Head-to-head reliability

JEEP Wagoneer L vs Chevrolet Silverado

How the JEEP Wagoneer L and Chevrolet Silverado compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.

JEEP Wagoneer L5 complaints · 1 recalls Fewer issues per year
Chevrolet Silverado5,105 complaints · 100 recalls

Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records

Which should you buy?

JEEP Wagoneer L vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Wagoneer L has 5 complaints over 2 years (2.5/yr) with 1 recall, while the Silverado has 5105 complaints over 10 years (510.5/yr) with 100 recalls. The Silverado also reports 117 crashes and 1 death. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

The picture

Is the JEEP Wagoneer L or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?

A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.

JEEP Wagoneer L

The Jeep Wagoneer L, in its first two model years, has drawn a small but serious set of complaints. Owners describe sudden, uncommanded stops—the vehicle shifting into Park while moving—and engine stalls at highway speeds, leaving them stranded. Electrical and engine issues dominate, with one owner reporting multiple shop visits and an unresolved diagnosis. While the complaint volume is low, the nature of these failures poses real safety concerns for a new luxury SUV.

Chevrolet Silverado

The Chevrolet Silverado, with a decade of data, shows a high volume of complaints, averaging over 500 per year. Engine and powertrain issues are the most common, including fuel system problems, transmission failures, and loss of power. Electrical and brake complaints are also frequent, with some describing sudden loss of braking and steering. The sheer number of complaints and recalls indicates a pattern of recurring problems across multiple systems.

The numbers

Side-by-side NHTSA record

Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.

CategoryJEEP Wagoneer LChevrolet Silverado
Total complaintsAll model years combined5 Better5,105
Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns1 Better100
Crash reportsCrash-related complaints0 Better117
Complaints per yearAveraged across model years2.5 Better510.5
Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints0 Better104
Reported deathsTied to owner complaints0 Better1

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 Wagoneer L

  1. 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
  2. 02ENGINE2
  3. 03STEERING2
  4. 04POWER TRAIN1
  5. 05SUSPENSION1
What these mean
Electrical System

Owners report the vehicle unexpectedly shifting into Park while driving at low speeds, due to a failing auto park safety system. This can leave the vehicle stranded in traffic and requires multiple restarts to recover.

Engine

Engine stalls have occurred at highway speeds, sometimes requiring a fuel pump replacement. One owner reported the vehicle being in the shop for over two weeks without a diagnosis, indicating persistent and hard-to-fix issues.

Steering

Complaints include premature tire wear on the outside edges, suggesting possible alignment or suspension issues. Another owner mentioned transmission and acceleration concerns that were repeatedly taken to the dealer without resolution.

In owners' words — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

While crossing an intersection, at low speeds (<5mph) the wagoneer immediately switched to park due to a failing auto park safety system. It left us stranded in the middle of the road while the car required two shut offs and restarts, all while watching cars…

Car has stalled out on road multiple times. In shop one day for software update. In shop two days for fuel pump replacement. Has been in shop 13 days and counting with no diagnoses currently. First stall out occurred at 55 mph.

Chevrolet Silverado

  1. 01ENGINE1,698
  2. 02POWER TRAIN1,453
  3. 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
  4. 04SERVICE BRAKES691
  5. 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
What these mean
Engine

Engine problems are widespread, including excessive soot accumulation in diesel particulate filters and failures in the 6.2L motor. Owners report loss of motive power and loud pinging sounds, sometimes leading to complete loss of braking and steering.

Powertrain

Transmission issues are common, with vehicles suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, especially at low speeds. This can be dangerous in parking garages or intersections.

Electrical System

Electrical failures can cause sudden loss of braking and steering, as described in one complaint where the vehicle lost power at 70 mph. These are critical safety concerns that require immediate attention.

Service Brakes

Brake-related complaints include sudden severe loss of braking effectiveness, even with a firm pedal. This can lead to increased stopping distances and potential collisions.

In owners' words — ENGINE

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 Wagoneer L — 1 recall

Power Train — Automatic Transmission — Gear Position Indication (Prndl)
#26V413000

The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2023 Jeep Wagoneer, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, and Jeep Wagoneer L vehicles. A software error may cause the transmission gear selection indicator not to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements…

The risk: A missing gear selection indicator may lead to unintended vehicle movement or a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: Dealers will update the shifter module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 20, 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 30D. Vehicle Identi…

Chevrolet Silverado — 100 recalls

Latches/Locks/Linkages — Tailgate — Latch
#24V060000Jan 2024

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…

Steering
#23V549000Mar 2023

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…

Latches/Locks/Linkages — Tailgate — Latch
#24V894000

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…

Seat Belts — Front — Anchorage
#23V786000

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 Wagoneer L or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?

The Jeep Wagoneer L has far fewer complaints per year (2.5) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), indicating a lower frequency of reported issues. However, the Wagoneer's problems, such as unexpected stops and stalls, are serious safety concerns. The Silverado's high volume suggests a higher likelihood of encountering problems, but the Wagoneer's issues may be more alarming when they occur.

Recommendation. If you prioritize lower complaint frequency and are willing to accept the risk of sudden stops or stalls, the Jeep Wagoneer L may be suitable. If you need a proven workhorse with extensive data and are prepared for potential engine and transmission issues, the Chevrolet Silverado might be a better fit, but be ready for more frequent repairs.

Key differences

  • The Wagoneer L has a small number of complaints but includes dangerous sudden stops and stalls, while the Silverado has a high volume of engine and transmission failures.
  • The Silverado has many more recalls (100) and crash-related complaints (117) compared to the Wagoneer L (1 recall, 0 crashes).
  • The Wagoneer L's issues are concentrated in electrical and engine systems, while the Silverado's spread across engine, powertrain, brakes, and electrical.
  • The Silverado's complaints include loss of braking and steering at speed, which are more severe than the Wagoneer's reported issues.
Watch on JEEP Wagoneer L
  • Test drive at low speeds and watch for any unexpected shifting into Park or warning lights.
  • Check for any open recalls related to the transmission gear position indicator.
Watch on Chevrolet Silverado
  • Inspect the brake system and ask about any recent brake-related recalls or repairs.
  • Listen for unusual engine noises and check for any pending recalls on the engine or transmission.

Before you buy

  • Check NHTSA recall databases for both vehicles and ensure all recalls have been addressed.
  • For the Wagoneer L, ask for service records related to electrical or engine stalls.
  • For the Silverado, ask about any transmission or fuel system repairs and get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic.
  • Test drive both vehicles under various conditions, including low-speed maneuvers and highway speeds.
  • Consider extended warranty options given the potential for costly repairs.

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.

YearJEEP Wagoneer LChevrolet Silverado
20252150
202430
Years to scrutinize: the 2024 JEEP Wagoneer L drew the most complaints (3); the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado drew the most (1,992). Inspect these model years especially closely.

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 Wagoneer L or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.

Go deeper

Full reliability reports

JEEP Wagoneer L vs Chevrolet Silverado — comparison facts
Comparison
JEEP Wagoneer L vs Chevrolet Silverado
JEEP Wagoneer L total complaints
5
Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
5,105
JEEP Wagoneer L total recalls
1
Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
100
JEEP Wagoneer L avg complaints/year
2.5
Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
510.5
More reliable overall
JEEP Wagoneer L
JEEP Wagoneer L top complaint area
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
ENGINE