Head-to-head reliability
Aston Martin V8 Vantage vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Aston Martin V8 Vantage 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 V8 Vantage vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Vantage averages 1.1 complaints per year with 29 recalls, while the Silverado averages 822.7 complaints per year with 101 recalls. The Silverado also has 233 crash-related complaints and 160 injuries, compared to 3 each for the Vantage. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Aston Martin V8 Vantage or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Aston Martin V8 Vantage
The Aston Martin V8 Vantage is a low-volume sports car with an average of about one owner complaint per year over the past decade, so problems are rare but often expensive when they occur. Recalls are frequent (29), and the most common complaint areas are exterior lighting and vehicle speed control. Owners report issues like water condensation in lights and sudden stalling, which can be alarming but are not widespread. Living with one means expecting occasional electrical and hydraulic quirks, with parts and dealer support sometimes hard to find.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a high-volume full-size truck with an average of over 800 complaints per year, reflecting its huge popularity and widespread use. The most common problem areas are the engine, power train, and electrical system, with many reports of stalling, transmission problems, and brake loss. Recalls are also numerous (101), and there are hundreds of crash-related complaints and some injuries and deaths reported. For a buyer, this means a higher likelihood of encountering a serious issue, though many trucks may still be reliable.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Aston Martin V8 Vantage | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 11 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 29 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 3 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1.1 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 3 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 V8 Vantage
- 01EXTERIOR LIGHTING4
- 02VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL4
- 03POWER TRAIN3
- 04ENGINE3
- 05STRUCTURE1
Owners report that headlights and tail lights suffer from condensation and water leaks, which can cause the lights to fail or go out. This is a known design issue that may not be covered under warranty and could lead to reduced visibility.
Complaints describe the car coming to an abrupt stop or stalling, sometimes requiring a tow. There is also a recall for the accelerator pedal, but some owners were told parts were unavailable, leaving the issue unresolved.
For models with the Sportshift automated transmission, hydraulic hoses can rupture or corrode, spilling oil onto the undercarriage. Another report mentions the car starting and rolling away on its own, which is a serious safety concern.
Some owners experienced the engine abruptly stopping on the freeway, often within the first weeks of ownership. This can be dangerous and may require lengthy repairs, with one owner reporting a repeat failure after a supposed fix.
“The tail light on my car leaks and condensates - this is a problem with ALL Aston Martin Vantages and DB9's made from 2005 through 2017. The problem is that Aston Martin never had a fix and instead sells defective lights as a replacement when they fail from t…”
“ASTON MARTINS ARE NOTORIOUS FOR HAVING CONDENSATION BOTH IN THE HEADLIGHT AND TAIL LIGHTS. THIS IS A WELL KNOWN PROBLEM DUE TO BAD DESIGN AND BUILD YET THIS IS NOT SOMETHING THAT IS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. CONDENSATION CAN CAUSE THE LIGHTS TO GO OUT CAUSING P…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Many complaints involve engine shutdown while driving, sometimes with messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start'. Diesel models also report frequent diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events requiring dealer service.
Owners report the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral or losing power, even at low speeds. This can happen in parking lots or on the road, increasing the risk of a crash.
Complaints include sudden loss of braking assistance, with the brake pedal feeling firm but the truck not stopping normally. Other electrical glitches cause screens to go blank and the engine to shut off.
Reports describe a severe loss of normal braking, often shortly after starting a trip. The brake pedal remains firm but braking effectiveness is reduced, which is a critical safety issue.
“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 V8 Vantage — 29 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 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 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 — 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 V8 Vantage or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Aston Martin V8 Vantage has far fewer complaints per year (about 1.1) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 822.7), but the Silverado's higher volume means many owners may never experience a problem. In practice, the Aston Martin's issues are less frequent but can be costly and parts may be scarce, while the Silverado's issues are more common and sometimes involve serious safety defects like brake loss or engine shutdown.
Key differences
- The Aston Martin V8 Vantage averages about 1.1 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages over 800, reflecting vastly different production volumes and usage patterns.
- Aston Martin owners frequently report exterior lighting condensation and speed control stalling, whereas Silverado owners report engine shutdowns, transmission problems, and brake loss.
- The Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints and 160 injuries reported, compared to 3 crash-related and 3 injuries for the Aston Martin, though these numbers must be considered relative to the number of vehicles on the road.
- Recalls are more numerous for the Silverado (101) than the Aston Martin (29), but both have had recalls for critical systems like speed control and power train.
- Check headlights and tail lights for condensation or water droplets inside the lens, as this is a common complaint that can lead to light failure.
- Test the transmission for smooth shifting and look for hydraulic fluid leaks around the undercarriage, especially on Sportshift models, as ruptured hoses have been reported.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any hesitation, stalling, or unexpected shifting into neutral, as these are frequently reported power train and engine issues.
- Test the brakes at low speed to ensure they respond normally; a firm pedal with reduced braking could indicate a problem with the braking system.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a mechanic who specializes in the specific make and model.
- For the Aston Martin, specifically inspect all lights for condensation and check for hydraulic leaks under the car.
- For the Chevrolet Silverado, scan for stored diagnostic trouble codes and test drive at various speeds to check for stalling or transmission issues.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for recalls and 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 | Aston Martin V8 Vantage | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 0 | 597 |
| 2017 | 0 | 1154 |
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 V8 Vantage or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Aston Martin V8 Vantage vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Aston Martin V8 Vantage total complaints
- 11
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Aston Martin V8 Vantage total recalls
- 29
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Aston Martin V8 Vantage avg complaints/year
- 1.1
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Aston Martin V8 Vantage
- Aston Martin V8 Vantage top complaint area
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE