Head-to-head reliability
RAM 2500 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the RAM 2500 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 2500 vs Chevrolet Silverado: Over 10 years, the RAM 2500 has 4,389 complaints (about 439 per year) and 90 recalls, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints (about 511 per year) and 100 recalls. The RAM's complaints often involve service brakes, while the Silverado's center on engine issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the RAM 2500 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
RAM 2500
The RAM 2500 is a heavy-duty truck that owners rely on for towing and hauling, but NHTSA data shows a pattern of brake and electrical problems that can affect daily use. Over 10 years, it has 4,389 complaints (about 439 per year) and 90 recalls, with the majority of complaints centered on service brakes. Owners frequently report seized calipers, faulty brake hoses, and unintended brake engagement, which can lead to costly repairs and safety concerns. Electrical issues, including charging fires and malfunctioning driver aids, add to the ownership burden.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that many buyers choose for its range of engines and trim levels, yet NHTSA data reveals a high volume of engine and power train complaints. It has 5,105 complaints over 10 years (about 511 per year) and 100 recalls, with engine issues being the most common. Owners report severe problems like engine failure, diesel particulate filter soot accumulation, and sudden loss of power, often on relatively new trucks. Electrical and brake complaints also appear, including cases where braking effectiveness is reduced.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | RAM 2500 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 4,389 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 90 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 107 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 438.9 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 51 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.
RAM 2500
- 01SERVICE BRAKES2,955
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM885
- 03HYDRAULIC557
- 04VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL434
- 05POWER TRAIN357
Owners report seized brake calipers caused by faulty brake hoses, requiring replacement of calipers, rotors, and pads. Some also describe brakes engaging without input on highways, which can be dangerous and expensive to fix.
Complaints include vehicles catching fire while charging, and recalls for instrument cluster issues that may not be completed due to parts shortages. These problems can leave owners without critical driver information or create fire risks.
Hydraulic system complaints often relate to brake fluid leaks or failures, contributing to reduced braking performance. This matters because hydraulic issues can compromise stopping ability and lead to costly repairs.
Owners report intermittent failures of ABS, traction control, cruise control, and electronic stability control, along with warning lights. These malfunctions can affect vehicle handling and safety, especially in poor conditions.
“I have a seized brake caliper that is a direct result of a faulty brake hose. The brakes were looked at by a brake specialist business and I was told the brake hoses had to be replaced as well as the calipers, rotors and pads on the front. I took it to the La…”
“This problem first occurred on a state highway in [XXX] in 2023 and again in 2026 (this incident.) While driving south on XXX, there was an undulation/slight bump in the interstate while in a mild right hand curve. My vehicles brakes engaged without my input…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners of new Silverado models report severe engine problems, including loss of motive power and loud pinging sounds, sometimes with brakes and steering becoming inoperable. Diesel models experience repeated diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events requiring dealer service.
Complaints include vehicles suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly, such as in parking garages, which can leave drivers stranded. This indicates potential transmission control issues that may be dangerous in traffic.
Owners describe sudden, severe loss of normal braking with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power, as well as engine pinging and loss of power. These electrical faults can disable critical safety systems without warning.
Brake complaints mirror electrical issues, with reports of braking effectiveness dropping suddenly. This is a serious safety concern because it can happen without warning and may require immediate repair.
“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 2500 — 90 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 vehicles equipped with a 3.5" cluster and column shifter. A software error may cause the gear selection display to be inaccurate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard n…
The risk: An inaccurate gear selection display may mislead the driver as to what gear is actually selected, leading to unexpected vehicle movement and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the cluster software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 36C.
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Ram Cab Chassis, and Ram 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. A software error may cause the instrument panel cluster display to be blank. As such, these vehicles fail to comply…
The risk: An instrument panel display that does not show critical information, such as warning lights or gear selection, increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and update the instrument panel software or replace the instrument panel cluster, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 18, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025 Ram 2500 Pickup, 3500 Pickup, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis trucks. A software error in the occupant restraint controller module may cause the driver's side air bag and/or seat belt pretensioner not to deploy in a crash and…
The risk: Driving with a disabled electronic stability control system increases the risk of a crash. Additionally, a driver's side air bag or seat belt pretensioner that does not deploy increases the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the occupant restraint controller module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 15, 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall…
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…
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 2500 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The RAM 2500 has fewer complaints per year (about 439) than the Chevrolet Silverado (about 511), but both have similar numbers of recalls and crash-related reports. In practice, the RAM's issues are more concentrated in brakes and electrical systems, while the Silverado's are spread across engine, power train, and electrical areas. Neither truck is problem-free, but the RAM may have a slightly lower overall complaint rate.
Key differences
- The RAM 2500's most common complaint area is service brakes, with reports of seized calipers and unintended brake engagement, while the Silverado's top complaint area is engine, including loss of power and diesel soot issues.
- Silverado owners report sudden loss of braking and steering at highway speeds, whereas RAM owners more often report brake hose failures and electrical fires while charging.
- The RAM 2500 has fewer complaints per year (439 vs. 511) but a higher proportion of brake-related complaints; the Silverado has more engine and power train complaints.
- Both have 1 death reported, but the Silverado has more crash-related reports (117 vs. 107) and injuries (104 vs. 51) over the same period.
- Inspect brake hoses and calipers for signs of seizing or leaks, as owners report these failing and requiring replacement of multiple brake components.
- Check for electrical issues such as instrument cluster malfunctions and ensure any open recalls are completed, especially those related to charging fires.
- Listen for engine pinging or knocking and check for loss of power, especially in 6.2L and diesel models, as owners report severe engine failures.
- Test the transmission for sudden neutral engagements, particularly at low speeds, and verify that all brake and electrical recalls have been addressed.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls are completed, especially for brakes and electrical systems on both trucks.
- Have a mechanic inspect the brake system thoroughly, including hoses, calipers, and fluid, on the RAM 2500.
- For the Silverado, perform a compression test and check for diesel particulate filter issues if equipped with a diesel engine.
- Test drive both trucks in various conditions, including highway and parking lot maneuvers, to check for unintended braking, transmission slipping, or loss of power.
- Review NHTSA complaints for the specific model year you are considering to see if patterns persist.
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 2500 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 98 |
| 2025 | 0 | 150 |
| 2024 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 144 | 0 |
| 2022 | 537 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 105 | 934 |
| 2020 | 163 | 0 |
| 2019 | 192 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 2562 | 591 |
| 2017 | 686 | 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 2500 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- RAM 2500 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- RAM 2500 total complaints
- 4,389
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- RAM 2500 total recalls
- 90
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- RAM 2500 avg complaints/year
- 438.9
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- RAM 2500
- RAM 2500 top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE