Head-to-head reliability
RAM 3500 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the RAM 3500 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 3500 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The RAM 3500 has 1,750 complaints over 10 years (175/year) and 86 recalls, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints (823/year) and 101 recalls. The RAM's top issue is service brakes (934 reports); the Silverado's is engine (2,521). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the RAM 3500 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
RAM 3500
The RAM 3500 is a heavy-duty truck that owners often use for towing and hauling, but NHTSA data shows 1,750 complaints over 10 years (175 per year) and 86 recalls. The most common complaint area is service brakes, with 934 reports, many describing soft or long pedal travel and loss of braking assist while towing. Electrical and power train issues also appear, including infotainment blackouts and stalling. With 51 crash-related complaints, 31 injuries, and 1 death, these are not just minor annoyances.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size truck with a much higher complaint volume: 8,227 over 10 years (about 823 per year) and 101 recalls. Engine and power train complaints dominate, with 2,521 and 2,347 reports respectively, often involving stalling, rough running, or sudden loss of power. Electrical and brake issues are also common, and there are 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths. This suggests a wide range of problems that can affect daily driving and safety.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | RAM 3500 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,750 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 86 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 51 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 175.0 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 31 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.
RAM 3500
- 01SERVICE BRAKES934
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM297
- 03POWER TRAIN223
- 04HYDRAULIC196
- 05VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL161
Owners report soft or long brake pedal travel, where the brakes do not fully apply until the pedal is halfway down. Some also describe loss of trailer brakes and stability control warnings while towing heavy loads, which can make stopping unpredictable.
Complaints include infotainment screens blacking out, backup cameras showing distorted images, and cruise control buttons failing. These issues can distract the driver and may affect safety features that rely on cameras or displays.
Reports mention stalling, accelerator control sensor warnings, and drivetrain failures shortly after purchase. Stalling in traffic or while towing can be dangerous and leave the driver without power.
This area is tied to brake and steering hydraulic components. Owners describe loss of various systems while towing, including trailer brakes and stability control, which can reduce control on hills or uneven roads.
“Loss of various systems while towing 14,000# trailer in hilly terrain. Loss of trailer brakes caused diminished control on the vehicle. * 4WD System Temporarily Unavailable * Service Antilock Brake System * Service Electronic Stability Control * Service Trail…”
“The brakes do not apply until after the pedal reaches half of its travel distance and still not as good they should. Very soft pedal feeling and too long of pedal travel to apply brakes. Very unsafe! I have had it to the dealer 3 times for this condition sinc…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine shutdowns while driving, excessive diesel soot accumulation in the particulate filter, and rough running. Some complaints involve brand-new trucks with low mileage, meaning even recent models can leave you stranded.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral, loss of acceleration, and transmission problems. These can happen at low speeds or in parking lots, making the truck hard to control.
Reports describe sudden loss of normal braking, engine shut-off with 'Return to Neutral' messages, and blank screens. These electrical glitches can disable critical functions like braking assist and throttle response.
Owners describe a firm brake pedal with reduced braking effect, and in some cases the truck shuts off completely while braking. This can turn a routine stop into an emergency.
“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 3500 — 86 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Ram 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, and 4500, 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles equipped with a Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engine. An electrical short may occur in the heater grid relay with the ignition on or off.
The risk: An electrical short in the relay can result in an engine compartment fire with the ignition on or off, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the relay, free of charge. This will be a Phased campaign. Phase 1 will include 2023 model year vehicles. FCA US will not…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Ram 1500, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with GVWR less than 10,000 lbs., and 2022-2024 Ram 2500 vehicles. The radio software may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Veh…
The risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 24, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 97A.
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023 Ram 1500 Classic, Ram 3500 Classic, 3500 Cab Chassis, 2023-2024 Ram 2500, 4500/5500 Cab Chassis, and Ram 3500 vehicles. The steering column control module may cause the high beams to activate when the turn signal is used or activate the turn signal w…
The risk: Turn signals and/or high beams that do not function as intended may cause confusion or reduced visibility to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the steering column control module (SCCM) software, and inspect and replace the module, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer ser…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) (Stellantis) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Ram 1500, Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Wagoneer, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Chrysler Pacifica, Ram 3500, Ram 3500 cab chassis, Ram 2500, Ram 4500 cab chassis, Ram 5500 cab chassis, 2023 Jeep Gladiator, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, R…
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy in a crash can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering column control module, as necessary free of charge. Some owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2024 through June 20, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-85…
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
RAM 3500 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The RAM 3500 has far fewer complaints per year (175 vs. 823) and fewer crash-related reports (51 vs. 233), but its brake complaints are a large share of its total. The Silverado's higher volume means you are more likely to encounter engine, power train, and electrical problems, though both trucks have serious safety-related complaints. In practice, the RAM may have fewer overall issues, but the Silverado's issues are more spread across major systems.
Key differences
- The RAM 3500 has 175 complaints per year versus 823 for the Silverado, but the RAM's top issue is service brakes (934 reports), often described as soft pedal or loss of trailer brakes.
- The Silverado's top issues are engine (2,521) and power train (2,347), with reports of stalling, sudden neutral, and diesel soot problems.
- The Silverado has more crash-related complaints (233 vs. 51) and more injuries (160 vs. 31), though both have fatalities (3 vs. 1).
- Electrical problems appear in both, but the Silverado's include sudden loss of braking and engine shut-off, while the RAM's include infotainment blackouts and camera failures.
- Check for soft or long brake pedal travel and any warning lights for antilock brakes or stability control, especially if the truck has been used for towing.
- Test the infotainment system, backup camera, and cruise control buttons for blackouts or unresponsive behavior, as electrical gremlins are commonly reported.
- Look for any history of engine stalling, rough idle, or diesel particulate filter warnings, especially on low-mileage trucks.
- Test the brakes for firmness and reduced stopping power, and check for messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start' that indicate electrical shutdowns.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and ask for all dealer service records, focusing on brake, engine, and electrical repairs.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, including a brake fluid and pedal feel check, and scan for stored trouble codes.
- Test drive the truck under conditions similar to your use, such as towing a trailer for the RAM or highway driving for the Silverado.
- Verify that all recalls have been completed by checking the NHTSA recall database with the VIN.
- For the Silverado, specifically ask about any engine or transmission software updates or repairs related to stalling or shifting into neutral.
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 3500 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 27 | 120 |
| 2025 | 42 | 157 |
| 2024 | 44 | 527 |
| 2023 | 17 | 450 |
| 2022 | 190 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 62 | 961 |
| 2020 | 116 | 868 |
| 2019 | 136 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 804 | 597 |
| 2017 | 312 | 1154 |
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 3500 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- RAM 3500 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- RAM 3500 total complaints
- 1,750
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- RAM 3500 total recalls
- 86
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- RAM 3500 avg complaints/year
- 175.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- RAM 3500
- RAM 3500 top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE