Head-to-head reliability
JEEP Wrangler vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the JEEP Wrangler 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 Wrangler vs Chevrolet Silverado: Over 10 years, the Wrangler averaged 793 complaints per year with 102 recalls, while the Silverado averaged 823 complaints per year with 101 recalls. The Silverado had 233 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths, versus 163 and 0 for the Wrangler. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the JEEP Wrangler or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
JEEP Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler is a lifestyle vehicle that demands extra patience at the dealership. Over 10 years, it has averaged about 793 complaints per year, with electrical and steering problems dominating the list. Owners frequently report 12-volt battery drain and power steering failures, sometimes within miles of leaving the lot. With 102 recalls and 163 crash-related complaints, it's a vehicle that requires diligent maintenance and warranty follow-up.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a workhorse pickup that also sees its share of serious issues. It averages roughly 823 complaints per year, slightly higher than the Wrangler, with engine and power train problems leading the way. Owners describe sudden engine shutdowns, brake loss, and transmission failures, often at low mileage. The 3 deaths and 160 injuries in crash-related complaints highlight the potential severity of these failures.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | JEEP Wrangler | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 7,929 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 102 | 101 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 163 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 792.9 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 102 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 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 Wrangler
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,850
- 02STEERING2,455
- 03ENGINE2,155
- 04POWER TRAIN1,209
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,075
Owners of 2025 Wrangler 4xe models report the 12-volt auxiliary battery completely discharging after the vehicle sits plugged in, leaving them stranded. Others experience sudden loss of electric drive power, with warnings like 'Electric Mode Temporarily Unavailable,' which can reduce power unexpectedly while driving.
Multiple owners of new 2026 Wrangler Rubicon models report 'Power Steering System Hot' and 'Electric Power Steering Fail' warnings appearing within the first 30 miles. This can lead to a loss of power steering assist, making the vehicle harder to control, especially at low speeds.
Engine complaints often overlap with electrical issues, such as the 12-volt battery failure affecting the 4xe plug-in hybrid. Some owners also report odd operational patterns and warning lights shortly after purchase, requiring repeated dealership visits.
Power train complaints mirror the electrical and engine issues, with owners reporting unexpected loss of electric drive power and reduced performance in 4xe models. These problems can disable electric mode entirely, affecting fuel economy and drivability.
“The 12-volt auxiliary battery and related electrical system in my 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4XE plug-in hybrid (leased new 8/25/2025) repeatedly fail. The battery completely discharges after the vehicle sits plugged into a standard home charger, undisturbed, for sev…”
“While driving my 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe in normal conditions, the vehicle unexpectedly loses electric drive power. Power is reduced in stages — to approximately 50%, then 25% — then electric mode is disabled and the dash displays "Electric Mode Temporarily Un…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of 2026 Silverado with the 6.2L engine report sudden engine shutdowns while driving, often with messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start.' A diesel owner experienced repeated excessive soot accumulation in the particulate filter, requiring dealer service at low mileage.
Some owners report the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly, such as in a parking garage, leaving them unable to accelerate. Others experience complete shutdowns where all screens go blank and the truck must be restarted.
Electrical glitches can cause a severe loss of normal braking, with the brake pedal feeling firm but braking ineffective. Another owner reported the engine shutting off while driving, with the display showing 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start,' which is dangerous in traffic.
Brake complaints include sudden loss of braking power, where the pedal remains firm but the vehicle does not stop normally. In one case, the truck completely shut off in a parking lot, and the driver had to restart it to regain control.
“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 Wrangler — 102 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2026 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The child seat tether welds on the second-row, right-side seat frame may be insufficient, which can reduce the seat's ability to properly restrain a child during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the require…
The risk: A child that is not properly restrained during a crash can have an increased risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the second-row, right-side seat frame, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 29, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 27D. Vehicle Identi…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2026 Jeep Gladiator and Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The walls for the steel wheels may be too thin, allowing them to crack or detach, which can result in a loss of vehicle control.
The risk: Loss of vehicle control increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the steel wheels and valve stems, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 4, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's numbe…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2026 Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Gladiator, Jeep Compass, Jeep Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Jeep Grand Wagoneer L, Ram Promaster, Ram Promaster EV, Ram 1500, Ram 2500, Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid, Chrysler Voyage…
The risk: A rearview camera image that fails to display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Radio software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning September 2, 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler'…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The remote start antenna cable may be pinched, which can cause the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light not to illuminate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federa…
The risk: A TPMS warning light that fails to notify the driver of a problem increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the remote start antenna cable as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 2, 2025. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number…
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 Wrangler or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Jeep Wrangler has slightly fewer complaints per year (about 793 vs. 823 for the Silverado), but both have serious issues. The Wrangler's problems are more often electrical and steering-related, while the Silverado's are engine, power train, and brake-related, with a higher number of crash-related complaints and fatalities. In practice, the Silverado's issues may pose a greater risk of sudden loss of power or braking, while the Wrangler's can leave you with a dead battery or heavy steering.
Key differences
- The Wrangler's top complaint areas are electrical and steering, with owners reporting 12-volt battery drain and power steering failures, while the Silverado's top areas are engine and power train, with sudden shutdowns and transmission problems.
- The Silverado has more crash-related complaints (233 vs. 163) and includes 3 deaths, whereas the Wrangler has 0 deaths but 102 injuries.
- Both have over 100 recalls, but the Wrangler's recalls include child seat tether anchors and backup camera issues, while the Silverado's include fuel pump control and forward collision avoidance warnings.
- Owner complaints for the Wrangler often involve new vehicles with very low mileage, such as power steering failure at 29 miles, while Silverado complaints also include low-mileage engine and brake failures.
- Check the 12-volt auxiliary battery and charging system, especially on 4xe models, for repeated discharge or electrical warnings.
- Test the power steering system thoroughly, looking for any 'Power Steering System Hot' or 'Electric Power Steering Fail' messages, even on new models.
- Inspect for any signs of engine shutdown issues, such as stored codes or display messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start'.
- Test the brakes carefully for any loss of braking power, and check for recalls related to fuel pump control and forward collision avoidance.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Take a long test drive that includes highway, city, and parking lot maneuvers to check for sudden power loss, steering warnings, or brake issues.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the electrical system, steering, engine, and brakes.
- For the Wrangler, specifically test the 12-volt battery and power steering; for the Silverado, check for engine and transmission software updates.
- Ask the seller for all maintenance records and confirm that any previous recalls have been addressed.
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 Wrangler | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 30 | 120 |
| 2025 | 225 | 157 |
| 2024 | 2485 | 527 |
| 2023 | 365 | 450 |
| 2022 | 397 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 943 | 961 |
| 2020 | 610 | 868 |
| 2019 | 742 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 1823 | 597 |
| 2017 | 309 | 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 Wrangler or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- JEEP Wrangler vs Chevrolet Silverado
- JEEP Wrangler total complaints
- 7,929
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- JEEP Wrangler total recalls
- 102
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- JEEP Wrangler avg complaints/year
- 792.9
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- JEEP Wrangler
- JEEP Wrangler top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE