Head-to-head reliability
AUDI S4 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the AUDI S4 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 S4 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Audi S4 has 28 complaints over 10 years (2.8/year) and 12 recalls, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints (822.7/year) and 101 recalls. The S4 reports no crashes, injuries, or deaths; the Silverado reports 233 crashes, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI S4 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI S4
The Audi S4 is a performance sedan with a relatively low complaint volume: 28 complaints over 10 years, averaging 2.8 per year. Most owner reports center on the MMI infotainment system rebooting or going blank, which can disable the backup camera and rear sensors. There are also reports of engine knocking from internal components in some model years. With 12 recalls and no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths in the data, it appears to have fewer safety-related complaints than the Silverado.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a very high complaint volume: 8,227 complaints over 10 years, averaging 822.7 per year. Owners report serious issues including engine failures, transmission problems, electrical glitches, and brake loss. The data also shows 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths. With 101 recalls, this truck has a much higher rate of reported problems than the Audi S4.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI S4 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 28 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 12 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 2.8 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 S4
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM15
- 02BACK OVER PREVENTION9
- 03ENGINE6
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER6
- 05SERVICE BRAKES2
Owners report the MMI screen goes dead and reboots every 2-5 minutes while driving. This can disable the backup camera, rear sensors, and navigation, which is distracting and could affect safety when reversing.
The same MMI reboots cause the backup camera and rear obstacle detection to become unavailable. This means drivers lose rear visibility aids exactly when they may need them most.
Some owners report catastrophic engine failure due to rocker arm needle bearings becoming loose and dislodged, sending metal shavings through the engine. Another complaint describes a delay when transitioning from acceleration to deceleration, especially in first gear.
A small number of complaints mention brake issues, though details are limited. Buyers should still have the brakes inspected as part of any used-car check.
“The MMI (multimedia interface) screen goes dead and reboots frequently (every 2-5 minutes) while driving. It is extremely frustrating and distracting. In addition, when the screen blacks out while driving in reverse, the backup camera, back up sensors and cro…”
“The MMI spontaneously reboots numerous times while driving. When the reboots happen, the screen goes black, and key systems such as the backup camera, rear obstacle detection, and navigation become unavailable until the reboot completes and the systems reload…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report severe engine problems, including a 6.2L motor failing shortly after purchase and a 6.6L Duramax diesel experiencing repeated diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events. These can lead to costly repairs and breakdowns.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral and the engine shutting off while driving. One owner reported this happening with less than 300 miles on the truck, which is alarming for a new vehicle.
Owners describe sudden loss of normal braking, engine shutdown while driving with messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start', and screens going blank. These electrical faults can be dangerous and leave drivers stranded.
Reports include a sudden, severe loss of braking where the pedal remained firm but braking was ineffective. Another complaint notes the truck completely shut off in a parking lot, preventing acceleration.
“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 S4 — 12 recalls
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2017-2020 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, 2018-2019 RS5 Coupe, 2019 RS5 Sportback, 2018-2020 A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, and Audi S5 Sportback vehicles. The cable connecting the seat heater to the Passen…
The risk: A disabled passenger air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the connecting cable and either the heating mat or entire seat cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 7, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number fo…
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…
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 S4 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Audi S4 has far fewer issues per year (2.8 vs. 822.7) and no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths in the data, while the Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths. In practice, the S4 appears to have less frequent and less severe reported problems, though both vehicles have recalls and owner complaints that warrant a thorough inspection.
Key differences
- The Audi S4 averages 2.8 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages 822.7 complaints per year, a massive difference in reported problem frequency.
- Silverado complaints include 233 crash-related reports, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths; the Audi S4 has 0 in each of those categories in the provided data.
- Audi S4 owners most often report infotainment reboots that disable backup cameras, while Silverado owners report engine failures, transmission shifting into neutral, and brake loss.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 12 for the Audi S4, indicating more frequent safety-related fixes.
- Test the MMI infotainment system thoroughly: check for reboots, screen blackouts, and whether the backup camera and rear sensors work consistently.
- Listen for engine knocking or unusual noises, especially in models with the EA839 engine, as some owners report internal bearing failures.
- Check for any signs of engine trouble, such as rough idling, knocking, or diesel particulate filter warning lights, especially on 6.2L and 6.6L Duramax models.
- Test the brakes and electrical system: look for sudden loss of braking, engine shutdowns, or messages like 'Return to Neutral' during a test drive.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all safety recalls have been performed.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the engine, transmission, and electrical systems.
- For the Audi S4, test the MMI system extensively and check for any infotainment or backup camera issues.
- For the Chevrolet Silverado, check for engine and transmission complaints by scanning for stored trouble codes and test-driving under various conditions.
- Verify the model year and specific engine to see if it falls under any known complaint patterns mentioned in NHTSA data.
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 S4 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 0 | 157 |
| 2024 | 0 | 527 |
| 2023 | 0 | 450 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 2 | 961 |
| 2020 | 16 | 868 |
| 2019 | 2 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 7 | 597 |
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 S4 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI S4 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- AUDI S4 total complaints
- 28
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- AUDI S4 total recalls
- 12
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- AUDI S4 avg complaints/year
- 2.8
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- AUDI S4
- AUDI S4 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE