Head-to-head reliability
AUDI S3 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the AUDI S3 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 S3 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The S3 averages 3.3 complaints per year with no crashes, while the Silverado averages 510.5 complaints per year, including 117 crashes and 1 death. The S3's main issues are airbag system failures and engine oil consumption, whereas the Silverado suffers from engine, transmission, and brake failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI S3 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI S3
The Audi S3 is a compact performance sedan that, in ownership terms, shows a relatively low complaint rate but a notable concentration in airbag-related issues, many tied to recalls. Owners report engine overheating and oil consumption, which can leave you stranded, alongside irritating quality issues like chattering wipers and a sunroof that exploded. The airbag system, particularly the passenger occupant detection, has been a recurring headache, with some owners saying recall repairs left the system nonfunctional.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume, reflecting its popularity and heavy use. Owners report serious engine problems, including catastrophic failures and diesel particulate filter clogging, as well as transmission issues that can suddenly put the truck in neutral. Electrical gremlins can lead to loss of braking and steering, and brake system complaints are common, with some incidents resulting in 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 S3 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 33 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 16 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 3.3 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 S3
- 01AIR BAGS19
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER5
- 03VISIBILITY/WIPER4
- 04SEATS4
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM3
Owners report issues with the passenger airbag occupant classification system (PODS), often after recall repairs. Some say the system fails completely, leaving the airbag inoperable regardless of occupancy, which is a serious safety concern.
Despite being listed under air bags in some complaints, owners describe engine overheating and excessive oil consumption, requiring frequent top-ups and leading to near-stranding situations. This suggests potential engine reliability issues.
Multiple owners complain about wiper blades chattering and skipping, which can impair visibility in rain and create a scratching noise. One owner visited the dealer over 10 times without a fix, indicating a persistent design flaw.
The seat-mounted airbag system (PODS) is a common source of complaints, with owners reporting that after recall work, the system no longer functions, disabling the passenger airbag. Some dealers have even tried to charge for recall repairs.
“Where do I start? We have taken this car into the Audi dealership four times due to the engine. Overheating and being almost stranded in the middle of nowhere with it because oil was needing to be added to the engine all the time and after charging us hundred…”
“AFTER BRINGING IN MY VEHICLE FOR SERVICE, THE DEALER INFORMED ME OF A NECESSARY RECALL REPAIR THAT WOULD PREVENT POTENTIAL PASSENGER AIRBAG FAILURE. I AUTHORIZED THE REPAIR, ALTHOUGH I HAD NOT ENCOUNTERED ANY ISSUES PRIOR. HOWEVER ABOUT A MONTH AFTER THE REPA…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine failures, including a 2026 model with a 6.2L that broke down 750 miles from home, and Duramax diesel trucks with repeated diesel particulate filter clogging, requiring dealer service multiple times.
Transmission problems are common, with one owner reporting the truck suddenly shifted into neutral while driving uphill in a parking garage, and another experiencing loss of motive power at highway speed, which can be dangerous.
Electrical issues can cause sudden loss of braking and steering, as described by a 2026 Silverado owner at 70 mph. Another owner reported a severe braking failure after dropping off a child, with the brake pedal firm but ineffective.
Brake system failures are a major concern, with owners experiencing sudden loss of normal braking. These incidents have contributed to crashes and injuries, making brake reliability a critical issue.
“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 S3 — 16 recalls
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Audi S3 Sedan, A3 Sedan, 2016-2018 A3 Etron, 2017-2020 RS3 Sedan, and 2015-2019 A3 Cabriolet vehicles. The passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may malfunction and switch off the passenger air bag even when the seat is oc…
The risk: A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the PODS sensor mat and update the PODS control module, free of charge. Owners letters were mailed December 23, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69BY.
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Audi S3 Sedan, A3 Sedan, 2016-2018 A3 Etron, 2017-2020 RS3 Sedan, and 2015-2019 A3 Cabriolet vehicles. The passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may malfunction and switch off the passenger air bag even when the seat is oc…
The risk: A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the PODS sensor mat and update the PODS control module, free of charge. Owners letters were mailed December 23, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69BY.
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Audi S3 Sedan, A3 Sedan, 2016-2018 A3 Etron, 2017-2020 RS3 Sedan, and 2015-2019 A3 Cabriolet vehicles. The passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may malfunction and switch off the passenger air bag even when the seat is oc…
The risk: A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the PODS sensor mat and update the PODS control module, free of charge. Owners letters were mailed December 23, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69BY.
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Audi S3 Sedan, 2015-2019 A3 Sedan and A3 Cabriolet, 2016-2018 A3 e-tron, and 2017-2019 RS3 vehicles. An improper electrical contact may cause the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) to falsely detect a malfunction and de…
The risk: A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the connector and reroute the cable, free of charge. The recall began September 12, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is…
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 S3 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Audi S3 has far fewer complaints per year (3.3 vs 510.5) and no reported crashes or injuries, while the Silverado has a much higher rate of serious issues, including engine and brake failures that have led to crashes and one death. In practice, the S3 presents fewer immediate safety risks, but its airbag system and engine issues still warrant attention.
Key differences
- The Audi S3 has a complaint rate of 3.3 per year versus 510.5 for the Silverado, a 150-fold difference.
- The Silverado has 117 crash-related complaints and 104 injuries, while the S3 has none.
- The S3's top issue is airbag system malfunctions, often after recall repairs, whereas the Silverado's top issues are engine and powertrain failures.
- The Silverado's brake and electrical problems can lead to sudden loss of control, a more immediate safety threat than the S3's wiper or sunroof issues.
- Check the passenger airbag system (PODS) for proper operation, especially if a recall repair was done, as owners report it can fail completely.
- Inspect for engine oil consumption and overheating issues, which have left owners stranded.
- Listen for engine pinging or loss of power, and check for any transmission issues like sudden neutral shifts.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, as owners report sudden loss of braking effectiveness, and check for any warning lights related to the brake system.
Before you buy
- For the Audi S3: verify all airbag recalls (especially 69Z4) have been performed and that the passenger airbag light works correctly.
- For the Audi S3: check engine oil level and look for signs of excessive consumption; ask for service records.
- For the Silverado: have a mechanic inspect the engine and transmission, and check for any pending recalls.
- For the Silverado: test the brakes at various speeds and on hills, and check for any brake fluid leaks or warning messages.
- For both: get a pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic and review the vehicle's NHTSA complaint history.
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 S3 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 98 |
| 2025 | 0 | 150 |
| 2024 | 2 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1340 |
| 2020 | 1 | 0 |
| 2019 | 2 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 5 | 591 |
| 2017 | 9 | 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 S3 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI S3 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- AUDI S3 total complaints
- 33
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- AUDI S3 total recalls
- 16
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- AUDI S3 avg complaints/year
- 3.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- AUDI S3
- AUDI S3 top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE