Head-to-head reliability
AUDI RS Q8 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the AUDI RS Q8 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 Q8 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Audi RS Q8 has only 2 complaints over 7 years (0.3/yr) but reports sudden electrical shutdowns, while the Chevrolet Silverado has 5,105 complaints over 10 years (510.5/yr) with engine and brake failures. The Silverado also has 117 crash-related complaints and 1 death. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI RS Q8 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI RS Q8
The Audi RS Q8 is a high-performance luxury SUV that, in ownership terms, has a very low complaint rate—just two complaints over seven years. However, the complaints that do exist are serious: owners report sudden electrical system failures that can cause a complete shutdown and loss of steering, leaving them stranded. This pattern suggests that while rare, electrical gremlins can be severe and potentially dangerous, especially given the vehicle's high-speed capabilities. The 20 recalls, though numerous, cover a range of components but do not indicate a chronic issue in any single area.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup truck with a much higher complaint volume—over 5,000 complaints in ten years, averaging more than 500 per year. The dominant issues are engine problems, particularly with the 6.2L and 6.6L Duramax engines, including failures that can cause loss of power and even brake and steering failure. Powertrain and electrical system complaints are also frequent, with reports of sudden neutral engagement and braking loss. This pattern points to a vehicle with widespread and potentially serious reliability concerns, especially in newer models.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI RS Q8 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 20 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.3 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
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 Q8
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
- 02STEERING1
Owners report sudden 'Electrical System Malfunction' warnings that lead to complete vehicle shutdown and loss of steering, requiring towing. One owner noted a backordered alternator with over 5,000 cars waiting, indicating a systemic issue.
The same electrical failure can cause steering to become inoperable, as described in complaints. This is a critical safety concern because it happens without sufficient warning, making it hard to react.
“The car gave an electrical error & said to stop vehicle immediately. I lost steering capabilities. I pulled over & had to wait hours for a tow. I am now being told the part is on back order with over 5000 cars waiting on an alternator. I’ve not even had the c…”
“The car displayed a Electrical System Malfunction and completely shutdown. The car will haft to be towed to AUDI service center for diagnosis. This is extremely unsafe for general operation. Their was not sufficient time to react.”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Frequent engine failures, especially in 6.2L and 6.6L Duramax engines, include loss of motive power and, in some cases, complete engine failure. Diesel particulate filter (DPF) soot accumulation is also a recurring issue, requiring dealer intervention.
Transmission and drivetrain issues are common, with reports of the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, which can be dangerous in traffic. This often occurs at low mileage, sometimes under 300 miles.
Electrical problems can lead to severe braking loss and steering failure, as reported by owners. One incident at 70 MPH involved a loud pinging sound followed by loss of power, brakes, and steering, indicating a critical safety risk.
Sudden, severe loss of braking effectiveness is reported, even though the brake pedal feels firm. This can happen without warning, as in the case of a driver stopping at a stop sign, and is a major safety concern.
“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 Q8 — 20 recalls
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, R…
The risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi custome…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7…
The risk: Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe,…
The risk: A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 4…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2025 Audi RS Q8, Audi Q8, Audi Q7, and Audi SQ8 vehicles. The driver and front passenger seat belt buckles may be missing a rivet that secures the buckle to the seat belt stalk.
The risk: A seat belt that is missing a rivet may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace both front seat belt buckles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 3, 2025. Owners may contact Audi at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 692K. Vehicle Identification Numbers (V…
Chevrolet Silverado — 100 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertently…
The risk: An unlatched tailgate may open while driving and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2024. Owners may contact Chevr…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 vehicles. The steering gear shaft may fracture and disconnect from the steering arm.
The risk: A steering arm that disconnects may result in a total loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering gear, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 22, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-4…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra HD 2500, 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertentl…
The risk: An unlatched tailgate may open and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 17, 2024. Owners may contact…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023-2024 GMC Hummer EV pick up, 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV, and 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV vehicles. The left or right front seat belt buckle attachment bolts may not be tightened properly.
The risk: An improperly tightened seat belt buckle may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will tighten the left and right front seat belt buckle attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-833-EVCHEVY (1-833-382-4389) (TTY 711 /…
Buyer analysis
AUDI RS Q8 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Audi RS Q8 has far fewer complaints per year (0.3) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), indicating a much lower rate of reported issues. However, the RS Q8's complaints are severe, involving sudden shutdowns, while the Silverado's issues are more frequent and varied, including engine and brake failures. In practice, the RS Q8 may offer more peace of mind in terms of frequency, but both have potential safety-critical failures.
Key differences
- The Audi RS Q8 has a very low complaint rate (2 over 7 years) but its issues are electrical shutdowns that can disable steering, while the Silverado has a high complaint rate (5,105 over 10 years) with engine, powertrain, and brake failures.
- Silverado owners report problems at very low mileage (e.g., under 300 miles) and with specific engines like the 6.2L and 6.6L Duramax, whereas RS Q8 complaints do not mention mileage but involve backordered parts.
- The Silverado has 117 crash-related complaints and 1 death, indicating real-world safety consequences, while the RS Q8 has zero crash-related complaints.
- Recalls differ: RS Q8 recalls focus on seat belts, tires, and air bags, while Silverado recalls include tailgate latches and brake fluid sensors, but neither list matches the top complaint areas directly.
- Check for any history of electrical system warnings or alternator issues, as these can lead to sudden shutdowns and loss of steering.
- Inspect the vehicle's service records for any electrical system repairs or recalls related to the alternator or battery.
- Look for signs of engine trouble, especially in 6.2L or 6.6L Duramax engines, such as unusual noises, loss of power, or DPF warnings.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including sudden stops, to ensure there is no loss of braking effectiveness, and check for any electrical issues that could affect braking.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full service history and check for any open recalls on both vehicles.
- For the Audi RS Q8, ask about any electrical system repairs or alternator replacements, and test the steering at low speeds.
- For the Chevrolet Silverado, ask about engine and transmission issues, especially if it has a 6.2L or 6.6L engine, and check the DPF system if diesel.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on electrical systems and brakes for both.
- Check NHTSA complaint databases for the specific model year you are considering to see if issues have been resolved.
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 Q8 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 98 |
| 2025 | 0 | 150 |
| 2024 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 2 | 934 |
| 2020 | 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 Q8 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI RS Q8 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- AUDI RS Q8 total complaints
- 2
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- AUDI RS Q8 total recalls
- 20
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- AUDI RS Q8 avg complaints/year
- 0.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- AUDI RS Q8
- AUDI RS Q8 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE