Head-to-head reliability
JEEP Renegade vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the JEEP Renegade 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 Renegade vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Renegade averages 244 complaints per year with no deaths, while the Silverado averages 510 per year with one death. Engine and electrical issues dominate both, but Silverado brake failures are more severe. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the JEEP Renegade or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
JEEP Renegade
The Jeep Renegade, a small crossover, shows a high complaint rate relative to its sales volume, with engine and electrical issues dominating. Owners report sudden bangs, stalling, and electrical glitches that can affect safety systems. While no deaths are recorded, the frequency and unpredictability of failures make it a risky used buy without a thorough inspection.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado, a full-size pickup, has a higher total complaint count but also a longer sales history and higher volume. Its issues are spread across engine, powertrain, and brakes, with some severe incidents like loss of braking and power. The presence of a death and numerous recalls underscores the need for careful model-year research.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | JEEP Renegade | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2,196 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 24 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 79 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 244.0 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 62 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 Renegade
- 01ENGINE847
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM615
- 03POWER TRAIN423
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER417
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM286
Owners report loud bangs from underneath during acceleration or deceleration, and hesitation, shuddering, or stalling. These symptoms can occur without warning, making the vehicle unpredictable and potentially dangerous in traffic.
Electrical gremlins include false LaneSense warnings, blind spot alerts, and headlight failures. These malfunctions can distract the driver or reduce visibility at night, increasing crash risk.
The powertrain is linked to fuel vapor odors and sudden vehicle shutdowns, which can leave you stranded or cause a loss of power while driving. These issues often require multiple dealer visits.
“First NO WARNINGS Signs of Any Kind were shown at time of 1st & 3rd issues, 1st under hard acceleration or deceleration and sometimes while in turns under acceleration & deceleration you get a Large Bang from underneath the vehicle and it’s not only the sound…”
“The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing difficulty starting. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle shuddered, lurched, and hesitated to res…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Engine problems include catastrophic failures in the 6.2L V8 and diesel particulate filter clogging in the Duramax. Owners report sudden loss of power and loud pinging, which can lead to dangerous situations on highways.
Transmission issues are notable, with reports of the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, especially at low speeds, which can cause loss of control in parking garages or intersections.
Brake failures are severe: some owners report a firm pedal but no braking effect, and others lose braking power entirely at speed. This is a critical safety defect that demands 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 Renegade — 24 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Jeep Renegade vehicles. The incorrect bumper reverse light assembly may have been installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, an…
The risk: The incorrect reverse lights may have reduced visibility, and not alert pedestrians and other drivers that the vehicle is backing up, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the bumper reverse light assembly, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 30, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this rec…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Jeep Renegade vehicles. The incorrect bumper reverse light assembly may have been installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, an…
The risk: The incorrect reverse lights may have reduced visibility, and not alert pedestrians and other drivers that the vehicle is backing up, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the bumper reverse light assembly, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 30, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this rec…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia, 2018-2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio, 2019-2023 Fiat 500X, Jeep Renegade, and 2024 Fiat 500E vehicles. A seat belt buckle switch sensor may be improperly connected, preventing the front seat air bag from deploying as intended.
The risk: A front seat air bag that does not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will repair the connection, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning August 27, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 82B.
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia, 2018-2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio, 2019-2023 Fiat 500X, Jeep Renegade, and 2024 Fiat 500E vehicles. A seat belt buckle switch sensor may be improperly connected, preventing the front seat air bag from deploying as intended.
The risk: A front seat air bag that does not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will repair the connection, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning August 27, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 82B.
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 Renegade or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Jeep Renegade has fewer complaints per year (244 vs 510) and no reported deaths, but its issues are still frequent. The Silverado's higher rate and more severe safety incidents (including a death) suggest that, on average, the Renegade may be less problematic, but both require careful model-year selection and inspection.
Key differences
- The Renegade's engine issues often involve loud bangs and hesitation, while the Silverado's can be catastrophic failures like complete power loss.
- Electrical problems in the Renegade affect driver-assist features and lights, whereas Silverado electrical issues can lead to brake failure.
- The Silverado has a higher rate of brake-related complaints, including sudden loss of braking, which is more critical than the Renegade's brake caliper recall.
- The Renegade has no reported deaths, while the Silverado has one, but the Silverado's higher volume means more absolute incidents.
- Test drive under hard acceleration and deceleration to listen for loud bangs from underneath, which could indicate drivetrain issues.
- Check all electrical features, especially LaneSense and blind spot alerts, for false activations, and verify headlights work consistently.
- Inspect the brake system thoroughly, including a test at low speed to ensure the pedal provides normal stopping power without unusual firmness.
- Listen for abnormal engine noises like pinging and check for any warning lights related to the diesel particulate filter if it's a diesel model.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full service history and check for open recalls on both vehicles.
- For the Renegade, ask about any engine or electrical repairs and get them documented.
- For the Silverado, specifically ask about transmission and brake repairs, and test the brakes at various speeds.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the engine, transmission, and electrical systems.
- Check the NHTSA website for the specific model year's recall list and complaint trends.
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 Renegade | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 20 | 0 |
| 2022 | 25 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 66 | 934 |
| 2020 | 62 | 0 |
| 2019 | 79 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 441 | 591 |
| 2017 | 563 | 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 Renegade or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- JEEP Renegade vs Chevrolet Silverado
- JEEP Renegade total complaints
- 2,196
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- JEEP Renegade total recalls
- 24
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- JEEP Renegade avg complaints/year
- 244.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- JEEP Renegade
- JEEP Renegade top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE