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 averages 20 complaints per year with 2 crash-related reports, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages 823 complaints per year with 233 crash-related reports. The Silverado also has 160 injuries versus 2 for the A6. 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 is a luxury sedan that averages about 20 complaints per year over the past decade, with 41 recalls. The most common owner complaints involve electrical system failures, often from water leaks that corrode wiring and cause warning lights or sudden power loss. Engine and forward collision avoidance issues also appear, including cases where steering locked or the car entered a reduced-power mode. While the overall complaint rate is low, the nature of these failures can be alarming and expensive to fix.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that averages about 823 complaints per year, with 101 recalls. Owners frequently report engine and powertrain problems, such as sudden engine shutdowns, transmission failures, and diesel particulate filter issues. Electrical and brake complaints are also common, including cases where braking assist was lost or the truck shut off while driving. The high volume of complaints and multiple crash-related reports suggest a pattern of serious reliability concerns.
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 | 200 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 41 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 2 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 20.0 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 2 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
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM123
- 02ENGINE41
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE27
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER23
- 05POWER TRAIN21
Owners report water leaking into the passenger compartment, which corrodes the seat wiring harness and causes electrical failures, mold growth, and warning lights. This can lead to unexpected repairs and health concerns from mold.
Complaints describe sudden loss of engine power and throttle response, often with a dashboard message limiting engine speed to 2500 RPM. This can leave drivers stranded or unable to accelerate safely.
Some owners experienced multiple warning lights and even steering lock-up, which could increase crash risk. Others reported frequent false activations of emergency services and malfunctioning driver-assist features.
Issues include central door locking malfunctions that trapped children inside, and persistent moldy odors from the HVAC system. These problems affect daily usability and can be costly to diagnose.
“* 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…”
“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 report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start.' Diesel models have repeated diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events requiring dealer service. These failures can strand drivers and pose safety risks.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral and loss of power, even at low speeds. This can happen in parking lots or on the road, leaving the vehicle unable to move.
Reports describe severe loss of braking assist and engine shut-offs while driving, with screens going blank. These electrical glitches can disable critical safety systems.
Owners experienced a firm brake pedal but reduced braking effect, making it hard to stop. In some cases, the truck shut off entirely during braking attempts, increasing crash risk.
“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 — 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 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Audi A6 has far fewer complaints per year (about 20) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823), and fewer crash-related reports. In practice, the A6 may have less frequent but still serious electrical and engine issues, while the Silverado has a much higher volume of engine, powertrain, and brake complaints. Buyers should weigh the lower complaint rate against the severity of reported failures.
Key differences
- The Audi A6 averages about 20 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages about 823, a 40-fold difference.
- Audi A6 complaints often involve water leaks causing electrical corrosion and mold, while Silverado complaints frequently involve engine shutdowns and transmission failures.
- The Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints and 160 injuries reported, compared to 2 crash-related and 2 injuries for the A6.
- Both have recalls, but the Silverado's higher complaint volume suggests more widespread owner dissatisfaction.
- Check for water leaks in the passenger footwell or trunk that could corrode wiring under the seats, and look for musty odors from mold.
- Test all electrical functions, including door locks, windows, and driver-assist warnings, and listen for any unusual engine power limitations.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any hesitation, sudden neutral shifts, or engine stalling, especially at low speeds or when braking.
- Ask for service records related to diesel particulate filter cleaning or replacement, and check for any stored trouble codes related to the engine or transmission.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and all available service records, focusing on electrical, engine, and transmission repairs.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, including a scan for stored trouble codes and a check for water leaks or corrosion.
- Test drive the vehicle in various conditions, including highway, stop-and-go traffic, and parking lot maneuvers, to feel for any power loss or braking issues.
- Verify that all recalls have been addressed by checking the NHTSA website with the VIN.
- For the Silverado, specifically ask about any engine or transmission replacements or repairs, and for the A6, inspect for mold and water damage.
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 | 8 | 120 |
| 2025 | 9 | 157 |
| 2024 | 3 | 527 |
| 2023 | 2 | 450 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 17 | 961 |
| 2020 | 25 | 868 |
| 2019 | 114 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 2 | 597 |
| 2017 | 20 | 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 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
- 200
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- AUDI A6 total recalls
- 41
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- AUDI A6 avg complaints/year
- 20.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- AUDI A6
- AUDI A6 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE