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 RS 7 has only 4 complaints over 10 years (0.4/yr) and 7 recalls, while the Silverado has 4,261 complaints (426.1/yr) and 99 recalls. RS 7 issues include electrical stops and overheating; Silverado issues include engine and transmission failures. 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 sedan that, in ownership terms, demands attention to its electrical and powertrain systems. Over a decade, owners have filed only a handful of complaints, but those that exist describe sudden stops and overheating, which are serious safety concerns. The low complaint rate suggests that most owners don't experience issues, but the ones who do face significant disruptions.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a popular full-size pickup truck with a much higher complaint volume, averaging over 400 per year. Owners report frequent engine and transmission problems, including catastrophic failures like engine knocking and transmission fluid leaks. The high number of complaints and recalls, along with crash and injury reports, indicate that reliability is a major concern for this model.
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 | 4,261 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 7 Better | 99 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 104 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.4 Better | 426.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 74 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 2 |
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 suddenly stopping in traffic due to a 48V electrical issue, which has been backordered worldwide and required multiple repair attempts. This can leave you stranded or in dangerous situations.
One owner experienced sudden overheating while driving on a highway with no shoulder, forcing them to continue for miles. This suggests cooling system failures that could lead to engine damage if not addressed.
There are reports of a persistent coolant smell and excessive oil consumption, with repairs attempted but not resolving the issue. This could indicate internal engine problems that may worsen over time.
“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
- 01ENGINE1,384
- 02POWER TRAIN1,244
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM754
- 04SERVICE BRAKES642
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER438
The most common issue is diesel particulate filter (DPF) soot accumulation, requiring dealer intervention, and in some cases, complete engine replacement due to loud knocking. These are costly and inconvenient failures.
Transmission fluid line failures at highway speed cause rapid fluid loss and potential transmission damage, with no warning lights. This can lead to sudden loss of drive power.
Owners report warning messages for traction control and brake system failure appearing on the dash, sometimes while parked, indicating potential electrical gremlins that affect safety systems.
Brake system failure warnings are common, and some owners have experienced issues with the brake system while driving, which is critical for safety.
“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…”
“At approximately 3,000 miles, the engine began making a loud knocking noise that became progressively worse while driving. The truck was diagnosed as needing a complete engine replacement. No warning lights, no check engine light, nothing. For someone inexper…”
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 — 99 recalls
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2025 Chevrolet Silverado EV work trucks. The pedestrian alert sound system may not produce sound at a sufficient volume. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 141, "Minimum So…
The risk: A vehicle that fails to make sufficient sound may result in pedestrians being unaware of an approaching vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the software in the body control module (BCM), free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 22, 2025. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N24…
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 (GM) has decided that certain 2022 model year Chevrolet Silverado, and GMC Sierra vehicles equipped with an accessory sport bar. The accessory sport bar contains a high-mounted brake light that may not function. In addition, it may block the vehicle's existing high-mounted brake ligh…
The risk: An inoperative high-mounted brake light can reduce visibility to other drivers and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the installation of the accessory bar and provide the correct vehicle wiring, if necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters advising owners of the safety risk were mailed on August 10, 2022. Owner no…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vehicles. The sensing diagnostic module (SDM) was left in manufacturing mode and not activated at the assembly plant prior to shipment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle S…
The risk: An SDM in manufacturing mode will not deploy the vehicle's air bags in a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury.
The fix: Dealers returned the vehicles to the GM assembly plant and the sensing diagnostic modules were activated. The vehicles had not been sold from dealer inventory and therefore no owner letters will be mailed. Owners may contact Chevrolet cust…
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 (426.1), indicating a much lower rate of reported issues. In practice, this means RS 7 owners are less likely to face major repairs, but the Silverado's higher volume reflects a broader range of problems that could affect reliability and safety.
Key differences
- The RS 7 has a very low complaint rate (0.4/yr) vs the Silverado's high rate (426.1/yr).
- RS 7 issues are primarily electrical (48V) and powertrain (overheating), while Silverado issues are widespread across engine, transmission, and brakes.
- Silverado has 99 recalls and 104 crash-related complaints, while RS 7 has 7 recalls and no crashes reported.
- Silverado owners report catastrophic failures like engine replacement and transmission fluid leaks, which are more severe than typical RS 7 complaints.
- Check for any history of 48V electrical system repairs or recalls; ask if the battery/module has been replaced.
- Inspect for coolant leaks or oil consumption issues; ask for service records related to engine repairs.
- Ask about DPF soot accumulation and whether the diesel particulate filter has been replaced or cleaned.
- Check transmission fluid lines for leaks or previous failures; look for any signs of fluid loss under the truck.
Before you buy
- For the RS 7: verify all recalls have been performed, especially those for the electrical system and backup camera.
- For the Silverado: check the engine for unusual noises and ask about any DPF-related service.
- For the Silverado: inspect the transmission fluid lines and look for leaks or signs of replacement.
- For both: obtain a vehicle history report and have a trusted mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection.
- For the RS 7: test drive at various speeds to ensure no sudden stops or overheating warnings occur.
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 | 74 |
| 2025 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | 0 | 493 |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | 4 | 905 |
| 2018 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 | 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 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
- 4,261
- AUDI RS 7 total recalls
- 7
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 99
- AUDI RS 7 avg complaints/year
- 0.4
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 426.1
- More reliable overall
- AUDI RS 7
- AUDI RS 7 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE