Head-to-head reliability
Aston Martin Rapide vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Aston Martin Rapide 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 Rapide vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Rapide has 1 complaint over 9 years (0.1/yr) and no crashes, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints over 10 years (510.5/yr) with 117 crashes and 1 death. Silverado owners report engine, brake, and transmission failures, whereas Rapide issues are limited to check engine lights. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Aston Martin Rapide or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Aston Martin Rapide
The Aston Martin Rapide is a low-volume luxury performance sedan, and its NHTSA record reflects that niche: just one complaint over nine years, averaging 0.1 per year. The single complaint pattern centers on a check engine light triggered by a diagnostic trouble code, touching fuel, electrical, and engine systems. With 16 recalls but no crashes or injuries reported, the Rapide's issues are more about occasional electronic or fuel-system glitches than systemic safety failures. For a buyer, this suggests a vehicle that may be reliable in day-to-day use but could still present sporadic warning-light annoyances.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a mass-market full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume: 5,105 complaints over ten years, averaging 510.5 per year. Owners report serious issues across engine, powertrain, electrical, and brake systems, including sudden loss of motive power, braking failures, and transmission problems. With 117 crash-related complaints, 104 injuries, and one death, the Silverado's reliability record carries real safety implications. This is a workhorse truck where failures can be both frequent and consequential, demanding 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 | Aston Martin Rapide | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 16 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.1 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
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 Rapide
- 01FUEL SYSTEM1
- 02GASOLINE1
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1
- 04ENGINE1
Owners report the check engine light illuminating due to a diagnostic trouble code, indicating a potential fuel system fault. This could lead to reduced performance or fuel economy, and may require diagnostic and repair work.
The same complaint involves the electrical system, as the check engine light is triggered by an electronic control module. Electrical gremlins can be intermittent and hard to trace, potentially causing repeated visits to the shop.
The engine is implicated in the check engine light issue, with a diagnostic trouble code pointing to engine management. While not described as a catastrophic failure, it suggests the engine's sensors or control systems may be sensitive.
“The contact owns a 2012 Aston Martin Rapide. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact used a handheld diagnostic machine to retrieve a DTC for a…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine issues, including sudden loss of motive power while driving, often accompanied by loud pinging sounds. Some complaints involve diesel particulate filter (DPF) soot accumulation requiring dealer intervention, indicating potential engine or emissions system problems.
Transmission problems are common, with reports of the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, especially at low speeds. This can be dangerous, as it leaves the driver without power to accelerate or maintain speed.
Electrical failures are linked to loss of braking and steering, as reported in one complaint where the vehicle lost motive power and the brakes and steering became inoperable. This suggests a critical electrical fault that can disable safety systems.
Brake failures are a major concern, with owners describing sudden, severe loss of braking effectiveness even though the pedal feels firm. This can lead to crashes and is a direct safety hazard.
“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 Rapide — 16 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 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…
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…
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
Aston Martin Rapide or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Aston Martin Rapide has far fewer reported issues per year (0.1) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5). In practice, this means a Rapide owner is unlikely to encounter the frequent, serious failures that Silverado owners report. However, the Rapide's low volume and luxury nature mean that any issue may be costly to repair, while the Silverado's problems are more common but potentially covered by warranty or cheaper to fix.
Key differences
- The Silverado has a much higher complaint rate (510.5 per year) versus the Rapide (0.1 per year), indicating a significantly higher likelihood of problems.
- Silverado owners report safety-critical failures like sudden loss of braking and steering, while Rapide complaints are limited to check engine light issues.
- The Silverado's engine and powertrain complaints include loss of motive power and transmission neutral events, which can be dangerous, whereas the Rapide's engine issue is less severe.
- The Silverado has 117 crash-related complaints and 104 injuries, while the Rapide has none, highlighting a stark difference in real-world safety outcomes.
- Check for any stored diagnostic trouble codes related to the fuel or electrical system, as the single complaint indicates a check engine light issue.
- Inspect the engine and fuel system for any signs of previous repairs or recurring warning lights, as these could indicate ongoing issues.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including sudden stops, to ensure there is no loss of braking effectiveness, a common complaint.
- Check the transmission for smooth shifting, especially at low speeds, and be alert for any unexpected neutral events.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full service history and check for any open recalls on both vehicles.
- For the Rapide, have a pre-purchase inspection focus on the fuel and electrical systems, and request a diagnostic scan for trouble codes.
- For the Silverado, perform a comprehensive test drive that includes highway speeds, stop-and-go traffic, and braking from various speeds.
- Ask the seller about any previous engine or transmission repairs, and verify that all recalls have been addressed.
- Consider a professional mechanical inspection for both vehicles, especially the Silverado, given its higher complaint volume.
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 Rapide | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 0 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 0 | 591 |
| 2017 | 0 | 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 Aston Martin Rapide or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Aston Martin Rapide vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Aston Martin Rapide total complaints
- 1
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Aston Martin Rapide total recalls
- 16
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Aston Martin Rapide avg complaints/year
- 0.1
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Aston Martin Rapide
- Aston Martin Rapide top complaint area
- FUEL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE