Last updated: 2026-05-15
Chevrolet vs Ram: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Chevrolet
13 models tracked
Ram
3 models tracked
Comparing Chevrolet and Ram on reliability? This page compares their scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs across every model we track.
Chevrolet currently leads with an average score of 72/100 compared to 57/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Chevrolet More Reliable Than Ram?
| Metric | Chevrolet | Ram |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 72/100 | 57/100 |
| Models Tracked | 13 | 3 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 23 | 53 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 1004 | 1442 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $634/yr | $691/yr |
Ram Models
3 models ranked by reliability
Chevrolet vs Ram: The Verdict
The data is decisive here — Chevrolet pulls well ahead of Ram on reliability. Across 13 Chevrolet and 3 Ram models, Chevrolet averages 72/100 to 57/100 — a 15-point gap built from NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and independent repair cost data.
On the cost front, Chevrolet is cheaper to maintain at $634/year versus $691/year. That maintenance gap adds up — budget-conscious buyers should factor in that Chevrolet advantage.
Where Chevrolet and Ram Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Chevrolet | Ram |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 64/100Good | 67/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 71/100Good | 55/100Mixed |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 79/100Good | 61/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 84/100Excellent | 81/100Excellent |
The biggest gap is in recall impact, where Chevrolet scores 18 points higher. That single component does the most to separate these two makes.
Chevrolet vs Ram: Strengths and Weaknesses
Chevrolet
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (72/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($634/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 12 of 13 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 134 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Ram
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (57/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- Reliability trending downward in recent model years
- 37 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are Chevrolet and Ram Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Chevrolet
Ram
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Chevrolet or Ram?
Based on independent repair cost data, Chevrolet is cheaper to maintain at an average of $634/year compared to $691/year for Ram. The difference is relatively small, so maintenance costs shouldn't be a major deciding factor between these makes.
Chevrolet Repair Cost Range
$488 – $944/yr
Average: $634/yr
Chevrolet vs Ram Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Chevrolet | Ram | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trucks(2 vs 3 models) | 75/100 | 43/100 | Chevrolet |
Chevrolet wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Chevrolet vs Ram
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Chevrolet | Ram |
|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 24%2,809 | 14%530 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 18%2,063 | 25%912 |
| ENGINE | 15%1,758 | 11%407 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 9%1,001 | 11%398 |
| STEERING | 7%805 | 15%563 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 8%987 | 6%213 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 3%357 | 3%125 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 3%304 | 2%80 |
| AIR BAGS | 2%241 | 4%132 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Chevrolet vs Ram Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Chevrolet owners reported 408 crash-related, 134 fire-related, and 375 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. Ram owners reported 171 crash-related, 37 fire-related, and 125 injury-related complaints. Ram has fewer severe incident reports overall. These counts reflect owner-reported incidents and don't establish causation — but they're a useful signal for comparing safety profiles.
Chevrolet
408
Crash reports
134
Fire reports
375
Injury reports
Ram
171
Crash reports
37
Fire reports
125
Injury reports
Every Chevrolet and Ram Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Chevrolet Models
Chevrolet vs Ram Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
Chevrolet's reliability is improving — recent model years average 76/100, up from earlier years. Ram's reliability is declining in recent model years.
The trend lines are moving in opposite directions: Chevrolet is getting more reliable while Ram is sliding. That's worth watching if you're buying a newer model year.
| Model Year | Chevrolet | Ram | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 78/100(11) | 45/100(3) | Chevrolet |
| 2024 | 74/100(12) | 46/100(3) | Chevrolet |
| 2023 | 73/100(11) | 68/100(2) | Chevrolet |
| 2022 | 73/100(11) | 63/100(2) | Chevrolet |
| 2021 | 70/100(11) | 61/100(2) | Chevrolet |
| 2020 | 71/100(11) | 64/100(2) | Chevrolet |
| 2019 | 69/100(12) | 58/100(2) | Chevrolet |
| 2018 | 68/100(11) | 66/100(2) | Chevrolet |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
Chevrolet vs Ram: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Chevrolet and Ram. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
The Bottom Line: Chevrolet or Ram?
If reliability is a top priority, Chevrolet deserves serious consideration over its rival.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Chevrolet Trax leads both lineups with a score of 80/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Chevrolet costs less to maintain — $634/year vs $691/year.
All scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data combined with independent repair cost databases. Check individual model pages for year-specific reliability data before making a final decision.
Chevrolet vs Ram: Common Questions
Is Chevrolet more reliable than Ram?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Chevrolet or Ram?
Which make has more recalls, Chevrolet or Ram?
What are the most reliable models from Chevrolet and Ram?
What are the least reliable models from Chevrolet and Ram?
What are the most common problems with Chevrolet and Ram vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Chevrolet or Ram?
How many Chevrolet and Ram models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Chevrolet or Ram?
Are Chevrolet and Ram getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Chevrolet or Ram?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Chevrolet or Ram?
Comparing Chevrolet vs Ram? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.