Head-to-head reliability
AUDI Q5 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the AUDI Q5 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 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Q5 averages about 50 complaints per year with 29 crash-related reports, while the Silverado averages about 823 per year with 233 crash-related reports and 3 deaths. The Silverado has more than double the recalls (101 vs. 44). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI Q5 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI Q5
The Audi Q5 is a luxury compact SUV with a relatively low complaint volume: about 50 per year over a decade. Owners most often report electrical gremlins, engine smoke or sudden power loss, and forward collision avoidance systems that activate unexpectedly. With 44 recalls and 29 crash-related complaints, it demands attention to open recalls and software updates, but the overall pattern suggests fewer chronic, widespread failures than the Silverado.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a very high complaint rate: roughly 823 per year, or about 16 times the Q5's rate. The dominant themes are engine and powertrain failures, electrical shutdowns, and brake problems, often occurring at low mileage. With 101 recalls, 233 crash-related complaints, and 3 deaths reported, the data paints a picture of a truck that can leave owners stranded or in dangerous situations.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI Q5 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 501 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 44 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 29 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 50.1 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 26 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 Q5
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM155
- 02ENGINE94
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE87
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER75
- 05SERVICE BRAKES57
Owners report the electronic parking brake failing to disengage when shifting from Park, and complete electrical failures where warning lights flash and wipers activate on their own. These issues can leave you stuck or distracted while driving.
Complaints include smoke billowing from the engine compartment and sudden power loss on the highway with no warning, leading to limp mode and loud noises. Such failures can be frightening and expensive if they occur after warranty.
The Pre-Sense system has erroneously activated during unprotected turns, according to owners. Unexpected braking or alerts can startle you and potentially cause a collision if it engages when not needed.
While fewer complaints mention brakes directly, the Q5 has 57 service brake complaints. Owners describe braking issues that may relate to the electronic parking brake or other system faults, so a thorough brake check is wise.
“CORRECTION to NHTSA COMPLAINT #11745968 The Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) did not disengage when the vehicle was placed in gear from P to R to D while/after parked in an incline postion (see DTCs -Bozeman Audi invoice, 6/23/26). The EPB is designed to diseng…”
“The vehicle exhibits multiple, unresolved safety-critical defects across software and mechanical systems that create an unpredictable and dangerous driving environment. Despite multiple repair attempts, the manufacturer has failed to certify the vehicle as sa…”
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, requiring a restart, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events that need dealer service. These can strand you and are especially concerning on a new truck.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly uphill, leaving the driver unable to accelerate. This loss of power can happen in parking garages or on the road, creating a serious safety risk.
Reports describe sudden, severe loss of normal braking with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power, as well as the engine shutting off and screens going blank. These electrical faults can disable critical safety functions without warning.
Braking complaints mirror the electrical issues: the pedal stays firm but the truck does not stop normally. This suggests a brake-by-wire or booster problem that could lead to a crash if not addressed.
“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 — 44 recalls
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 RS e-tron GT, e-tron GT, Q4 e-tron Sportback, Q4 e-tron, 2020-2021 Audi A8, 2019-2024 e-tron Quattro, 2020-2024 e-tron Sportback Quattro, Q5, and 2021-2022 A7 vehicles. When using the industrial 220V/240V plug at the 100% charg…
The risk: An overheated outlet or charging cable can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Owners are advised not to use the 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable and only use the 110V home charging cable or public charging stations. Dealers will supply a new 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable with an incorporated tem…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Audi Q5, and 2022 A7 E Hybrid Electric PHEV vehicles. The high-voltage battery may overheat.
The risk: A high-voltage battery that overheats increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will install advanced diagnostic software , free of charge. Volkswagen will monitor available online vehicle data and contact owners as necessary, to advise them not to charge the vehicle until the battery can be replaced. For vehi…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Audi Q5, and 2022 A7 E Hybrid Electric PHEV vehicles. The high-voltage battery may overheat.
The risk: A high-voltage battery that overheats increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will install advanced diagnostic software , free of charge. Volkswagen will monitor available online vehicle data and contact owners as necessary, to advise them not to charge the vehicle until the battery can be replaced. For vehi…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Audi Q5, and 2022 A7 E Hybrid Electric PHEV vehicles. The high-voltage battery may overheat.
The risk: A high-voltage battery that overheats increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will install advanced diagnostic software , free of charge. Volkswagen will monitor available online vehicle data and contact owners as necessary, to advise them not to charge the vehicle until the battery can be replaced. For vehi…
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 Q5 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Audi Q5 has far fewer issues per year (about 50 vs. 823 for the Silverado) and fewer crash-related complaints (29 vs. 233). In practice, that means a Q5 is less likely to leave you dealing with repeated breakdowns or safety recalls, while the Silverado's higher rate suggests a greater chance of experiencing a serious failure.
Key differences
- The Silverado has about 16 times more complaints per year than the Q5, with engine and powertrain issues dominating.
- Silverado owners report sudden engine shutdowns and loss of braking, while Q5 owners more often report electrical glitches and unexpected collision-avoidance activation.
- The Silverado has 3 reported deaths and 160 injuries in complaints, versus 0 deaths and 26 injuries for the Q5.
- Both have many recalls, but the Silverado's 101 recalls include fuel pump and forward collision warning issues, while the Q5's recalls focus on electrical and battery systems.
- Check for any open recalls on the electrical system, including the gateway control module and battery charging cable, as owners report complete electrical failures.
- Test the electronic parking brake on an incline and listen for engine noises or smoke on start-up, since owners report EPB failure to disengage and engine smoke.
- Ask for a diagnostic scan for diesel particulate filter soot accumulation if considering a Duramax, as owners report repeated P2463 events at low mileage.
- Test drive at low speeds in a parking lot and on an incline to check for sudden neutral engagement or engine shutdown, which owners have experienced.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA's recall site and confirm all recalls are repaired, especially electrical and fuel system recalls.
- Take a long test drive that includes highway speeds, parking lot maneuvers, and braking from speed to check for power loss or brake issues.
- For the Q5, test the electronic parking brake on a hill and verify the Pre-Sense system does not falsely activate.
- For the Silverado, ask for service records on engine and transmission repairs, and check for any stored diagnostic trouble codes.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the model, focusing on the components with the most complaints.
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 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 120 |
| 2025 | 42 | 157 |
| 2024 | 20 | 527 |
| 2023 | 36 | 450 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 74 | 961 |
| 2020 | 25 | 868 |
| 2019 | 52 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 207 | 597 |
| 2017 | 42 | 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 Q5 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI Q5 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- AUDI Q5 total complaints
- 501
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- AUDI Q5 total recalls
- 44
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- AUDI Q5 avg complaints/year
- 50.1
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- AUDI Q5
- AUDI Q5 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE