Head-to-head reliability
Dodge RAM vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Dodge RAM 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 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The RAM has over 10,000 complaints in 10 years, with airbag and steering issues, while the Silverado has about 5,100 complaints, with engine and brake problems. The RAM has 690 crash-related complaints vs 117 for the Silverado. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Dodge RAM or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Dodge RAM
The Dodge RAM, with over 10,000 complaints in a decade, shows a pattern of serious safety-related issues. Owners frequently report airbag failures in crashes, sudden loss of steering and power, and a dangerous 'death wobble' at highway speeds. These are not just annoyances; they point to potential loss of control and inadequate occupant protection, making it a high-risk choice for a used truck.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado has about half the complaints per year as the RAM, but its issues are still significant. Engine problems, including failures in new 6.2L and Duramax diesel models, and transmission issues that cause sudden neutral engagement are common. Brake failures, sometimes linked to electrical problems, add to the safety concerns, but the overall frequency is lower.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Dodge RAM | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 10,128 | 5,105 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 46 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 690 | 117 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1012.8 | 510.5 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 547 | 104 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 21 | 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
- 01AIR BAGS2,203
- 02STEERING1,978
- 03POWER TRAIN1,924
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,061
- 05SUSPENSION996
Owners report airbags not deploying in head-on collisions, and in one case, a fire started under the dashboard. This suggests potential failures in crash detection or deployment, which is critical for occupant safety.
The 'death wobble' is a well-known issue, causing violent shaking that makes steering difficult until the vehicle slows. Also, sudden engine shutdowns lead to loss of power steering, making the truck hard to control.
Driveshaft failures can cause rear wheels to lock up, and transmission issues prevent acceleration or reverse. These are major drivability and safety problems that could leave you stranded or cause an accident.
Batteries drain quickly, and the engine can stall while driving, losing power. These electrical gremlins can be hard to diagnose and may leave you with an unreliable vehicle.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, SMOKE AND FLAMES APPEARED FROM UNDERNEATH THE DASHBOARD. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. THE FIRE D…”
“I was in a head on accident going approximately 40 mph. I was wearing my seatbelt. A Chevy Trailblazer Crossed the centerline and hit me head on at approximately 40 mph. The airbags did not deploy and the seatbelt also did not restrain. As a result I hit the…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Both gasoline and diesel engines have reported failures, including sudden loss of power and excessive soot buildup in the diesel particulate filter. This can lead to costly repairs and breakdowns, especially in newer models.
Transmission issues cause the vehicle to suddenly shift into neutral, which is dangerous in traffic. This can happen at low speeds, as reported in a parking garage, and may indicate a serious defect.
Electrical problems can lead to a loss of braking and steering, as well as engine pinging and power loss. These are critical safety failures that could occur without warning.
Brake failure is reported, where the pedal is firm but braking is ineffective. This is a direct safety hazard and may be related to electrical issues, making it unpredictable.
“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 — 46 recalls
The defect: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 DODGE RAM TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 2009 THROUGH OCTOBER 2010. SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DIESEL ENGINE AND A HYDROBOOST BRAKE SYSTEM MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH A POWER STEERING RESERVOIR CAP WITH EXCESSIVE VENT PRESSURE LEVELS THAT MAY RESULT IN B…
The risk: BRAKE LIGHTS THAT ARE SLOW TO EXTINGUISH COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER STEERING RESERVOIR CAP FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING FEBRUARY 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
The defect: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 DODGE RAM D2, DJ, AND DS-BODY VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF PART 567, "CERTIFICATION." SOME VEHICLES HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH CERTIFICATION AND/OR SUPPLEMENTAL TIRE PRESSURE INFORMATION LABELS PRINTED WITH INCORRECT WEIGHT OR SEATI…
The risk: THE MISINFORMATION ON THESE LABELS COULD LEAD TO, AMONG OTHER THINGS, FAILURE TO FOLLOW PROPER VEHICLE LOADING SPECIFICATIONS THAT COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH REPLACEMENT CERTIFICATION AND/OR SUPPLEMENTAL TIRE PRESSURE INFORMATION LABELS. AT THE CUSTOMER'S OPTION, THEY MAY TAKE THEIR VEHICLE TO A CHRYSLER DEALER FOR INSTALLATION. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE O…
The defect: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 CHRYSLER SEBRING, 300, CHARGER (LX) AND DODGE CHALLENGER (LC), AVENGER (JS), AND JOURNEY (JC), AS WELL AS MODEL YEAR 2011 DODGE RAM LIGHT DUTY PICKUP (DS) VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A SEPARATION AT THE CRIMPED END OF THE POWER STEER…
The risk: LEAKED POWER STEERING FLUID ONTO HOT ENGINE COMPONENTS COULD CAUSE A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE AS NECESSARY THE POWER STEERING PRESSURE HOSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 20, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
The defect: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 DODGE RAM 4500 AND 5500 VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A WEAKENING AND FRACTURE OF THE LEFT BALL STUD ON THE TIE ROD RESULTING IN THE POTENTIAL LOSS OF STEERING.
The risk: LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LEFT OUTER TIE ROD FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 7, 2011. 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 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Chevrolet Silverado has roughly half the complaints per year (510 vs 1012) and fewer crash-related incidents, making it a more reliable choice on average. However, both have serious safety concerns, so a thorough inspection is essential.
Key differences
- The RAM has double the complaints per year and more than five times the crash-related complaints, indicating a higher risk of safety incidents.
- RAM owners report airbag non-deployment and fires, while Silverado owners report engine and transmission failures, but fewer airbag issues.
- The RAM's 'death wobble' is a unique steering problem not commonly reported in the Silverado.
- The Silverado has more recalls (100 vs 46), suggesting the manufacturer is more proactive, but also that more issues have been identified.
- Inspect the steering system for signs of the 'death wobble' by test driving at highway speeds and checking for excessive play or vibration.
- Check the airbag system's recall status and ensure all safety recalls have been performed, as non-deployment is a serious risk.
- Listen for engine pinging or loss of power during a test drive, and check the service history for engine or transmission replacements.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including sudden stops, to ensure they respond properly, as brake failure has been reported.
Before you buy
- Get a vehicle history report to check for open recalls and past accident damage.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on steering, brakes, and drivetrain.
- Test drive at highway speeds to check for vibrations or wobbles, especially in the RAM.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially for engine and transmission services.
- Check the NHTSA website for the specific model year's recall list and ensure all are completed.
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 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Dodge RAM vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Dodge RAM total complaints
- 10,128
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Dodge RAM total recalls
- 46
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Dodge RAM avg complaints/year
- 1012.8
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Chevrolet Silverado
- Dodge RAM top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE