Head-to-head reliability
Volkswagen Jetta vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Volkswagen Jetta 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
Volkswagen Jetta vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Jetta has 100.9 complaints per year versus the Silverado's 510.5, but both show serious issues. Jetta owners report stalls and fuel leaks, while Silverado owners face engine failures and brake loss. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volkswagen Jetta or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volkswagen Jetta
The Volkswagen Jetta is a compact sedan that, in ownership terms, shows a pattern of electrical and engine troubles that can leave you stranded. Owners report sudden stalls, fuel leaks, and coolant loss, often just outside warranty, which means unexpected repair bills. The car also has persistent brake noise and ignition issues that can be annoying and, in some cases, a safety concern.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume, reflecting its popularity and heavy use. The dominant issues are engine and transmission failures, including sudden loss of power and shifting problems, which can be dangerous if they occur on the highway. Brake failures are also reported, sometimes with no warning, making this a vehicle that demands careful inspection before purchase.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volkswagen Jetta | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,009 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 35 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 50 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 100.9 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 49 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 3 | 1 Better |
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.
Volkswagen Jetta
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM249
- 02ENGINE235
- 03POWER TRAIN205
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER175
- 05SERVICE BRAKES112
Owners report sudden engine stalls without warning, often while driving, which can be terrifying and lead to crashes. The car may also have issues with the ignition switch, causing the key to get stuck and the car to shut off unexpectedly.
Fuel leaks from the bottom of the car are reported, posing a fire risk. Coolant loss without visible leaks is another common complaint, often leading to overheating and engine damage, especially after the warranty expires.
Grinding or scraping noises at low speeds, along with a loss of power, suggest transmission problems. Some owners also report the key getting stuck in the ignition, which can leave you stranded in unsafe locations.
Loud chattering and squealing brakes, especially when cold, are frequently mentioned. Even after warranty replacements, the noise persists, indicating a design or material issue that may affect braking performance.
“The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly stalled without warning. The contact shifted in neutral and attempted to restart the vehicle. The contact had to push the vehicle to the side of…”
“Rear brakes replaced twice on warranty. The car only has 24,000. Car remains with loud chattering brakes on all 4 brakes especially when brakes are cold. Especially loud chattering and squealing brakes still exist especially on rear brakes. Issue with a fuel…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Sudden, severe engine failures are reported, including loss of motive power at highway speeds. Diesel models have issues with diesel particulate filter clogging, requiring frequent dealer visits and potentially expensive repairs.
Transmission problems are common, such as the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, which can be extremely dangerous. Owners also report grinding and loss of power, indicating internal transmission damage.
Electrical issues can lead to a sudden loss of braking and steering, as reported by one owner. This is a critical safety concern, as it happens without warning and can cause a crash.
Severe loss of braking effectiveness is reported, even with a firm brake pedal. This suggests a problem with the brake system's power assist or hydraulic components, which can lead to longer stopping distances and accidents.
“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.
Volkswagen Jetta — 35 recalls
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Jetta vehicles. The fuel rail bolts may become loose over time, allowing fuel to leak.
The risk: A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rail bolts and, as necessary, the fuel rail. The recall began March 31, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this r…
The defect: Tenneco Automotive (Tenneco) is recalling certain Beck/Arnley Master Cylinders, part number 072-9831, sold as aftermarket or replacement parts for 2004-2018 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2012-2019 Volkswagen Beetle vehicles. The fluid seal crimp on the master cylinder may be insufficient, causing brake flu…
The risk: If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Beck/Arnley will notify the distributors that sold the master cylinders and will work with the distributors to notify the end users. Affected master cylinders will be exchanged for a new master cylinder (part number 072-9990), free of char…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of…
The risk: Removing the key while the shift lever is in a position other than "Park" increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began November 19, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for t…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Golf GTI, Jetta GLI, Jetta NF, Arteon FL, Tiguan LWB, 2022 Taos, Jetta PA, Tiguan PA, 2021-2022 Atlas Cross Sport, and Atlas FL vehicles. The manufacturing process of the eMMC memory module in the infotainment system may cause…
The risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the infotainment software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall…
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
Volkswagen Jetta or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Volkswagen Jetta has significantly fewer complaints per year (100.9) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. However, the Jetta's problems are still serious, including stalls and fuel leaks, so neither vehicle is without risk. In practice, the Jetta may be less likely to have a major failure, but the Silverado's issues are more frequent and potentially more severe.
Key differences
- The Jetta has far fewer complaints per year (100.9) than the Silverado (510.5), suggesting a lower rate of owner-reported problems.
- The Jetta's top issues are electrical stalls and engine fuel/coolant leaks, while the Silverado's are engine failures and transmission problems.
- The Silverado has more crash-related complaints (117 vs 50) and injuries (104 vs 49), but the Jetta has more deaths (3 vs 1), though numbers are small.
- The Jetta's brake noise is a nuisance, while the Silverado's brake loss is a critical safety concern.
- Check for any signs of fuel or coolant leaks under the car, and ask about the coolant level history.
- Test the ignition switch to ensure the key turns and releases smoothly, and listen for any unusual brake noise during a test drive.
- Inspect the engine for any signs of oil or coolant leaks, and ask about any previous transmission work.
- Test the brakes at various speeds, including a hard stop, to ensure they respond properly and do not lose effectiveness.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for any open recalls on the specific VIN.
- Have a mechanic perform a compression test and check for any engine codes on both vehicles.
- On the Jetta, specifically inspect the fuel system and ignition switch; on the Silverado, check the transmission fluid condition and brake system.
- Take both vehicles for an extended test drive, including highway speeds, to see if any stalling or loss of power occurs.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially for any repairs related to the engine, transmission, or brakes.
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 | Volkswagen Jetta | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 | 98 |
| 2025 | 24 | 150 |
| 2024 | 41 | 0 |
| 2023 | 42 | 0 |
| 2022 | 42 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 67 | 934 |
| 2020 | 51 | 0 |
| 2019 | 545 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 31 | 591 |
| 2017 | 159 | 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 Volkswagen Jetta or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volkswagen Jetta vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Volkswagen Jetta total complaints
- 1,009
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Volkswagen Jetta total recalls
- 35
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Volkswagen Jetta avg complaints/year
- 100.9
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Volkswagen Jetta
- Volkswagen Jetta top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE