Head-to-head reliability
AUDI A4 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the AUDI A4 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 vs Chevrolet Silverado: Over 10 years, the A4 averaged 29.7 complaints per year with 14 recalls, while the Silverado averaged 822.7 complaints per year with 101 recalls. The Silverado also had 233 crash-related complaints versus 10 for the A4. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI A4 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI A4
The Audi A4 is a compact luxury sedan that, based on owner complaints, can be a mixed bag. Over 10 years, it has averaged about 30 complaints per year, with electrical issues being the most common. Owners report problems with infotainment screens, parking aids, and transmission electronics. While not as complaint-heavy as some vehicles, the A4 still has notable electrical and back-over prevention issues that can be frustrating and costly.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup truck that, according to NHTSA data, has a very high volume of owner complaints—over 8,000 in 10 years, averaging more than 800 per year. The most frequent issues involve the engine, power train, and electrical system, with some reports of sudden loss of braking and engine shutdown. These are serious concerns for a vehicle often used for family transport and heavy-duty tasks.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI A4 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 297 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 14 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 10 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 29.7 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 4 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
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM128
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER100
- 03BACK OVER PREVENTION46
- 04ENGINE37
- 05AIR BAGS34
Owners frequently report electrical glitches, such as infotainment screen malfunctions and error messages for parking aids. These can be intermittent and may require costly dealer visits to diagnose and fix.
Complaints include rear-view cameras that fail to engage or show distorted images, and front parking aid errors. This affects visibility when reversing or parking, increasing the risk of low-speed collisions.
Some owners report engine-related issues like rough running, screeching noises, and transmission shudder. These can indicate underlying problems that may lead to expensive repairs if ignored.
There are complaints about air bag sensor and occupant classification issues, which could affect air bag deployment in a crash. This is a critical safety concern that should be addressed promptly.
“I purchased a 2024 Audi A4 with 20 miles as a birthday present for my son on 12/20/2023 for $45,028.81 cash, plus traded my son’s 2012 BMW 328i with 22,000 miles and they applied $8,500.00 credit. This is an Atlanta, Georgia Audi dealership. My son drove the…”
“Owner of 2019 A4 recently purchased from dealership after lease expired in Feb.2023. Currently with only 36,800 miles, took vehicle to inspect on Nov.24th and nothing but a front light replacement and suggestion of new tires in inspection video. The factory w…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report severe engine problems, including sudden shutdowns while driving and diesel particulate filter issues requiring dealer service. These can leave drivers stranded and pose safety risks.
Complaints include transmissions suddenly shifting into neutral and loss of acceleration. This can happen at low speeds, such as in parking garages, and may lead to dangerous situations.
Owners describe sudden loss of braking assistance and engine shut-off with warning messages. These electrical faults can compromise critical functions like braking and steering.
Reports of brake pedal feeling firm but braking effectiveness reduced, and complete loss of braking in some cases. This is a major safety issue that requires immediate attention.
“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 — 14 recalls
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2017-2020 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, 2018-2019 RS5 Coupe, 2019 RS5 Sportback, 2018-2020 A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, and Audi S5 Sportback vehicles. The cable connecting the seat heater to the Passen…
The risk: A disabled passenger air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the connecting cable and either the heating mat or entire seat cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 7, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number fo…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8 and S8, 2022 Audi A5 Sportback, A4 Sedan, E-Tron GT, Q3, Q5, RS6 Avant, A3 Sedan, S5 Sportback, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RSQ8, SQ7, SQ8, and S3 Sedan vehicles. A software error may prevent the rear-view image from initially dis…
The risk: A rear-view camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the infotainment unit parameters, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 9, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 91CR.
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022 Audi A6 Sedan, A4 Sedan, Q5, and Q5 Sportback vehicles. The semiconductor inside the engine control unit may short-circuit and cause an engine stall.
The risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the engine control unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 24iH.
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 AUDI A8, A6 Allroad, E-TRON Quattro, 2022 S3, RSQ8, RS7, RS6 Avant, Q8, Q7, Q3, E-TRON Sportback Quattro, S5 Cabriolet, E-TRON GT, S5 Sportback, A7, A6, A5 Sportback, A5 Cabriolet, A4, A4 Allroad, A3, S8, SQ7, SQ8, S6, and S4 v…
The risk: An inoperative rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the infotainment main unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 91Ei.
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 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Audi A4 has far fewer complaints per year (about 30) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (over 800). In practice, this means A4 owners report fewer issues overall, but the Silverado's problems are more frequently related to critical systems like engine, power train, and brakes, which can be more severe and costly.
Key differences
- The Audi A4 averages about 30 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages over 800, indicating a much higher complaint rate for the Silverado.
- Silverado complaints often involve serious safety issues like sudden engine shutdown and brake loss, whereas A4 complaints are more focused on electrical and parking aid problems.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls over 10 years compared to 14 for the A4, suggesting more frequent manufacturer-issued fixes for the truck.
- Both vehicles have crash-related complaints, but the Silverado has 233 versus 10 for the A4, reflecting the higher overall complaint volume and potential severity.
- Check the infotainment system and parking cameras for intermittent failures or error messages, as these are commonly reported.
- Listen for unusual engine noises or transmission shudder during a test drive, and ask for a diagnostic scan to check for stored fault codes.
- Test the brakes thoroughly and look for any warning messages about brake assist or engine shutdown, as these are reported issues.
- During a test drive, pay attention to transmission behavior, especially at low speeds, and check for any sudden loss of power or neutral engagement.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the areas mentioned in complaints.
- For the Audi A4, test all electrical components, including infotainment, cameras, and parking sensors.
- For the Chevrolet Silverado, test drive at various speeds and conditions, including braking and acceleration, to detect any hesitation or shutdown.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and ensure all recall repairs have been completed.
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 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 157 |
| 2024 | 2 | 527 |
| 2023 | 1 | 450 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 11 | 961 |
| 2020 | 127 | 868 |
| 2019 | 5 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 42 | 597 |
| 2017 | 82 | 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 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI A4 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- AUDI A4 total complaints
- 297
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- AUDI A4 total recalls
- 14
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- AUDI A4 avg complaints/year
- 29.7
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- AUDI A4
- AUDI A4 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE