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 about 140 complaints per year, while the Silverado has over 500. Both have serious issues like engine stalls and brake failures, but the Silverado's higher rate suggests more frequent problems. 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 an older, budget-friendly sedan that, based on NHTSA data, has a high rate of owner complaints, averaging about 140 per year. Owners report serious issues with the engine stalling at speed, oil leaks, suspension noises, steering misalignment, and airbags that may not deploy in crashes. These problems suggest that while the car may be cheap to buy, it could require frequent and costly repairs, and safety systems may not always work as intended.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher total number of complaints, but that's partly because it's a popular vehicle with a longer production run. The data shows a high annual complaint rate (over 500 per year), with major issues in the engine, transmission, electrical system, and brakes. Owners report sudden loss of power, transmission failures, brake failures, and electrical glitches, which can be dangerous, especially in a large, heavy truck.
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 | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 51 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 102 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 139.7 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 84 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 1 |
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 the engine suddenly shutting off while driving at highway speeds, which can be terrifying and dangerous. Others describe massive oil leaks that recur even after expensive repairs, indicating a persistent problem with engine seals or gaskets.
Complaints include clunking or crunching noises when turning, and the need for repeated alignments because the steering wheel becomes crooked shortly after alignment. This suggests worn or loose suspension components, like ball joints or control arms, which can affect handling and tire wear.
Some owners report the steering wheel locking up without warning, which can lead to loss of control and crashes. Others mention the steering wheel being angled after alignments, indicating issues with the steering column or linkage.
There are reports of airbags not deploying in severe frontal collisions, even when the vehicle is totaled. This is a critical safety concern because airbags are meant to protect occupants in crashes, and failure to deploy can lead to serious injuries.
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE STRATUS. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE STILL HAD STEERING AND BRAKING ABILITY SO THE CONTACT PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. SHE TURNED THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY OFF AND IT WAS ABLE TO RESTART IMMEDIATEL…”
“DECEMBER 2010 I NOTICED A MASSIVE OIL LEAK/SPILL UNDER MY CAR. TOOK TO SHOP IMMEDIATELY. THEY TOOK APART TIMING COVER SET AND DID SOME REPLACEMENTS. COST APPROXIMATELY $900. A FEW WEEKS LATER, AN EVEN BIGGER OIL LEAK/SPILL. TOOK TO SHOP IMMEDIATELY. THEY REPL…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report sudden loss of motive power while driving, sometimes accompanied by loud pinging noises. Others mention issues with diesel particulate filters clogging repeatedly, requiring dealer service, which can be inconvenient and costly.
There are reports of the transmission suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, which can be dangerous if it happens in traffic. Some owners also mention the vehicle losing power and not responding to the accelerator.
Electrical issues can cause severe problems, such as sudden loss of braking and steering while driving. Owners report warning messages and the vehicle becoming inoperable, which is extremely dangerous.
Several complaints describe a sudden, severe loss of braking effectiveness, even though the brake pedal feels firm. This can lead to crashes, especially when needing to stop quickly.
“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: 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…
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: 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 — 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 Stratus or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Dodge Stratus has fewer complaints per year (about 140) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 510), but the Stratus's issues are still serious, including engine stalls and airbag failures. The Silverado's higher complaint rate reflects more frequent and potentially more dangerous failures, especially in the engine, transmission, and brakes. In practice, the Stratus may be less likely to leave you stranded, but both vehicles have significant reliability and safety concerns.
Key differences
- The Stratus has a higher proportion of complaints related to engine stalling and oil leaks, while the Silverado has more complaints about sudden loss of power and transmission failures.
- The Stratus has more complaints about suspension and steering components, such as ball joints and alignment issues, whereas the Silverado has more brake-related complaints, including sudden loss of braking.
- The Stratus has airbag non-deployment complaints, while the Silverado has electrical issues that can affect braking and steering.
- The Silverado's complaint rate is over three times higher than the Stratus's, indicating a higher likelihood of problems per year.
- Check for any signs of oil leaks under the engine, and ask about the history of timing cover or gasket replacements.
- Test the steering for any unusual noises or looseness, and have a mechanic inspect the suspension ball joints and control arms.
- Ask about any transmission issues, especially if the vehicle has experienced sudden shifts to neutral or loss of power.
- Inspect the brake system thoroughly, and check for any warning messages related to brake fluid or electrical faults.
Before you buy
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the engine, transmission, brakes, and suspension.
- Check the vehicle's recall status on the NHTSA website and ensure all recalls have been addressed.
- Test drive at highway speeds to see if the engine stalls or loses power, and listen for unusual noises.
- For the Stratus, check the airbag system by verifying the airbag light is off and reviewing any accident history.
- For the Silverado, test the brakes at various speeds and in an open area to ensure they respond properly.
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
- 5,105
- Dodge Stratus total recalls
- 51
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Dodge Stratus avg complaints/year
- 139.7
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Dodge Stratus
- Dodge Stratus top complaint area
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE