Head-to-head reliability
JEEP Grand Cherokee vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the JEEP Grand Cherokee 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 vs Chevrolet Silverado: Over 10 years, the Grand Cherokee averaged 338 complaints per year, while the Silverado averaged 823. The Silverado also had more crash-related complaints (233 vs 176) and fatalities (3 vs 2). Both have notable electrical and engine issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the JEEP Grand Cherokee or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
JEEP Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a popular SUV that, over the past decade, has generated an average of 338 complaints per year. Electrical system issues are the most common, often involving hybrid-electric malfunctions that cause loud engine noises and warning lights. Engine problems, including sudden loss of propulsion at highway speeds, are also frequently reported. These patterns suggest that living with a Grand Cherokee may require vigilance for electrical and powertrain glitches.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that has averaged 823 complaints per year over the last decade, more than double the Jeep's rate. Engine and power train complaints dominate, with owners reporting issues like rough running, sudden loss of power, and transmission problems. Electrical and brake system complaints are also significant, including cases of sudden brake loss and engine shutdowns while driving. This volume of complaints indicates that Silverado ownership may involve more frequent visits to the shop.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | JEEP Grand Cherokee | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 3,384 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 99 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 176 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 338.4 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 122 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 2 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 Grand Cherokee
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,185
- 02ENGINE730
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER700
- 04POWER TRAIN463
- 05SERVICE BRAKES325
Owners frequently report malfunctions between hybrid and electric systems, leading to loud engine noises, inoperative electric modes, and persistent fuel/oil refresh warnings. These issues can leave the vehicle undrivable and are often tied to complex software or hardware faults.
Complaints include sudden loss of propulsion at highway speeds, requiring towing, and catastrophic internal engine failures (e.g., DTC P2338). Such failures pose serious safety risks and can be expensive to repair.
Many power train complaints mirror the hybrid-electric malfunctions, with owners reporting that neither hybrid nor electric mode functions properly. This can result in reduced performance and increased fuel consumption.
While less frequent than electrical or engine issues, brake complaints exist. Owners may experience reduced braking performance, though specific patterns are not detailed in the sample.
“See attached document for complaint. This letter is to fo rmally notify you of my vehicle's fai lure to conform to the express warranties under the Ill inois Lemon Law, and to demand compensation. The vehicle had a significant defect that was not, and r bel i…”
“There is a serious malfunction between the hybrid and electric systems. The engine is making a loud noise, and neither the hybrid nor electric mode functions properly. In addition, the fuel and oil refresh warning remains on, even after refueling. These issue…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report severe engine problems, including diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service, and engine shutdowns while driving that display 'Return to Neutral' messages. These issues can strand drivers and lead to costly repairs.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral while driving slowly uphill, causing loss of power. This can be dangerous in traffic and indicates potential transmission or control module faults.
Owners describe sudden, severe loss of normal braking and engine shut-offs while driving, with warning messages. These electrical glitches can compromise critical safety systems.
Reports include a firm brake pedal with ineffective braking, and complete shutdown of screens and acceleration in parking lots. Such failures heighten the risk of collisions.
“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 — 99 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles. A software error within the hybrid control processor may result in a loss of drive power.
The risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the hybrid control processer software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 14, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 73C. Veh…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Jeep Wrangler 4Xe and 2022-2026 Grand Cherokee 4Xe vehicles. The high voltage battery may fail internally and lead to a vehicle fire while parked or driving.
The risk: A vehicle fire can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures and not to charge their vehicles until the remedy is completed. Dealers will update the high voltage battery software, and replace the high voltage battery, as necessary, free of…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2023-2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles. A software error in the occupant restraint controller module may cause the delayed deployment of the side air bags during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the…
The risk: Delayed air bag deployment during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the occupant restraint controller module software, free of charge. Some owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 18, 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Jeep Wagoneer, 2024-2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Jeep Grand Cherokee 4XE, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, 2025 Jeep Wagoneer L, 2025-2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer L, and 2026 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. Due to a software error, the tire pressure…
The risk: A TPMS warning light that fails to notify the driver of low tire pressure increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the radio frequency hub software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning September 17, 2026. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this rec…
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 Grand Cherokee or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Jeep Grand Cherokee has fewer issues per year (338.4 complaints) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (822.7 complaints). In practice, this means a Silverado owner may encounter more frequent problems, particularly with the engine and power train, while a Grand Cherokee owner might face fewer but still serious electrical and hybrid-related faults.
Key differences
- The Silverado has more than double the annual complaint rate of the Grand Cherokee, with engine and power train issues being the most common.
- Grand Cherokee complaints often involve hybrid-electric system malfunctions, while Silverado complaints frequently cite engine shutdowns and transmission problems.
- Both vehicles have brake-related complaints, but the Silverado's include sudden loss of braking, a critical safety concern.
- The Grand Cherokee has fewer crash-related complaints (176) than the Silverado (233), though both have fatalities reported.
- Check for any history of hybrid system errors, such as warning lights or messages about electric mode unavailable, as these are commonly reported.
- Test drive at highway speeds and listen for loud engine noises or loss of propulsion, which owners have experienced.
- Inspect for diesel particulate filter issues if equipped with the Duramax, as soot accumulation has required repeated dealer service.
- Test the brakes thoroughly and check for any messages about 'Return to Neutral' or engine shutdowns, which indicate electrical or power train faults.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for any open recalls, especially for electrical and fuel system issues.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the hybrid system (Grand Cherokee) or diesel particulate filter (Silverado) if applicable.
- During a test drive, simulate highway driving and sudden braking to check for loss of power or brake failure.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, focusing on electrical, engine, and transmission repairs.
- Verify that all software updates and recall remedies have been performed.
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 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 77 | 120 |
| 2025 | 76 | 157 |
| 2024 | 242 | 527 |
| 2023 | 388 | 450 |
| 2022 | 370 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 406 | 961 |
| 2020 | 239 | 868 |
| 2019 | 368 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 854 | 597 |
| 2017 | 364 | 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 Grand Cherokee or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- JEEP Grand Cherokee vs Chevrolet Silverado
- JEEP Grand Cherokee total complaints
- 3,384
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- JEEP Grand Cherokee total recalls
- 99
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- JEEP Grand Cherokee avg complaints/year
- 338.4
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- JEEP Grand Cherokee
- JEEP Grand Cherokee top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE