Head-to-head reliability
Aston Martin DBS vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Aston Martin DBS 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 DBS vs Chevrolet Silverado: The DBS has 0 owner complaints over 10 years, while the Silverado has 4,261, averaging 426 per year. The DBS has 18 recalls, the Silverado 99. Silverado owners report engine and transmission failures, while DBS owners report none. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Aston Martin DBS or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Aston Martin DBS
The Aston Martin DBS is a high-performance grand tourer with a very low complaint rate—zero owner complaints over the past decade—but it carries 18 recalls, mostly for latches, transmission control, seat heaters, and accelerator pedal issues. This suggests that while owners rarely report failures, the car has had several factory-level fixes that a buyer should verify have been applied. In practice, you're likely to deal with fewer day-to-day problems, but you'll need to ensure recall work is up to date.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a popular full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume—4,261 complaints over 10 years, averaging 426 per year—and 99 recalls. Owners frequently report serious engine issues like diesel particulate filter clogging and engine knocking, transmission line failures, electrical system glitches, and brake system warnings. This indicates a higher likelihood of encountering mechanical or electronic problems, some of which can be safety-related, so a thorough inspection and service history review are essential.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Aston Martin DBS | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 0 Better | 4,261 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 18 Better | 99 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 104 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.0 Better | 426.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 74 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 2 |
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 DBS
No component data available.
Recalls have been issued for door latches and locks, which could affect door security and latching. Owners may experience doors not closing properly or opening unexpectedly, though no specific complaints are on record.
A recall for the transmission control module (TCM/PCM) suggests potential issues with shifting or transmission performance. This could lead to rough shifting or unexpected gear changes, but no owner complaints detail the exact symptoms.
A recall for seat heaters/coolers indicates a possible fire risk or malfunction. Owners might find the seat heating or cooling not working or overheating, but no complaints are recorded.
A recall for the accelerator pedal could involve sticking or unintended acceleration. This is a safety-critical component, but again, no owner complaints are available to describe real-world failures.
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,384
- 02POWER TRAIN1,244
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM754
- 04SERVICE BRAKES642
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER438
Owners report diesel particulate filter (DPF) clogging (P2463) on Duramax engines, requiring dealer service, and loud knocking noises leading to complete engine replacement. These are major, costly failures that can leave you stranded.
Transmission fluid line failures cause rapid fluid leaks and loss of transmission function, especially at highway speeds. Another owner experienced sudden transmission failure while towing, even with a light load, indicating potential reliability issues under load.
Multiple owners report warning messages for traction control and brake system failure appearing on the instrument panel, even when parked. These electrical glitches persist despite dealer visits, affecting confidence in the vehicle's electronics.
Brake system failure warnings are common, often tied to the electrical system. Owners describe serious safety concerns when brake warnings appear, though actual brake failure is not always confirmed.
“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…”
“At approximately 3,000 miles, the engine began making a loud knocking noise that became progressively worse while driving. The truck was diagnosed as needing a complete engine replacement. No warning lights, no check engine light, nothing. For someone inexper…”
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 DBS — 18 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 2006-2014 DB9, V12 Vantage, V8 Vantage, DBS, and Virage vehicles manufactured July 3, 2006, to November 5, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the electronic control module for the driver and front passenger seat heate…
The risk: If the electronic control module fails, the seat heater could get hot enough that areas of the seat may overheat and smolder, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant.
The fix: Aston Martin will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional module to the circuit that can interrupt the power to the seat heaters in case the electronic control module for the seat heaters fails, free of charge. The recall beg…
The defect: Aston Martin Lagonda of North America (Aston Martin) is recalling certain model year 2008-2014 DB9 and V8 Vantage, 2009-2012 DBS, 2010-2012 Rapide, 2014 Rapide S, 2011-2012 V12 Vantage, 2011-2014 V8 Vantage S and 2012 Virage vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the accelerator pedal arm may brea…
The risk: If the accelerator pedal arm breaks, the engine will return to idle and the driver will be unable to maintain or increase engine speed, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Aston Martin will notify owners, and dealers will replace the accelerator pedal assemblies. The recall began on February 11, 2014. Owners may contact Aston Martin customer service by calling 1-888-923-9988. Aston Martin's recall number is…
Chevrolet Silverado — 99 recalls
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2025 Chevrolet Silverado EV work trucks. The pedestrian alert sound system may not produce sound at a sufficient volume. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 141, "Minimum So…
The risk: A vehicle that fails to make sufficient sound may result in pedestrians being unaware of an approaching vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the software in the body control module (BCM), free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 22, 2025. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N24…
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 (GM) has decided that certain 2022 model year Chevrolet Silverado, and GMC Sierra vehicles equipped with an accessory sport bar. The accessory sport bar contains a high-mounted brake light that may not function. In addition, it may block the vehicle's existing high-mounted brake ligh…
The risk: An inoperative high-mounted brake light can reduce visibility to other drivers and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the installation of the accessory bar and provide the correct vehicle wiring, if necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters advising owners of the safety risk were mailed on August 10, 2022. Owner no…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vehicles. The sensing diagnostic module (SDM) was left in manufacturing mode and not activated at the assembly plant prior to shipment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle S…
The risk: An SDM in manufacturing mode will not deploy the vehicle's air bags in a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury.
The fix: Dealers returned the vehicles to the GM assembly plant and the sensing diagnostic modules were activated. The vehicles had not been sold from dealer inventory and therefore no owner letters will be mailed. Owners may contact Chevrolet cust…
Buyer analysis
Aston Martin DBS or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Aston Martin DBS has far fewer owner complaints per year (0.0) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (426.1), indicating a much lower rate of reported problems. However, the DBS still has recalls that need attention, while the Silverado's high complaint volume suggests a higher risk of encountering serious mechanical or electrical issues. In practice, the DBS is likely to be more reliable in terms of owner-reported failures, but the Silverado's issues are more common and potentially more severe.
Key differences
- The DBS has zero owner complaints, while the Silverado has thousands, with engine and transmission issues being the most frequent.
- The DBS's recalls focus on latches, transmission control, seat heaters, and accelerator pedal, whereas the Silverado's recalls include forward collision warnings, fuel pump, brake lights, air bag control, and lighting software.
- Silverado owners report serious engine failures like DPF clogging and engine knocking requiring replacement, while DBS owners report no such issues.
- The Silverado has 104 crash-related complaints and 74 injuries, while the DBS has none, indicating a higher safety risk in the Silverado based on reported incidents.
- Check that all 18 recalls have been performed, especially the accelerator pedal and transmission control module recalls, as these could affect safety and drivability.
- Inspect the door latches and locks for proper operation, as recall issues may not have been addressed.
- Look for signs of engine knocking or DPF issues, such as frequent regeneration or warning lights, and ask for service records related to engine repairs.
- Check the transmission fluid lines for leaks or signs of replacement, and test the transmission under load (e.g., towing) if possible.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full service history and verify all recalls have been completed for both vehicles.
- For the Silverado, have a mechanic inspect the engine, transmission, and electrical system, and look for any pending warning lights.
- For the DBS, test the accelerator pedal for smooth operation and check the seat heaters/coolers for proper function.
- Take both vehicles for a test drive, including highway speeds, to feel for any transmission or brake anomalies.
- Check the NHTSA website for the latest recall information and owner complaints for the specific model year you're considering.
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 | Aston Martin DBS | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 0 | 493 |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | 0 | 905 |
| 2020 | 0 | 821 |
| 2019 | 0 | 1968 |
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 DBS or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Aston Martin DBS vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Aston Martin DBS total complaints
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 4,261
- Aston Martin DBS total recalls
- 18
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 99
- Aston Martin DBS avg complaints/year
- 0.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 426.1
- More reliable overall
- Aston Martin DBS
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE