Head-to-head reliability
RAM Promaster CITY vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the RAM Promaster CITY 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 CITY vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Promaster City averages 29 complaints per year with 19 recalls, while the Silverado averages 823 complaints per year with 101 recalls. The Silverado also has 160 injuries reported versus 2 for the Promaster City. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the RAM Promaster CITY or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
RAM Promaster CITY
The RAM Promaster City is a compact cargo van that averages about 29 complaints per year over 8 years, with 19 recalls. Owners frequently report engine grinding noises, unexpected shifts into neutral, and electrical burning smells. These issues can leave you stranded or require costly repairs, so a thorough pre-purchase inspection is essential.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint rate—about 823 per year over 10 years—and 101 recalls. Common owner reports include engine shutdowns, transmission problems, and brake failures. The volume of complaints suggests that many owners experience significant reliability issues, some of which are safety-related.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | RAM Promaster CITY | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 234 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 19 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 5 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 29.3 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 2 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 CITY
- 01ENGINE78
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM69
- 03POWER TRAIN57
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER22
- 05EXTERIOR LIGHTING18
Owners report abnormal grinding sounds while driving, and some 2011-2013 models may have left cylinder heads that can crack, covered by a warranty extension. These symptoms can indicate internal engine damage, so listen for unusual noises during a test drive.
Complaints include the van unexpectedly shifting into neutral and a burning electrical smell that can lead to engine fire. These failures can happen without warning, making it critical to check for recalls and inspect wiring.
Owners report inadvertent loss of motive power while driving, sometimes requiring a restart. This can be dangerous in traffic and may be linked to transmission or engine control issues.
There are recalls for turn signal issues, which can affect visibility and safety. Owners may not notice until a bulb fails or a recall notice arrives, so verify that all lights work.
“"NEEDS TO BE EXTENDED." THE AMERICAN AUTOMAKER HAS ANNOUNCED THAT CERTAIN 2011-2013 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES WILL GET WARRANTY EXTENSIONS BECAUSE THE LEFT CYLINDER HEADS MIGHT CRACK. CHRYSLER WILL EXTEND THE ENGINE WARRANTY ON THE LEFT-SIDE CYLINDER HEAD TO 10 YEA…”
“The contact owns a 2016 Ram Promaster 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would make abnormal grinding sounds. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and test-driven. The contact wa…”
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, sometimes with a 'Return to Neutral' message, and diesel models can suffer from excessive soot accumulation in the particulate filter. These issues can leave you stranded and require dealer attention.
Complaints include the truck suddenly going into neutral and losing power, even at low speeds. This can be dangerous in parking lots or traffic and may indicate transmission or software problems.
Owners report sudden loss of normal braking and engine shut-offs while driving, with screens going blank. These electrical glitches can compromise safety and are often hard to diagnose.
Some owners experience a firm brake pedal but reduced braking effect, and the truck may shut off during braking. This is a serious safety concern that should be addressed immediately if experienced.
“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 CITY — 19 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Ram ProMaster City vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may have internal damage, which could result in a loss of braking performance or autonomous braking functions.
The risk: The loss of braking performance or autonomous braking functions can increase the risk of a vehicle crash without prior warning.
The fix: FCA US, LLC will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ABS module, free of charge. The recall began on March 30, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Ram ProMaster City vehicles. If one or both turn signal lights fail, the flashing rate may not change to warn the driver of the failure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number…
The risk: The driver may be unaware that the turn signals are not signaling their intentions to other drivers, which can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the Body Controller Module (BCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 28, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall i…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Ram ProMaster City vehicles. If one or both turn signal lights fail, the flashing rate may not change to warn the driver of the failure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number…
The risk: The driver may be unaware that the turn signals are not signaling their intentions to other drivers, which can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the Body Controller Module (BCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 28, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall i…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 RAM ProMaster City vehicles. The Tire Placards on these vehicles may indicate the incorrect total number of occupants allowed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "T…
The risk: If the tire placard indicates an incorrect seating capacity, the operator may overload the vehicle, which can cause tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install a corrected tire placard, free of charge. The recall began March 15, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U17.
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 CITY or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The RAM Promaster City has far fewer complaints per year (about 29 vs. 823 for the Silverado), but both have notable safety-related issues. In practice, the Promaster City may be easier to live with, but the Silverado's higher volume means more reported problems, including engine shutdowns and brake failures.
Key differences
- The Silverado has about 28 times more complaints per year than the Promaster City, with many reports of engine shutdowns and brake loss.
- The Promaster City's top issues are engine grinding, unexpected neutral shifts, and electrical burning smells, while the Silverado's include engine stalls, transmission problems, and brake failures.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 19 for the Promaster City, covering fuel pumps, tires, and forward collision warnings.
- The Promaster City has 5 crash-related complaints and 2 injuries, while the Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints and 160 injuries, indicating a higher reported safety risk.
- Listen for abnormal grinding sounds from the engine during a cold start and test drive, as owners report this symptom.
- Check for any signs of electrical burning smells or intermittent shifting into neutral, and verify that all recalls for turn signals and brakes have been performed.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for a firm pedal with reduced stopping power, and ask if the brake control module has been updated.
- During a test drive, watch for sudden engine shutdowns or 'Return to Neutral' messages, and check for excessive diesel soot if considering a Duramax.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been completed, especially for the Promaster City's turn signals and the Silverado's fuel pump.
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine and transmission for the specific symptoms reported: grinding noises and neutral shifts for the Promaster City; stalls and brake issues for the Silverado.
- Test drive both vehicles in varied conditions, including stop-and-go traffic and highway speeds, to replicate owner-reported failure scenarios.
- For the Silverado, check for software updates related to engine and brake control modules, and for the Promaster City, inspect wiring for signs of overheating.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and whether any warranty extensions (like the cylinder head extension on some Promaster City models) apply.
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 CITY | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 5 | 961 |
| 2020 | 1 | 868 |
| 2019 | 5 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 1 | 597 |
| 2017 | 76 | 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 CITY or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- RAM Promaster CITY vs Chevrolet Silverado
- RAM Promaster CITY total complaints
- 234
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- RAM Promaster CITY total recalls
- 19
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- RAM Promaster CITY avg complaints/year
- 29.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- RAM Promaster CITY
- RAM Promaster CITY top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE