Head-to-head reliability
RAM 1500 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the RAM 1500 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
RAM 1500 vs Chevrolet Silverado: RAM 1500 has 849 complaints per year, Silverado 511. RAM has 397 crash-related complaints, Silverado 117. RAM has 135 recalls, Silverado 100. Both show serious engine and electrical issues, but Silverado has fewer overall. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the RAM 1500 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
RAM 1500
The RAM 1500 is a full-size pickup with a decade of owner feedback showing a high volume of complaints, averaging 849 per year. The pattern centers on engine and electrical gremlins, with owners reporting stalling, warning-light clusters, and battery drain, often in newer models. These issues can leave you stranded or dealing with intermittent failures, making ownership more about troubleshooting than just routine maintenance.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado also shows a significant complaint history, though at a lower rate of about 511 per year. Engine and powertrain issues dominate, including sudden loss of power and transmission problems, sometimes at low mileage. Brake-related complaints are also notable, with reports of reduced braking effectiveness, which is a serious safety concern for any buyer.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | RAM 1500 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 8,493 | 5,105 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 135 | 100 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 397 | 117 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 849.3 | 510.5 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 270 | 104 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 15 | 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.
RAM 1500
- 01ENGINE2,522
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,308
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,279
- 04POWER TRAIN1,207
- 05STEERING1,028
Owners report stalling at speed, especially in V6 eTorque models, with battery drain while towing and sudden loss of power. This can be dangerous if it happens on the highway.
Multiple warning lights (ABS, check engine, seat belt) illuminate simultaneously, often with messages like 'Service Transmission.' This suggests a central electrical fault that can be hard to diagnose.
Sudden 'Limp Mode' activation, particularly in EcoDiesel models while towing, with a 'Service Electronic Throttle' warning. This cuts power and can be alarming when you need to accelerate.
“2023 Ram 1500 V6 eTorque, 40,000 miles. Two stalling incidents have occurred under different conditions. Incident 1: While towing approximately 4,000 lbs, the 12V battery began slowly draining while the vehicle was in motion. Battery voltage gradually dropped…”
“The contact owns a 2023 Ram 1500. The contact stated that on two occasions while driving approximately 60 MPH, the traction control warning light illuminated and the message "Parking Brake Deactivated" was displayed. The contact stated that during the first f…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Reports of sudden engine failure and loss of motive power, sometimes with loud pinging noises, in 6.2L and 6.6L Duramax engines. Also, diesel particulate filter clogging requiring dealer intervention.
Transmission issues like sudden neutral engagement while driving, and loss of power, which can leave you without acceleration in traffic.
Sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal, and brake system warnings, indicating potential brake failure that is critical to address.
“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.
RAM 1500 — 135 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, and Ram 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. A software error may cause the instrument panel display to fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the re…
The risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as gear selection and warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the instrument panel software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 5, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 35D. Vehicle Identification N…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, and Ram 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. A software error may cause the instrument panel display to fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the re…
The risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as gear selection and warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the instrument panel software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 5, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 35D. Vehicle Identification N…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Jeep Wagoneer S, 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, Ram 5500 Cab Chassis, and 2026 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. Due to an improperly designed trailer tow module, the trailer lights…
The risk: Trailer brake lights and turn signals that do not illuminate reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, trailer brakes that fail increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the trailer tow module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning March 17, 2026. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 03D. V…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Jeep Wagoneer S, 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, Ram 5500 Cab Chassis, and 2026 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. Due to an improperly designed trailer tow module, the trailer lights…
The risk: Trailer brake lights and turn signals that do not illuminate reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, trailer brakes that fail increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the trailer tow module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning March 17, 2026. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 03D. V…
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
RAM 1500 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Chevrolet Silverado has fewer complaints per year (511 vs 849) and fewer crash-related incidents (117 vs 397), suggesting a lower rate of serious issues. However, both have significant problems, so a thorough inspection is essential.
Key differences
- RAM 1500 has more than double the complaints per year (849 vs 511) and more than triple the crash-related complaints (397 vs 117).
- RAM 1500 owners frequently report stalling and electrical warning-light clusters, while Silverado owners report sudden power loss and brake failures.
- Silverado has a higher proportion of brake complaints (691 vs 0 in top 5 for RAM), indicating a specific safety concern.
- RAM 1500 has more recalls (135 vs 100), suggesting more post-sale fixes.
- Check for any history of stalling or battery drain, especially in V6 eTorque models, and ask if the battery and charging system have been replaced.
- Look for evidence of multiple warning lights appearing together, which may indicate an unresolved electrical issue.
- Ask about any transmission or engine power loss incidents, and verify that all recalls, especially those related to brakes, have been performed.
- Inspect the brake system thoroughly, including fluid level and any warning messages, given the reports of sudden brake failure.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full service history and check for open recalls on both vehicles.
- Test drive at highway speeds and during towing if possible, to see if any stalling or power loss occurs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the electrical system on the RAM 1500, including battery and alternator.
- For the Silverado, have the brakes and transmission checked by a professional.
- Ask the seller if any of the specific complaints (stalling, brake failure, etc.) have occurred and what was done to fix them.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | RAM 1500 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 98 |
| 2025 | 0 | 150 |
| 2024 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 585 | 0 |
| 2022 | 3624 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 673 | 934 |
| 2020 | 622 | 0 |
| 2019 | 1465 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 656 | 591 |
| 2017 | 868 | 0 |
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 RAM 1500 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- RAM 1500 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- RAM 1500 total complaints
- 8,493
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- RAM 1500 total recalls
- 135
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- RAM 1500 avg complaints/year
- 849.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Chevrolet Silverado
- RAM 1500 top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE