Head-to-head reliability
AUDI RS 5 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the AUDI RS 5 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 RS 5 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The RS 5 has 2 complaints and 2 recalls over 10 years, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints and 101 recalls. The Silverado also reports 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths. The RS 5's only complaint is a sunroof explosion. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI RS 5 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI RS 5
The Audi RS 5 is a high-performance luxury coupe that, based on NHTSA data, has very few reported problems: just 2 complaints over 10 years, averaging 0.2 per year. The only owner complaint describes a panoramic sunroof exploding while driving, which is a rare but alarming event. There are also 2 recalls for the passenger-side frontal airbag inflator module. Overall, the data suggests a low volume of reported issues, but the sunroof and airbag recalls are worth noting.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher reported problem rate: 8,227 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 823 per year. Owners report issues across major systems, especially the engine, power train, electrical system, and brakes. There are also 101 recalls and 233 crash-related complaints, with 160 injuries and 3 deaths reported. This suggests a wide range of potential problems that buyers should be aware of.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI RS 5 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 2 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.2 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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 RS 5
- 01UNKNOWN OR OTHER2
The only owner complaint in the data describes the panoramic sunroof exploding while driving on the highway. This is a sudden, unexpected failure that could startle the driver and potentially cause injury from flying glass.
Two recalls involve the passenger-side frontal airbag inflator module. A defective inflator can rupture during deployment, sending metal fragments into the cabin, which is a serious safety risk.
“I was driving down the highway and the panoramic sunroof exploded for no known reason.”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine problems such as a 2026 Silverado with a 6.2L motor losing power shortly after purchase, and a 6.6L Duramax diesel experiencing repeated diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events requiring dealer service. These issues can leave you stranded and lead to costly repairs.
Complaints include a 2026 Silverado suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly uphill in a parking garage, and another instance where the engine shut off and the vehicle lost acceleration. Such failures can be dangerous in traffic.
Owners describe sudden, severe loss of normal braking with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power, as well as the engine shutting off while driving with messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start'. These electrical glitches can compromise control and safety.
Complaints include a Silverado that completely shut off all screens and lost acceleration while barely applying throttle in a parking lot, and another with sudden loss of normal braking. Brake and power failures are critical safety concerns.
“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 RS 5 — 2 recalls
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Audi RS5 Sportback, 2018 S5 Cabriolet, S5 Sportback, S5 Coupe, S4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, and 2017-2018 A4 Sedan and A4 Allroad vehicles. Oxidation on the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) connecti…
The risk: A disabled passenger air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will install cable ties to the harness, free of charge. The recall began September 9, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi's number for this recall is 74D9.
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Audi RS5 Sportback, 2018 S5 Cabriolet, S5 Sportback, S5 Coupe, S4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, and 2017-2018 A4 Sedan and A4 Allroad vehicles. Oxidation on the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) connecti…
The risk: A disabled passenger air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will install cable ties to the harness, free of charge. The recall began September 9, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi's number for this recall is 74D9.
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 RS 5 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Audi RS 5 has far fewer reported issues per year (0.2 vs. 822.7 for the Silverado), but both have serious safety-related complaints. In practice, the Silverado's much higher complaint volume means you are more likely to encounter a problem, while the RS 5's low count still includes a concerning sunroof explosion and airbag recalls.
Key differences
- The Audi RS 5 has only 2 complaints over 10 years, while the Chevrolet Silverado has 8,227, a massive difference in reported problem frequency.
- The RS 5's sole complaint is a panoramic sunroof exploding, whereas the Silverado's complaints span engine, power train, electrical, and brake failures, including sudden shutdowns and loss of braking.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls and 233 crash-related complaints, while the RS 5 has 2 recalls (airbag inflators) and 0 crash-related complaints.
- The Silverado reports 160 injuries and 3 deaths in NHTSA data, while the RS 5 reports none, though the sunroof explosion could cause injury.
- Inspect the panoramic sunroof for any cracks, chips, or signs of stress, as one owner reported it exploding while driving.
- Check the passenger-side frontal airbag inflator recall status and ensure it has been replaced if applicable.
- Listen for engine noises, check for rough running, and ask about any diesel particulate filter issues if equipped with the Duramax diesel.
- Test the transmission for sudden neutral engagements and the electrical system for random shutdowns or brake assist failures during a test drive.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially the airbag inflator on the RS 5 and the many recalls on the Silverado.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic who specializes in the brand, focusing on the sunroof for the RS 5 and engine/transmission/electrical/brakes for the Silverado.
- During a test drive, specifically test the brakes, transmission shifting, and electrical functions like infotainment and driver displays.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for the Silverado's engine and transmission, and for any sunroof repairs on the RS 5.
- Check NHTSA's website for open recalls by VIN before purchase and ensure they are addressed.
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 RS 5 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 0 | 157 |
| 2024 | 0 | 527 |
| 2023 | 0 | 450 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 2 | 961 |
| 2019 | 0 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 0 | 597 |
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 RS 5 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI RS 5 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- AUDI RS 5 total complaints
- 2
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- AUDI RS 5 total recalls
- 2
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- AUDI RS 5 avg complaints/year
- 0.2
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- AUDI RS 5
- AUDI RS 5 top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE