Head-to-head reliability
AUDI Q6 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the AUDI Q6 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 Q6 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Q6 averages 33.5 complaints per year with 3 recalls, while the Silverado averages 822.7 complaints per year with 101 recalls. Both have reported injuries, but the Silverado also has 3 deaths. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI Q6 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI Q6
The Audi Q6 is a newer electric SUV with only two years of complaint data, averaging about 34 complaints per year. Owners frequently report electrical glitches that can cause the vehicle to shut off or become inoperable while driving, as well as driver-assist features like forward collision avoidance and lane departure that intermittently fail. Door-lock and door-release failures are also reported, which could delay emergency exit. With 3 recalls and 4 injuries reported, it's a vehicle that demands careful attention to electrical and safety systems.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a long-running full-size truck with a decade of complaint history, averaging about 823 complaints per year. Owners report serious issues including engine shutdowns, transmission problems, brake failures, and electrical faults that can disable the truck while driving. With 101 recalls, 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths, the Silverado has a much higher volume of reported problems. Buyers should be aware that many complaints involve sudden loss of power or braking, 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 Q6 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 67 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 3 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 2 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 33.5 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 4 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 Q6
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM42
- 02FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE20
- 03LANE DEPARTURE12
- 04POWER TRAIN12
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER11
Owners report electrical malfunctions that cause the vehicle to shut off or switch into an inoperable gear while in motion, without driver input. This can leave you stranded or unable to control the car, and it's the most common complaint area.
Complaints include repeated intermittent door-lock and door-release failures affecting multiple doors, which owners worry could prevent or delay escape in an emergency. The system may also fail to warn or brake as expected.
Owners report lane assist and front collision unavailable messages, driver profile errors, and instrument cluster restarts while driving. These glitches can distract the driver and undermine trust in the car's safety aids.
Some owners describe sudden, violent failures where the vehicle shuts off or loses power while moving, sometimes accompanied by warnings. This can happen at low speeds and may require a dealer visit to diagnose.
“Thank you for your response and for acknowledging the difficulties I have experienced with my Audi Q6 e-tron. I appreciate your willingness to escalate my concerns and ensure they are properly reviewed. I had originally sent this to you on 9/10/2025 for escal…”
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The vehicle experienced an electrical malfunction that caused it to shut off or switch into an inoperable gear while in motion, without driver input. A “Central…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start'. There are also cases of excessive diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These issues can leave you stranded and may be expensive to fix.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly going into neutral while driving slowly, such as in a parking garage, and losing acceleration. This can be dangerous in traffic and points to transmission or control module problems.
Owners describe sudden loss of normal braking, engine shut-offs, and screens going blank. These electrical faults can disable critical functions like braking and acceleration, increasing crash risk.
Reports include a firm brake pedal but reduced braking effect, making it hard to stop. Some say the truck shut off entirely while braking. Brake failures are a serious safety concern that should be inspected immediately.
“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 Q6 — 3 recalls
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2025 SQ6 e-tron and Q6 e-tron vehicles. The rearview camera may show a blurry image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
The risk: A blurry rearview image can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the rearview camera. In addition, dealers will inspect and replace surround view cameras as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 2, 2025. Owners may contac…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2025 SQ6 and Q6 vehicles. The rearview camera image may be delayed or deactivated after shifting into reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibi…
The risk: A rearview camera with a delayed or deactivated image reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the rearview camera control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2025. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 916C.
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2025 SQ6 E-Tron, SQ6 Sportback E-Tron, Q6 Sportback E-Tron, A6, A5, A6 Sportback E-Tron, Q6 E-Tron, S5, and S6 Sportback E-Tron vehicles. The automatic locking retractor may fail to engage when a child seat is installed using the seat be…
The risk: An improperly secured child seat can increase risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the right and left rear seat belt assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 16, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number f…
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 Q6 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Audi Q6 has far fewer complaints per year (about 34 vs. 823 for the Silverado), but both have serious safety-related issues. The Silverado's much higher volume means you're more likely to encounter problems, especially with the engine, transmission, and brakes. In practice, the Q6 may be less troublesome overall, but its electrical and driver-assist failures can still be dangerous.
Key differences
- The Audi Q6 averages about 34 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages about 823 per year, indicating a much higher reported problem rate for the Silverado.
- Audi Q6 owners frequently report electrical shutdowns and driver-assist failures, while Silverado owners report engine shutdowns, transmission slips, and brake loss.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls and 3 deaths reported, compared to 3 recalls and 0 deaths for the Q6, though the Q6 has 4 injuries.
- Both vehicles have issues that can cause sudden loss of power or braking, but the Silverado's problems are more numerous and span a wider range of components.
- Check for any history of electrical system repairs, especially software updates or module replacements, as owners report sudden shutdowns and inoperable gear selections.
- Test all door locks and releases, including from inside and outside, because multiple owners report doors failing to open, which could trap occupants in an emergency.
- Look for signs of engine problems such as rough idling, stalling, or warning lights, and ask about any diesel particulate filter service if it's a diesel model.
- Test the brakes carefully for a firm pedal with reduced stopping power, and check for any history of brake system repairs, as owners report sudden brake loss.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for any open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on the electrical system, brakes, and transmission for the Silverado, and the electrical and driver-assist systems for the Q6.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any warning messages, unusual noises, or hesitation, and test all safety features like lane assist and forward collision warning.
- Ask the seller for all service records and specifically inquire about any repairs related to the complaints listed here.
- For the Silverado, consider a pre-purchase inspection at a Chevrolet dealer to check for software updates or known issues with the engine and transmission.
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 Q6 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 120 |
| 2025 | 66 | 157 |
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 Q6 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI Q6 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- AUDI Q6 total complaints
- 67
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- AUDI Q6 total recalls
- 3
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- AUDI Q6 avg complaints/year
- 33.5
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- AUDI Q6
- AUDI Q6 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE