Head-to-head reliability
JEEP Gladiator vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the JEEP Gladiator 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 Gladiator vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Gladiator averages 142 complaints per year with 34 recalls, while the Silverado averages 823 complaints per year with 101 recalls. The Gladiator's issues often involve steering and electrical failures, whereas the Silverado's are more engine and transmission-related. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the JEEP Gladiator or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
JEEP Gladiator
The Jeep Gladiator is a mid-size pickup that, over 7 years, has generated 992 owner complaints—about 142 per year—with steering and electrical problems dominating. Owners frequently report power steering pump wiring issues that can cause fires, and some experience sudden loss of communication across control modules. While the Gladiator has fewer complaints per year than the Silverado, the severity of steering and electrical failures means living with it may require vigilance.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that has accumulated 8,227 complaints over 10 years—roughly 823 per year—with engine and power train issues leading the list. Owners describe serious problems like engines shutting off while driving, sudden loss of braking, and transmission failures at low mileage. The high complaint volume and multiple recalls suggest that owning a Silverado can involve frequent trips to the dealer.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | JEEP Gladiator | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 992 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 34 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 25 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 141.7 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 22 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 Gladiator
- 01STEERING329
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM289
- 03POWER TRAIN157
- 04ENGINE130
- 05SUSPENSION106
Owners report power steering pump electrical wiring harness/connector failures that can cause high electrical resistance and fire risk, as noted in an active recall. Some also experience a total loss of communication across control modules, which can make the steering wheel become firm and warning lights illuminate.
Complaints include software glitches that fail to turn off WiFi after the vehicle is stopped, and more seriously, a CAN data bus collapse that disables communication between major control modules. These issues can leave drivers with inoperative systems and confusing warnings.
Owners describe erratic acceleration, surging, and shuddering at light throttle, as well as premature transfer case and output shaft failures requiring replacement at low mileage. These problems affect drivability and can lead to costly repairs.
Reports include engine fires under the hood, sometimes resulting in total loss, and instances where the engine temperature rises sharply while driving. These are severe safety concerns that can happen with little warning.
“-The power steering pump electrical wiring harness/connector. The vehicle is subject to active Mopar safety Recall 21D (NHTSA Campaign 26v-363) for an un remedied vehicle fire risk caused by high electrical resistance. Yes, the vehicle and affected component…”
“The vehicle suffered a catastrophic, systemic high-speed CAN C data bus loop collapse (Diagnostic Trouble Code U0002-00 "Bus Off"), resulting in an immediate, total loss of communication across almost all primary factory control modules—including the Body Con…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engines shutting off while driving, requiring a restart, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events that need dealer service. Some also experience rough running or complete engine failure shortly after purchase.
Complaints include vehicles suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly, and transmission failures at very low mileage. These issues can leave drivers stranded and pose a risk in traffic.
Owners describe sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal, as well as screens going blank and loss of acceleration. These electrical glitches can affect critical safety systems.
Reports include severe loss of braking effectiveness, where the pedal remains firm but the vehicle does not stop normally. This is a serious safety hazard that requires 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 Gladiator — 34 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Jeep Wrangler, Wrangler 4XE, and Jeep Gladiator vehicles. The electric hydraulic power steering pump wiring may overheat and cause a vehicle fire, even when the vehicle is parked with the ignition in the "Off" position.
The risk: A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures, until their vehicle is repaired. Dealers will inspect and replace the wiring and electric hydraulic power steering pump, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Jeep Wrangler, Wrangler 4XE, and Jeep Gladiator vehicles. The electric hydraulic power steering pump wiring may overheat and cause a vehicle fire, even when the vehicle is parked with the ignition in the "Off" position.
The risk: A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures, until their vehicle is repaired. Dealers will inspect and replace the wiring and electric hydraulic power steering pump, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Jeep Gladiator and 2018-2024 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The instrument panel cluster may experience an internal short circuit and fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101…
The risk: An instrument panel that fails to display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the instrument panel cluster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed between October 3, 2024, and January 23, 2025. 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 2018-2023 Jeep Wrangler, and 2020-2023 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture.
The risk: Overheated clutch components may increase the risk of a fire. Additionally, damage to other nearby components can result in debris falling onto the road or a loss of drive, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the clutch assembly and update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed from November 16, 2023 through July 25, 2024. Owners may contact (FCA US, LLC) customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA…
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 Gladiator or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Jeep Gladiator has far fewer complaints per year (about 142) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823), but the Gladiator's issues often involve steering and electrical failures that can be dangerous. The Silverado's higher volume means more frequent problems, especially with the engine and transmission, leading to more dealer visits and potential safety risks.
Key differences
- The Gladiator has about 142 complaints per year, while the Silverado has about 823 per year, meaning the Silverado generates nearly six times as many complaints annually.
- Gladiator owners most often report steering and electrical failures, including power steering pump wiring that can cause fires, whereas Silverado owners report engine shutdowns and transmission failures.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls over 10 years versus 34 for the Gladiator over 7 years, indicating more frequent recall campaigns for the Silverado.
- Crash-related complaints are higher for the Silverado (233) than the Gladiator (25), and the Silverado also has 3 deaths reported compared to none for the Gladiator.
- Check for any signs of power steering pump wiring harness damage or recall 21D completion, as unremedied fire risk is reported.
- Test drive at various speeds and listen for steering firmness or warning lights that could indicate a CAN bus communication failure.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any sudden engine shutdowns or messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start' on the display.
- Check for brake pedal feel and stopping performance, as some owners report a firm pedal with loss of braking effectiveness.
Before you buy
- Verify that all open recalls for the specific vehicle have been performed, especially the Gladiator's power steering pump recall and the Silverado's fuel pump and brake-related recalls.
- Obtain a pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic familiar with the model, focusing on steering and electrical systems for the Gladiator and engine/transmission for the Silverado.
- Ask for a complete service history to see if recurring issues like transfer case replacements (Gladiator) or transmission repairs (Silverado) have been addressed.
- Test drive the vehicle in conditions that mimic your daily routine, including highway speeds, stop-and-go traffic, and parking maneuvers, to detect surging, shuddering, or unexpected shutdowns.
- Check the NHTSA website for any additional complaints or recalls specific to the model year and VIN you are considering.
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 Gladiator | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 120 |
| 2025 | 15 | 157 |
| 2024 | 23 | 527 |
| 2023 | 56 | 450 |
| 2022 | 120 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 292 | 961 |
| 2020 | 483 | 868 |
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 Gladiator or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- JEEP Gladiator vs Chevrolet Silverado
- JEEP Gladiator total complaints
- 992
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- JEEP Gladiator total recalls
- 34
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- JEEP Gladiator avg complaints/year
- 141.7
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- JEEP Gladiator
- JEEP Gladiator top complaint area
- STEERING
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE