Head-to-head reliability
AUDI A5 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the AUDI A5 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 A5 vs Chevrolet Silverado: Over 10 years, the A5 averaged 10.9 complaints per year and had 24 recalls, while the Silverado averaged 822.7 complaints per year and had 101 recalls. The Silverado also reported 233 crash-related complaints and 160 injuries, versus 2 crashes and 0 injuries for the A5. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI A5 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI A5
The Audi A5 is a luxury coupe or sedan that, over ten years, has averaged about 11 complaints per year and 24 recalls. The most common owner complaints involve the electrical system, particularly the MMI infotainment system rebooting or shutting down, which can affect navigation, radio, and backup camera. There are also reports of transmission failure warnings and unexpected brake hold activation. While the overall complaint volume is low, the electrical and infotainment issues can be persistent and distracting.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that, over ten years, has averaged about 823 complaints per year and 101 recalls. The most frequent complaints involve the engine, power train, electrical system, and service brakes, with reports of engine shutdowns, transmission problems, brake loss, and electrical glitches. These issues can leave drivers stranded or create dangerous situations. The high number of complaints and recalls suggests a higher likelihood of encountering problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI A5 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 109 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 24 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 2 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 10.9 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 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 A5
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM55
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER30
- 03BACK OVER PREVENTION17
- 04FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE8
- 05ENGINE8
Owners report the MMI infotainment system randomly shuts down or reboots, causing loss of navigation, radio, and backup camera. This can be distracting and may compromise safety when reversing.
Complaints include transmission failure warnings and MMI resets every few minutes. These issues can be startling and may indicate underlying electronic or transmission problems.
The backup camera can go blank when the MMI reboots, posing a risk of backing into objects or people. This is a safety concern for drivers who rely on the camera.
Some owners experience unexpected and forceful brake hold activation, which can impede normal driving maneuvers. This could increase the risk of a collision if it occurs unexpectedly.
“The vehicle's Multi-Media Interface (MMI) system is reportedly shutting down randomly while the vehicle is in operation. This issue occurs without warning and is intermittent, making it unpredictable. Observed Symptoms/Events: Complete Loss of MMI Functionali…”
“13 Jun 25 2100 hrs - Auto went thru multiple of errors and transmission would not go into gear, electric door locks released all emergency pull handles and car was not able to move. Called Audi Emergency Service. Tried to get out of vehicle and door could not…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start'. This can be extremely dangerous, especially at speed.
Complaints include sudden loss of power, transmission slipping into neutral, and transmission failure. These issues can leave the vehicle unable to move or cause loss of control.
Reports of sudden loss of braking, engine shut-off, and screen blackouts. These electrical glitches can affect critical systems and safety.
Owners describe severe loss of braking, with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power. 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 A5 — 24 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. (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. (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. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5 Cabriolet, A5 Sedan and Audi Q5 vehicles, 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles and 2013-2016 Audi A4 Sedan and A4 allroad vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an electric coolant pump that ca…
The risk: A blocked pump or a short-circuited pump can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the pumps, free of charge. The recall began September 14, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number's for this recall is 19N3/19N4. Note: This recall i…
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 A5 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Audi A5 has far fewer complaints per year (about 11) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823). This means a used A5 is likely to have fewer reported problems overall, but the Silverado's issues tend to be more severe, including engine shutdowns and brake loss. In practice, the A5 may be less troublesome but still has notable electrical quirks, while the Silverado carries a higher risk of serious safety-related failures.
Key differences
- The Audi A5 averages about 11 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages about 823, indicating a much higher reported problem rate for the Silverado.
- Audi A5 complaints often center on infotainment and electrical glitches, whereas Silverado complaints frequently involve engine shutdowns, transmission failures, and brake loss.
- The Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints and 160 injuries reported, compared to 2 crash-related and 0 injuries for the A5, suggesting more severe safety consequences.
- Both have recalls, but the Silverado has 101 recalls versus 24 for the A5, covering issues like fuel pumps and forward collision warnings.
- Test the MMI infotainment system thoroughly: check for random reboots, screen freezes, and backup camera operation, as these are commonly reported.
- Listen for transmission warnings or hesitation during a test drive, and ask if any transmission-related software updates or repairs have been done.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any engine stuttering, unexpected shutdowns, or warning messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start'.
- Check brake pedal feel and stopping power; reports of sudden brake loss mean you should have a mechanic inspect the brake system and any related recalls.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the specific problem areas for each model.
- For the Audi A5, test all electronic features, especially the MMI system, backup camera, and forward collision warnings.
- For the Chevrolet Silverado, test drive at various speeds and check for engine, transmission, and brake performance, including any warning lights.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and confirm that any 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 A5 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 120 |
| 2025 | 9 | 157 |
| 2024 | 8 | 527 |
| 2023 | 0 | 450 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 8 | 961 |
| 2020 | 60 | 868 |
| 2019 | 12 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 9 | 597 |
| 2017 | 2 | 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 A5 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI A5 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- AUDI A5 total complaints
- 109
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- AUDI A5 total recalls
- 24
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- AUDI A5 avg complaints/year
- 10.9
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- AUDI A5
- AUDI A5 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE