Head-to-head reliability
Dodge RAM Wagon vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Dodge RAM Wagon 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 Wagon vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Dodge averaged 543 complaints per year with 0 recalls, while the Silverado averaged 823 per year with 101 recalls. Both show serious safety-related complaints, but the Dodge's lower volume is offset by reports of air bag non-deployment and steering rust. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Dodge RAM Wagon or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Dodge RAM Wagon
The Dodge RAM Wagon shows a moderate complaint volume of about 543 per year over four years, with no recalls on record. The most frequent owner complaints involve structural issues like cracked dashes and rusted frame components, along with air bag non-deployment in crashes. Power train problems such as loose pinion nuts and driveshaft separation are also reported, suggesting that aging examples may need close inspection of safety and driveline systems.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado has a much higher complaint rate—about 823 per year over ten years—and 101 recalls, indicating a broader range of potential problems. Owners frequently report engine and power train issues, including sudden shutdowns and transmission problems, as well as electrical glitches that can affect braking and engine operation. Brake-related complaints also appear, with some describing a firm pedal but reduced stopping power.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Dodge RAM Wagon | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2,172 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 155 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 543.0 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 166 | 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 RAM Wagon
- 01STRUCTURE538
- 02AIR BAGS525
- 03POWER TRAIN252
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM165
- 05SUSPENSION148
Owners report dashboard cracks that worsen over time, sometimes requiring a dash cover to prevent objects from falling behind the instrument cluster. Others describe severe rust causing the frame around the steering box to disconnect from the steering, which can lead to loss of control.
Several complaints state that air bags failed to deploy in frontal collisions, including one at about 40 mph where the driver and two passengers were injured. This is a critical safety concern for buyers.
Reported failures include a loose pinion nut that could cause the rear axle to seize, and a driveshaft separating from the rear end at highway speed, resulting in a loud bang and loss of control.
Owners describe corrosion in the front control module and power distribution center, leading to non-working brake lights, blinkers, headlights, and emergency flashers. Dashboard cracking is also reported under this category.
“A FEW YEARS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, THE DASH BEGAN TO DEVELOP CRACKS AND HOLES. THIS HAS GOTTEN WORSE AND WORSE TO THE POINT WHERE A DASH COVER HAD TO BE PURCHASED TO AVOID THINGS FALLING DOWN BEHIND THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. CURRENTLY, THERE IS MORE M…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE FRAME AROUND THE STEERING BOX DISCONNECTED FROM THE STEERING DUE TO EXCESSIVE RUST. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENC…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Complaints include engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with a 'Return to Neutral' message, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events requiring dealer service. These issues can leave a driver stranded or create dangerous situations.
Owners report sudden shifts into neutral while driving slowly, and transmission problems that may cause loss of motive power. These failures can happen at low speeds but still pose a risk.
Electrical faults are linked to a severe loss of normal braking despite a firm pedal, and to engine shut-off while driving. Such symptoms suggest that electrical gremlins can affect critical safety systems.
Some owners describe braking effectiveness dropping suddenly, with the pedal remaining firm but the vehicle not stopping normally. This pattern is alarming and warrants a thorough brake system check.
“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 Wagon
No recalls on record.
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 Wagon or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Dodge RAM Wagon has fewer complaints per year (about 543 vs. 823 for the Silverado) and no recalls, but its reported issues include serious safety failures like air bag non-deployment and steering component rust. The Silverado's higher complaint rate and many recalls mean a wider variety of potential problems, though some are addressed by recalls. In practice, the Dodge may have fewer overall complaints, but the nature of its failures can be just as concerning.
Key differences
- The Dodge RAM Wagon has no recalls on record, while the Chevrolet Silverado has 101 recalls covering fuel pumps, tires, and forward collision warnings.
- Dodge owners frequently report structural rust and air bag non-deployment, whereas Silverado complaints center on engine shutdowns and transmission problems.
- The Silverado's complaint volume is higher per year, but the Dodge's reported failures include potentially catastrophic steering and axle issues.
- Electrical problems in the Dodge often involve corrosion causing lighting failures, while Silverado electrical faults are linked to braking loss and engine stalling.
- Inspect the frame around the steering box for excessive rust or cracks, as owners report the frame can disconnect from the steering.
- Check the dashboard for cracks and test all air bag warning lights; ask if air bags have ever failed to deploy in a crash.
- Test drive at various speeds and watch for sudden engine shutdowns or messages like 'Return to Neutral' on the display.
- Check brake function carefully, including firm pedal feel and stopping performance, and scan for any stored electrical or brake codes.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls, especially on the Silverado.
- Have a mechanic inspect the Dodge's frame, steering box mounting area, and rear axle for rust and loose pinion nut.
- For the Silverado, test the electrical system thoroughly, including lights, brakes, and infotainment, and check for transmission smoothness.
- Ask for maintenance records related to air bag system checks and brake service on both vehicles.
- Perform a test drive that includes highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic to replicate reported failure conditions.
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 Wagon or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Dodge RAM Wagon vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Dodge RAM Wagon total complaints
- 2,172
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Dodge RAM Wagon total recalls
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Dodge RAM Wagon avg complaints/year
- 543.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Dodge RAM Wagon
- Dodge RAM Wagon top complaint area
- STRUCTURE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE