Head-to-head reliability
AUDI Q5 E vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the AUDI Q5 E 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 Q5 E vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Q5 E averages 9.4 complaints per year with no recalls, while the Silverado averages 510.5 complaints and has 100 recalls. Silverado owners report severe engine and brake failures, whereas Q5 E issues are more electronic. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI Q5 E or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI Q5 E
The Audi Q5 E is a compact luxury plug-in hybrid SUV that, based on owner complaints, tends to have more electronic and software-related gremlins than mechanical breakdowns. The most frequent issues involve the electrical system, including the multimedia interface and sudden loss of power, which can be alarming. Engine and powertrain complaints also appear, with reports of rough running and transmission shifting problems. While the complaint volume is relatively low, the nature of some failures—like a sunroof exploding—highlights potential safety concerns.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup truck with a much higher complaint volume and a long list of recalls, indicating more widespread and serious reliability issues. Engine problems dominate, with reports of catastrophic failures and diesel particulate filter clogging. Powertrain issues, including sudden loss of power and transmission problems, are also common. Electrical system and brake complaints add to the picture, with some owners describing sudden loss of braking and steering, which are critical safety concerns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI Q5 E | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 47 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 9.4 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 Q5 E
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM15
- 02ENGINE9
- 03POWER TRAIN8
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER7
- 05SERVICE BRAKES5
Owners report sudden loss of power while driving, with the accelerator stopping and gear shifting becoming impossible, along with flashing interior lights and error messages. The MMI (Multimedia Interface) system also fails to load properly, indicating software and control module issues.
There are reports of ECU malfunctions leading to cooling system problems, causing the engine to run rough and shut off after idling. Transmission control issues are also noted, with the vehicle slipping, shuddering, or slamming into gears, which can be dangerous in traffic.
Some owners experience a complete loss of power while merging onto highways, accompanied by a 'Transmission Malfunction' warning. This sudden loss of motive power can be particularly hazardous in high-speed situations.
A notable complaint involves the sunroof exploding without warning, which could cause distraction and potential loss of control. This is a safety hazard that is not typical of most vehicles.
“While driving in the far left of the 405N in Long Beach, the vehicle experienced some catastrophic failure. The accelerator stopped working, gear shifting was not possible, the interior lights turned on and flashed, there was some text instruction on the scre…”
“The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q5 E. The contact stated that when she purchased the vehicle the MMI (Multimedia Interface) system failed to load correctly. The contact stated that the dealer informed her that the system would upload later as the system was not…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Engine failures are common, with reports of catastrophic failures in the 6.2L motor, leading to breakdowns far from home. Diesel models experience repeated Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) clogging, requiring dealer service and indicating potential long-term issues.
Transmission problems include sudden shifts into neutral while driving, especially in parking garages, which can be dangerous. Loss of motive power is also reported, sometimes accompanied by loss of braking and steering, creating a critical safety situation.
Electrical issues can cause severe loss of braking, with the brake pedal firm but ineffective, and can also lead to loss of power and steering at highway speeds. These failures are alarming and pose significant risks.
Brake-related complaints include sudden loss of normal braking, which is a direct safety hazard. Some incidents occur at low speeds, but others happen at 70 mph, making them particularly dangerous.
“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 Q5 E
No recalls on record.
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 Q5 E or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Audi Q5 E has far fewer complaints per year (9.4) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. In practice, this means the Q5 E is likely to have fewer reliability headaches, though the Silverado's problems are more severe and safety-critical. Buyers should weigh the frequency and severity of issues when choosing between these two very different vehicles.
Key differences
- The Audi Q5 E has significantly fewer complaints per year (9.4) than the Silverado (510.5), suggesting a lower rate of reported issues.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls, while the Q5 E has none, indicating a higher likelihood of factory defects and safety campaigns.
- Silverado owners report catastrophic engine failures and sudden loss of braking/steering, which are more severe than the Q5 E's electronic and transmission issues.
- The Q5 E's sunroof explosion is a unique safety concern, but the Silverado's brake and power loss issues are more directly life-threatening.
- Check the electrical system thoroughly, especially the MMI and any warning messages, as owners report sudden power loss and system failures.
- Inspect the sunroof for any signs of stress or damage, given the report of it exploding without warning.
- Be wary of engine issues, especially in the 6.2L and Duramax diesel models, as owners report catastrophic failures and DPF clogging.
- Test the brakes and electrical system, as sudden loss of braking and power have been reported, which are critical safety concerns.
Before you buy
- For the Audi Q5 E, have a mechanic scan for any stored error codes in the ECU and MMI system, and test drive to ensure smooth gear shifting.
- For the Chevrolet Silverado, check the vehicle's recall status and ensure all recalls have been addressed, especially those related to brakes and steering.
- Ask for service records on the Silverado, particularly for any engine or transmission repairs, and verify the DPF has been cleaned or replaced if it's a diesel.
- Inspect the sunroof on the Q5 E for any cracks or previous repairs, and consider having it replaced if it shows signs of stress.
- Take both vehicles for a thorough test drive, including highway speeds, to check for any loss of power or unusual noises.
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 Q5 E | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 0 | 150 |
| 2024 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 7 | 0 |
| 2021 | 28 | 934 |
| 2020 | 12 | 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 Q5 E or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI Q5 E vs Chevrolet Silverado
- AUDI Q5 E total complaints
- 47
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- AUDI Q5 E total recalls
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- AUDI Q5 E avg complaints/year
- 9.4
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- AUDI Q5 E
- AUDI Q5 E top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE