Vehicle 1

AUDI S4

27 complaints · 11 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Chevrolet Silverado

6,878 complaints · 98 recalls

📊 Based on NHTSA owner complaint & recall data
Which Should I Buy?

AUDI S4 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Audi S4 has only 27 complaints over 10 years (2.7/year) and no crash complaints, while the Silverado has 6878 complaints (687.8/year) and 206 crash complaints. The Silverado's top issues are engine and powertrain; the Audi's are electrical. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

Lower numbers are better for complaints, recalls, and crashes.

4
AUDI S4
wins all 4 categories
0
Chevrolet Silverado
no category wins
CategoryAUDI S4Chevrolet Silverado
Total Complaints
All years combined
27
✓ lower
6,878
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
11
✓ lower
98
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
0
✓ lower
206
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
2.7
✓ lower
687.8

Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records. Lower is better.

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

AUDI S4

1. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM15
2. BACK OVER PREVENTION9
3. UNKNOWN OR OTHER6
4. ENGINE5
5. SERVICE BRAKES2

Chevrolet Silverado

1. ENGINE2,056
2. POWER TRAIN1,925
3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,263
4. SERVICE BRAKES1,077
5. UNKNOWN OR OTHER735
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Audi S4 has far fewer complaints per year (2.7 vs 687.8) and no crash complaints, suggesting it may be more reliable overall. However, its low complaint volume means issues like electrical system problems could still be significant for individual owners.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize lower complaint rates and fewer recalls, choose the Audi S4. If you need a truck for towing or hauling and can accept higher complaint numbers, the Silverado may suit you, but be prepared for potential engine and powertrain issues.

Key Differences
  • Audi S4 has 2.7 complaints/year vs Silverado's 687.8/year.
  • Silverado has 206 crash complaints; Audi S4 has 0.
  • Silverado's top issues are ENGINE (2056) and POWER TRAIN (1925); Audi S4's top is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (15).
  • Silverado has 98 recalls; Audi S4 has 11.
⚠ Watch on AUDI S4
  • Watch for electrical system problems (15 complaints) and back over prevention issues (9 complaints).
  • Engine issues (5 complaints) may also occur, though less frequently.
⚠ Watch on Chevrolet Silverado
  • Engine (2056) and powertrain (1925) complaints are very common; check for transmission and engine performance.
  • Service brakes (1077) and electrical system (1263) issues are also frequent.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check for open recalls on both vehicles using NHTSA's VIN lookup.
  • For Audi S4, test all electrical components and backup camera/sensors.
  • For Silverado, inspect engine and transmission for known issues (e.g., shudder, stalling).
  • Review service history for brake and electrical repairs on Silverado.
  • Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with each model.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

AUDI S4Chevrolet Silverado
2026
0
45
2025
0
115
2024
0
460
2023
0
375
2022
0
1172
2021
2
844
2020
16
787
2019
2
1932
2018
7
0
AUDI S4 vs Chevrolet Silverado — comparison facts
Comparison
AUDI S4 vs Chevrolet Silverado
AUDI S4 total complaints
27
Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
6,878
AUDI S4 total recalls
11
Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
98
AUDI S4 avg complaints/year
2.7
Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
687.8
More reliable overall
AUDI S4
AUDI S4 top complaint area
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
ENGINE
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

AUDI S4Reliability & Problems

27 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Chevrolet SilveradoReliability & Problems

6,878 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific AUDI S4 or Chevrolet Silverado?

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