Head-to-head reliability
Aston Martin DB9 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Aston Martin DB9 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
Aston Martin DB9 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The DB9 has 9 complaints over 10 years (0.9/year) and 39 recalls, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints (822.7/year) and 101 recalls. The Silverado also reports 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths, versus 0 crashes and 1 injury for the DB9. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Aston Martin DB9 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Aston Martin DB9
The Aston Martin DB9 is a low-volume luxury sports car, and its NHTSA record reflects that: only 9 complaints over 10 years, or about 0.9 per year. The complaints cluster around electrical glitches, lighting failures, and fuel-system issues, with one injury reported but no crashes or deaths. Living with a DB9 means dealing with rare but potentially serious problems like stalling and key-cylinder failures, plus 39 recalls that suggest ongoing attention to safety defects.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a high-volume full-size pickup, and its complaint volume is enormous: 8,227 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 823 per year. The data shows 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths, with engine, power train, electrical, and brake problems dominating. Owners report stalling, sudden loss of braking, transmission failures, and diesel emissions issues, often on very new trucks.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Aston Martin DB9 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 9 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 39 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.9 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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.
Aston Martin DB9
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM4
- 02EXTERIOR LIGHTING2
- 03FUEL SYSTEM2
- 04GASOLINE2
- 05ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING2
Owners report the key can be ejected from the dashboard ignition chamber 'like a bullet,' shutting the car off, and the car may stall at low speed and not restart for several minutes. These failures can leave you stranded or cause a sudden loss of power while driving.
Complaints describe headlights failing entirely (not just bulbs) and rear tail light covers fogging with moisture, leading to intermittent brake light failure. This matters because lighting failures reduce visibility and can mask brake signals to other drivers.
Owners report a strong fuel smell during acceleration, which dealers have attributed to the clutch but offered no fix. The same stall-and-no-restart issue also appears under fuel system complaints, suggesting fuel delivery or vapor problems may contribute.
While fewer complaints appear here, the stalling incidents often involve the engine shutting off and not turning over, with instrumentation lights staying on. This points to possible sensor or control module faults that can be hard to diagnose.
“THIS CAR HAS A SPRING COMPRESSION CHAMBER WHERE THE KEY GOES IN THE DASHBOARD . TWICE OVER THE LAST 6 YRS THE CHAMBER HAS SPIT THE KEY OUT LIKE A BULLET AND SHUT THE CAR OFF. ONCE WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY IN 2017 AND AT A GAS STATION IN 2023. THE CHAM…”
“THE CAR STALLED AT A FEW MPH AND WOULD NOT RESTART FOR SEVERAL MINUTES. THIS HAD HAPPENED ONCE BEFORE. THE INSTRUMENTATION LIGHTS REMAINED ON. THE ENGINE WOULD NOT TURN OVER. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO PALM BEACH MOTORS. THE COMPUTER DID NOT SHOW A FAULT AND THEY C…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of new Silverados report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start,' and diesel models experience repeated diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These issues can strand you and may recur even after repairs.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly, such as in a parking garage, and transmission control problems. This can cause a loss of power to the wheels and create a dangerous situation in traffic.
Owners report sudden, severe loss of normal braking with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power, as well as the engine shutting off and screens going blank. These electrical faults can disable critical safety systems without warning.
Brake complaints mirror the electrical issues: the truck may not stop normally even with the pedal pressed firmly, and in some cases the vehicle shuts off entirely during low-speed maneuvers. This is a serious safety concern that needs 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.
Aston Martin DB9 — 39 recalls
The defect: Aston Martin Lagonda of North America (Aston Martin) is recalling certain model year 2010-2015 DB9, 2010-2012 DBS, 2010-2016 V8 Vantage, 2012 Virage, 2010-2016 Rapide, 2014-2016 Vanquish, 2011-2016 V12 Vantage, and 2012-2013 V12 Zagato vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with interior door…
The risk: If the doors cannot be opened by an occupant from inside the vehicle, they may be trapped inside, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Aston Martin will notify owners, and dealers will disable the double locking feature by reprogramming the software, free of charge. The recall began August 10, 2016. Owners may contact Aston Martin customer service at 1-888-923-9988. Aston…
The defect: Aston Martin The Americas (Aston Martin) is recalling certain 2009-2016 DB9, 2009-2012 DBS, 2010-2015 Rapide, 2012 Virage, and 2014 Vanquish vehicles equipped with a 6-Speed Touchtronic II Automatic Transmission. A communication error between the Engine Control Module (ECM) and the Transmission Con…
The risk: If the park pawl does not engage and the vehicle is stopped on a slope and exited without the parking brake being applied, the vehicle may unexpectedly roll, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Aston Martin will notify owners, and dealers will update the TCM software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 1, 2018. Owners may contact Aston Martin customer service at 1-888-923-9988. Aston Martin's number for this…
The defect: Aston Martin Lagonda of North America (Aston Martin) is recalling certain model year 2010-2015 DB9, 2010-2012 DBS, 2010-2016 V8 Vantage, 2012 Virage, 2010-2016 Rapide, 2014-2016 Vanquish, 2011-2016 V12 Vantage, and 2012-2013 V12 Zagato vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with interior door…
The risk: If the doors cannot be opened by an occupant from inside the vehicle, they may be trapped inside, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Aston Martin will notify owners, and dealers will disable the double locking feature by reprogramming the software, free of charge. The recall began August 10, 2016. Owners may contact Aston Martin customer service at 1-888-923-9988. Aston…
The defect: Aston Martin The Americas (Aston Martin) is recalling certain 2009-2016 DB9, 2009-2012 DBS, 2010-2015 Rapide, 2012 Virage, and 2014 Vanquish vehicles equipped with a 6-Speed Touchtronic II Automatic Transmission. A communication error between the Engine Control Module (ECM) and the Transmission Con…
The risk: If the park pawl does not engage and the vehicle is stopped on a slope and exited without the parking brake being applied, the vehicle may unexpectedly roll, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Aston Martin will notify owners, and dealers will update the TCM software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 1, 2018. Owners may contact Aston Martin customer service at 1-888-923-9988. Aston Martin's number for this…
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
Aston Martin DB9 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Aston Martin DB9 has far fewer issues per year (0.9 complaints/year) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (822.7 complaints/year), but the DB9's problems can still be serious, like stalling and key ejection. The Silverado's much higher volume means many more owners report failures, including crashes, injuries, and deaths, so the practical difference is that the Silverado carries a much greater likelihood of encountering a safety-related defect.
Key differences
- The DB9 averages 0.9 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages 822.7 per year, a massive difference in reported problem frequency.
- The Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths; the DB9 has 0 crashes, 1 injury, and 0 deaths.
- DB9 complaints focus on electrical key ejection, stalling, and lighting fogging; Silverado complaints focus on engine shutdowns, transmission neutral drops, and brake loss.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 39 for the DB9, but the DB9's recalls include transmission control module and seat heater issues, while the Silverado's include fuel pump and forward collision warnings.
- Test the ignition key chamber for any sticking or ejection behavior, and ask if the key has ever popped out or caused a stall.
- Inspect both headlights and tail lights for fogging, moisture, or intermittent operation, and check for any signs of electrical gremlins like random stalling.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any sudden engine shutdown, transmission slipping into neutral, or unusual brake pedal feel, especially at low speeds.
- For diesel models, ask for service records related to diesel particulate filter soot accumulation and check for any stored codes or recent dealer visits.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and all recall repair documentation for both models.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the specific model, focusing on electrical, fuel, and brake systems.
- For the DB9, test the key ignition and all lighting functions multiple times, and check for fuel odors during acceleration.
- For the Silverado, scan for engine and transmission fault codes, and test drive at various speeds including low-speed parking maneuvers.
- Verify that any outstanding recalls have been performed, especially those related to fuel pumps, transmission control modules, and brake systems.
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 Aston Martin DB9 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Aston Martin DB9 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Aston Martin DB9 total complaints
- 9
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Aston Martin DB9 total recalls
- 39
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Aston Martin DB9 avg complaints/year
- 0.9
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Aston Martin DB9
- Aston Martin DB9 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE