Head-to-head reliability
AUDI A7 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the AUDI A7 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 A7 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The A7 averages 6.7 complaints per year with 67 total, while the Silverado averages 822.7 per year with 8,227 total. The Silverado also has 233 crash-related complaints and 160 injuries versus the A7's 1 and 4. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI A7 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI A7
The Audi A7 is a luxury car that averages about 6.7 complaints per year over a decade, with 67 total complaints and 43 recalls. Owners frequently report electrical glitches that cascade into transmission and steering warnings, as well as engine shutdowns and fuel-system quirks. While the complaint volume is low, the nature of the failures—sudden loss of power or braking—can be alarming. Buyers should expect a car that demands attention to its electrical and hybrid systems.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a massive 8,227 complaints over 10 years—about 823 per year—and 101 recalls. Reports cluster around engine, power train, electrical, and brake problems, with many describing sudden engine shutdowns, transmission failures, and brake loss. The sheer volume suggests that many owners experience significant reliability issues, sometimes within the first few thousand miles. This is a high-maintenance vehicle with frequent safety-related complaints.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI A7 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 67 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 43 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 6.7 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 4 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 A7
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM29
- 02ENGINE14
- 03POWER TRAIN9
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM8
- 05AIR BAGS7
Owners report an 'electrical malfunction' warning that quickly escalates to transmission and steering warnings, often forcing them to pull over. One complaint notes the car ceased moving at highway speeds due to an alternator failure, a problem described as widespread.
The engine control unit can fail, causing the engine to shut off unexpectedly while driving. This sudden shutdown happens on both local roads and highways, posing a severe safety risk.
The 48-volt mild hybrid starter generator is prone to failure, triggering multiple electrical faults. Owners note this issue is common and has led to recalls on similar Audi models for fire risk.
The auto start/stop feature may engage before the vehicle fully stops, making the brakes feel aggressively applied. Also, the fuel filler flap can fail to open, especially in winter, an intermittent problem known to Audi service departments.
“Received an electrical malfunction - please call service warning icon on dash display. In less than one mile, I received cascading sequential warnings - including transmission and steering warnings - please pull over now. I attempted to exit the freeway on th…”
“The alternator malfunctioned and was not available for inspection upon request My safety was put at risk as the car ceased to move while driving on high speeds on the hwy The problem has been reproduced by several other audi owners. This is a widespread issue…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of new Silverados report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start.' Diesel models experience repeated diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events requiring dealer service.
Transmission problems include sudden shifting into neutral while driving slowly uphill, leaving the vehicle unable to accelerate. This can happen even with less than 300 miles on the odometer.
Electrical faults can cause a severe loss of normal braking, with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power. Other reports describe the engine shutting off and screens going blank while driving.
Braking issues mirror electrical complaints: owners experience sudden loss of braking effectiveness, often shortly after starting a trip. In some cases, the truck shuts off entirely during low-speed maneuvers, requiring a restart.
“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 A7 — 43 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 2016-2018 Q7, A6 and A7 vehicles, and 2015-2018 Audi A8 vehicles. The left and right fuel rails may leak fuel.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase risk of a fire.
The fix: Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the left and right fuel rail, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 24DP.
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Audi S6 and S7, 2012-2018 A7 and A6 Sedan, and 2014-2018 RS7 vehicles equipped with basic seats (with or without heating). Stress or wear of the body-sensing mat within the front passenger seat may cause the Passenger Occ…
The risk: If the PODS module malfunctions, the front passenger air bag may not deploy properly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a PODS system repair kit, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 74D5.
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Q7, A6 and A7 vehicles, and 2015-2018 Audi A8 vehicles. The left and right fuel rails may leak fuel.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase risk of a fire.
The fix: Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the left and right fuel rail, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 24DP.
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 A7 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Audi A7 has far fewer issues per year (6.7 complaints) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (822.7 complaints). In practice, this means A7 owners report fewer problems overall, but the failures can still be serious, while Silverado owners face a much higher likelihood of encountering engine, transmission, or brake defects.
Key differences
- The Audi A7 averages 6.7 complaints per year; the Chevrolet Silverado averages 822.7 per year, a 100-fold difference.
- A7 complaints often involve cascading electrical warnings and engine shutdowns; Silverado complaints frequently cite engine shutdowns, transmission failures, and brake loss.
- The Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints and 160 injuries reported, while the A7 has 1 crash-related and 4 injuries.
- Both have recalls, but the Silverado's 101 recalls cover a wider range of safety systems, including fuel pumps and forward collision warnings.
- Check for any history of electrical malfunction warnings, especially cascading transmission and steering alerts, which may indicate alternator or starter generator issues.
- Test the fuel filler flap operation, particularly in cold weather, as it may fail to open intermittently.
- Look for records of engine shutdowns or transmission slipping, especially in 2026 models with low mileage, as these can occur suddenly.
- Inspect brake function carefully; reports describe a firm pedal with reduced braking, which may not show up in a basic test drive.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for any open recalls on both models.
- For the Audi A7, have a mechanic scan for electrical fault codes and test the 48-volt hybrid system.
- For the Chevrolet Silverado, test drive at various speeds and check for transmission hesitation or unexpected engine shutdowns.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially any repairs related to the complaints listed above.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a brand-specific specialist to uncover hidden issues.
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 A7 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 0 | 157 |
| 2024 | 0 | 527 |
| 2023 | 0 | 450 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 6 | 961 |
| 2020 | 2 | 868 |
| 2019 | 43 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 0 | 597 |
| 2017 | 1 | 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 A7 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI A7 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- AUDI A7 total complaints
- 67
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- AUDI A7 total recalls
- 43
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- AUDI A7 avg complaints/year
- 6.7
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- AUDI A7
- AUDI A7 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE