Ram 2500 vs. Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
Both trucks side by side for the years they were both sold (2007–2026): owner complaints filed with NHTSA, what each generation is known for, and years with a well-known costly problem.
How to use this: complaint counts are reports owners filed with NHTSA, not a reliability score. Best-selling trucks collect more reports simply because more are on the road. Use the numbers to spot years worth a closer look, then check the specific truck you're considering.
Complaints by year
Each count is compared with the typical (middle) count of the heavy-duty trucks we cover from the same model year. Counts as of October 5, 2026; a year's own page uses the latest count, so it can be slightly higher. Tap a count for that year's recalls, complaints and safety ratings.
| Year | Ram 2500 | Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD | Typical that year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 26 | 8 | — |
| 2025 | 62 | 29 | — |
| 2024 | 59 | 140 | — |
| 2023 | 49 | 47 | — |
| 2022 | 181More than typical | 95About typical | 102 |
| 2021 | 108More than typical | 87About typical | 74 |
| 2020 | 162⚠ Known problem: Diesel only: Diesels had a recall for the CP4 high-pressure fuel pump. Make sure the recall work was done.More than typical | 108About typical | 112 |
| 2019 | 192⚠ Known problem: Diesel only: Diesels had a recall for the CP4 high-pressure fuel pump. Make sure the recall work was done.More than typical | 73Fewer than typical | 104 |
| 2018 | 2,595More than typical | 53Fewer than typical | 127 |
| 2017 | 696More than typical | 53Fewer than typical | 182 |
| 2016 | 258More than typical | 123⚠ Known problem: Diesel only: The Duramax LML diesel's CP4.2 high-pressure fuel pump can fail and take the whole fuel system with it, an expensive repair.About typical | 128 |
| 2015 | 214More than typical | 176⚠ Known problem: Diesel only: The Duramax LML diesel's CP4.2 high-pressure fuel pump can fail and take the whole fuel system with it, an expensive repair.About typical | 156 |
| 2014 | 341More than typical | 40⚠ Known problem: Diesel only: The Duramax LML diesel's CP4.2 high-pressure fuel pump can fail and take the whole fuel system with it, an expensive repair.Fewer than typical | 69 |
| 2013 | 178More than typical | 51⚠ Known problem: Diesel only: The Duramax LML diesel's CP4.2 high-pressure fuel pump can fail and take the whole fuel system with it, an expensive repair.About typical | 68 |
| 2012 | Not separable | 53⚠ Known problem: Diesel only: The Duramax LML diesel's CP4.2 high-pressure fuel pump can fail and take the whole fuel system with it, an expensive repair. | — |
| 2011 | Not separable | 104⚠ Known problem: Diesel only: The Duramax LML diesel's CP4.2 high-pressure fuel pump can fail and take the whole fuel system with it, an expensive repair.More than typical | 56 |
| 2010 | 0 | 21 | — |
| 2009 | 219More than typical | 61About typical | 54 |
| 2008 | 317About typical | Not separable | 274 |
| 2007 | 360More than typical | 204More than typical | 98 |
Recent years aren't compared until the typical truck that year has at least 50 complaints. “Not separable” means NHTSA files that year together with other trucks. Recall counts aren't shown here; open any year to see its recalls. ⚠ marks a well-known costly problem that complaint counts alone don't show.
Generations side by side
Ram 2500
- 2003–2009 common problems →5.9L and 6.7L Cummins diesel, 5.7L Hemi V8 gas
Steering parts lead the complaints and the left tie rod was recalled; Takata airbag recalls (with do-not-drive advice until repaired) are common; the 5.9L Cummins is known for weak lift pumps and injector wear.
- 2010–2012 common problems →6.7L Cummins diesel and 5.7L Hemi V8 gas
Steering parts lead the complaints with a tie rod recall; early 6.7L Cummins emissions parts are the common engine repairs.
- 2013–2018 common problems →6.7L Cummins diesel, 6.4L and 5.7L Hemi V8 gas
2017–2018 trucks had a recalled ABS unit failure that drives most complaints; on the 6.7L Cummins, DEF heaters, NOx sensors and EGR coolers are the common repairs.
- 2019–2026 common problems →6.7L Cummins diesel and 6.4L Hemi V8 gas
Certain 2019–2020 diesels had a fuel pump recall; transmission fluid leak recalls and intake heater relay fire recalls (park outside until repaired) are the other big items.
Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
- 2007–2010 common problems →6.6L Duramax LMM diesel and 6.0L V8 gas
Airbag recalls top the complaints; cracked dashes are common and owners on a diesel forum report idler and pitman arm wear; Duramax LMM owners mostly report DPF, EGR and cooler line repairs.
- 2011–2014 common problems →6.6L Duramax LML diesel and 6.0L V8 gas
The Duramax LML's high-pressure fuel pump is the costliest risk; DEF and NOx sensor repairs and airbag recalls are common.
- 2015–2019 common problems →6.6L Duramax diesel (LML 2015–2016, L5P 2017–2019) and 6.0L V8 gas
2015–2016 diesels carry the fuel pump risk; the 2017+ L5P has far fewer fuel pump complaints; trailer brake warnings are common.
- 2020–2026 common problems →6.6L Duramax L5P diesel and 6.6L V8 gas
The 10-speed transmission is the most reported problem, with a valve body recall on 2020–2022 diesels; trailer brake warnings are common.
Years with a known costly problem
From our owner notes. Some affect only one engine, so trucks with other engines those years aren't affected: check which engine the truck you're looking at has.
Ram 2500
- 2019–2020 Diesel onlyDiesels had a recall for the CP4 high-pressure fuel pump. Make sure the recall work was done.
Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
- 2011–2016 Diesel onlyThe Duramax LML diesel's CP4.2 high-pressure fuel pump can fail and take the whole fuel system with it, an expensive repair.