Head-to-head reliability
Jaguar XJ vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Jaguar XJ 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
Jaguar XJ vs Chevrolet Silverado: The XJ averages 11.4 complaints per year with 20 recalls, while the Silverado averages 822.7 complaints and 101 recalls. Both have safety-related reports, but the Silverado's volume is far higher. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Jaguar XJ or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Jaguar XJ
The Jaguar XJ is a luxury sedan with a relatively low complaint volume—114 over 10 years, about 11 per year—but owners report a range of electrical and engine issues that can be frustrating and costly. Complaints include random alarm triggers, slow touch screens, and throttle body failures that cause shaking and stalling. With 20 recalls and 18 crash-related reports, it's a car that demands careful inspection and a healthy maintenance budget.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a massive complaint volume—8,227 over 10 years, averaging 823 per year—and a wide array of engine, transmission, and electrical problems. Owners report severe issues like engine shutdowns while driving, brake loss, and diesel particulate filter problems, even on new trucks. With 101 recalls and 3 deaths reported, it's a vehicle that requires vigilance and thorough pre-purchase checks.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Jaguar XJ | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 114 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 20 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 18 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 11.4 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 20 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.
Jaguar XJ
- 01ENGINE33
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM21
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER20
- 04POWER TRAIN12
- 05SERVICE BRAKES12
Owners report throttle body failures causing stability control warnings, shaking, and engine shutdown while driving. This can leave you stranded and is a safety concern.
Complaints include random alarm triggers, slow touch screens, and unintended acceleration. These electrical gremlins can be intermittent and hard to diagnose.
Some owners experienced unintended acceleration when braking, leading to crashes. This is a serious safety issue that needs immediate attention.
Brake-related complaints are present, though fewer than engine issues. Owners report braking problems that could affect stopping distance.
“THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD NUMEROUS"UNUSUAL" ISSUES FROM "STICK-TO-YOUR-FINGERS" CONTROL BUTTONS THAT WERE CHANGED UNDER WARRANTY TO A FAULTY ALARM SYSTEM THAT GOES OFF RANDOMLY ONCE ACTIVATED,TO EXCEPTIONALLY SLOW TOUCH SCREEN FUNCTIONS THAT CAN ONLY BE CONTROLLED…”
“A SERIS OF ISSUES PLAQUE THIS MODEL. CHANGED THROTTLE BODY TWICE BUT CAR KEEP SHOWING STABILITY CONTROL NOT AVAILABLE, THROTTLE BODY ACTUATION ISSUES WITH P2119,P2118 CODES AMONG SEVERAL OTHERS. CAR SHAKES AND SHUTS DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING. AT IDLE, THE…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine shutdowns while driving, diesel particulate filter soot accumulation, and other engine failures. These can happen at low mileage and cause dangerous situations.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral and loss of power. This can leave you unable to accelerate or move the truck.
Owners report brake loss, engine shut-off, and blank screens. These electrical faults can disable critical safety systems.
Braking problems include a firm pedal with reduced braking effect, making it hard to stop. This is 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.
Jaguar XJ — 20 recalls
The defect: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Jaguar) is recalling certain 2019 Jaguar F-Pace, F-Type, and XJ vehicles equipped with V6 or V8 gasoline engines. The crankshaft pulley retaining bolt may have been improperly manufactured, possibly causing the crankshaft pulley bolt to fracture, potentially re…
The risk: Engine failure may increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Jaguar has notified owners, and dealers will replace the crankshaft pulley center retaining bolt, free of charge. The recall began February 11, 2019. Owners may contact Jaguar customer service at 1-800-452-4827. Jaguar's number for this re…
The defect: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Jaguar) is recalling certain 2010-2011 and 2017 XJ vehicles. The Restraint Control Module (RCM) software may cause the frontal air bags to deploy improperly in the event of a frontal impact crash.
The risk: Failure of the air bags to deploy properly increases the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Jaguar will notify owners, and dealers will update the RCM software, free of charge. The recall began October 7, 2020. Owners may contact Jaguar customer service at 1-800-369-1000. Jaguar's number for this recall is H294.
The defect: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Jaguar) is recalling certain 2010-2011 XJ vehicles. If, while servicing the vehicle, the vehicle does not successfully receive an update to the Restraint Control Module (RCM) software, the default air bag calibration settings may be incorrect.
The risk: In the event of a crash, the incorrect calibration may not activate the air bag deployment as intended, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Jaguar will notify owners, and dealers will update the RCM with the latest software, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2017. Owners may contact Jaguar customer service at 1-800-452-4827. Jaguar's number for this recall is H034.
The defect: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Jaguar) is recalling certain 2010-2011 and 2017 XJ vehicles. The Restraint Control Module (RCM) software may cause the frontal air bags to deploy improperly in the event of a frontal impact crash.
The risk: Failure of the air bags to deploy properly increases the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Jaguar will notify owners, and dealers will update the RCM software, free of charge. The recall began October 7, 2020. Owners may contact Jaguar customer service at 1-800-369-1000. Jaguar's number for this recall is H294.
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
Jaguar XJ or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Jaguar XJ has far fewer complaints per year (11.4 vs. 822.7) and fewer recalls (20 vs. 101), but both have serious safety-related reports. In practice, the Silverado's sheer volume of issues means you're more likely to encounter problems, while the XJ's lower frequency doesn't guarantee trouble-free ownership.
Key differences
- The Silverado has 8,227 complaints vs. the XJ's 114, a massive difference in reported problems.
- Silverado owners report engine shutdowns and brake loss, while XJ owners report throttle body failures and random alarms.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls and 3 deaths; the XJ has 20 recalls and 0 deaths.
- Both have electrical issues, but the Silverado's are more often tied to critical systems like brakes and engine control.
- Check for throttle body issues: look for stability control warnings, rough idle, or hesitation.
- Test all electronics: alarm, touch screen, and ensure no unintended acceleration during test drive.
- Listen for engine noises and check for diesel particulate filter warnings if equipped with Duramax.
- Test brakes thoroughly and watch for any warning lights or messages about brake system or engine shutdown.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a mechanic inspect the throttle body and electrical system on the Jaguar XJ.
- For the Silverado, check for engine and transmission software updates and inspect brake system.
- Test drive both vehicles extensively, including highway and stop-and-go traffic.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially for oil changes and any previous repairs.
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 | Jaguar XJ | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 2 | 597 |
| 2017 | 4 | 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 Jaguar XJ or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Jaguar XJ vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Jaguar XJ total complaints
- 114
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Jaguar XJ total recalls
- 20
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Jaguar XJ avg complaints/year
- 11.4
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Jaguar XJ
- Jaguar XJ top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE