Head-to-head reliability
JEEP Grand Cherokee L vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the JEEP Grand Cherokee L 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 Grand Cherokee L vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Jeep averaged 79 complaints per year over 6 years, while the Silverado averaged 510 per year over 10 years. The Silverado also has 100 recalls versus 24 for the Jeep. Both show safety-related issues, but the Silverado's higher volume suggests more frequent problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the JEEP Grand Cherokee L or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
JEEP Grand Cherokee L
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L is a three-row SUV that, based on owner complaints, shows a pattern of electrical and driver-assistance issues. Over six years, it has averaged about 79 complaints per year, with 24 recalls and 25 crash-related reports. Owners frequently describe problems with gear engagement, forward collision avoidance, and engine noises. This suggests that while the vehicle may be appealing, buyers should be prepared for potential electronic and powertrain quirks.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that, according to NHTSA data, has a much higher volume of complaints—averaging about 510 per year over ten years. With 100 recalls and over 5,000 complaints, the most common trouble spots are the engine, power train, and electrical system. Owners report serious issues like sudden power loss, brake problems, and transmission failures. This indicates that the Silverado may require more frequent attention and could pose higher ownership risks.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | JEEP Grand Cherokee L | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 474 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 24 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 25 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 79.0 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 15 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 Grand Cherokee L
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM152
- 02FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE110
- 03ENGINE75
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER66
- 05STEERING63
Owners report recurring issues with the vehicle failing to shift properly from Reverse to Drive, which can lead to confusion and potential rollaway. This is a safety concern because it affects basic control of the vehicle.
Complaints include complete failure of the airbag system to deploy in a crash and issues with forward collision warning systems not working as expected. These failures could increase the risk of injury in an accident.
Some owners hear abnormal hissing and tapping sounds from the engine compartment, often accompanied by a check engine light. This may indicate internal engine problems that could lead to costly repairs.
Although specific complaint text is not provided, steering is a top component with 63 complaints. Owners may experience difficulty steering or unusual noises, which can affect vehicle control.
“I am reporting recurring safety-related shifting and vehicle gear/park-state concerns involving my 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Summit Reserve. On multiple occasions, the vehicle has failed to transition properly from Reverse into Drive. I reported this Reverse…”
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Component: Engine/Powertrain and Electrical System. Availability: Yes, the vehicle is available for inspection. ⸻ 2. How was your safety or the safety of others…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine issues, including loss of motive power at highway speeds and abnormal pinging sounds. Some also experience diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These problems can leave drivers stranded and lead to expensive repairs.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly, causing a loss of power. This can be dangerous in traffic and may indicate transmission or software faults.
Owners describe sudden loss of normal braking, with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power, as well as loss of brakes and steering at speed. These are critical safety failures that could result in crashes.
Reports of brake failure where the pedal remains firm but braking is ineffective, and in some cases brakes become inoperable. This is a major safety concern 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 Grand Cherokee L — 24 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L vehicles. A software error in the instrument panel cluster may cause the speedometer to display the incorrect vehicle speed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicl…
The risk: Driving without knowing the vehicle's actual speed increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and update the instrument panel cluster software as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 3, 2024. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this r…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2021-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles. An improperly secured connector for the front seat side air bags (SAB) may prevent the air bags from deploying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Fed…
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers secured the connector, free of charge. All affected vehicles have been remedied. Owner notification letters were mailed December 17, 2024. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is B…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L vehicles. The radiator crossmember bolts may not be properly secured, which can lead to improper air bag deployments and a fuel leak during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements…
The risk: An improper air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury. A fuel leak can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and secure the crossmember bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 9, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is D1B.
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024 Jeep Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer, Grand Cherokee, and Grand Cherokee L vehicles. Incorrect software in the rearview camera module may cause the rearview camera image not to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal…
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 rearview camera module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 21, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is D5B.
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 Grand Cherokee L or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L has far fewer complaints per year (79 vs. 510 for the Silverado), suggesting it may have fewer recurring issues. However, both vehicles have serious safety-related complaints, so the difference means the Silverado likely demands more frequent repairs and carries a higher risk of major failures.
Key differences
- The Silverado has over 5,000 complaints in 10 years, while the Jeep Grand Cherokee L has 474 in 6 years—a much lower annual rate.
- Silverado owners report sudden power loss and brake failures, while Jeep owners more often cite electrical shifting and forward collision avoidance issues.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls versus 24 for the Jeep, indicating more widespread safety fixes.
- Jeep complaints include airbag non-deployment, while Silverado complaints include tailgate latch and seat belt anchorage recalls.
- Test the gear shifter repeatedly, especially shifting from Reverse to Drive, to ensure it engages properly without hesitation or failure.
- Check for any warning lights related to forward collision avoidance or airbag systems, and ask if any recalls have been addressed.
- Listen for abnormal engine noises like pinging or hissing, and check for any stored diagnostic trouble codes related to the engine or transmission.
- Test the brakes at low and high speeds to ensure they respond normally, and verify that all brake-related recalls have been completed.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been repaired by a dealer.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the electrical system, transmission, and brakes for signs of the reported issues.
- During a test drive, specifically test gear engagement, braking performance, and any driver-assistance features.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for engine and transmission services.
- Check for any pending recalls by entering the VIN on the NHTSA website before purchase.
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 Grand Cherokee L | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 24 | 98 |
| 2025 | 32 | 150 |
| 2024 | 40 | 0 |
| 2023 | 85 | 0 |
| 2022 | 216 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 77 | 934 |
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 Grand Cherokee L or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- JEEP Grand Cherokee L vs Chevrolet Silverado
- JEEP Grand Cherokee L total complaints
- 474
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- JEEP Grand Cherokee L total recalls
- 24
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- JEEP Grand Cherokee L avg complaints/year
- 79.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- JEEP Grand Cherokee L
- JEEP Grand Cherokee L top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE