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 48.4 complaints per year versus 510.5 for the Silverado, and has 44 recalls compared to 100. Q5 owners report electronic glitches like unprovoked braking, while Silverado owners face engine and brake failures. 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 compact luxury SUV that, in ownership terms, offers a premium cabin and refined driving experience, but the complaint data reveals a pattern of electronic gremlins and unexpected system interventions. Owners report unprovoked forward collision warnings and braking, engine smoke, and oil consumption issues, which can be alarming and costly. With 484 complaints over 10 years (averaging 48.4 per year) and 44 recalls, it's a vehicle that demands attention to software updates and recalls.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup known for its capability and towing prowess, but the complaint data shows a high volume of issues, particularly with the engine and powertrain. Owners report severe engine failures, transmission problems, and sudden loss of braking, which are serious safety concerns. With 5105 complaints over 10 years (averaging 510.5 per year) and 100 recalls, it's a vehicle that has seen widespread problems, especially in newer models.
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 | 484 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 44 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 29 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 48.4 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 26 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
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM149
- 02ENGINE93
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE81
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER75
- 05SERVICE BRAKES56
Owners report unprovoked forward collision warnings and emergency braking, often at highway speeds, which can be startling and dangerous. Multiple repair attempts have failed to resolve these issues, indicating a persistent software or sensor problem.
There are reports of smoke billowing from the engine compartment and entering the cabin, as well as premature oil consumption requiring frequent top-ups. These issues could indicate serious internal problems or oil leaks.
The Pre-Sense system has malfunctioned, activating erroneously during turns or when no obstacle is present. This can cause sudden braking, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions.
Some owners report the vehicle unexpectedly stopping or failing to move, even in neutral, which can leave drivers stranded. Others mention a recall for the gateway control module that was only temporarily fixed with a bag, suggesting incomplete repairs.
“On XXX at approximately 5:00 PM, my 2025 Audi Q5 (VIN: [XXX]) initiated an unprovoked forward collision warning and emergency braking intervention while I was traveling at approximately 57–58 mph on [XXX]. Road conditions were clear and dry. Weather was sunny…”
“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
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report catastrophic engine failures, including loss of motive power and loud pinging sounds, often at low mileage. Diesel models have experienced repeated diesel particulate filter clogging, requiring dealer intervention.
Transmission issues are common, with vehicles suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, especially uphill, which can be dangerous. This can lead to loss of power and control.
There are reports of sudden loss of braking and steering, accompanied by warning messages, which are critical safety failures. These electrical glitches can affect multiple systems simultaneously.
Braking effectiveness can suddenly drop, with the pedal remaining firm but the vehicle not stopping normally. This is a serious safety concern that has led to crashes.
“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 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7…
The risk: Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, 2018-2022 Q5, and SQ5 vehicles. A liquid spill in the rear seat, or water ingress from an insufficient body seam underneath the vehicle may allow liquid to penetrate the gateway control module, caus…
The risk: A gateway control module shutdown will suddenly reduce engine power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will install a protective cover on the gateway control module and seal an underbody seam as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 21, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe,…
The risk: A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 4…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen ) is recalling certain 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, Jetta, Jetta GLI and Tiguan and Audi Q5 and SQ5 and 2021 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. Parts of the front seat frame and backrest adjuster may not have been welded properly.
The risk: In the event of a rear-end crash, the backrest adjustment could break, possibly reducing the amount of occupant restraint, thus increasing risk of injury.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seats, and, as necessary, replace the seatback frames, free of charge. The recall began September 11, 2020. Volkswagen owners may contact their customer service at 1-888-241…
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 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Audi Q5 has significantly fewer complaints per year (48.4 vs 510.5) and fewer recalls (44 vs 100), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. However, the Q5's problems are more focused on electronic and safety system glitches, while the Silverado's issues are more widespread and severe, including engine and brake failures. In practice, the Q5 may require more software updates and dealer visits for electronic gremlins, but the Silverado's problems pose higher safety risks.
Key differences
- The Audi Q5 has far fewer complaints per year (48.4) compared to the Silverado (510.5), indicating a lower rate of owner-reported problems.
- The Q5's top issues are electrical and forward collision avoidance malfunctions, while the Silverado's top issues are engine and powertrain failures, which are more severe and costly.
- The Silverado has a higher number of crash-related complaints (117 vs 29) and injuries (104 vs 26), suggesting more safety-critical failures.
- The Q5's recalls include electrical and suspension components, while the Silverado's recalls cover tailgate latches, steering, and brake fluid sensors, indicating different areas of concern.
- Check for any open recalls related to the electrical system or forward collision avoidance, and ensure the software is up to date to prevent unprovoked braking.
- Inspect the engine for oil leaks or signs of smoke, and verify oil consumption is normal by checking the dipstick regularly.
- Look for signs of engine trouble, such as unusual noises, loss of power, or excessive soot in diesel models, and check the service history for engine or transmission repairs.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including sudden stops, and ensure the brake fluid warning system is functioning properly to avoid sudden loss of braking.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for any open recalls on both models.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the engine, transmission, and brakes.
- Test drive both vehicles, including highway speeds and emergency braking, to feel for any anomalies.
- Ask for service records, especially for any repairs related to the top complaint areas.
- Consider purchasing an extended warranty to cover potential costly repairs, especially for the Silverado.
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 | 98 |
| 2025 | 41 | 150 |
| 2024 | 20 | 0 |
| 2023 | 32 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 71 | 934 |
| 2020 | 24 | 0 |
| 2019 | 50 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 201 | 591 |
| 2017 | 42 | 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 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
- 484
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- AUDI Q5 total recalls
- 44
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- AUDI Q5 avg complaints/year
- 48.4
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- AUDI Q5
- AUDI Q5 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE