Head-to-head reliability
RAM 4500 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the RAM 4500 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 4500 vs Chevrolet Silverado: Over 10 years, the RAM 4500 has 27 complaints and 57 recalls, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints and 100 recalls. The RAM's issues often involve brakes and power train wobble; the Silverado's span engine, electrical, and brakes. Both have crash and injury reports. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the RAM 4500 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
RAM 4500
The RAM 4500 is a heavy-duty commercial truck, often used for towing and hauling. Over 10 years, it has 27 complaints (2.7 per year) and 57 recalls, with brake and hydraulic issues being the most common. Owners report serious problems like loss of braking and power train wobble, which can be dangerous. Living with this truck means staying on top of recalls and being prepared for potential brake failures.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume: 5,105 complaints over 10 years (510.5 per year) and 100 recalls. The most frequent issues involve the engine, power train, and electrical system, with many reports of sudden loss of power and braking problems. This suggests that while popular, the Silverado may require more frequent attention to reliability and safety fixes.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | RAM 4500 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 27 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 57 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 3 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 2.7 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 4 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 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 4500
- 01SERVICE BRAKES12
- 02POWER TRAIN8
- 03HYDRAULIC7
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM3
- 05STEERING3
Owners report brake HCU failures causing loss of ABS and brake control, sometimes with no remedy available for open recalls. This is critical because it can lead to crashes and injuries.
Complaints include 'Death Wobble' at highway speeds, where the truck shakes violently and pulls to one side, risking loss of control. This often occurs after hitting expansion joints or bumps.
Hydraulic brake system issues, such as leaks or failures in hoses and fittings, are reported, sometimes linked to recalls. These can cause sudden loss of braking ability.
The CP4 fuel pump can fail, causing the truck to stall or die while driving, especially under load. This leaves drivers stranded and can block traffic.
“The contact owns a 2018 Ram 4500. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the check engine warning light and other unknown warning lights were illuminated, before the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed t…”
“The vehicle has an active recall open on it (confirmed by local dealership, NHTSA webform, and directly with Ram/Stellantis) that was opened in 2024 and currently has no remedy available. The vehicles brake HCU fails causing loss of ABS/brake control, this un…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report engine failures, including loss of motive power and loud pinging sounds, often in newer models with low mileage. Some also experience excessive soot accumulation in diesel particulate filters, requiring dealer service.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral and loss of power, even at low speeds, which can leave the vehicle unresponsive. This is dangerous in traffic or parking situations.
Electrical glitches can cause severe loss of braking, with a firm pedal but ineffective stopping, as well as loss of steering and motive power. These failures can happen without warning.
Brake problems include sudden loss of normal braking, where the pedal remains firm but the vehicle won't stop. This is often linked to electrical or hydraulic issues and poses a major safety risk.
“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 4500 — 57 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles equipped with a Cummins 6.7L High Output engine. The engine calibration software may not warn about low oil volume.
The risk: Low oil can damage the engine, causing an oil leak or a punctured engine block, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will update the engine calibration software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 25, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Y21.
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 vehicles, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, 5500 Cab Chassis and 3500 Cab Chassis with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lbs. The windshield wiper arms may loosen, possibly causing the wipers to…
The risk: Reduced visibility increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will tighten the wiper nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2022. This recall is an expansion of recall number 20V-208. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US,…
The defect: Excellance, Inc (Excellance) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Excellance-modified RAM 4500/5500 vehicles to be equipped with CLASS Suspension Systems. In the affected suspension systems, the rear brake caliper flexible line may have been routed so that it contacts a suspension component, possibly cau…
The risk: A worn rear brake caliper flexible line may cause brake fluid leakage which may result in a partial or complete loss of the rear brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Excellance will notify owners, and dealers will install a kit to remedy any damage and to prevent any future damage, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a schedule for recall notification. Owners may contact Excellance cu…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 2500, 3500 pickup trucks, and Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines. The High Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) may fail, resulting in a sudden engine stall without warning.
The risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the HPFP, update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software, and inspect and replace additional fuel system components as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters to inform owners of the safety r…
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 4500 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The RAM 4500 has far fewer complaints per year (2.7 vs. 510.5) and fewer recalls (57 vs. 100), but both have serious safety-related issues. In practice, the Silverado's higher volume means more frequent reports, but the RAM's low volume doesn't guarantee fewer problems per vehicle. Buyers should weigh the severity of reported failures, not just counts.
Key differences
- The RAM 4500 has 27 complaints over 10 years, while the Silverado has 5,105, but the Silverado is far more common on the road.
- RAM 4500 issues cluster around brakes, hydraulics, and power train wobble; Silverado problems are spread across engine, power train, electrical, and brakes.
- Both have crash-related complaints (3 for RAM, 117 for Silverado) and injuries (4 for RAM, 104 for Silverado), indicating real safety risks.
- Recalls are more numerous for Silverado (100 vs. 57), but RAM has unresolved brake recalls with no remedy available.
- Check for open recalls on the brake HCU and ensure any recall repairs are completed, as loss of ABS/brake control is reported.
- Test drive at highway speeds to detect 'Death Wobble' or steering pull, especially after hitting bumps.
- Listen for engine pinging or knocking and check for loss of power during test drive, as engine failures are reported.
- Test brakes thoroughly for sudden loss of braking effect, even if pedal feels firm, due to electrical or hydraulic issues.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA.gov to check for open recalls and whether remedies are available.
- Ask for a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the specific model's common issues.
- Review the vehicle's service history for repeated brake, engine, or electrical repairs.
- During test drive, pay attention to braking, steering, and any warning lights or unusual noises.
- For the RAM 4500, specifically ask about the CP4 fuel pump and brake HCU recall status; for the Silverado, inquire about engine and transmission software updates.
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 4500 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 98 |
| 2025 | 0 | 150 |
| 2024 | 1 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 3 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 0 | 934 |
| 2020 | 3 | 0 |
| 2019 | 6 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 9 | 591 |
| 2017 | 5 | 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 4500 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- RAM 4500 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- RAM 4500 total complaints
- 27
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- RAM 4500 total recalls
- 57
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- RAM 4500 avg complaints/year
- 2.7
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- RAM 4500
- RAM 4500 top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE