Head-to-head reliability
RAM Promaster 2500 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the RAM Promaster 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 Promaster 2500 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Promaster has only 9 complaints over 10 years (0.9/yr) with no recalls, but owners report severe brake failures. The Silverado has 5,105 complaints (510.5/yr) and 100 recalls, with engine and brake issues common. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the RAM Promaster 2500 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
RAM Promaster 2500
The RAM Promaster 2500 is a workhorse van that owners rely on for daily duties, but the complaint history reveals a pattern of serious brake failures and powertrain issues. With only 9 complaints over 10 years, it's a low-volume sample, yet the nature of the reports—such as brake pedals going to the floor and transmission shifting problems—suggests potential safety concerns that could affect a buyer's peace of mind. The lack of recalls is notable, but the complaints indicate that some issues may not have been addressed through official campaigns.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a popular full-size pickup with a high volume of complaints (5,105 over 10 years) and 100 recalls, reflecting its widespread use and complex systems. Owners frequently report engine problems, including severe issues like loss of power and excessive soot in diesel models, as well as transmission failures and electrical glitches that can affect braking. The high complaint rate and recall count suggest that while many Silverados are reliable, a significant number experience major failures that could lead to costly repairs or safety risks.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | RAM Promaster 2500 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 9 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.9 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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 Promaster 2500
- 01POWER TRAIN4
- 02SERVICE BRAKES2
- 03BACK OVER PREVENTION1
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1
- 05VISIBILITY1
Owners report transmission issues, such as difficulty shifting into park and vibration while reversing, which could indicate problems with the transmission or driveline. One complaint mentions an accelerator pedal issue related to a recall, but parts were unavailable, leaving the vehicle potentially unsafe.
Brake failures are described as sudden and complete, with the pedal going to the floor and not returning, posing a serious crash risk. Another report mentions the parking brake engaging randomly and the brake pedal requiring pumping to feel solid, suggesting potential master cylinder or brake system faults.
Electrical issues appear intertwined with brake problems, such as false warnings about lights being out and random parking brake engagement. This points to possible wiring or sensor malfunctions that could affect safety systems.
“The contact owns a 2020 Ram ProMaster 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V301000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the accelerator pedal wa…”
“The contact owns a 2020 Ram Promaster 2500. The contact stated while reversing at approximately 5 MPH, the contact felt vibration in the steering wheel. The contact depressed the brake pedal and attempted to shift into park(P). The contact was unable to shift…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Engine failures are common, with reports of sudden loss of power, loud pinging sounds, and in diesel models, repeated diesel particulate filter clogging (P2463) requiring dealer intervention. These issues can leave drivers stranded and lead to expensive repairs.
Transmission problems include sudden shifts into neutral while driving, which can be dangerous, especially in traffic. Owners also report loss of motive power, which may be linked to engine or transmission failures.
Electrical faults are frequently cited, including severe loss of braking power with a firm pedal, and messages indicating loss of power, brakes, and steering. These suggest potential issues with electronic control modules or sensors that can compromise safety.
Brake failures are reported as sudden and severe, with the pedal firm but braking ineffective, and in some cases, complete loss of braking ability. This is a critical safety concern that may be linked to electrical or hydraulic issues.
“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 Promaster 2500
No recalls on record.
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 Promaster 2500 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The RAM Promaster 2500 has far fewer complaints per year (0.9) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. However, the Promaster's complaints include severe brake failures, while the Silverado's high volume reflects a broader range of problems. In practice, the Promaster may offer fewer headaches, but the Silverado's issues are more numerous and varied, potentially leading to more frequent repairs.
Key differences
- The Promaster has a much lower complaint rate (0.9/yr) than the Silverado (510.5/yr), but the Promaster's complaints include severe brake failures that could be life-threatening.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls, indicating widespread safety issues, while the Promaster has none, but the Promaster's complaints suggest some problems may not have been recalled.
- Engine problems dominate the Silverado's complaints (1,698), while the Promaster's top issue is powertrain (4 complaints), but with a much smaller sample size.
- Electrical issues in the Silverado often lead to braking failures, whereas in the Promaster, electrical problems are linked to random parking brake engagement and false warnings.
- Inspect the brake system thoroughly, including the master cylinder and brake lines, for any signs of leaks or wear, given reports of sudden brake failure.
- Check the transmission for smooth shifting, especially into park, and listen for unusual vibrations during a test drive, as owners reported issues with these.
- Have the engine checked for any signs of excessive soot or loss of power, particularly if it's a diesel model, due to reports of DPF clogging.
- Test the brakes at various speeds and on inclines to ensure they respond properly, as some owners experienced sudden loss of braking effectiveness.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report to check for any open recalls or past complaints.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on brakes, transmission, and engine.
- Test drive both vehicles under varied conditions, including highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic, to feel for any abnormalities.
- Ask for service records to see if any major repairs have been performed, especially for the Silverado's engine or the Promaster's brakes.
- Check online forums and owner communities for common issues specific to the model year you're considering.
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 Promaster 2500 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 98 |
| 2025 | 0 | 150 |
| 2024 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 2 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 4 | 934 |
| 2020 | 3 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 0 | 591 |
| 2017 | 0 | 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 Promaster 2500 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- RAM Promaster 2500 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- RAM Promaster 2500 total complaints
- 9
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- RAM Promaster 2500 total recalls
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- RAM Promaster 2500 avg complaints/year
- 0.9
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- RAM Promaster 2500
- RAM Promaster 2500 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE