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 205 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages 510.5. The Compass has 20 recalls, the Silverado 100. Owners report engine and electrical issues in both, but Silverado also has brake and steering failures. 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 owner complaints, tends to have a higher frequency of issues relative to its sales volume. The complaints are heavily concentrated in the engine and electrical system, with many owners describing sudden power loss, hesitation, and electrical gremlins like screens going black or wipers activating on their own. These problems can occur early in ownership, sometimes within the first few hundred miles, suggesting potential quality control issues. While not all vehicles will experience these problems, the pattern indicates that buyers should be prepared for possible visits to the dealership.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup truck with a high volume of complaints, but it also has a much larger sales base. The complaints are spread across engine, powertrain, and brakes, with owners reporting serious issues like sudden loss of motive power, transmission failures, and brake system malfunctions. Some of these failures have occurred at highway speeds, creating dangerous situations. The higher number of complaints and recalls reflects the truck's popularity, but the nature of the reported failures suggests that buyers should be vigilant about maintenance and potential defects.
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 | 2,050 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 20 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 83 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 205.0 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 41 Better | 104 |
| 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 Compass
- 01ENGINE849
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM844
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER448
- 04POWER TRAIN297
- 05SERVICE BRAKES161
Owners report hesitation, vibration, and intermittent roaring noises, sometimes leading to a complete loss of power while driving. This can be dangerous if it happens in traffic.
Sudden electrical failures are common, including the navigation screen going black, windshield wipers activating on their own, and the car shutting off unexpectedly. These issues can distract the driver or leave them without essential functions.
Some complaints describe the car dying or losing all power while in drive, which is a critical safety concern. Others mention the GPS screen flashing from dark to bright at night, which can impair visibility.
The Power Take-Off Unit (PTU) can fail suddenly at highway speeds, leading to a loss of drive. Additionally, safety features like lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking may not work reliably.
“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…”
“What component or system failure or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? When I started my vehicle I noticed that my navigation screen was black, and then when I put the vehicle in drive and slowed down to make a turn, the engine sh…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine issues, including sudden loss of power and loud pinging sounds, sometimes leading to a complete shutdown. Diesel models have had repeated issues with diesel particulate filter (DPF) clogging, requiring dealer service.
Transmission problems are frequent, such as the vehicle suddenly going into neutral while driving, which can be extremely dangerous. Some owners have experienced failures within the first few hundred miles.
Electrical failures can cause a sudden loss of braking and steering, as well as a loss of motive power. These are critical safety issues that have occurred at highway speeds.
Brake system failures are reported, including a sudden, severe loss of braking effectiveness even though the pedal feels firm. This can lead to an inability to stop the vehicle, posing a high crash risk.
“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 2026 Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Gladiator, Jeep Compass, Jeep Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Jeep Grand Wagoneer L, Ram Promaster, Ram Promaster EV, Ram 1500, Ram 2500, Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid, Chrysler Voyage…
The risk: A rearview camera image that fails to display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Radio software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning September 2, 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler'…
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.
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 Compass or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Jeep Compass has fewer complaints per year (205) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), but the Silverado's higher numbers are partly due to its larger sales volume. However, the Silverado's complaints include more severe safety-related failures like loss of brakes and steering. In practice, the Compass may have more frequent electrical and engine issues, while the Silverado's issues can be more dangerous.
Key differences
- The Compass has a higher proportion of electrical system complaints (844) relative to its total, while the Silverado has more powertrain complaints (1453).
- Silverado owners report sudden loss of braking and steering, which is a critical safety issue not as prominent in Compass complaints.
- Compass owners report issues like screen blackouts and wipers activating on their own, which are less severe but still distracting.
- The Silverado has a higher number of recalls (100) compared to the Compass (20), indicating more widespread issues.
- Check for any signs of electrical gremlins, such as intermittent screen issues or wipers operating without input.
- Test the engine for hesitation or vibration during acceleration, and listen for unusual noises.
- Inspect the brake system thoroughly, including the brake fluid level and any warning lights, as sudden brake loss has been reported.
- Check the transmission for smooth shifting and be alert for any unexpected neutral shifts.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report to see if any recalls have been performed.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the engine, transmission, and electrical systems.
- Test drive at highway speeds to check for power loss or unusual noises.
- Check for any open recalls and ensure they are addressed before purchase.
- Ask for maintenance records to see if the vehicle has been regularly serviced.
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 | 3 | 98 |
| 2025 | 24 | 150 |
| 2024 | 52 | 0 |
| 2023 | 45 | 0 |
| 2022 | 220 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 77 | 934 |
| 2020 | 138 | 0 |
| 2019 | 327 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 936 | 591 |
| 2017 | 228 | 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 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
- 2,050
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- JEEP Compass total recalls
- 20
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- JEEP Compass avg complaints/year
- 205.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- JEEP Compass
- JEEP Compass top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE