Head-to-head reliability
JEEP Compass vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the JEEP Compass 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 Compass vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Compass averages 113 complaints per year with 20 recalls, while the Silverado averages 823 complaints and 101 recalls. Both show serious engine, electrical, and power train issues, but the Silverado's higher volume and broader failure range may mean more frequent shop visits. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the JEEP Compass or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
JEEP Compass
The Jeep Compass is a compact SUV that, based on NHTSA data, generates about 113 complaints per year over the past decade. Electrical system issues dominate owner reports, often involving intermittent vibrations, hesitation, and sudden power loss while driving. Engine and power train complaints also appear, with some owners describing drivetrain failures at speed. With 20 recalls and 55 crash-related complaints, it's a vehicle that demands careful inspection before purchase.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that averages roughly 823 complaints per year, far more than the Compass in absolute terms. Engine and power train problems are the most common, with owners reporting rough running, diesel particulate filter soot accumulation, and sudden loss of power or neutral engagement. Electrical and brake issues also feature, including cases where the engine shuts off while driving and braking performance drops. It has 101 recalls and 233 crash-related complaints, indicating a broad range of potential problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | JEEP Compass | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,130 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 20 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 55 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 113.0 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 23 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 Compass
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM476
- 02ENGINE381
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER258
- 04POWER TRAIN148
- 05FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE109
Owners frequently report intermittent roaring noises, vibrations, and hesitation under acceleration, as well as sudden total power loss while driving. These electrical gremlins can leave you stranded and are hard to diagnose, making pre-purchase scans essential.
Complaints include hesitation, vibration, and in some cases complete engine shutdown while driving. Such symptoms suggest potential sensor or fuel delivery faults that can recur even after repair.
The Power Take-Off Unit (PTU) has failed suddenly at highway speeds, according to owner reports. This critical drivetrain component can cause loss of power to the wheels, posing a serious safety risk.
Owners report that lane departure warnings and automatic emergency braking may not activate reliably. This means the very systems meant to prevent crashes can be inconsistent, so don't rely on them alone.
“The vehicle was purchased in Dec of 2023. It had a slight vibration and hesitation under acceleration a few miles after leaving the dealership, just assumed everything needed to “break in”. About a month later, we had noticed an intermittent roaring noise com…”
“To Whom It May Concern: I am writing to formally submit a complaint regarding my 2021 Jeep Compass, particularly concerning recurring mechanical, electrical, and safety-related problems that have created serious concerns about the vehicle's reliability and sa…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners describe rough running, diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service, and even engine shutdown while driving. These issues can lead to expensive repairs and unexpected breakdowns.
Complaints include sudden neutral engagement and loss of acceleration, sometimes with less than 300 miles on the odometer. Such failures can leave you unable to move in traffic, creating dangerous situations.
Reports include severe loss of braking assist and engine shut-off with warning messages like 'Return to Neutral'. These electrical faults can disable critical safety functions without warning.
Owners report a firm brake pedal but reduced stopping power, often accompanied by other electrical issues. This suggests brake performance can be compromised, requiring immediate attention if experienced.
“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 Compass — 20 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Jeep Compass vehicles. The brightness level of the instrument panel cluster (IPC) may not be adjustable due to incorrect software in the body control module (BCM). As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Veh…
The risk: An IPC display that is not bright enough may not clearly show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the body control module (BCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 29, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Dodge Durango, 2021-2023 Chrysler Pacifica, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, 2022 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, Chrysler Voyager, 2022-2023 Jeep Compass, Grand Cherokee, Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer, and Ram Promaster vehicles. The radio software may prevent the rear…
The risk: A rearview camera image that does not display decreases the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the radio software or the software will be OTA, "Over-The-Air," free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning July 9, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, L…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 1500, 1500 Classic and Jeep Compass vehicles. The windshield wiper arm or arms may loosen, possibly causing the wipers to not operate properly and reduce the driver's visibility in certain weather conditions.
The risk: Reduced visibility increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the wiper nuts, free of charge. The recall began April 27, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W25.
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Jeep Compass vehicles. The front seat head restraints were not welded properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 202, "Head Restraints."
The risk: Improperly welded head restraints can result in an increased risk of injury to seat occupants during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace both front seat head restraints, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 3, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z36.
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 Compass or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Jeep Compass has far fewer complaints per year (113 vs. 823) and fewer recalls (20 vs. 101), but both vehicles show serious failure patterns. The Compass's issues are more concentrated in electrical and engine areas, while the Silverado's problems span engine, power train, brakes, and electrical systems. In practice, the Compass may be less likely to overwhelm you with sheer volume of complaints, but neither is trouble-free.
Key differences
- The Compass averages 113 complaints per year; the Silverado averages 823, meaning you're statistically more likely to encounter reported issues with the Silverado.
- Electrical problems dominate Compass complaints (476 total), often causing power loss or warning malfunctions, while Silverado electrical issues (1,513 total) include brake assist loss and engine shutdown.
- Power train failures in the Compass often involve the PTU failing at speed, whereas Silverado power train complaints include sudden neutral engagement and loss of acceleration.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 20 for the Compass, covering fuel pumps, tires, and forward collision warnings, indicating a wider array of potential safety fixes.
- Listen for intermittent roaring noises or feel for vibrations during a test drive, especially under acceleration, as these may indicate electrical or engine issues.
- Ask for service records related to the Power Take-Off Unit (PTU) and check for any hesitation or sudden loss of power, which could signal a failing drivetrain.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any rough running, hesitation, or warning messages about diesel particulate filter soot, which could indicate engine problems.
- Test the brakes firmly and watch for any loss of braking power or unusual pedal feel, as owners report severe brake performance drops linked to electrical faults.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for outstanding recalls on both models, especially electrical and fuel system recalls.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the Compass's electrical system and PTU, and the Silverado's engine, transmission, and brakes.
- During a test drive, deliberately test all safety features like lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking to ensure they function.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, particularly for transmission fluid changes and any electrical repairs.
- Scan for stored trouble codes with an OBD-II reader to uncover hidden issues not yet triggering a dashboard light.
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 Compass | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5 | 120 |
| 2025 | 26 | 157 |
| 2024 | 52 | 527 |
| 2023 | 46 | 450 |
| 2022 | 222 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 80 | 961 |
| 2020 | 141 | 868 |
| 2019 | 329 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 0 | 597 |
| 2017 | 229 | 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 Compass or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- JEEP Compass vs Chevrolet Silverado
- JEEP Compass total complaints
- 1,130
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- JEEP Compass total recalls
- 20
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- JEEP Compass avg complaints/year
- 113.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- JEEP Compass
- JEEP Compass top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE