Head-to-head reliability
JEEP Commander vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the JEEP Commander 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 Commander vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Commander averages 671 complaints per year with 24 recalls, while the Silverado averages 511 complaints per year with 100 recalls. The Commander has more electrical and stalling issues, while the Silverado has more engine and brake problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the JEEP Commander or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
JEEP Commander
The Jeep Commander is a large SUV that averages about 671 complaints per year over five years, with electrical system issues dominating. Owners frequently report glitches like the radio turning on and off, the display going black, and airbag lights staying on. Power train and engine problems, including stalling and transmission shifting into four-wheel drive unexpectedly, are also common. With 24 recalls and 8 deaths reported, it's a vehicle that demands careful inspection before purchase.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that averages about 511 complaints per year over ten years, with engine and power train issues leading. Owners describe serious problems like sudden loss of braking, engine stalling, and transmission going into neutral. Electrical system complaints, such as brake failure and loss of motive power, are also frequent. With 100 recalls and 1 death reported, it has a lower fatality count but still requires thorough checks.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | JEEP Commander | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 3,357 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 24 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 115 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 671.4 | 510.5 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 88 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 8 | 1 Better |
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 Commander
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,584
- 02POWER TRAIN594
- 03ENGINE550
- 04ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING442
- 05STRUCTURE252
Owners report the remote car starter shutting off after 5-10 seconds, the radio turning on and off by itself, and the display going black with a Jeep logo. An airbag light can indicate the airbag won't deploy in a crash, which is a critical safety concern.
Complaints include the transmission failing to shift into four-wheel drive low range and independently shifting into four-wheel drive at 40 mph. This can cause loss of control and requires immediate dealer attention.
The engine may stall and cut off while driving, sometimes multiple times in a few months, requiring an immediate restart. This can happen at traffic lights or while moving, posing a risk of rear-end collisions.
While specific complaints are not detailed, this area is among the top components, suggesting overheating or cooling system failures that can lead to engine damage if ignored.
“THE REMOTE CAR STARTER STARTS MY VEHICLE? BUT 5-10 SECONDS LATER IT SHUTS BACK OFF AND MY RADIO TURNS ITSELF ON AND OFF EVEN WHILE ITS NOT ON. THE DISPLAY GOES BLACK, MAKES A CLICK, SHOWS THE JEEP LOGO, BARS WHERE THE TIME SHOULD BE, 12:00, THEN THE REAL TIME…”
“THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON AND AFTER TAKING IT TO THE MECHANIC, I WAS INFORMED THAT IT WILL NOT RELEASE IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. I SEARCHED FOR A RECALL AS THE MECHANIC SUGGESTED AND FOUND NOTHING. SINCE I HAVE NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT THAT WOULD SET THE AIR…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners of newer models report rough running, diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service, and sudden loss of motive power with loud pinging. These issues can leave you stranded and lead to expensive repairs.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly going into neutral while driving slowly uphill, and transmission problems that cause loss of power. This can be dangerous in traffic or on inclines.
Reports include severe loss of normal braking with a firm pedal but ineffective stopping, and loss of motive power along with inoperable brakes and steering. These are serious safety defects that could cause crashes.
Owners describe sudden, severe loss of braking where the pedal remains firm but the vehicle won't stop normally. This is a critical safety issue that needs immediate attention.
“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 Commander — 24 recalls
The defect: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 11, 2004, through March 9, 2010; and 2006-2010 Jeep Commander vehicles manufactured January 31, 2005, through March 10, 2010. A transfer case electrical failure may result in a…
The risk: If the vehicle shifts into neutral, it may roll away increasing the risk of a crash or personal injury.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the final drive controller which governs the transfer case, with new software, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysl…
The defect: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 11, 2004, through March 9, 2010; and 2006-2010 Jeep Commander vehicles manufactured January 31, 2005, through March 10, 2010. A transfer case electrical failure may result in a…
The risk: If the vehicle shifts into neutral, it may roll away increasing the risk of a crash or personal injury.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the final drive controller which governs the transfer case, with new software, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysl…
The defect: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 11, 2004, through March 9, 2010; and 2006-2010 Jeep Commander vehicles manufactured January 31, 2005, through March 10, 2010. A transfer case electrical failure may result in a…
The risk: If the vehicle shifts into neutral, it may roll away increasing the risk of a crash or personal injury.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the final drive controller which governs the transfer case, with new software, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysl…
The defect: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 11, 2004, through March 9, 2010; and 2006-2010 Jeep Commander vehicles manufactured January 31, 2005, through March 10, 2010. A transfer case electrical failure may result in a…
The risk: If the vehicle shifts into neutral, it may roll away increasing the risk of a crash or personal injury.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the final drive controller which governs the transfer case, with new software, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysl…
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 Commander or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Chevrolet Silverado has fewer complaints per year (about 511) compared to the Jeep Commander (about 671), but the Silverado's issues often involve severe safety failures like brake loss and sudden power loss. The Commander's problems are more frequent but sometimes less immediately dangerous, though its electrical and stalling issues are still serious. In practice, the Silverado may require fewer visits to the shop, but when problems occur, they can be more catastrophic.
Key differences
- The Jeep Commander has a higher complaint rate per year (671 vs. 511) but fewer total recalls (24 vs. 100) over the studied periods.
- Electrical system issues are the top complaint for the Commander, often involving radio/display glitches and airbag lights, while the Silverado's top complaint is engine problems like stalling and diesel particulate filter issues.
- The Silverado has more crash-related complaints (117 vs. 115) and injuries (104 vs. 88) but fewer deaths (1 vs. 8) reported.
- Power train complaints for the Commander include unexpected four-wheel drive engagement, while the Silverado's power train issues involve sudden neutral engagement and loss of power.
- Check for electrical glitches: test the radio, display, and remote starter for intermittent operation, and ensure the airbag light is not illuminated, as it may indicate a non-deploying airbag.
- Test the four-wheel drive system: engage it at low speeds and listen for unusual noises or failure to shift, as owners report independent shifting into four-wheel drive.
- Inspect the braking system: look for any signs of brake fluid leaks or warning lights, and test braking performance, as owners report sudden loss of braking effectiveness.
- Check for engine issues: listen for pinging sounds, ensure no excessive soot accumulation in diesel models, and test for smooth power delivery, as sudden loss of motive power is reported.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report to check for open recalls, especially for the Commander's transfer case and ignition module, and the Silverado's tailgate latch and brake fluid warning sensor.
- Have a mechanic inspect the electrical system, including battery, alternator, and wiring, for both vehicles, focusing on the Commander's radio/display and the Silverado's brake and steering components.
- Test drive extensively, including highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic, to check for stalling, transmission issues, and brake performance.
- For the Commander, verify the four-wheel drive system engages and disengages properly; for the Silverado, check for diesel particulate filter warnings if equipped with a diesel engine.
- Review NHTSA complaints for the specific model year you're considering to see if common issues have been addressed by previous owners.
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 Commander or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- JEEP Commander vs Chevrolet Silverado
- JEEP Commander total complaints
- 3,357
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- JEEP Commander total recalls
- 24
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- JEEP Commander avg complaints/year
- 671.4
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Chevrolet Silverado
- JEEP Commander top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE