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: The Cherokee has 732.8 complaints per year, while the Silverado has 510.5. Cherokee owners report transmission jolts and electrical stops; Silverado owners report engine failures and brake loss. 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, a compact SUV, shows a high complaint rate averaging over 730 per year, with powertrain issues dominating. Owners report jarring acceleration jolts, unexpected braking, and sudden stops, which can be alarming and potentially dangerous. Electrical problems, including battery drain and system failures, add to the ownership burden, making reliability a significant concern.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado, a full-size pickup, has fewer complaints per year (about 510) but still shows serious issues, particularly with the engine and powertrain. Owners report sudden loss of motive power, braking failures, and transmission problems, often in newer models. These failures can lead to dangerous situations, especially at highway speeds, and indicate that even new trucks may have significant reliability issues.
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 | 7,328 | 5,105 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 58 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 180 | 117 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 732.8 | 510.5 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 153 | 104 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
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 TRAIN3,635
- 02ENGINE1,617
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,556
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,403
- 05SERVICE BRAKES463
Owners report sudden, hard jolts during acceleration, as if hit from behind, and the vehicle may roll backward on inclines. Some also experience unexpected emergency braking while using cruise control, which can be startling and hazardous.
Fuel economy drops noticeably (e.g., from 27-29 mpg to 22-24 mpg) with excessive soot accumulating in tailpipes, indicating possible engine or fuel system problems that require dealer visits.
The vehicle can suddenly stop while driving, accompanied by a brief alarm and flashing lights, and batteries may die after only a few days of being parked, even after replacement, pointing to parasitic drains or charging system faults.
“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
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Newer models with 6.2L or 6.6L engines experience sudden loss of motive power, often accompanied by loud pinging sounds, and diesel variants face repeated diesel particulate filter clogging, requiring frequent dealer interventions.
Transmissions can suddenly shift into neutral while driving, especially on inclines, and there are reports of complete loss of power, which can leave drivers stranded or in dangerous situations.
Braking effectiveness can suddenly drop, with the pedal remaining firm but the vehicle not stopping normally, and in some cases brakes become inoperable along with steering, creating a critical safety hazard.
“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 — 58 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: The remedy is currently under development. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk are expected to be mailed June 25, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy becomes available. Owners may contact F…
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: The remedy is currently under development. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk are expected to be mailed June 25, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy becomes available. Owners may contact F…
Chevrolet Silverado — 100 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertently…
The risk: An unlatched tailgate may open while driving and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2024. Owners may contact Chevr…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 vehicles. The steering gear shaft may fracture and disconnect from the steering arm.
The risk: A steering arm that disconnects may result in a total loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering gear, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 22, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-4…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra HD 2500, 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertentl…
The risk: An unlatched tailgate may open and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 17, 2024. Owners may contact…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023-2024 GMC Hummer EV pick up, 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV, and 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV vehicles. The left or right front seat belt buckle attachment bolts may not be tightened properly.
The risk: An improperly tightened seat belt buckle may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will tighten the left and right front seat belt buckle attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-833-EVCHEVY (1-833-382-4389) (TTY 711 /…
Buyer analysis
JEEP Cherokee or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Chevrolet Silverado has fewer complaints per year (510.5) compared to the Jeep Cherokee (732.8), indicating a lower frequency of reported issues. However, the Silverado's problems, such as sudden power loss and brake failure, are often more severe and potentially life-threatening, so the difference in counts does not necessarily mean it is more reliable in practice.
Key differences
- The Cherokee has a higher annual complaint rate (732.8) than the Silverado (510.5), but the Silverado's complaints often involve sudden loss of power and braking, which are more dangerous.
- Cherokee owners frequently report transmission jolts and unexpected braking, while Silverado owners report engine failures and transmission neutral drops.
- Electrical issues are prominent in the Cherokee, including sudden stops and battery drain, whereas the Silverado's electrical problems are often linked to brake system failures.
- The Silverado has more recalls (100) than the Cherokee (58), but the Cherokee has more crash-related complaints (180 vs 117), suggesting different safety concerns.
- Test the transmission for any hesitation or hard shifts, especially during acceleration from a stop, as owners report jarring jolts.
- Check the battery and charging system for parasitic drains, and be aware of any warning lights or unexpected stops while driving.
- Inspect the engine for any signs of excessive soot or oil consumption, and listen for unusual pinging sounds that could precede a loss of power.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including sudden stops, and check for any warning messages about brake fluid or system failures.
Before you buy
- For the Cherokee, ask for service records related to powertrain and electrical system repairs, and have a mechanic inspect the transmission and battery.
- For the Silverado, check for any open recalls and ensure the engine and transmission have been updated with the latest software fixes.
- Take both vehicles for an extended test drive that includes stop-and-go traffic and highway speeds to feel for any hesitation or unexpected braking.
- Research the specific model year and engine options, as some may have more reported issues than others.
- Consider purchasing an extended warranty that covers major components like the engine, transmission, and electrical systems.
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 | 3 | 98 |
| 2023 | 3 | 0 |
| 2022 | 48 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 155 | 934 |
| 2020 | 288 | 0 |
| 2019 | 1625 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 683 | 591 |
| 2017 | 1332 | 0 |
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
- 7,328
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- JEEP Cherokee total recalls
- 58
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- JEEP Cherokee avg complaints/year
- 732.8
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Chevrolet Silverado
- JEEP Cherokee top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE