Head-to-head reliability
AUDI RS 7 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the AUDI RS 7 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 7 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Audi RS 7 has 4 complaints over 10 years (0.4/year) and 7 recalls, while the Chevrolet Silverado has 8,227 complaints (822.7/year) and 101 recalls, including 233 crash-related and 3 deaths. The Silverado's higher volume and complaint rate suggest more frequent issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI RS 7 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI RS 7
The Audi RS 7 is a high-performance luxury car that sees very few complaints relative to its production numbers—just 4 over a decade. The main pattern involves electrical glitches, particularly a 48-volt system that can cause the car to shut down while driving, and some engine issues like coolant smells and oil consumption. With only 0.4 complaints per year, it appears to be a low-volume, niche vehicle where problems are infrequent but can be serious when they occur.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup truck with a massive complaint volume—over 8,200 in ten years, averaging 822 per year. Owners report a wide range of problems, especially with the engine, transmission, electrical system, and brakes, including sudden loss of power, rough running, and braking failures. The high number of complaints and recalls suggests that many Silverado owners experience significant reliability issues, some of which have led to crashes and injuries.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI RS 7 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 4 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 7 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.4 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 7
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
- 02VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1
- 03POWER TRAIN1
- 04ENGINE1
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER1
Owners report the car can stop dead in the middle of an intersection due to a 48-volt system failure, and parts are backordered worldwide. This is a serious safety concern because it can leave you stranded in traffic with no warning.
One owner noted that a recall repair for speed control was done, but the NHTSA website incorrectly showed it as unrepaired. This highlights that recall status can be confusing, so buyers should verify repairs independently.
A driver experienced sudden overheating on the freeway with no safe place to stop, forcing them to continue for miles. This indicates a potential cooling system or powertrain defect that could lead to engine damage.
Owners report persistent coolant smells and excessive oil consumption even after repairs. This suggests ongoing engine issues that may be costly to fix and could indicate deeper mechanical problems.
“The car stopped in the middle of the intersection due to a 48V issue that is back ordered worldwide. It has been in the shop five times in reference to this stopping multiple times in the road.”
“This website shows the wrong information. Recall was successfully repaired but it shows here as unrepaired.”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Many owners report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start.' Others have diesel particulate filter problems requiring dealer service. These issues can leave you stranded and are dangerous if they happen at speed.
Complaints include the truck suddenly going into neutral while driving slowly, and transmission problems that cause loss of power. This can lead to loss of control, especially in parking lots or on hills.
Owners describe sudden loss of braking assist, where the brake pedal feels firm but the truck won't stop normally. Others report the engine shutting off and screens going blank. These electrical glitches can disable critical safety features.
Reports of severe loss of normal braking shortly after starting a trip, with the pedal firm but braking ineffective. This is a major safety hazard that could cause 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 7 — 7 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 7 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Audi RS 7 has far fewer complaints per year (0.4) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (822.7), but the Silverado is a much higher-volume vehicle. In practice, this means you're much more likely to encounter problems with a Silverado, and those problems are more frequently reported as crashes, injuries, and even deaths. The RS 7's issues are rare but can be severe, while the Silverado's issues are widespread and varied.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: Audi RS 7 has 4 complaints over 10 years; Chevrolet Silverado has 8,227, a massive difference even accounting for sales volume.
- Safety outcomes: Silverado complaints include 233 crash-related, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths; RS 7 has none reported.
- Common failure types: RS 7 issues center on electrical shutdowns and engine oil/coolant problems; Silverado issues span engine shutdowns, transmission failures, brake loss, and electrical glitches.
- Recall counts: RS 7 has 7 recalls (mostly backup camera and instrument cluster); Silverado has 101 recalls covering fuel pumps, tires, and collision avoidance.
- Check for any history of 48-volt electrical system repairs or replacements, as failures can cause sudden shutdowns.
- Inspect for coolant leaks and oil consumption records; persistent smells or low oil levels may indicate engine problems.
- Test drive at various speeds and in parking lots to check for sudden engine shutdowns or transmission slipping into neutral.
- Verify that all brake-related recalls have been performed and test braking performance, especially for firm pedal with poor stopping.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and verify all recalls are repaired, especially for the Audi's 48V system and the Silverado's brake and fuel pump recalls.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the engine, transmission, and electrical systems for both vehicles, focusing on the specific complaint patterns.
- For the Silverado, check for diesel particulate filter issues if equipped with the Duramax diesel, and ask for service records.
- For the Audi RS 7, ask about any electrical shutdown incidents and confirm the 48V battery and related components are in good condition.
- Test drive extensively, including highway and stop-and-go traffic, to reproduce potential stalling or braking problems.
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 7 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 120 |
| 2025 | 0 | 157 |
| 2024 | 0 | 527 |
| 2023 | 0 | 450 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 4 | 961 |
| 2018 | 0 | 597 |
| 2017 | 0 | 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 RS 7 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI RS 7 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- AUDI RS 7 total complaints
- 4
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- AUDI RS 7 total recalls
- 7
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- AUDI RS 7 avg complaints/year
- 0.4
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- AUDI RS 7
- AUDI RS 7 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE