Head-to-head reliability
RAM 5500 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the RAM 5500 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 5500 vs Chevrolet Silverado: Over 10 years, the RAM 5500 averaged 10.8 complaints per year and had 57 recalls, while the Silverado averaged 510.5 complaints per year and had 100 recalls. The Silverado also reported 117 crash-related complaints versus 5 for the RAM. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the RAM 5500 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
RAM 5500
The RAM 5500 is a heavy-duty commercial truck often used for towing and hauling. Over 10 years, it has averaged about 11 complaints per year, with most issues reported in brakes, power train, and hydraulic systems. Owners frequently report sudden loss of forward gears, ABS/4WD warnings, and even wheels detaching. These are serious problems that can leave you stranded or cause a crash, so a thorough pre-purchase inspection is critical.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup available in many configurations. It has a much higher complaint volume—over 5,100 in 10 years, averaging 510 per year—with engines and power trains dominating. Owners report severe engine failures, transmission problems, and electrical glitches that can disable brakes and steering. While many complaints may be for newer models, the pattern shows a wide range of potentially costly issues.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | RAM 5500 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 108 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 57 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 5 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 10.8 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 8 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 5500
- 01SERVICE BRAKES35
- 02POWER TRAIN35
- 03HYDRAULIC17
- 04WHEELS9
- 05STEERING7
Owners report ABS warnings and 4WD disabling, often tied to hydraulic issues. Some describe brake failure while towing, which is dangerous. A recall (22V759000) addresses brake hydraulics, so check if it was performed.
Complaints include snap ring failures causing loss of forward gears, and sudden loss of momentum with check engine lights. These can happen at low mileage, leaving you unable to drive. Transmission repairs are expensive.
Hydraulic problems often appear as ABS/4WD warning lights. This can affect braking and traction, especially when towing. The same recall for brake hydraulics may apply, so verify it's been fixed.
There are reports of dual wheel tires detaching while driving, which can cause crashes. A recall (21V398000) exists for wheels, but parts may be unavailable. Inspect wheel studs and lug nuts carefully.
“The contact owns a 2017 Ram 5500. The contact stated that an unknown warning light appeared on the instrument panel which stated that the ABS function was not available and that the 4WD was disabled. The vehicle was taken a dealer where they kept the vehicle…”
“The contact owns a 2020 Ram 5500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V759000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and towing a trailer, while attempting to stop the vehicle, the…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine issues, including loss of power and loud pinging sounds, sometimes leading to inoperable brakes and steering. Diesel models have excessive soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These can be costly and dangerous.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral and loss of motive power, even at low miles. This can happen while driving, increasing crash risk. Transmission repairs are often expensive.
Electrical glitches can cause loss of normal braking, with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power. Also, engine pinging and loss of power have been linked to electrical faults. These issues can disable critical safety systems.
Brake problems include sudden loss of braking effectiveness, sometimes accompanied by other electrical failures. A recall for brake fluid warning sensors exists. Brake failure is a serious safety concern.
“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 5500 — 57 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, 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…
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 5500 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The RAM 5500 has far fewer complaints per year (about 11) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 510). This means you're less likely to encounter frequent problems with the RAM, but when issues occur, they can be severe. The Silverado's higher volume suggests a broader range of potential faults, so expect more visits to the shop.
Key differences
- The RAM 5500 averages about 11 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages about 510—a huge difference in reported problem frequency.
- RAM 5500 complaints often involve brakes, power train, and wheels, with reports of wheels detaching and transmission failures.
- Silverado complaints are dominated by engine and power train issues, including sudden loss of power and transmission shifting to neutral.
- The Silverado has more crash-related complaints (117 vs. 5) and injuries (104 vs. 8), though these are raw counts and not adjusted for sales volume.
- Check for ABS/4WD warning lights and confirm the brake hydraulic recall (22V759000) has been performed.
- Inspect transmission for snap ring failure symptoms like loss of gears, and check wheel lug nuts for tightness and signs of detachment.
- Listen for engine pinging or knocking and check for loss of power; diesel models may have excessive soot buildup requiring dealer service.
- Test braking thoroughly for sudden loss of effectiveness and ensure the brake fluid warning sensor recall is addressed.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all open recalls are repaired, especially for brakes and wheels on the RAM and brakes on the Silverado.
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission for the RAM (snap ring issues) and the Silverado (sudden neutral engagement).
- Test drive at various speeds and braking conditions to check for ABS warnings, brake performance, and engine noises.
- For the RAM, inspect dual wheels for proper torque and signs of detachment; for the Silverado, check for electrical glitches affecting brakes and steering.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and specifically inquire about any prior transmission, engine, or brake repairs.
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 5500 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 98 |
| 2025 | 2 | 150 |
| 2024 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 26 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 4 | 934 |
| 2020 | 8 | 0 |
| 2019 | 12 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 37 | 591 |
| 2017 | 19 | 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 5500 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- RAM 5500 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- RAM 5500 total complaints
- 108
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- RAM 5500 total recalls
- 57
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- RAM 5500 avg complaints/year
- 10.8
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- RAM 5500
- RAM 5500 top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE