and owner complaints focus on engine, transmission, and electrical problems. Over 10 years, it averaged about 823 complaints per year, with 101 recalls covering fuel pumps, brakes, and driver alerts. Owners report sudden engine shutdowns, transmission failures, and brake loss, often on newer trucks with low mileage. While the Silverado has more total complaints, the yearly rate is lower than the RAM VAN, but the issues can be severe and unpredictable.
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 | 4,511 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 2 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 324 | 233 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1127.8 | 822.7 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 336 | 160 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 11 | 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 RAM VAN
- 01STRUCTURE1,403
- 02AIR BAGS702
- 03POWER TRAIN463
- 04SUSPENSION337
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM326
Owners report severe frame and fender rust, especially in the rear. In some cases, the frame rusts through so badly that a dealer's lift punches through it during service, and wiring harnesses fall off and rub on tires. This matters because a rusted frame can make the van unsafe to drive and expensive to repair.
Many complaints involve air bag recalls that owners cannot get fixed because dealers break the brittle dashboard and refuse to repair it. As a result, the recall goes unperformed, leaving the air bag system potentially defective. For a buyer, this means a safety recall might never have been completed, and the dash may be damaged.
Owners describe rear differentials locking up at highway speeds, breaking the driveshaft and yoke. One owner reported replacing the rear end three times. This is a serious failure that can cause loss of control and expensive repairs.
Complaints include squeaking over bumps due to worn rubber mounts between the frame and body that are too weak for the van's weight. This can lead to poor ride quality and further structural stress. Buyers should expect suspension noises and possible mount replacement.
“Rear fenders are rusted such that wiring harness falls off from underside if fenders and rubs on tires. Middle of frame rusted through on right and left side and dealer's floor lift went about half-way through both sides when the technician. tried to raise tr…”
“The truck was brought in to dealer to inspect/repair wiring for trailer outlet. When they and began raising the vehicle, the rear lift arms broke through the frame on both sides. When I drove it short way to the repair shop (about 5 miles), the frame on the l…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of newer Silverados report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start.' Others report diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These issues can leave you stranded and are dangerous if the engine dies in traffic.
Complaints include transmissions suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, even at low speeds in parking lots. One owner had this happen with less than 300 miles on the truck. This can cause a loss of power and increase crash risk.
Owners report sudden loss of braking assist, where the brake pedal feels firm but the truck does not stop normally. Others report the engine shutting off and screens going blank. These electrical glitches can affect critical safety systems.
Complaints describe severe loss of normal braking shortly after starting a trip, with the pedal firm but braking ineffective. This is a major safety concern because it can lead to crashes. Buyers should have the brake system thoroughly checked.
“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 — 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 RAM VAN or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Chevrolet Silverado has fewer complaints per year (about 823) than the Dodge RAM VAN (about 1,128), but the Silverado has far more recalls (101 vs. 2). In practice, the RAM VAN's problems are often tied to age and rust, while the Silverado's issues can appear on newer trucks and involve sudden engine, transmission, or brake failures. Neither is clearly better; the choice depends on which type of risk you can manage.
Key differences
- The Dodge RAM VAN has only 2 recalls but a high rate of structural rust complaints, while the Chevrolet Silverado has 101 recalls covering many systems.
- RAM VAN owners report frame rust that can break during lifting, while Silverado owners report sudden engine shutdowns and transmission failures.
- The Silverado has a lower complaint rate per year (823 vs. 1,128) but more total complaints because it was sold over 10 years.
- Air bag recall issues on the RAM VAN are often unresolved due to brittle dashboards, while Silverado recalls include fuel pumps, brakes, and driver alerts.
- Inspect the frame and rear fenders for rust-through, especially around suspension and body mounts; a lift test may reveal weak metal.
- Check if the air bag recall was completed and whether the dashboard is cracked or brittle, as dealers may refuse to fix it.
- Test drive at various speeds and check for sudden engine shutdowns, transmission slipping into neutral, or warning messages.
- Have the brake system inspected for loss of assist and check for any stored codes related to fuel pump or electrical faults.
Before you buy
- Get a pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic who specializes in the model you are considering.
- For the RAM VAN, specifically ask the mechanic to check the frame, fenders, and air bag recall status.
- For the Silverado, ask the mechanic to scan for engine, transmission, and brake trouble codes and test drive for shutdowns.
- Obtain a vehicle history report to see if recalls were performed and if there are prior complaints.
- Check NHTSA's website for open recalls by VIN and confirm they are fixed before buying.
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
- 4,511
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Dodge RAM VAN total recalls
- 2
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Dodge RAM VAN avg complaints/year
- 1127.8
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Chevrolet Silverado
- Dodge RAM VAN top complaint area
- STRUCTURE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE