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: The A4 averages 29.5 complaints per year versus 510.5 for the Silverado, with the Silverado showing more severe engine and brake failures. The A4 has 14 recalls, the Silverado 100. 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, in ownership terms, shows a moderate complaint rate of about 30 per year over the last decade. The data suggests that while it's not plagued by constant breakdowns, owners do report recurring issues with electronics, parking aids, and occasional engine or transmission glitches. Living with an A4 may involve dealing with intermittent warning lights or sensor malfunctions, but these are often not catastrophic. The recall history touches on safety systems like airbags and rear visibility, indicating that some components may need attention over time.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup truck with a much higher complaint volume, averaging over 500 per year, reflecting its popularity and the severity of reported issues. Owners frequently report serious engine problems, including failures that lead to loss of power, as well as transmission and brake concerns. The high number of recalls (100) and the presence of a fatality underscore that some failures can have critical safety implications. For a buyer, this suggests a need for thorough inspection and awareness of potential major repairs.
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 | 295 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 14 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 9 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 29.5 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 4 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.
AUDI A4
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM128
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER100
- 03BACK OVER PREVENTION46
- 04ENGINE36
- 05AIR BAGS34
Owners report various electrical gremlins, such as the front parking aid malfunctioning and the rear-view camera intermittently failing to engage, showing glitchy images. These issues can affect convenience and safety when parking or reversing.
Some complaints describe transmission electronics faults (e.g., P084100) and abnormal vibrations, jerking, and noises from the engine/transmission during stop-and-go traffic. These symptoms suggest potential transmission or engine management issues that could lead to drivability problems.
The rear-view camera and parking sensors are a notable trouble spot, with failures that reduce visibility when backing up. This is a safety concern because it impairs the driver's ability to detect obstacles behind the vehicle.
Engine-related complaints include abnormal noises, screeching, and jerking on acceleration, which could indicate issues with the engine or transmission. Some owners also report that the vehicle shakes and has higher than normal RPMs, pointing to potential mechanical problems.
“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
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
The most frequent issue, with owners reporting severe problems like sudden loss of motive power, loud pinging sounds, and in some cases, complete engine failure. Diesel models also face repeated diesel particulate filter (DPF) clogging, requiring dealer intervention.
Transmission problems are common, including the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, which can be dangerous. Owners also report jerking, hesitation, and loss of drive, indicating potential transmission failures.
Electrical issues often accompany other failures, such as loss of braking and steering when the engine fails. Some complaints mention warning lights and sensor malfunctions that can lead to unexpected behavior.
Brake-related complaints include sudden loss of braking effectiveness, with the pedal firm but the vehicle not stopping normally. This is a critical safety issue that could lead to crashes.
“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. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, R…
The risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi custome…
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. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe,…
The risk: A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 4…
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…
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
AUDI A4 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Audi A4 has far fewer complaints per year (29.5) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. In practice, this means the A4 is likely to require less frequent repairs, but the Silverado's problems are often more severe and safety-critical. For a buyer prioritizing reliability and lower risk of major failures, the A4 is the better choice based on this data.
Key differences
- The Silverado has 17 times more complaints per year than the A4, with engine and transmission failures being common and sometimes leading to loss of power.
- The A4's issues are more electronic and sensor-related, like parking aid and camera malfunctions, while the Silverado's problems are more mechanical and safety-critical.
- The Silverado has a much higher recall count (100 vs 14) and includes a fatality, whereas the A4 has no reported deaths.
- Brake failures are a significant concern in the Silverado, with reports of sudden loss of braking, while the A4's brake-related complaints are not prominent.
- Check the rear-view camera and parking sensors for intermittent failures or glitchy images, as these are common issues.
- Look for any warning lights related to the electrical system or transmission, and test the vehicle in stop-and-go traffic to see if it shudders or jerks.
- Inspect the engine for any signs of unusual noises, loss of power, or check engine lights, as engine failures are frequent.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, especially for any loss of braking effectiveness, and check for transmission issues like sudden shifting into neutral.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the engine, transmission, and brakes.
- Test drive the vehicle in various conditions, including highway and stop-and-go traffic, to feel for any vibrations or jerking.
- For the A4, specifically test the rear-view camera and parking sensors multiple times.
- For the Silverado, ask about any prior engine or transmission repairs and check the service records.
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 | 0 | 150 |
| 2024 | 2 | 0 |
| 2023 | 1 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 11 | 934 |
| 2020 | 127 | 0 |
| 2019 | 5 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 42 | 591 |
| 2017 | 81 | 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 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
- 295
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- AUDI A4 total recalls
- 14
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- AUDI A4 avg complaints/year
- 29.5
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- AUDI A4
- AUDI A4 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE