Head-to-head reliability
AUDI E TRON Sportback vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the AUDI E TRON Sportback 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 E TRON Sportback vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Audi had 45 complaints (15/year) and 0 crash-related reports, while the Silverado had 8,227 complaints (823/year) with 233 crash-related and 3 deaths. The Audi’s issues are mostly electrical; the Silverado’s include engine, brake, and power train failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI E TRON Sportback or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI E TRON Sportback
The Audi E-Tron Sportback is an electric SUV that, over three years, has generated 45 complaints—about 15 per year—with no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths. Most owner complaints center on electrical glitches like blank instrument displays and high-voltage battery warnings, plus drivetrain noises and sudden power disengagement. Recalls address backup camera and brake pedal issues. For a buyer, this suggests a low-volume but tech-heavy vehicle where electrical and software gremlins are the main ownership annoyance.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that, over ten years, has accumulated 8,227 complaints—roughly 823 per year—including 233 crash-related reports, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths. Owners frequently report engine problems (e.g., diesel particulate filter soot accumulation), power train failures (sudden neutral or shutdown), electrical issues (brake loss, engine shutoff), and brake problems. Recalls cover fuel pumps, tire pressure monitoring, and pedestrian alerts. This points to a high-volume truck with a wide range of serious, sometimes safety-critical, failure patterns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI E TRON Sportback | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 45 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 4 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 15.0 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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 E TRON Sportback
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM32
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER12
- 03POWER TRAIN10
- 04ENGINE8
- 05SERVICE BRAKES3
Owners report intermittent blank instrument cluster displays and high-voltage battery warnings that can disable regenerative braking and reduce power. These glitches can leave you without key driving information or unexpectedly change how the car behaves.
Complaints include a loud droning or humming noise from the drivetrain that rises with speed, and instances where the vehicle suddenly jerks and the drivetrain disengages while stopping. This could mean unexpected loss of propulsion or costly repairs.
Some owners describe an 'Electrical System Malfunction' message appearing while driving, sometimes after the car sat for a few days. This can trigger reduced power or require a dealer visit, undermining confidence in the electric drivetrain.
Several complaints involve unresolved recalls, with owners waiting over a year for fixes and reporting that after software updates, every warning light illuminated. This suggests recall remedies may not always be straightforward or timely.
“I own a 2021 Audi e-tron with approximately 58000 miles. Beginning in March 2026, the vehicle developed intermittent Virtual Cockpit/instrument-cluster problems with blank display. I reported the condition to Audi dealer of Princeton NJ. The vehicle subsequen…”
“While driving my 2021 Audi e-tron Sportback Prestige, the high-voltage battery warning light illuminated on the dashboard. At the same time, regenerative braking stopped functioning, resulting in reduced energy recovery and a noticeable decrease in driving ra…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of 2026 Silverados report severe engine issues, including a 6.2L motor failing shortly after purchase and a 6.6L Duramax diesel repeatedly clogging its particulate filter, requiring dealer service. These can leave you stranded and facing expensive repairs.
Complaints describe the truck suddenly shifting into neutral or shutting off while driving, sometimes with less than 300 miles on the odometer. This loss of power can be dangerous, especially in traffic or on hills.
Owners report sudden, severe loss of normal braking with a firm pedal but ineffective stopping, as well as the engine shutting off while driving and displaying 'Return to Neutral' messages. These electrical faults directly affect control and safety.
Braking problems include the truck completely shutting off with blank screens and no acceleration in a parking lot, and brake loss shortly after dropping a child at school. Such failures can prevent normal stopping and increase 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 E TRON Sportback — 4 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 2019-2023 Audi E-Tron Quattro, 2020-2023 Audi E-Tron Sportback, 2024 Q8 E-Tron, Q8 Sportback E-Tron, SQ8 E-Tron, and SQ8 Sportback E-Tron vehicles. The fastener that connects the brake pedal and the brake booster may have been improperly…
The risk: Brake pedal detachment can cause a loss of brake function and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten the pushrod screw joint as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 28, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recal…
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 2019-2023 Audi E-Tron Quattro, 2020-2023 Audi E-Tron Sportback, 2024 Q8 E-Tron, Q8 Sportback E-Tron, SQ8 E-Tron, and SQ8 Sportback E-Tron vehicles. The fastener that connects the brake pedal and the brake booster may have been improperly…
The risk: Brake pedal detachment can cause a loss of brake function and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten the pushrod screw joint as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 28, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recal…
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 E TRON Sportback or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Audi E-Tron Sportback has far fewer issues per year—about 15 complaints annually versus roughly 823 for the Chevrolet Silverado—and no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths in its data. In practice, the Audi’s problems tend to be electrical annoyances, while the Silverado’s are more frequent and include serious safety-related failures like brake loss and sudden shutdowns.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: Audi averages 15 complaints per year; Silverado averages 823 per year—a massive difference in reported problem frequency.
- Safety outcomes: Audi has 0 crash-related complaints, 0 injuries, 0 deaths; Silverado has 233 crash-related, 160 injuries, 3 deaths.
- Failure types: Audi issues are mostly electrical (blank displays, battery warnings) and drivetrain noise; Silverado issues include engine failures, sudden neutral/shutdown, and brake loss.
- Recall scope: Audi has 4 recalls (backup camera, brake pedals); Silverado has 101 recalls covering fuel pumps, tire pressure, and pedestrian alerts.
- Check for intermittent blank instrument cluster or Virtual Cockpit display—test all screens and warning lights during a test drive.
- Listen for a droning or humming noise from the drivetrain that changes with speed, and ask if any high-voltage battery or regenerative braking warnings have appeared.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for any sudden loss of stopping power or a firm pedal with poor braking, especially at low speeds.
- During a test drive, watch for the engine shutting off, messages like 'Return to Neutral,' or the truck unexpectedly going into neutral.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA.gov to confirm all recalls are completed, especially for the Audi’s backup camera/brake pedal and the Silverado’s fuel pump/tire pressure issues.
- Ask for a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with EVs (for the Audi) or diesel/gas trucks (for the Silverado), focusing on electrical and drivetrain systems.
- During the test drive, deliberately test all electronics: instrument cluster, warning lights, regenerative braking, and for the Silverado, braking and transmission behavior.
- Request service records to see if the Audi has had software updates for recalls and if the Silverado has had engine or transmission repairs.
- Check for any pending or unresolved recall notices, as some Audi owners reported waiting over a year for fixes.
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 E TRON Sportback | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 0 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 41 | 961 |
| 2020 | 4 | 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 E TRON Sportback or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI E TRON Sportback vs Chevrolet Silverado
- AUDI E TRON Sportback total complaints
- 45
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- AUDI E TRON Sportback total recalls
- 4
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- AUDI E TRON Sportback avg complaints/year
- 15.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- AUDI E TRON Sportback
- AUDI E TRON Sportback top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE