Head-to-head reliability
AUDI RS 6 Avant vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the AUDI RS 6 Avant 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 6 Avant vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Audi has 7 complaints over 6 years (1.2/year) and 0 crash-related reports, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints over 10 years (822.7/year) and 233 crash-related reports. The Audi's issues are mainly electrical and camera-related; the Silverado's include engine, brake, and transmission failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI RS 6 Avant or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI RS 6 Avant
The Audi RS 6 Avant is a high-performance luxury wagon with very few reported complaints—just 7 over 6 years, averaging 1.2 per year. The main pattern involves electrical gremlins, especially central locking and power loss, plus camera failures. Recalls focus on instrument cluster and rear camera issues. For a buyer, this suggests a complex car where electrical faults can be annoying and costly, but overall reported problems are rare.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a massive complaint volume: 8,227 over 10 years, averaging 822.7 per year. Owners report serious issues with engines, transmissions, brakes, and electrical systems, including sudden power loss and braking failures. There are 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths, plus 101 recalls. This points to a vehicle with widespread, potentially dangerous problems that a used buyer should scrutinize carefully.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI RS 6 Avant | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 7 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 8 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1.2 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 6 Avant
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM4
- 02VISIBILITY/WIPER1
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE1
- 04STEERING1
- 05POWER TRAIN1
Owners report recurring central locking malfunctions where doors won't operate and a warning appears, as well as sudden loss of electrical power at highway speed with multiple warnings. These can leave you stranded or locked out, and may be expensive to diagnose.
The rear camera often fails, and other cameras have also failed repeatedly despite dealer replacements. This affects backing up and parking, and the recurring nature means you might face ongoing repair visits.
The same camera failures that affect visibility also impact forward collision avoidance, as owners report camera-related problems in this system. This could reduce the effectiveness of driver-assist features, though no crashes are reported in the data.
One complaint links steering to a loss of electrical power at speed, with warning messages. While only one report, it suggests that electrical faults can affect steering feel or assist, which is a safety concern.
“My Audi RS6 has experienced a recurring central locking/door latch malfunction. The vehicle displays a “Central Locking System Malfunction” warning and the affected door does not operate normally. This appears to be a known issue affecting the C8 Audi platfor…”
“Loss of electrical power while cruising on the interstate at 65 mph. There was a series of warning messages, YELLOW colored malfunctions such as "Sport differential malfunction", "electric system malfunction". Then RED colored warning message "Electric system…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report severe engine issues, including a 6.2L motor that failed shortly after purchase and a 6.6L Duramax diesel with repeated excessive soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These can lead to breakdowns and costly repairs.
Complaints include transmissions suddenly going into neutral while driving and engines shutting off with 'Return to Neutral' messages. This can cause loss of power and control, increasing crash risk.
Owners describe sudden loss of braking, engine shutdown while driving, and blank screens. These electrical faults can disable critical safety systems and leave you unable to stop or accelerate normally.
Reports include a firm brake pedal with reduced braking effect and complete shutdown of screens while moving. Brake failure is a serious safety hazard that could lead to a crash.
“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 6 Avant — 8 recalls
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 SQ8, A6 SEDAN, A7, A8, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S6 SEDAN, S7, S8, A6 Allroad, and SQ7 vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail.
The risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the instrument panel module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90VC.
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal M…
The risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TV. Vehicle Identification Numbers (V…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal M…
The risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TV. Vehicle Identification Numbers (V…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal M…
The risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TV. Vehicle Identification Numbers (V…
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 6 Avant or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Audi RS 6 Avant has far fewer issues per year (1.2 vs. 822.7) and no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths, while the Chevrolet Silverado has thousands of complaints and 233 crash-related reports. In practice, the Audi appears to have less frequent but still annoying electrical problems, whereas the Silverado suffers from widespread, potentially dangerous failures.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: Audi averages 1.2 per year; Silverado averages 822.7 per year.
- Safety outcomes: Audi has 0 crashes, 0 injuries, 0 deaths; Silverado has 233 crashes, 160 injuries, 3 deaths.
- Primary failure types: Audi reports electrical and camera issues; Silverado reports engine, transmission, brake, and electrical failures.
- Recalls: Audi has 8 recalls (instrument cluster, cameras); Silverado has 101 recalls (fuel pump, tires, forward collision warnings).
- Test the central locking system and all door latches; listen for warnings and ensure each door locks and unlocks properly.
- Check the rear and surround-view cameras for consistent operation; try them in different lighting and after a short drive.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any hesitation, rough running, or warning messages about the engine or transmission; also test braking from various speeds.
- Check for signs of electrical issues: ensure all screens and gauges work, and that the engine doesn't shut off or go into neutral unexpectedly.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the known problem areas for each model.
- For the Audi, test all electrical features, especially locks, windows, and cameras, and check for warning lights.
- For the Silverado, scan for stored trouble codes, test the transmission and brakes thoroughly, and check for diesel particulate filter issues if equipped.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and be wary of any vehicle with repeated repair visits for the same issue.
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 6 Avant | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 120 |
| 2025 | 1 | 157 |
| 2024 | 2 | 527 |
| 2023 | 0 | 450 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 4 | 961 |
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 6 Avant or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI RS 6 Avant vs Chevrolet Silverado
- AUDI RS 6 Avant total complaints
- 7
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- AUDI RS 6 Avant total recalls
- 8
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- AUDI RS 6 Avant avg complaints/year
- 1.2
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- AUDI RS 6 Avant
- AUDI RS 6 Avant top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE