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 but 18 recalls, while the Silverado averages 777.6 complaints per year with 100 recalls. Silverado owners report engine failures and brake issues causing crashes. 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 has zero owner complaints on record over a decade, which is extremely rare for any vehicle. However, it has 18 recalls covering latches, transmission control modules, seat heaters, accelerator pedals, and door locks. This suggests that while owners haven't reported issues, the manufacturer has identified and addressed potential safety defects through recalls. Buyers should verify all recall work has been completed.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado has a high complaint rate of 777.6 per year, with engine, powertrain, electrical, and brake issues dominating. Owners report engines knocking and failing at low mileage, transmission fluid lines rupturing, electrical system faults causing loss of power, and brake failures. With 225 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths, these are serious safety concerns. The 100 recalls also indicate widespread problems.
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 | 7,776 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 18 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 225 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.0 Better | 777.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 150 |
| 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 DBS
No component data available.
Multiple recalls address latches and locks, which could affect door security or hood closure. A faulty latch might cause a door to open unexpectedly while driving.
Recalls for the transmission control module could lead to erratic shifting or loss of drive. This is a critical safety component.
Recalled seat heaters may overheat or cause burns. While not a crash risk, it's a fire hazard.
Accelerator pedal recalls could cause unintended acceleration or pedal sticking, a serious safety issue.
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,302
- 02POWER TRAIN2,213
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,435
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,193
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER832
Owners report loud knocking noises and complete engine failure as early as 1,800 miles, often without warning lights. This can leave you stranded and requires expensive replacement.
Transmission fluid lines fail at highway speed, causing rapid fluid loss and potential loss of drive. Also, transmission failures occur while towing, even with light loads.
High-voltage battery faults in EV models cause sudden loss of power and control. Conventional models experience electrical gremlins that disable the vehicle without warning.
Brake failures are reported, including loss of braking power. Some incidents are linked to electrical system faults, compounding the danger.
“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…”
“Truck has less than 1800 miles. Was at a stop light and the vehicle started shaking and making metal tin rattling sounds. Stopped for gas, started the vehicle all noises went away. Got onto the freeway and about 1 mile down the road the truck lost power at 70…”
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 — 100 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV and GMC Sierra EV electric vehicles. After experiencing an electronic stability control (ESC) system malfunction, the ESC malfunction warning light may not illuminate on the next key cycle. As such, these vehicles fail to com…
The risk: An indicator light that does not illuminate may fail to warn the driver of an ESC system issue, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The EBCM software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 15, 2025. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or G…
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 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 2026 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, and GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles with four-wheel (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), and certain 2015-2020 Suburban, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Yukon, Yuko…
The risk: Front or rear wheel lockup increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the transfer case assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 18, 2026. Owners may contac…
Buyer analysis
Aston Martin DBS or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Aston Martin DBS has zero complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages 777.6 complaints per year. In practice, the DBS has no owner-reported issues, but its 18 recalls mean you must ensure all are performed. The Silverado has frequent, serious failures that can cause crashes or leave you stranded.
Key differences
- Aston Martin DBS has zero owner complaints; Chevrolet Silverado has 777.6 complaints per year.
- Silverado owners report engine knocking and failure under 3,000 miles; DBS has no such reports.
- Silverado has 225 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths; DBS has zero crash complaints.
- DBS has 18 recalls but no owner complaints; Silverado has 100 recalls plus thousands of complaints.
- Check that all 18 recalls have been completed, especially for latches, transmission control module, seat heaters, and accelerator pedal.
- Inspect the seat heater operation and accelerator pedal for any sticking or unusual feel.
- Listen for engine knocking or rattling at startup and during test drive; check for any check engine light or transmission fluid leaks.
- Test all electrical systems, including infotainment, battery (if EV), and brake function; look for warning lights or error messages.
Before you buy
- Obtain the VIN and check NHTSA recall status for both vehicles; ensure all recalls are performed.
- For the DBS, request service records showing recall completion; test drive to verify no unusual noises or pedal issues.
- For the Silverado, ask for engine and transmission service history; inspect for fluid leaks under the vehicle.
- Test the Silverado's brakes thoroughly at various speeds; check for any warning lights during the drive.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with these models.
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 | 488 |
| 2023 | 0 | 412 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1270 |
| 2021 | 0 | 898 |
| 2020 | 0 | 819 |
| 2019 | 0 | 1955 |
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
- 7,776
- Aston Martin DBS total recalls
- 18
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Aston Martin DBS avg complaints/year
- 0.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 777.6
- More reliable overall
- Aston Martin DBS
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE