Head-to-head reliability
RAM Promaster 3500 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the RAM Promaster 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 Promaster 3500 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Promaster 3500 has 3 complaints and 0 recalls over 10 years, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints and 100 recalls. The Silverado also has 117 crash-related complaints and 104 injuries. The Promaster's lower complaint rate suggests fewer reported issues, but both have serious problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the RAM Promaster 3500 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
RAM Promaster 3500
The RAM Promaster 3500 is a full-size commercial van often used for work or cargo. Over ten years, it has only 3 complaints and no recalls, which suggests very few reported problems. The complaints that do exist involve engine cooling and electrical issues, including a parked van fire. Overall, it appears to have a low complaint rate, but the severity of the few issues is notable.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup truck with many complaints—over 5,000 in ten years—and 100 recalls. Owners report engine, power train, electrical, and brake problems, some leading to crashes and injuries. The high volume of complaints and recalls indicates a more troubled reliability record. Buyers should be aware of frequent issues across major systems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | RAM Promaster 3500 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 3 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.3 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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 3500
- 01ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING2
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1
Owners report the engine fan running for hours after shutdown, which can drain the battery and prevent starting the next day. Another complaint describes a fractured radiator tube joint causing coolant leaks. These issues can lead to breakdowns and costly repairs.
One owner reported an engine compartment fire while the van was parked, causing severe damage. This suggests a potential fire risk in the electrical system. Such an event is rare but serious.
The same fire incident was also filed under this category, indicating that the cause was not immediately clear. For buyers, this means that some problems may be hard to diagnose.
“The contact owns a 2024 Ram 3500. The contact stated that after turning the vehicle off, the engine fan kept running for approximately five hours. The contact stated that the following morning, the vehicle failed to start. Roadside Assistance was called to th…”
“The contact owns a 2023 Ram Promaster 3500. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that the radiator tube joint was fractured. The contact became aware there was coolant leaking from the radiator. There was no warning light…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners of 2026 Silverados report engine issues like rough running and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These can lead to loss of power and expensive repairs. The high number of engine complaints (1,698) shows this is a common concern.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral and loss of motive power, sometimes at low speeds. This can be dangerous in traffic. With 1,453 complaints, power train problems are frequent.
Owners report severe loss of braking and engine pinging with loss of power, brakes, and steering. These electrical glitches can cause crashes. There are 982 electrical complaints, indicating a widespread issue.
Braking problems include a firm pedal but reduced stopping power, which can lead to collisions. With 691 complaints, brake issues are a major 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 Promaster 3500
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 3500 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The RAM Promaster 3500 has far fewer complaints per year (0.3) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5). In practice, this means a used Promaster 3500 is likely to have fewer reported problems, while the Silverado has a much higher volume of complaints and recalls. However, the Promaster's few issues can be severe, such as fires.
Key differences
- The RAM Promaster 3500 has only 3 complaints and 0 recalls, while the Chevrolet Silverado has 5,105 complaints and 100 recalls over the same period.
- Promaster complaints include engine fan running after shutdown and a parked fire; Silverado complaints include engine failures, sudden neutral, and brake loss.
- The Silverado has 117 crash-related complaints and 104 injuries, while the Promaster has none reported.
- Silverado recalls cover tailgate latches, steering, seat belts, and brake fluid warning, indicating a broader range of safety issues.
- Check for coolant leaks around the radiator and hoses, as a fractured tube joint has been reported.
- Test the engine fan operation after shutdown—if it runs excessively, it could drain the battery and prevent starting.
- Listen for abnormal engine pinging and check for loss of power, which may indicate electrical or engine problems.
- Test the brakes for firmness and stopping ability, as some owners report reduced braking effectiveness.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls, especially on the Silverado.
- Have a mechanic inspect the cooling system and electrical components on the Promaster 3500.
- For the Silverado, test drive at various speeds and check for transmission shifting issues and brake performance.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, particularly for engine and transmission services on the Silverado.
- Verify that all safety recalls have been addressed on the Silverado before purchase.
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 3500 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 98 |
| 2025 | 0 | 150 |
| 2024 | 1 | 0 |
| 2023 | 2 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 0 | 934 |
| 2020 | 0 | 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 3500 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- RAM Promaster 3500 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- RAM Promaster 3500 total complaints
- 3
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- RAM Promaster 3500 total recalls
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- RAM Promaster 3500 avg complaints/year
- 0.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- RAM Promaster 3500
- RAM Promaster 3500 top complaint area
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE