Head-to-head reliability
JEEP Wagoneer S vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the JEEP Wagoneer S 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 Wagoneer S vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Wagoneer S averages 25 complaints per year with 13 recalls, while the Silverado averages 510 complaints per year with 100 recalls. The Silverado has 117 crash-related complaints and 1 death; the Wagoneer S has 2 crash-related complaints and no deaths. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the JEEP Wagoneer S or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
JEEP Wagoneer S
The Jeep Wagoneer S is a new electric SUV with only three years of data, averaging about 25 complaints per year. Owners frequently report electrical glitches, software errors, and sudden loss of power, often requiring dealer visits. With 13 recalls and two crash-related complaints, it's a vehicle that demands patience and careful inspection.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a long-running full-size pickup with over 5,100 complaints across ten years, averaging 510 per year. Common issues include engine problems, transmission failures, and electrical faults, with 117 crash-related complaints and one death reported. It's a workhorse but has a higher volume of serious complaints.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | JEEP Wagoneer S | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 76 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 13 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 2 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 25.3 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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 Wagoneer S
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM56
- 02POWER TRAIN18
- 03SERVICE BRAKES17
- 04ENGINE14
- 05FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE12
Owners report keyless entry failures, infotainment glitches like CarPlay maps not syncing, and sudden dashboard warnings that can cause the car to shut down while driving. These issues can leave you stranded and are hard to diagnose.
Complaints include transmission service warnings, inability to shift gears, and 'Service Electric Vehicle System' messages leading to power loss. Some owners had to have the car towed with low mileage, indicating potential early failures.
Brake-related complaints often overlap with electrical issues, such as flickering lights and warnings before the car stops driving. This suggests brake problems may be tied to broader electronic faults, making them unpredictable.
Owners describe sudden lurching, multiple service lights, and electronic glitches affecting driveability, including airbag warnings. These symptoms can compromise safety and require immediate dealer attention.
“1) Keyless entry/auto lock/unlock has been an issue since we leased the car, and it remains. CarPlay maps on the dashboard are not in sync with reality (even on the short ride home) often displaying the steering wheel icon and/or “0 m” directions that make no…”
“The first time this happened I was pulling into a parking lot and all service lights started flickering and it said to turn turn off car immediately as I was driving, I pulled into the nearest parking lot and it just stopped driving. The second time, which wa…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Reports include rough running, loss of power, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. Some owners experienced engine failure with low mileage, leaving them stranded.
Transmission issues like sudden neutral engagement and inability to shift are reported, sometimes with less than 300 miles on the odometer. These failures can happen at any speed, posing a safety risk.
Owners report sudden loss of braking, inoperable steering, and loud pinging sounds from the engine, often accompanied by warning messages. These electrical faults can disable critical systems while driving.
Brake complaints include a firm pedal with reduced braking effect, sometimes linked to electrical failures. This can make stopping difficult and increases crash risk.
“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 S — 13 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Jeep Wagoneer S battery electric (BEV) vehicles. The headlight vertical aim adjustment is not accessible, and the horizontal aim adjustment is not covered as intended. As a result, the headlights may not be able to be adjusted properly. As such,…
The risk: Incorrectly adjusted headlights can reduce driver visibility or create a glare for oncoming traffic, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will remove the plugs from the vertical aim and install plugs on the horizontal aim, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 3, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. C…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Jeep Wagoneer S vehicles. The liftgate hinge cover may not be properly clipped into position and may detach from the vehicle.
The risk: A detached hinge cover can become a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealer will inspect, repair, or replace the hinge cover as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 1, 2026. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this reca…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Jeep Wagoneer S, 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, Ram 5500 Cab Chassis, and 2026 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. Due to an improperly designed trailer tow module, the trailer lights…
The risk: Trailer brake lights and turn signals that do not illuminate reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, trailer brakes that fail increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the trailer tow module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning March 17, 2026. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 03D. V…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Dodge Charger and Jeep Wagoneer S electric vehicles. An incorrectly installed spring may cause the loss of the park function when the vehicle’s gear selector is placed in the park (P) position, which can result in a vehicle rollaway. As such, th…
The risk: A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the electric drive module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 25, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 63C. Vehicle Iden…
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 Wagoneer S or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Jeep Wagoneer S has far fewer complaints per year (25 vs. 510), but it's also much newer with less data. The Silverado's higher volume means more reported problems, but many are on older models. In practice, the Wagoneer S may have fewer issues overall, but its electrical gremlins can be severe.
Key differences
- The Wagoneer S has 76 complaints over 3 years; the Silverado has 5,105 over 10 years, but the Silverado's annual average is 20 times higher.
- Wagoneer S complaints center on electrical and software glitches causing sudden shutdowns; Silverado complaints often involve engine and transmission failures.
- The Silverado has 117 crash-related complaints and 1 death; the Wagoneer S has 2 crash-related complaints and no deaths.
- Both have recalls, but the Silverado has 100 recalls versus 13 for the Wagoneer S, reflecting its longer production and larger fleet.
- Check for any history of electrical system repairs, especially software updates or infotainment replacements, as owners report recurring glitches.
- Test drive at low speeds and during turns to feel for sudden lurching or power loss, which owners describe as happening without warning.
- Inspect for transmission issues by test driving from a stop and shifting through gears; owners report sudden neutral engagement.
- Listen for engine pinging or rough running, and check for diesel particulate filter warning lights if equipped with the Duramax.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the electrical system and software updates on the Wagoneer S.
- For the Silverado, test the transmission and engine under load, and check for brake fluid leaks or warning lights.
- Ask the seller for any dealer service records, especially for electrical or powertrain repairs.
- Verify that all safety recalls have been performed, as both vehicles have multiple recall campaigns.
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 Wagoneer S | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 98 |
| 2025 | 48 | 150 |
| 2024 | 28 | 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 Wagoneer S or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- JEEP Wagoneer S vs Chevrolet Silverado
- JEEP Wagoneer S total complaints
- 76
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- JEEP Wagoneer S total recalls
- 13
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- JEEP Wagoneer S avg complaints/year
- 25.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- JEEP Wagoneer S
- JEEP Wagoneer S top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE