Head-to-head reliability
AUDI A6 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the AUDI A6 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 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Audi A6 has 194 complaints over 10 years (19.4/yr) versus the Silverado's 5,105 (510.5/yr). The A6's top issue is electrical (121 complaints), while the Silverado's is engine (1,698). The Silverado also has 117 crash-related complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI A6 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI A6
The Audi A6, in ownership terms, is a luxury sedan that shows a pronounced electrical system vulnerability. Owners report water ingress leading to wiring corrosion, mold, and failures in seat adjustment, engine restart, and air conditioning. The engine also suffers from overheating and seizing, while the forward collision avoidance system can trigger false warnings or lock the steering, creating alarming driving situations. Overall, the A6 presents a pattern of complex, interconnected electronic and engine issues that could lead to costly and inconvenient repairs.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado, a full-size pickup, exhibits a high volume of complaints, particularly in the engine and powertrain. Owners report severe engine failures, including sudden loss of power and stalling, often in new vehicles. The transmission can unexpectedly shift into neutral, and there are reports of braking and steering becoming inoperable, which is extremely dangerous. With a high complaint rate and multiple recalls, the Silverado shows significant reliability concerns that could affect safety and dependability.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI A6 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 194 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 41 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 2 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 19.4 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 2 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 A6
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM121
- 02ENGINE40
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE25
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER23
- 05POWER TRAIN21
Owners report water leaks into the passenger compartment, causing corrosion in the seat wiring harness and leading to electrical failures, including issues with the engine restart system and air conditioning. Mold growth is also a consequence, affecting interior air quality.
There are reports of engine overheating and low coolant warnings, sometimes leading to engine seizure. This can leave drivers stranded and require major repairs.
The system can malfunction, causing a myriad of warning lights and even locking the steering while driving, which is a serious safety hazard. Other owners report intermittent operation and expensive realignment costs.
“* Passenger front Seat wiring harness corrosion and failure due to water ingress due to leaking web plate in the longitudinal member on passenger side. Water ingress in passenger compartment caused electrical failure and black mold to grow in the interior car…”
“Car reported an engine restarter issue (with battery symbol) and recommended to contact the dealer. Car next shut down automatic restart system, and air conditioning stopped working. Within a short period of time (same day), the car listed a red battery symbo…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report sudden loss of motive power, often accompanied by loud pinging sounds, and in some cases, the engine seizes. Diesel models also experience excessive soot accumulation in the particulate filter, requiring frequent dealer visits.
The transmission can unexpectedly shift into neutral, especially during low-speed maneuvers like climbing a parking garage ramp, which can lead to loss of control. This is a serious safety concern.
There are reports of sudden, severe loss of braking effectiveness, even though the brake pedal feels firm. This can lead to increased stopping distances and potential 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 A6 — 41 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. (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 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…
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 A6 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Audi A6 has significantly fewer complaints per year (19.4) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5). This suggests that, on average, the A6 is less likely to experience a reported issue. However, the A6's issues are still serious, and the Silverado's high volume indicates a much higher risk of problems, especially with engine and powertrain failures.
Key differences
- The Audi A6 has far fewer complaints per year (19.4) than the Silverado (510.5), indicating a lower frequency of reported issues.
- The Audi's most common problems are electrical, such as water ingress causing wiring corrosion and mold, while the Silverado's top issues are engine and powertrain failures, including sudden loss of power and transmission slipping into neutral.
- The Silverado has a higher number of crash-related complaints (117) and injuries (104) compared to the Audi (2 crashes, 2 injuries), suggesting more severe safety consequences.
- Both vehicles have recalls, but the Silverado has more than double the recalls (100 vs 41), indicating a broader range of safety defects.
- Inspect the passenger side floor and wiring for signs of water damage or corrosion, as leaks are common and can cause electrical failures.
- Check for any moldy odors from the HVAC system, which indicates water intrusion and potential health concerns.
- Listen for any unusual engine noises, especially pinging, and check for any warning lights related to engine or transmission issues.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including sudden stops, to ensure they respond properly, as there are reports of sudden loss of braking effectiveness.
Before you buy
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the electrical system and engine for the Audi, and engine, transmission, and brakes for the Silverado.
- Check for any open recalls on the specific vehicle you're considering and ensure they have been addressed.
- Review the vehicle's service history for any repeated repairs or major component replacements.
- Take both vehicles for an extended test drive, including highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic, to feel for any hesitation or unusual behavior.
- For the Audi, check the cabin air filter and HVAC system for mold; for the Silverado, ask about any diesel particulate filter issues if it's a diesel model.
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 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 | 98 |
| 2025 | 8 | 150 |
| 2024 | 1 | 0 |
| 2023 | 2 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 15 | 934 |
| 2020 | 25 | 0 |
| 2019 | 114 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 2 | 591 |
| 2017 | 20 | 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 A6 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI A6 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- AUDI A6 total complaints
- 194
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- AUDI A6 total recalls
- 41
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- AUDI A6 avg complaints/year
- 19.4
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- AUDI A6
- AUDI A6 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE