Head-to-head reliability
AUDI RS E TRON GT vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the AUDI RS E TRON GT 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 E TRON GT vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Audi has 1 complaint over 5 years and 5 recalls, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints over 10 years and 101 recalls. The Audi's lone complaint involves driver-assist failure; the Silverado's top issues are engine, power train, and brakes. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI RS E TRON GT or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI RS E TRON GT
The Audi RS E TRON GT is a high-performance electric vehicle with very few owner complaints—just 1 over 5 years—but it has 5 recalls, including one for a backup camera issue. The single complaint describes a serious failure where emergency braking, cross-traffic warning, and forward collision warning all failed, leading to a collision in a parking lot. For a buyer, this suggests that while overall complaint volume is low, the advanced driver-assistance systems may not always work as expected, and recalls indicate potential electrical or brake-related problems.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a massive 8,227 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 823 per year. The most common trouble spots are the engine, power train, electrical system, and brakes, with owners reporting sudden engine shutdowns, loss of braking, and transmission problems even at low mileage. Recalls are also frequent (101), covering fuel pumps, tires, and forward collision warnings. This points to a vehicle that can be capable but may require frequent attention and repairs.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI RS E TRON GT | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 5 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 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 E TRON GT
- 01BACK OVER PREVENTION1
- 02FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE1
One owner reported that the backup camera and cross-traffic warning failed, contributing to a collision in a parking lot. This matters because these systems are meant to prevent low-speed accidents, and if they fail, you could hit a pedestrian or another vehicle.
The same complaint notes that forward collision warning and emergency braking did not function, allowing a crash. For a buyer, this means you cannot rely solely on these aids to avoid accidents; they may not activate when needed.
Recalls include issues with the onboard charging cable and traction battery. These are critical for an electric vehicle, as problems could affect charging ability or battery safety, potentially leaving you stranded or requiring dealer service.
A recall involves air brake hoses and piping, which could lead to brake performance issues. While no complaints mention this specifically, it's a safety concern that should be checked, especially on a high-performance EV.
“On [XXX], the vehicles safety systems (emergency braking, cross traffic warning, forward collision warning) failed to function allowing the vehicle to hit a cross traffic vehicle in a parking lot. The safety system failed again after the first collision allow…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report severe engine problems, including a 2026 Silverado with a 6.2L motor that had issues shortly after purchase, and a 6.6L Duramax diesel experiencing repeated diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events. These can cause breakdowns and costly repairs, even on new trucks.
Complaints include a vehicle suddenly going into neutral while driving uphill in a parking garage, and another with less than 300 miles that lost power. This suggests transmission or drivetrain failures that can leave you unable to move, posing a safety risk.
Owners describe sudden loss of braking with a firm pedal, and engine shutdowns while driving with messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start'. These electrical glitches can disable critical functions and are dangerous if they occur in traffic.
Reports include a severe loss of normal braking shortly after dropping a child at school, and a truck that shut off completely in a parking lot, requiring a restart. Brake failures are among the most serious safety issues a driver can face.
“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 E TRON GT — 5 recalls
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 RS e-tron GT, e-tron GT, Q4 e-tron Sportback, Q4 e-tron, 2020-2021 Audi A8, 2019-2024 e-tron Quattro, 2020-2024 e-tron Sportback Quattro, Q5, and 2021-2022 A7 vehicles. When using the industrial 220V/240V plug at the 100% charg…
The risk: An overheated outlet or charging cable can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Owners are advised not to use the 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable and only use the 110V home charging cable or public charging stations. Dealers will supply a new 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable with an incorporated tem…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Audi RS E-Tron GT and E-Tron GT vehicles. The high-voltage battery may experience a short circuit within the battery modules.
The risk: A short circuit in a high-voltage battery module increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Owners are advised to only charge their vehicles to a maximum of 80% battery capacity until the repair has been completed. Dealers will, analyze the battery data and replace the high-voltage battery modules as necessary free of charge. Own…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Audi RS E-Tron GT and Audi E-Tron GT vehicles. The front axle brake hoses can develop tears, causing a leak and a brake circuit failure.
The risk: A failed brake circuit can cause longer brake pedal travel and reduced braking performance, extending the distance required to stop and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the front axle brake hoses, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 6, 2024. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 47UP.
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 E-TRON GT, and RS E-TRON GT vehicles. The high-voltage battery may experience a short circuit within the battery module.
The risk: A short circuit in a high-voltage battery module increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will install advanced diagnostic software as the final remedy free of charge. For vehicles where on-line data is available (Audi recall number 931A), as an interim measure, the vehicles will be monitored through online data evaluat…
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 E TRON GT or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Audi RS E TRON GT has far fewer issues per year (0.2 complaints/year) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (822.7 complaints/year). In practice, this means the Audi is likely to spend less time in the shop for reported problems, while the Silverado has a much higher volume of owner-reported failures, especially in the engine, transmission, and brakes.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: Audi has 1 complaint over 5 years; Silverado has 8,227 over 10 years—a massive difference in reported problems.
- Crash-related complaints: Audi has 1 crash-related complaint; Silverado has 233, indicating far more collisions potentially linked to vehicle issues.
- Injuries and deaths: Audi reports 0 injuries and 0 deaths; Silverado reports 160 injuries and 3 deaths, though these are not necessarily caused by defects.
- Recall focus: Audi recalls center on electrical/charging and backup camera; Silverado recalls include fuel pump, tires, and forward collision warnings, affecting different systems.
- Test the backup camera and cross-traffic alert system thoroughly, as one owner reported failure leading to a collision.
- Ask about recall history, especially for the onboard charging cable and traction battery, and confirm they were addressed.
- Check for any signs of engine misfires, rough running, or diesel particulate filter warnings, especially on 6.2L and 6.6L Duramax models.
- Test the brakes carefully for any loss of power assist or unusual pedal feel, as owners reported sudden braking loss.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed.
- For the Audi, verify that the advanced driver-assistance systems (emergency braking, cross-traffic warning) are functioning during a test drive.
- For the Silverado, scan for stored diagnostic trouble codes related to the engine, transmission, and brakes.
- Take a long test drive that includes highway, city, and parking lot maneuvers to check for sudden shutdowns or braking issues.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the specific model, focusing on the areas mentioned in complaints.
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 E TRON GT | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 120 |
| 2025 | 0 | 157 |
| 2024 | 1 | 527 |
| 2023 | 0 | 450 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1390 |
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 E TRON GT or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI RS E TRON GT vs Chevrolet Silverado
- AUDI RS E TRON GT total complaints
- 1
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- AUDI RS E TRON GT total recalls
- 5
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- AUDI RS E TRON GT avg complaints/year
- 0.2
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- AUDI RS E TRON GT
- AUDI RS E TRON GT top complaint area
- BACK OVER PREVENTION
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE