Head-to-head reliability
LAND Rover Defender vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the LAND Rover Defender 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
LAND Rover Defender vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Defender averages about 90 complaints per year with 48 recalls, while the Silverado averages over 800 complaints per year with 101 recalls. The Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints and 160 injuries, compared to 5 and 3 for the Defender. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the LAND Rover Defender or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
LAND Rover Defender
The LAND Rover Defender is a luxury SUV that, based on NHTSA data, has a relatively low complaint rate of about 90 per year over seven years. However, owners frequently report electrical gremlins, exterior lighting failures, and windshield cracking, which can be costly and annoying. With 48 recalls and a handful of crash-related complaints, it's a vehicle that demands attention to electrical and visibility systems. Overall, it's a complex machine where small failures can lead to big bills.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume—over 800 per year across ten years—and a wide range of issues. Owners report serious problems with the engine, transmission, brakes, and electrical systems, including sudden loss of power and braking. With 101 recalls and hundreds of crash-related complaints, it's a workhorse that can be reliable but has notable safety-related failure patterns. Buyers should be aware of potential major repairs.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | LAND Rover Defender | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 628 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 48 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 5 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 89.7 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 3 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.
LAND Rover Defender
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM241
- 02EXTERIOR LIGHTING109
- 03VISIBILITY/WIPER101
- 04ENGINE74
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER57
Owners report check engine lights and hybrid electrical failures, such as a faulty Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) that can leave the vehicle undrivable. Heated steering wheels have also overheated and burned leather, posing a burn risk.
Daytime running lights and halo lights fail prematurely, often around 60,000 miles, reducing nighttime visibility. This is a recurring issue that can make the vehicle less visible to others.
Windshields crack easily from small pebbles or even spontaneously, sometimes multiple times in a short period. This leads to frequent replacements and potential safety hazards if not addressed.
Exhaust manifold bolts can fracture and fall out, causing exhaust leaks and potential engine damage. Some owners also experience auto start/stop failures where the engine won't restart at stoplights.
“My 2020 Land Rover Defender 48V Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) experienced a check engine light and hybrid electrical failure. Diagnostics by an authorized Jaguar Land Rover dealer confirmed code P0A1F-96 (Battery Energy Control Module / BECM internal co…”
“While using the heated steering wheel function on my 2020 Land Rover Defender, the steering wheel began to overheat significantly after being turned on for a short time. The surface temperature became so hot that it burned and discolored the leather, releasin…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report severe engine issues, including diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service, and in some cases, engine shutdown while driving. These can leave you stranded and lead to expensive repairs.
Transmission problems include sudden shifting into neutral and loss of power, even at low speeds. This can be dangerous, especially in traffic or parking situations.
Electrical glitches can cause a sudden loss of braking assistance, with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power. The engine may also shut off while driving, displaying warnings like 'Return to Neutral'.
Braking issues are reported, including complete loss of normal braking and the vehicle shutting off during braking attempts. These are critical safety concerns that require 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.
LAND Rover Defender — 48 recalls
The defect: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Land Rover Defender, 2021-2026 Discovery, and 2022-2026 Range Rover vehicles. The driver’s air bag clockspring connector may corrode, which can cause the air bag not to deploy as intended.
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will apply a protective lubricant gel to the driver’s air bag connector terminals, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed August 3, 2026. Owners may contact Land Rover's customer service at 800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for…
The defect: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Land Rover Defender, 2021-2026 Discovery, and 2022-2026 Range Rover vehicles. The driver’s air bag clockspring connector may corrode, which can cause the air bag not to deploy as intended.
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will apply a protective lubricant gel to the driver’s air bag connector terminals, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed August 3, 2026. Owners may contact Land Rover's customer service at 800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for…
The defect: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2024 Defender, Discovery Sport, Range Rover, Range Rover Evoque, Range Rover Velar, and Range Rover Sport vehicles. The Near Field Sensing Module (NFSM) may overheat and cause the 3D surround camera images, including the rearvie…
The risk: A rearview camera image that does not display can decrease the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the NFSM, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 24, 2024. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N927.
The defect: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Land Rover Defender vehicles equipped with Raised Air Intake (RAI) aftermarket accessory equipment, with part number VPLEP0543. The raised air intake may not be secured properly, which can allow the intake to detach fr…
The risk: A detached raised air intake can fall off the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect, and if necessary, remove and reinstall the RAI accessory, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed February 20, 2025. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover'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
LAND Rover Defender or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The LAND Rover Defender has far fewer complaints per year (about 90) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (over 800), but both have serious issues. The Defender's problems tend to be electrical and cosmetic, while the Silverado's are more often powertrain and brake-related, which can be more dangerous. In practice, the Defender may spend less time in the shop, but the Silverado's issues can be more severe when they occur.
Key differences
- The Defender averages about 90 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages over 800, indicating a much higher reported problem rate for the Silverado.
- Silverado complaints often involve engine, transmission, and brake failures that can cause sudden loss of power or braking, whereas Defender issues are more likely electrical, lighting, or windshield related.
- The Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints and 160 injuries, compared to 5 crash-related and 3 injuries for the Defender, suggesting more severe safety consequences in the Silverado.
- Both have many recalls, but the Silverado's recalls include fuel pump and forward collision avoidance issues, while the Defender's include air bags and backup camera problems.
- Check for any signs of electrical issues, such as warning lights, malfunctioning heated steering wheel, or hybrid system errors; scan for stored codes like P0A1F.
- Inspect the windshield for cracks or chips, and test all exterior lights, especially daytime running lights and halo lights, for proper function.
- Test drive at various speeds and listen for transmission slipping or sudden neutral engagement; check for any engine hesitation or shutdowns.
- Inspect brake pedal feel and function; look for any warning messages related to brakes or engine, and check for diesel particulate filter issues if equipped with Duramax.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic specializing in the brand, focusing on the known problem areas for each model.
- For the Defender, test all electrical components, including lights, infotainment, and heated seats/steering wheel.
- For the Silverado, test drive extensively, including highway and stop-and-go traffic, and check for transmission and brake performance.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and ensure all recall work has been completed.
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 | LAND Rover Defender | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 18 | 120 |
| 2025 | 0 | 157 |
| 2024 | 75 | 527 |
| 2023 | 246 | 450 |
| 2022 | 150 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 84 | 961 |
| 2020 | 55 | 868 |
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 LAND Rover Defender or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- LAND Rover Defender vs Chevrolet Silverado
- LAND Rover Defender total complaints
- 628
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- LAND Rover Defender total recalls
- 48
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- LAND Rover Defender avg complaints/year
- 89.7
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- LAND Rover Defender
- LAND Rover Defender top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE