Head-to-head reliability
Dodge Stratus vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Dodge Stratus 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 Stratus vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Stratus has 978 complaints over 7 years (139.7/year) and 51 recalls, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints over 10 years (822.7/year) and 101 recalls. The Silverado's higher rate suggests more frequent issues, but both have serious safety-related complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Dodge Stratus or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Dodge Stratus
The Dodge Stratus is a mid-size car that, based on owner complaints, can be a handful to own as it ages. Over seven years, NHTSA logged 978 complaints, with the most common trouble spots being the engine, suspension, and steering. Owners frequently report serious issues like fuel leaks, suspension parts falling apart, and power steering failure. With 51 recalls and 102 crash-related complaints, it's a vehicle that demands careful inspection before purchase.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that, according to NHTSA data, generates a high volume of complaints—8,227 over ten years. The most frequent problem areas are the engine, power train, and electrical system. Owners describe sudden engine shutdowns, transmission problems, and brake failures, often on very new trucks. With 101 recalls and 233 crash-related complaints, it's a complex machine with many potential failure points.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Dodge Stratus | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 978 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 51 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 102 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 139.7 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 84 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 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 Stratus
- 01ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING198
- 02SUSPENSION185
- 03STEERING147
- 04AIR BAGS113
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM104
Owners report strong gasoline odors after filling up, often traced to a faulty gas tank, and smoke from oil leaking onto hot engine parts. These issues can lead to costly repairs and fire risk.
Complaints include rear strut mount plates disintegrating and tie rods falling apart, which can cause loss of control. A mechanic warned one owner they were lucky not to have crashed.
Power steering failure is reported, sometimes combined with transmission malfunction, leading to loss of control and crashes. This is a critical safety concern.
Some owners report air bags failing to deploy in crashes, while others report injuries from deployments. This inconsistency raises questions about system reliability.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 DODGE STRATUS. SHE SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE IN HER VEHICLE AFTER FILLING UP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE TECHNICIAN ORDERED THE GAS TANK BUT IT WILL COST HER $1000.00 TO REPLACE THE COMPONENT. T…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 DODGE STRATUS. WHILE TRAVELING 60 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. SECONDS LATER, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE WAS COVERED IN OIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC W…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of new Silverados report engine shutdowns while driving, requiring restarts, and diesel particulate filter issues causing repeated dealer visits. These can leave you stranded.
Complaints include transmissions suddenly shifting into neutral and engine stalling at low speeds, which can be dangerous in traffic or parking lots.
Reports of sudden brake loss with a firm pedal and engine shutting off while driving, with dashboard messages like 'Return to Neutral'. These electrical glitches can affect critical functions.
Owners describe severe loss of braking ability, sometimes accompanied by other electrical failures. This is a major safety issue 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 Stratus — 51 recalls
The defect: QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE IS RECALLING CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BALL JOINTS SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SOCKET MAY HAVE BEEN EXCESSIVELY HARDENED WHICH COULD CAUSE IT TO CRACK NEAR THE RETAINING RING GROOVE ALLOWING THE BALL STUD TO SEPARATE UNDER IMPACT LOAD. THE SUBJECT BALL JOINTS WERE SO…
The risk: SEPARATION OF THE BALL STUD FROM THE SOCKET OF THE BALL JOINT HOUSING WOULD ALLOW THE CONTROL ARM TO COLLAPSE AND THE WHEEL TO FOLD IN CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
The fix: QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE WILL REPLACE THE BALL JOINTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 9, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE AT 1-800-493-4128.
The defect: FEDERAL-MOGUL IS RECALLING CERTAIN REPLACEMENT CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLIES, PART NUMBERS K7425, 10945, FA4510X, K7427, 10946, AND FA4611X, SOLD FOR USE ON VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE BALL JOINT ON THE CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY CAN FAIL CAUSING THE BALL STUD TO WEAR THROUGH THE CONTROL ARM HO…
The risk: IF THERE IS A SEPARATION OF THE BALL STUD FROM THE HOUSING, THE DRIVER CAN LOOSE STEERING CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE AFFECTED CONTROL ARMS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 28, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 1-877-489-6659.
The defect: CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAI…
The risk: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: CARDONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE ANY DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING APRIL 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CARDONE AT 1-800-777-4780.
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2000-2005 Eclipse vehicles manufactured April 5, 1999, to December 17, 2004, 2001-2005 Eclipse Spyder vehicles manufactured January 19, 2000, to March 18, 2005, 2001-2005 Chrysler Sebring vehicles manufactured April 17, 20…
The risk: If the passenger side sun visor detaches and is propelled rearward, there is an increased risk of occupant injury.
The fix: MMNA will notify their owners, and Chrysler will notify the Chrysler and Dodge owners. Dealers will install a tether strap to retain the passenger sun visor, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2015. Owners may contact MMNA custom…
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 Stratus or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Dodge Stratus has far fewer complaints per year (about 140) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823). However, the Stratus complaints often involve older vehicles with serious safety defects, while the Silverado's issues appear even on new trucks. In practice, the Silverado may have more frequent problems, but the Stratus's problems can be more immediately dangerous.
Key differences
- The Dodge Stratus has 978 complaints over 7 years, while the Chevrolet Silverado has 8,227 over 10 years—far more per year.
- Stratus owners report suspension and steering failures that can cause loss of control, while Silverado owners report engine shutdowns and brake loss.
- The Stratus has 51 recalls, the Silverado 101, but the Silverado's recalls include fuel pump and forward collision avoidance issues.
- Air bag problems are prominent in the Stratus (113 complaints), while the Silverado's top issues are engine and power train.
- Check for gasoline odors around the fuel tank and under the car, especially after filling up—this could indicate a leak.
- Inspect suspension components like strut mounts and tie rods for wear or cracks, as failures have been reported.
- Test drive at various speeds and in parking lots to see if the engine shuts off or transmission slips into neutral.
- Check for any dashboard warnings related to brakes or electrical systems, and test braking firmly to ensure no loss of function.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report to see if recalls were performed, especially for air bags and fuel system.
- Have a mechanic inspect the Dodge Stratus for fuel leaks, suspension integrity, and steering function.
- For the Chevrolet Silverado, scan for stored error codes and test drive extensively to replicate engine or transmission issues.
- Verify that all safety recalls have been addressed by checking the NHTSA website with the VIN.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the specific model's common problems.
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 Stratus or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Dodge Stratus vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Dodge Stratus total complaints
- 978
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Dodge Stratus total recalls
- 51
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Dodge Stratus avg complaints/year
- 139.7
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Dodge Stratus
- Dodge Stratus top complaint area
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE