Head-to-head reliability
AUDI A6 Allroad vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the AUDI A6 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 A6 Allroad vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Audi averages 5.3 complaints per year with 20 recalls, while the Silverado averages 822.7 complaints per year with 101 recalls and 233 crash-related reports. The Audi has fewer reported issues, but both have serious safety complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI A6 Allroad or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI A6 Allroad
The Audi A6 Allroad is a luxury wagon with a relatively low complaint rate of 5.3 per year over seven years, but owners report serious electrical and powertrain failures that can cause sudden power loss or transmission disengagement. With 20 recalls and 1 injury reported, it demands vigilance despite fewer overall complaints. Buyers should expect a comfortable but potentially temperamental vehicle where electronic gremlins and transmission issues are the main concerns.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a massive 822.7 complaints per year over ten years, reflecting widespread issues across engines, transmissions, brakes, and electrical systems. With 101 recalls, 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths, the data shows a pattern of severe safety defects. Owners frequently report engine shutdowns, brake loss, and transmission failures, making it a high-risk choice unless thoroughly inspected.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI A6 Allroad | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 37 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 20 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 5.3 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 A6 Allroad
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM21
- 02FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE6
- 03POWER TRAIN6
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM4
- 05ENGINE4
Owners report sudden electrical malfunctions that cause loss of HVAC, auto stop, and even engine power, with dashboard warnings like 'Maximum engine speed 2500 RPM.' These failures can leave you stranded or limit speed, so check for recent software updates and battery health.
Complaints include the windshield washer fluid sensor failing to warn until empty, and electrical glitches affecting collision avoidance. This means safety alerts may not work as expected, so test all driver-assist features during a test drive.
Owners describe transmission disengaging at highway speeds or complete loss of drive power, often with warning lights. These are dangerous failures that can happen without warning, so a pre-purchase inspection should focus on transmission behavior and any stored fault codes.
Reports include inaccurate fuel gauges that drop rapidly and uncommanded power loss with throttle restriction. This could leave you stranded or cause sudden slowdowns, so verify fuel gauge accuracy and check for related recalls.
“I have a 2020 All Road. Received message driving close to my home to contact service due to electrical malfunction and made it to my driveway. This was on a Sunday and no service center was available. Car lost its HVAC and auto stop mechanism on the way home…”
“While operating the vehicle under normal driving conditions, the vehicle suffered an immediate, un-commanded loss of engine power and throttle response. The vehicle displayed a critical dashboard restriction stating: “Maximum engine speed 2500 RPM”, forcing a…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of newer Silverados report engine shutdowns while driving, diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service, and sudden loss of power. These issues can occur at low mileage and may leave you stranded, so check for recall repairs and service history.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral, transmission failures, and complete loss of drive power. This can happen at any speed, posing a serious safety risk, so test drive extensively and look for transmission service records.
Owners report sudden loss of braking assist, engine shut-off while driving, and screens going blank. These electrical faults can disable critical systems, so have a mechanic check the battery, alternator, and brake control module.
Complaints describe a firm brake pedal with reduced braking effectiveness and complete brake loss. This is a severe safety defect that could cause a crash, so inspect brake components and ensure any brake-related recalls are performed.
“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 A6 Allroad — 20 recalls
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal M…
The risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TV. Vehicle Identification Numbers (V…
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 Audi RS6 Avant, RS7, 2020-2021 A6 Allroad, S6 Sedan, S7, 2019-2021 A6 Sedan, and A7 vehicles. The score line on the passenger air bag may not have been manufactured correctly.
The risk: An incorrectly manufactured air bag may not deploy properly, and could also eject plastic debris into the passenger compartment, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the passenger air bag score line, and repair it as necessary, free of charge. The recall begin March 26, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Audi S7, S6 Sedan, A6 Allroad, 2021-2022 RS7, RS6 Avant, 2019-2022 A7, and A6 Sedan vehicles. Liquid spilled in the rear seat may penetrate and cause the gateway control module to shut down.
The risk: A gateway control module shutdown will suddenly reduce engine power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will install a protective cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed January 20, 2023. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90V2.
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 A6 Allroad or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Audi A6 Allroad has far fewer issues per year (5.3 vs. 822.7), but both vehicles have serious safety-related complaints. In practice, the Audi may be less likely to leave you stranded, but its electrical and transmission failures can be costly; the Silverado's high complaint volume and severe defects make it a riskier used purchase.
Key differences
- The Audi A6 Allroad averages 5.3 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages 822.7, indicating a much higher reported problem rate for the Silverado.
- Silverado complaints include 233 crash-related incidents, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths, whereas the Audi has 0 crash-related, 1 injury, and 0 deaths.
- Audi owners report electrical malfunctions causing power loss and transmission disengagement, while Silverado owners report engine shutdowns, brake loss, and transmission failures at low mileage.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 20 for the Audi, covering critical systems like fuel pumps, brakes, and forward collision avoidance.
- Check for any history of electrical system malfunctions, such as loss of HVAC or auto stop, and ensure all software updates and recalls are performed.
- Test the transmission for any hesitation, slipping, or sudden disengagement, especially at highway speeds, and scan for stored fault codes.
- Look for evidence of engine shutdowns or diesel particulate filter issues, especially on 6.2L or 6.6L Duramax models, and verify all engine-related recalls are completed.
- Inspect brake function carefully for any loss of braking assist or firm pedal with reduced stopping power, and check for brake-related recalls.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all open recalls are addressed before purchase.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on transmission, electrical, and brake systems.
- Test drive for at least 30 minutes, including highway speeds, to check for sudden power loss or transmission issues.
- Verify that all driver-assist features, including forward collision avoidance and backup cameras, function correctly.
- For the Silverado, specifically check for engine and transmission service records and any signs of repeated repairs.
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 A6 Allroad | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 120 |
| 2025 | 1 | 157 |
| 2024 | 0 | 527 |
| 2023 | 0 | 450 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 26 | 961 |
| 2020 | 8 | 868 |
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 A6 Allroad or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI A6 Allroad vs Chevrolet Silverado
- AUDI A6 Allroad total complaints
- 37
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- AUDI A6 Allroad total recalls
- 20
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- AUDI A6 Allroad avg complaints/year
- 5.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- AUDI A6 Allroad
- AUDI A6 Allroad top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE