Head-to-head reliability
JEEP Cherokee vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the JEEP Cherokee 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
JEEP Cherokee vs Chevrolet Silverado: Over 10 years, the Cherokee averaged 739.7 complaints per year and had 59 recalls, while the Silverado averaged 822.7 complaints per year and had 101 recalls. The Silverado also had 3 deaths and 233 crash-related complaints, compared to 0 deaths and 180 for the Cherokee. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the JEEP Cherokee or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
JEEP Cherokee
The Jeep Cherokee is a compact SUV that owners often rely on for daily driving. Over 10 years, it has averaged about 740 complaints per year, with the most common issues in the power train, engine, and electrical system. Many complaints describe sudden stops, transmission jolts, and battery drain, which can be alarming and costly. While it has fewer complaints per year than the Silverado, the types of problems reported can affect basic driving and safety.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup truck used for both work and family transport. It averages about 823 complaints per year, with engine, power train, and brake issues being the most frequent. Owners report serious problems like engine shutdowns, brake loss, and transmission failures, sometimes at very low mileage. The higher number of recalls and crash-related complaints suggests that buyers should be extra cautious and thorough when inspecting a used model.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | JEEP Cherokee | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 7,397 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 59 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 180 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 739.7 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 153 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.
JEEP Cherokee
- 01POWER TRAIN3,688
- 02ENGINE1,629
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,563
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,408
- 05SERVICE BRAKES465
Owners report harsh jolts when accelerating from a stop, sometimes feeling like a rear-end collision, and instances where the vehicle rolls backward unexpectedly. These transmission issues can make the car feel unpredictable and may lead to expensive repairs.
Complaints include a sudden drop in fuel economy, excessive soot from the tailpipe, and emergency braking system engaging without warning. These symptoms can indicate engine management problems that affect performance and emissions.
Drivers describe the vehicle suddenly stopping while driving, with alarms and error messages, as well as batteries dying after just a few days of being parked. Such electrical faults can leave you stranded and are hard to diagnose.
Some owners report that the brake and gas pedals are too close, causing the foot to scrape the brake when switching, which can lead to unintended braking or acceleration. This design flaw can be a safety concern in everyday driving.
“on May 3 at approx. 4:00 pm I was sitting at a stop light and when it turned green I started to accelerate the jolt was so hard that I thought the car behind me had hit me.When I went to go again it started rolling backwards and I applied the brakes.I could n…”
“On [XXX], we were traveling from Seattle to Portland on [XXX] in my 2022 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk with the cruise control set at around 75 mph. Suddenly the emergency collision braking system applied and all of the lights on my vehicle lit up. While the brakin…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of newer Silverado models report engine shutdowns while driving, requiring a restart, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events that need dealer service. These issues can leave you stranded and lead to costly repairs.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly, such as in a parking garage, and transmission problems that cause loss of power. This can be dangerous in traffic and may indicate major transmission defects.
Drivers experience sudden loss of braking assistance, with a firm brake pedal but reduced stopping power, as well as the engine shutting off and screens going blank. These electrical glitches can compromise safety and are difficult to predict.
Reports describe severe loss of normal braking shortly after starting a trip, and the truck shutting off completely when barely applying throttle. Brake failures are among the most serious safety concerns for any vehicle.
“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.
JEEP Cherokee — 59 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may fail.
The risk: A failed PTU may result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the Drivetrain Control Drivetrain Control Module, PTU, and Electronic Park Brake software, and replace the PTU, as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk were mailed Jun…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The turn signal self-canceling feature may not function properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equ…
The risk: Turn signals that do not function properly may fail to indicate the driver's intention to change vehicle direction, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering column control module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2024. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recal…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2026 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The brake system control module may fail to operate properly, which can cause a loss of anti-lock brakes (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC).
The risk: A loss of anti-lock brakes or electronic stability control increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the brake system control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 28, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 29D. Vehicle Id…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may fail.
The risk: A failed PTU may result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the Drivetrain Control Drivetrain Control Module, PTU, and Electronic Park Brake software, and replace the PTU, as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk were mailed Jun…
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
JEEP Cherokee or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Jeep Cherokee has fewer complaints per year (about 740) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823), and also fewer recalls (59 vs 101). However, both have serious reported issues, but the Silverado's higher rate of crashes and deaths in the data suggests its problems may be more severe. In practice, the Cherokee may have a slightly lower frequency of complaints, but neither vehicle is free from significant reliability concerns.
Key differences
- The Jeep Cherokee has fewer complaints per year (739.7 vs 822.7) and fewer recalls (59 vs 101), but both have high complaint volumes.
- Silverado owners report engine shutdowns and brake loss, while Cherokee owners report transmission jolts and sudden electrical stops.
- The Silverado has 3 deaths and 233 crash-related complaints in the data, compared to 0 deaths and 180 crash-related complaints for the Cherokee.
- Both vehicles have power train and electrical issues, but the Silverado's problems more often involve complete loss of motive power or braking.
- During a test drive, pay close attention to transmission behavior: look for harsh jolts when accelerating from a stop or any hesitation, as owners report these symptoms.
- Check the battery health and electrical system; ask if the battery has been replaced, and test for any warning lights or sudden stalling, which are common complaints.
- Test the brakes thoroughly at low and high speeds; any firmness or reduced stopping power could indicate the brake assist failure reported by owners.
- Listen for engine noises and check for any signs of rough running or sudden shutdowns; also ask about any diesel particulate filter issues if considering a diesel model.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on transmission, engine, and electrical systems.
- During the test drive, simulate stop-and-go traffic and highway driving to feel for transmission jolts or unexpected braking.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for battery replacements, software updates, and any transmission or engine repairs.
- For the Silverado, specifically test the brakes and ask about any episodes of engine shutdown or loss of braking assist.
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 | JEEP Cherokee | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5 | 120 |
| 2023 | 3 | 450 |
| 2022 | 51 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 166 | 961 |
| 2020 | 309 | 868 |
| 2019 | 1648 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 686 | 597 |
| 2017 | 1335 | 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 JEEP Cherokee or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- JEEP Cherokee vs Chevrolet Silverado
- JEEP Cherokee total complaints
- 7,397
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- JEEP Cherokee total recalls
- 59
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- JEEP Cherokee avg complaints/year
- 739.7
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- JEEP Cherokee
- JEEP Cherokee top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE