Head-to-head reliability
AUDI E TRON vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the AUDI E TRON 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 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The e-tron has 116 complaints over 4 years (29/year) and 21 recalls, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints over 10 years (823/year) and 101 recalls. The Silverado also reports 233 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths, versus 4 and 0 for the e-tron. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI E TRON or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI E TRON
The Audi e-tron is an electric SUV that, over four years, has drawn 116 complaints—about 29 per year—and 21 recalls. Owners frequently report electrical gremlins, such as blank instrument-cluster displays and sudden power-train disengagement, which can leave the car undrivable or require long dealer visits. While crash-related complaints are low (4) and there are no reported deaths, the pattern suggests that living with this EV may mean periodic electronic faults and software-related service trips.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that, over ten years, has generated 8,227 complaints—roughly 823 per year—and 101 recalls. The most common trouble spots are the engine and power train, with owners describing sudden engine shutdowns, transmission failures, and brake problems. With 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths reported, the data indicates that some failures can have serious safety consequences.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI E TRON | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 116 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 21 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 4 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 29.0 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM59
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER26
- 03POWER TRAIN19
- 04ENGINE18
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM15
Owners report intermittent blank instrument-cluster displays and 'Electrical System Malfunction' warnings that can appear while driving. These issues may require dealer diagnosis and can leave the car without key driver information.
Complaints describe the vehicle suddenly jerking and the drive train disengaging while coasting to a stop, as well as messages telling the driver to contact service. This can strand the driver and raises concerns about sudden loss of propulsion.
Although the e-tron is electric, the 'Engine' category captures complaints about service visits where the vehicle remained at the dealership for weeks without meaningful repairs. Buyers should be aware that resolving complex electronic faults may take significant time.
Some owners report that a recall for the rearview camera could not be completed because of a malfunctioning USB interface, with a quoted repair cost over $1,000. Others note the absence of AM radio, which was not disclosed at purchase.
“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…”
“am writing to file a formal complaint regarding my recent experience with the service department at Audi of Cherry Hill concerning my Audi e-tron. My vehicle remained at your dealership for approximately four weeks, during which time no repairs or meaningful…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of 2026 Silverado models with the 6.2L or 6.6L Duramax report engine shutdowns while driving and repeated diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events. These can leave the truck in limp mode or require dealer service far from home.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly, such as in a parking garage, and a complete loss of acceleration. This can happen with very low mileage and may create dangerous situations in traffic.
Owners describe a sudden loss of normal braking where the pedal remains firm but braking is ineffective, as well as the engine shutting off while driving with messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start'. These electrical faults can directly affect vehicle control.
Reports include the truck completely shutting off, screens going blank, and the inability to accelerate, sometimes while barely applying throttle in a parking lot. Such brake and power failures heighten the risk of a crash.
“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 — 21 recalls
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 2021 Audi E-Tron Quattro and E-Tron Sportback Quattro vehicles. Corrosion in the brake booster may cause the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), speedometer display, and brake assist to stop functioning.
The risk: A loss of braking assist, ABS, and ESC will increase the effort and distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the brake booster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 30, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 47R7.
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi E-Tron Quattro and E-Tron Sportback Quattro vehicles. The right hinge pin for the glove box cover may not be properly secured, allowing the glove box lid trim to interfere with the knee air bag during deployment.
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy properly can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the glove box, and secure the hinge pin as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this rec…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 E-Tron Quattro and 2020-2021 Audi E-Tron Sportback Quattro vehicles. An improperly welded rotor and shaft may separate within the integrated brake system.
The risk: Separation of the rotor and shaft may cause a reduction in braking assistance and a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the brake booster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 14, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 47R1.
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 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Audi e-tron has far fewer complaints per year (about 29) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823), and it also has fewer crash-related complaints and injuries. In practice, this means the e-tron may require less frequent trips to the dealer for reported problems, while the Silverado's higher volume of engine, power-train, and brake complaints suggests a greater likelihood of encountering a serious issue.
Key differences
- The Audi e-tron averages about 29 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages about 823 per year—a roughly 28-fold difference in reported complaint rate.
- Silverado complaints frequently involve sudden engine shutdowns, transmission failures, and brake loss, whereas e-tron complaints center on electrical glitches like blank displays and power-train disengagement.
- The Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths reported; the e-tron has 4 crash-related complaints, 1 injury, and 0 deaths.
- Both vehicles have recalls, but the Silverado's 101 recalls over 10 years cover issues like fuel pump control and forward collision warnings, while the e-tron's 21 recalls include seat belt retractors and brake hydraulics.
- Check for intermittent blank instrument-cluster displays or 'Electrical System Malfunction' warnings during a test drive and ask for any related service records.
- Test the rearview camera and USB interface, as some owners reported recall completion issues and costly interface replacements.
- Listen for rough running or check for stored codes related to the diesel particulate filter (P2463) on Duramax models, and ask about any engine shutdown history.
- Test braking firmly from low speeds and check for any messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start' that could indicate electrical or brake faults.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and all available service records, paying special attention to electrical, power-train, and brake repairs.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, including a scan for stored trouble codes and a check of all software updates.
- Verify that all open recalls have been completed, especially those related to brakes, seat belts, and camera systems.
- During a test drive, specifically test low-speed braking, acceleration from a stop, and operation of all dashboard displays and warning lights.
- For the Silverado, ask about diesel particulate filter maintenance if equipped with the Duramax, and for the e-tron, confirm the AM radio limitation if that feature matters to you.
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 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 0 | 450 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 36 | 961 |
| 2019 | 80 | 2003 |
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 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI E TRON vs Chevrolet Silverado
- AUDI E TRON total complaints
- 116
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- AUDI E TRON total recalls
- 21
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- AUDI E TRON avg complaints/year
- 29.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- AUDI E TRON
- AUDI E TRON top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE