Head-to-head reliability
AUDI A4 Allroad vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the AUDI A4 Allroad 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
AUDI A4 Allroad vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Audi averages 17.5 complaints per year with 15 recalls, while the Silverado averages 822.7 complaints and 101 recalls. Audi issues are mostly infotainment reboots; Silverado reports include engine shutdowns and brake loss. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI A4 Allroad or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI A4 Allroad
The Audi A4 Allroad is a luxury wagon with a relatively low complaint volume—about 17.5 per year over a decade—but many center on the infotainment system. Owners frequently report the MMI screen rebooting, going blank, or cycling every minute, which can also affect backup cameras and collision sensors. Recalls cover tires, airbag sensors, door hinges, and passenger airbag inflators. Overall, it's a complex vehicle where electronic glitches, not major mechanical failures, dominate the ownership experience.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint rate—over 800 per year—and a wide range of reported problems. Owners describe engine shutdowns, transmission failures, brake loss, and electrical glitches, often on very new trucks. With 101 recalls and hundreds of crash/injury reports, the data shows a pattern of serious safety-related defects. Buyers should expect more frequent and potentially more dangerous issues than with the Audi.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI A4 Allroad | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 175 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 15 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 4 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 17.5 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.
AUDI A4 Allroad
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM115
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER71
- 03BACK OVER PREVENTION55
- 04FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE12
- 05LANE DEPARTURE7
Owners report the MMI infotainment system constantly rebooting, causing the screen to go black or blank. This can disable backup cameras and other driver aids, and dealers often can't guarantee a fix even after costly repairs.
The same MMI failures affect the backup camera display, which may go blank or flicker when reversing. This reduces rear visibility and increases the risk of backing over something or someone.
Some owners say the emergency braking system activates unexpectedly at stoplights or low speeds, with seat belt tensioning and a thunk sound. Others note that MMI malfunctions can disrupt the sensors that control automatic braking.
Many complaints repeat the MMI rebooting issue under this category, often noting that the problem started just after warranty expired. Repair estimates can exceed $1,000 with no guarantee of success.
“MMI Constant Rebooting - Follow up My 2020 Audi A4 Quattro's MMI system constantly reboots (~60 seconds), causing the screen to go black/blank. Component Failed: MIB3 infotainment software. This persistent issue leads to reboots and loss of digital display. S…”
“Shortly after my warranty expired last september ([XXX]) my 2020 Audi A4 Allroad started to experience random episodes of the car's main entertainment touch screen rebooting in the middle of the car being operated. This usually would only happen once or twice…”
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 a 'Return to Neutral' message. Others describe diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service at low mileage.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly, such as in a parking garage, leaving the driver unable to accelerate. This can happen with very low miles on the odometer.
Some owners experience a sudden loss of normal braking, with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power. Others report the truck shutting off completely while braking or moving slowly, causing screens to go blank.
Electrical glitches can cause the engine to shut off while driving, with messages like 'Press Start' appearing. Braking problems are also sometimes linked to electrical faults, making the truck hard to control.
“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.
AUDI A4 Allroad — 15 recalls
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7…
The risk: Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023 Audi S5 Cabriolet, A4 Allroad, Q5 Sportback, A3 Sedan, S5 Sportback, SQ7, TT Coupe, TT Roadster, RS5 Sportback, 2024 A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q8, RSQ8, 2023-2024 Q3, Q5, and Q7 vehicles. An electrical conn…
The risk: A deactivated front passenger air bag will not deploy during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the passenger seat occupant detection system control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 8, 2024. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for th…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Audi A4 Sedan and A4 allroad, and 2018 A5 Sportback vehicles. The aluminum trim on the front and rear doors can come loose from around the door speakers, leaving sharp edges exposed.
The risk: The sharp edges of the speaker trim increase the risk of injury to vehicle occupants.
The fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the speaker cover aluminum trim, free of charge. The recall began March 13, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 70G6.
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Audi A5 Sportback and 2017-2018 Audi A4 Allroad vehicles. A passenger air bag module mounting screw may not have been sufficiently tightened, possibly affecting the deployment of the air bag in the event of a crash.
The risk: If the air bag does not deploy correctly in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of an injury.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air bag mounting screw, tightening or replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 19, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Vo…
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
AUDI A4 Allroad or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Audi A4 Allroad has far fewer complaints per year (17.5 vs. 822.7) and fewer recalls (15 vs. 101). In practice, that means Audi owners are less likely to face frequent repair visits, but the Silverado's issues are often more severe—engine shutdowns, brake loss, and transmission failures that can strand or endanger drivers. The Audi's problems are mostly annoying electronic glitches, while the Chevy's can be safety-critical.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: Audi averages 17.5 per year; Silverado averages 822.7 per year—a 47-fold difference.
- Severity: Audi issues are mostly infotainment reboots and sensor glitches; Silverado reports include engine shutdowns, brake loss, and sudden neutral shifts.
- Recalls: Audi has 15 recalls; Silverado has 101, covering fuel pumps, airbags, and forward collision warnings.
- Crash/injury reports: Audi has 4 crash-related and 1 injury; Silverado has 233 crash-related and 160 injuries, plus 3 deaths.
- Test the MMI infotainment system thoroughly: check for rebooting, blank screens, or delayed response, especially after the car has been running for a few minutes.
- Verify that backup camera and forward collision warning systems work consistently; ask if any related software updates or repairs have been done.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any hesitation, sudden neutral shifts, or engine stalling, especially at low speeds or in parking lots.
- Check for brake pedal feel and any warning messages about brake system or engine shutdown; ask for a complete service history and recall completion record.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially for airbags and fuel system on the Silverado.
- For the Audi, test the MMI system for at least 10 minutes of continuous use, including reverse camera and audio functions.
- For the Silverado, take a lengthy test drive that includes highway, city, and parking lot maneuvers to check for stalling or transmission issues.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on the Audi's electrical system and the Silverado's engine, transmission, and brakes.
- Ask the seller for any extended warranty or service contracts, and consider a pre-purchase inspection from a dealer specializing in that brand.
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 | AUDI A4 Allroad | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 0 | 157 |
| 2024 | 4 | 527 |
| 2023 | 1 | 450 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 1 | 961 |
| 2020 | 157 | 868 |
| 2019 | 3 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 9 | 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 AUDI A4 Allroad or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI A4 Allroad vs Chevrolet Silverado
- AUDI A4 Allroad total complaints
- 175
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- AUDI A4 Allroad total recalls
- 15
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- AUDI A4 Allroad avg complaints/year
- 17.5
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- AUDI A4 Allroad
- AUDI A4 Allroad top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE