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 (0.2/yr) and 5 recalls, while the Silverado has 7,776 complaints over 10 years (777.6/yr) and 100 recalls, with 225 crashes and 3 deaths. The Audi's single issue is safety system failure; the Silverado's top problems are engine and transmission failures. 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 low-volume electric performance sedan with very few owner complaints—just one report over five years, averaging 0.2 per year. That single complaint describes a complete failure of the backup prevention and forward collision avoidance systems, leading to a parking-lot crash. While the complaint count is tiny, the five recalls (covering charging cables, traction battery, brake hoses, and backup camera) suggest the car has had several production fixes. For a buyer, this means very few real-world issues reported, but the one that exists is a serious safety system failure.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a high-volume pickup with 7,776 complaints over ten years (777.6 per year), 100 recalls, 225 crashes, 150 injuries, and three deaths. The top problem areas are engine (2,302 complaints), powertrain (2,213), electrical system (1,435), and service brakes (1,193). Owners report engines knocking and needing replacement, transmission lines bursting and losing fluid, electrical gremlins causing sudden shutdowns, and brake failures. This is a vehicle with widespread, recurring issues that can leave you stranded or in danger.
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 | 7,776 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 5 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 225 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.2 Better | 777.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 150 |
| 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
The only complaint describes both systems failing simultaneously: the emergency braking, cross-traffic warning, and forward collision warning did not activate, allowing the car to hit another vehicle in a parking lot. After the first impact, the systems failed again, leading to a second collision. This suggests a potential software or sensor fault that disables multiple safety features at once.
“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
- 01ENGINE2,302
- 02POWER TRAIN2,213
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,435
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,193
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER832
Owners report loud knocking noises starting as early as 3,000 miles, requiring complete engine replacement. Some experience sudden shaking and metal rattling sounds, then loss of power at highway speeds. No warning lights illuminate before failure, making it unpredictable.
Transmission fluid lines can burst without warning, rapidly leaking fluid and causing loss of drive. One owner towing a light trailer experienced a sudden transmission failure on back roads. These failures can leave you stranded or cause a crash.
Multiple complaints describe high-voltage battery faults leading to loss of vehicle control. One owner had three occurrences of sudden power loss. Others report the vehicle failing to start or shutting down while driving, with no prior alerts.
Brake failures are reported in conjunction with electrical issues, such as the vehicle losing power and then brakes becoming unresponsive. One complaint mentions a high-voltage battery fault that also disabled the braking system.
“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…”
“Truck has less than 1800 miles. Was at a stop light and the vehicle started shaking and making metal tin rattling sounds. Stopped for gas, started the vehicle all noises went away. Got onto the freeway and about 1 mile down the road the truck lost power at 70…”
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 — 100 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV and GMC Sierra EV electric vehicles. After experiencing an electronic stability control (ESC) system malfunction, the ESC malfunction warning light may not illuminate on the next key cycle. As such, these vehicles fail to com…
The risk: An indicator light that does not illuminate may fail to warn the driver of an ESC system issue, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The EBCM software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 15, 2025. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or G…
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 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 2026 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, and GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles with four-wheel (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), and certain 2015-2020 Suburban, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Yukon, Yuko…
The risk: Front or rear wheel lockup increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the transfer case assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 18, 2026. Owners may contac…
Buyer analysis
AUDI RS E TRON GT or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Audi RS e-tron GT has far fewer complaints per year (0.2 vs. 777.6) and no reported injuries or deaths, while the Silverado has hundreds of crashes and three deaths. In practice, the Audi's single complaint is a serious safety system failure, but the Silverado's issues are widespread and affect critical systems like engine, transmission, and brakes, making it a much riskier ownership proposition.
Key differences
- The Audi has only 1 complaint (0.2/yr) vs. the Silverado's 7,776 (777.6/yr), a 3,888-fold difference in complaint rate.
- The Audi's only complaint is a safety system failure (backup/collision avoidance), while the Silverado's top issues are engine knocking requiring replacement and transmission line bursts.
- The Silverado has 225 crash-related complaints, 150 injuries, and 3 deaths; the Audi has 1 crash and 0 injuries/deaths.
- The Audi has 5 recalls (mostly electrical/brake components), the Silverado has 100 recalls covering ESC, fuel pump, transfer case, and more.
- Test all driver-assistance features (backup camera, cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, emergency braking) in a safe area to ensure they activate properly.
- Check the service history for recall completion, especially the traction battery and brake hose recalls.
- Listen for engine knocking or rattling during a cold start and test drive; check for any metal debris in oil.
- Inspect transmission fluid lines for leaks or damage, and test the transmission under load (e.g., uphill or towing simulation).
Before you buy
- For the Audi: confirm all five recalls have been performed by a dealer.
- For the Silverado: request a full service history and check for engine or transmission replacements.
- Test drive both vehicles at highway speeds and in stop-and-go traffic to feel for vibrations or hesitation.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the engine, transmission, and electrical system.
- Check NHTSA.gov for any open recalls on the specific VIN you're considering.
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 | 70 |
| 2025 | 0 | 129 |
| 2024 | 1 | 488 |
| 2023 | 0 | 412 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1270 |
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
- 7,776
- AUDI RS E TRON GT total recalls
- 5
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- AUDI RS E TRON GT avg complaints/year
- 0.2
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 777.6
- 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