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 9 complaints over 10 years (0.9/year) and 0 recalls, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints (822.7/year) and 101 recalls. Promaster complaints include brake failure and transmission issues; Silverado reports engine shutdowns and electrical faults. 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 low-volume commercial van with only 9 complaints over 10 years, averaging 0.9 per year. Owners report serious but sporadic issues like sudden brake failure and transmission problems, often tied to a recall for the accelerator pedal. With no recalls on record, the complaint pattern suggests that while problems are rare, they can be severe and may leave you without brakes or power.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a high-volume pickup with 8,227 complaints over 10 years, averaging 822.7 per year, plus 101 recalls. Owners frequently report engine and transmission problems, including sudden shutdowns and loss of braking, often on newer models. The sheer number of complaints and recalls means you're more likely to encounter a known defect, but also that fixes may be more widely documented.
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 | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.9 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 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 Promaster 2500
- 01POWER TRAIN4
- 02SERVICE BRAKES2
- 03VISIBILITY1
- 04SEATS1
- 05STRUCTURE1
Owners report the accelerator pedal becoming unresponsive at highway speeds and the transmission refusing to shift out of reverse or into park. These failures can leave you stranded or unable to control speed, and a recall for the pedal was issued but parts were unavailable.
Complaints describe the brake pedal going to the floor with no warning, causing a complete loss of braking, and the parking brake randomly engaging at low speeds. Such failures are extremely dangerous and erode trust in the vehicle.
One owner reported the passenger-side power mirror closing on its own at highway speed, and the button failed to reopen it. This reduces side visibility and could lead to a collision during lane changes.
A complaint filed under seats actually repeats the brake failure description, suggesting possible misclassification. Buyers should not ignore brake-related complaints even if labeled under seats.
“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
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of newer Silverados report engine shutdowns while driving, requiring a restart, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events that need dealer service. These issues can strand you and lead to costly repairs.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving uphill and transmission problems that may cause loss of power. This can happen at low speeds and create dangerous situations.
Owners report sudden loss of braking effectiveness with a firm pedal, and the engine shutting off while driving with dashboard messages like 'Return to Neutral'. Electrical glitches can disable critical safety systems.
Braking problems are reported, including the vehicle shutting off and losing acceleration in parking lots, and reduced braking effectiveness. These issues can occur at low speeds and increase crash 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 Promaster 2500
No recalls on record.
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 Promaster 2500 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The RAM Promaster 2500 has far fewer complaints per year (0.9 vs. 822.7) and no recalls, but its complaints include severe brake and transmission failures. The Silverado's much higher volume means more reported problems, but also more documented fixes; in practice, the Promaster may be less likely to leave you stranded, but when it fails, it can be catastrophic.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: Promaster averages 0.9 per year vs. Silverado's 822.7 per year, but Promaster complaints include total brake failure.
- Recalls: Promaster has 0 recalls on record; Silverado has 101 recalls, including fuel pump and forward collision warning issues.
- Failure patterns: Promaster owners report accelerator pedal unresponsiveness and parking brake engagement; Silverado owners report engine shutdowns and transmission slipping into neutral.
- Crash/injury data: Promaster has 1 crash and 1 injury; Silverado has 233 crashes and 160 injuries, reflecting its much larger fleet.
- Test the brakes thoroughly: pump the pedal and check for a firm feel; any pedal going to the floor or not returning is a red flag.
- Check for transmission issues: ensure it shifts smoothly in and out of park and reverse, and listen for vibration in the steering wheel while reversing.
- Test drive at various speeds and check for sudden engine shutdowns or dashboard warnings like 'Return to Neutral'.
- Inspect braking performance: brake firmly from low speed and ensure the pedal feels consistent and the vehicle stops without hesitation.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls, especially the Promaster's power train recall.
- Have a mechanic inspect the brakes, including pedal feel and parking brake operation, on both vehicles.
- For the Silverado, scan for stored engine and transmission codes and test the electrical system, including infotainment and safety alerts.
- For the Promaster, verify the accelerator pedal response and transmission shifting during a test drive.
- Review NHTSA complaints for the specific model year you're 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 Promaster 2500 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 120 |
| 2025 | 0 | 157 |
| 2024 | 0 | 527 |
| 2023 | 2 | 450 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 4 | 961 |
| 2020 | 3 | 868 |
| 2019 | 0 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 0 | 597 |
| 2017 | 0 | 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 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
- 8,227
- RAM Promaster 2500 total recalls
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- RAM Promaster 2500 avg complaints/year
- 0.9
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- RAM Promaster 2500
- RAM Promaster 2500 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE