Head-to-head reliability
Jaguar XK vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Jaguar XK 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 XK vs Chevrolet Silverado: The XK averages 8.4 complaints per year with 20 recalls, while the Silverado averages 822.7 complaints per year with 101 recalls. Both have reported brake and electrical issues, but the Silverado's volume is far higher. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Jaguar XK or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Jaguar XK
The Jaguar XK is a low-volume sports coupe/convertible, so you'll see far fewer complaints per year than a mass-market truck—about 8.4 per year over a decade. Owners report serious but less frequent issues like unintended acceleration, brake problems, and airbag warnings. With only 20 recalls and 0 deaths in the data, it's not a high-volume problem child, but the complaints that do exist often involve safety-critical systems. Living with one means budgeting for potential electrical and brake repairs, and being alert to speed-control faults.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup sold in huge numbers, so its 822.7 complaints per year reflect both popularity and a wide range of problems. Owners frequently report engine and transmission failures, electrical glitches that can cut engine power or brakes, and brake issues. With 101 recalls and 3 deaths in the data, the volume of complaints is high, but many are on very new trucks under warranty. Expect a higher chance of encountering a defect simply because so many are on the road.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Jaguar XK | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 84 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 20 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 8 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 8.4 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 5 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 XK
- 01VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL20
- 02SERVICE BRAKES13
- 03POWER TRAIN11
- 04AIR BAGS9
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM9
Owners describe unintended acceleration where the car surges and brakes don't stop it, sometimes requiring shifting to park. This is a serious safety concern that can happen at low or moderate speeds.
Complaints include brakes failing to respond when slowing from 40-45 mph, and high-performance tires losing traction in rain/snow, defeating ABS. This means stopping power may be unreliable in bad weather or emergencies.
Reports include transmission replacements at low mileage (e.g., 30,000 miles) and rear differential fluid leaks requiring seal repairs. These can be expensive if not caught early.
Owners report airbag warning lights coming on repeatedly, with dealers replacing fuses or correcting connections. This may indicate a persistent electrical fault that could affect airbag deployment.
“On at least 3 occasions, my vehicle had unintended acceleration and applying brakes did not stop the car. I put it in park to stop. I took it to the Foreign performance (mechanic shop) on 11-29-23 after the first time and they said they fixed it. It occurred…”
“TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 JAGUAR X-TYPE PURCHASED ON NOVEMBER 10, 2006 WITH 15 MILES. THE CONTACT EXPLAINED THAT EARLY IN DECEMBER 2006 WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE BETWEEN 40 TO 45 MPH AND BEFORE COMING TO A STOP SIGN THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND WHEN THE…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of new Silverados report engine shutdowns while driving, diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service, and other failures at low mileage. These can leave you stranded and are costly if out of warranty.
Complaints include transmissions suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly, and complete loss of acceleration. This can happen in parking lots or on the road, creating a risk of collision.
Owners describe sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal, and engine shut-off with messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start'. These electrical glitches can disable critical functions without warning.
Reports include brake pedal feeling firm but braking ineffective, and the truck shutting off entirely when barely applying throttle. This suggests brake and electrical issues may be linked, making stopping unpredictable.
“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 XK — 20 recalls
The defect: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Jaguar) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Jaguar XK vehicles manufactured March 4, 2011, to March 20, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the front side lamps (parking lamps) may turn off after approximately 5 minutes. As such, these vehicles fail to comply…
The risk: If the parking lamps turn off, the vehicle will have reduced conspicuity, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Jaguar will notify owners, and dealers will update software that controls the front side lamps, free of charge. The recall began March 5, 2015. Owners may contact Jaguar customer service at 1-800-452-4827. Jaguar's number for this recall i…
The defect: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Jaguar) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 XK (XKR and XKR-S) vehicles manufactured August 24, 2012, to June 10, 2014, and equipped with a 5.0L engine. The tire placard has incorrect information for the spare tire stating "none" for the inflation pressur…
The risk: If the recommended pressure for the spare tire is not provided, the tire may not be properly inflated which may result in its failure, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Jaguar will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and, as necessary, attach a corrected tire placard label stating the tire size and pressure, free of charge. The recall began on August 29, 2014. Owners may contact Jaguar cu…
The defect: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Jaguar) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 XJ, XF and XK vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the toe links, components used to control the alignment of the rear wheels, can separate from the rear sub-frame.
The risk: If a toe link separates from the rear sub-frame, a loss of vehicle stability and directional control may result, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Jaguar notified owners on May 8, 2014, and dealers will replace the nut and washer assembly on the rear toe links, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin around May 27, 2014. Owners may contact Jaguar at 1-855-524-8278. Jaguar's n…
The defect: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Jaguar) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 XK convertible vehicles manufactured October 1, 2010, through August 1, 2013. The switch in the overhead roof console also activates the power operated windows when the convertible roof is opening or closing. Th…
The risk: The power windows may inadvertently be activated and pinch or injure an arm or finger.
The fix: Jaguar will notify owners, and dealers will replace the overhead roof console, free of charge. The recall began on October 1, 2013. Owners may contact Jaguar at 1-800-452-4827. Jaguar's recall number is J030.
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 XK or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Jaguar XK has far fewer issues per year (8.4 vs. 822.7), but its problems often involve safety-critical systems like unintended acceleration and brake failure. The Silverado's much higher complaint volume means you're more likely to encounter a defect, though many are on new trucks under warranty. In practice, the XK is a lower-volume car with potentially serious but less frequent faults, while the Silverado is a high-volume truck with a wider array of reported problems.
Key differences
- The Jaguar XK has 84 complaints over 10 years vs. 8,227 for the Silverado, but the XK's top issue is unintended acceleration, a severe safety risk.
- Silverado owners frequently report engine shutdowns and transmission failures at low mileage, while XK owners report transmission replacements and differential leaks.
- Electrical problems in the Silverado can cause sudden brake loss and engine shut-off, whereas XK electrical complaints often involve airbag warning lights.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls and 3 deaths in the data; the XK has 20 recalls and 0 deaths, but both have crash-related complaints.
- Test the brakes and acceleration at low speeds—if the car surges or brakes feel unresponsive, walk away; this matches reported unintended acceleration.
- Check for airbag warning lights on the dash and ask for service records showing repeated airbag repairs, as owners report persistent warning light issues.
- During a test drive, note any sudden loss of power, transmission slipping into neutral, or brake pedal feeling firm but ineffective—these are reported electrical/brake failures.
- Ask about engine shutdowns or 'Return to Neutral' messages, especially on newer models; these can indicate a serious electrical or fuel system defect.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and all recall repair documentation for both models.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the Jaguar's speed control, brakes, and airbag system, and the Silverado's engine, transmission, and electrical grounds.
- Test drive the Jaguar XK in rain if possible to check tire traction and ABS function, as owners report poor wet-weather performance.
- For the Silverado, test drive at low speeds in a parking lot and on the highway, looking for any hesitation, warning messages, or brake anomalies.
- Verify that all open recalls have been addressed by checking the NHTSA recall database with the VIN.
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 XK or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Jaguar XK vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Jaguar XK total complaints
- 84
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Jaguar XK total recalls
- 20
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Jaguar XK avg complaints/year
- 8.4
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Jaguar XK
- Jaguar XK top complaint area
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE