Head-to-head reliability
AUDI A8 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the AUDI A8 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 A8 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The A8 has 162 complaints over 10 years (16.2/yr) with engine stalling and fuel pump issues, while the Silverado has 5105 complaints (510.5/yr) including brake loss and transmission failures. The A8 has fewer reported problems, but both require careful inspection. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI A8 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI A8
The Audi A8 is a luxury sedan that, in ownership terms, shows a pattern of sudden engine shutdowns and stalling, often in traffic, which can be alarming and potentially dangerous. Owners also report issues with fuel pumps and navigation inaccuracies. While the complaint count is relatively low, the nature of the failures—especially unexpected loss of power—suggests that reliability concerns are significant for a vehicle in this class.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a popular full-size pickup with a high volume of complaints, reflecting its widespread use. Owners report serious issues including engine failures, transmission problems, and sudden loss of braking power, which can occur at highway speeds. The frequency and severity of these reports indicate that the Silverado has notable reliability and safety concerns that buyers should investigate thoroughly.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI A8 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 162 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 35 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 3 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 16.2 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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 A8
- 01ENGINE93
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER21
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM19
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM13
- 05POWER TRAIN11
Owners report sudden stalling and misfiring without warning lights, sometimes in heavy traffic, leaving the vehicle unable to restart or shift into neutral. This can create dangerous situations and indicates potential fuel or ignition system faults.
High-pressure fuel pumps and cam followers have failed prematurely, requiring costly replacements. Some owners note that Audi extended warranties for these parts but their VINs were not included, leaving them to pay out of pocket.
Complaints include malfunctioning adaptive cruise control and navigation systems showing incorrect locations. These issues can be frustrating and may indicate broader electronic gremlins.
“WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET MY CAR SUDDENLY STOPPED (4 LANE STREET -- 2 GOING, TO COMING). THERE WAS VERY HEAVY TRAFFIC AND I COULD NOT MOVE THE CAR AS IT WOULD NOT COME BACK ON, NOR COULD I SHIFT THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL TO PUSH IT OUT OF THE WAY. AS A RESULT…”
“WHILE DRIVING AND GETTING OFF A HIGHWAY EXIT THE VEHICLE WITHOUT NOTICE STARTED TO STALL AS IF MISFIRING AND RUNNING ERRATIC WITHOUT NO ENGINE TROUBLE CODES OR WARNING LIGHTS AT A RED LIGHT STOP. I MANAGED TO GET HOME ABOUT HALF MILE AND ONCE PARKED COULDN'T…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine issues, including sudden loss of motive power at highway speeds, accompanied by loud pinging sounds. Diesel models also experience frequent diesel particulate filter clogging, requiring dealer intervention.
Transmission problems are common, such as the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving uphill, which can lead to loss of control. This is a serious safety concern.
There are reports of sudden, severe loss of braking effectiveness, even with a firm pedal, which can occur shortly after starting a trip. This is a critical safety issue that demands immediate attention.
Electrical failures can cause simultaneous loss of motive power, brakes, and steering, as reported in one incident. This suggests a potential systemic issue that could affect multiple safety-critical systems.
“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 A8 — 35 recalls
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Audi S8 and A8 vehicles. The fuel supply line for the high pressure fuel pump may become porous over time, resulting in a fuel leak.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel line, free of charge. The recall began July 20, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20AV.
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Audi A8 and S8 vehicles. The fuel supply line for the high pressure fuel pump may become porous and leak fuel.
The risk: Leaking fuel, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of fire.
The fix: Audi has notified owners, and dealers will install a fuel pressure damper, free of charge. The recall began February 21, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20BM.
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Audi A8 and S8 vehicles equipped with a standard sunroof, manufactured March 12, 2013, through July 15, 2013. These vehicles are equipped with a standard sunroof glass panel that may shatter.
The risk: Should the sunroof's glass break while the vehicle is in use, the falling glass could injure the driver or passengers. It could also distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sunroof glass panel, free of charge. The recall began on October 21, 2013. Owners may contact Audi of America at 1-800-822-2834. Volkwagen's number for this campaign is 60B6/1L.
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Audi S8 and A8 vehicles. The seal around the engine compartment may come loose and contact hot engine components.
The risk: If the seal contacts hot engine components, there could be an increased risk of a fire.
The fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will install a retaining plate to prevent the engine compartment seal from loosening. The recall began September 4, 2020. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number…
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 A8 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Audi A8 has far fewer complaints per year (16.2) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), indicating a lower frequency of reported issues. However, the A8's engine stalling and fuel system problems are serious, while the Silverado's brake and transmission failures are more frequent and equally dangerous. In practice, the A8 may offer a more reliable ownership experience, but both require careful inspection.
Key differences
- The Audi A8 has significantly fewer complaints per year (16.2) than the Silverado (510.5), indicating a lower rate of reported problems.
- Audi A8 owners report sudden engine stalling and fuel pump failures, while Silverado owners report more varied and severe issues including brake loss and transmission failures.
- The Silverado has a higher number of crash-related complaints (117) and injuries (104) compared to the A8 (3 crashes, 1 injury), suggesting more safety-critical incidents.
- Both vehicles have recalls, but the Silverado's recalls include steering and brake components, while the A8's focus on fuel system and engine parts.
- Inspect the engine for signs of stalling or misfiring, and check for any open recalls related to fuel system hoses or turbocharger.
- Verify that the high-pressure fuel pumps and cam followers have been replaced if the vehicle has high mileage, as these are known to fail.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, especially for any sudden loss of braking power, and check for recalls on brake fluid level sensors.
- Listen for unusual engine noises and check the transmission for any slipping or unexpected shifts into neutral, especially during test drives.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on engine, transmission, and brakes.
- Test drive at various speeds and inclines to check for stalling, transmission issues, and brake responsiveness.
- For the Audi A8, ask about any warranty extensions or repairs related to fuel pumps and cam followers.
- For the Silverado, ask about any prior diesel particulate filter replacements or brake system 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 A8 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 12 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 0 | 591 |
| 2017 | 6 | 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 A8 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI A8 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- AUDI A8 total complaints
- 162
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- AUDI A8 total recalls
- 35
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- AUDI A8 avg complaints/year
- 16.2
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- AUDI A8
- AUDI A8 top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE