Head-to-head reliability
AUDI S5 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the AUDI S5 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 S5 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Audi S5 averages 7.2 complaints per year with 20 recalls, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages 822.7 complaints per year with 101 recalls. The S5 has 2 crash-related reports and 2 injuries; the Silverado has 233 crash-related reports and 160 injuries. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI S5 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI S5
The Audi S5 is a performance coupe that averages about 7.2 complaints per year over a decade, with 20 recalls. The most common owner complaints involve the infotainment system rebooting, engine problems like piston skirt and rocker arm defects, and forward collision avoidance issues. While the overall complaint count is low, the electrical and engine issues can be disruptive and costly if they occur.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that averages about 822.7 complaints per year, with 101 recalls and 233 crash-related reports. Owners frequently report engine and powertrain failures, electrical glitches, and brake problems, often on very new vehicles. The high volume of complaints suggests a wide range of potential issues that buyers should be aware of.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI S5 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 72 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 20 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 2 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 7.2 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 2 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 S5
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM22
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER21
- 03ENGINE14
- 04FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE14
- 05BACK OVER PREVENTION12
Owners report the MMI infotainment system spontaneously reboots while driving, causing the screen to go black and disabling the backup camera, rear obstacle detection, and navigation. This can happen every 60-90 seconds and may occur while reversing, increasing the risk of a collision.
Some owners of the 2018 S5 with the 3.0 TFSI engine report latent engine failure due to piston skirt and rocker arm defects, as well as sudden no-start conditions with camshaft codes. These issues can lead to expensive repairs and leave the car undrivable.
Complaints describe the MMI rebooting and disabling forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, sometimes while driving. This means the safety systems may not function when needed, which is a significant concern.
The same MMI reboots can cause the backup camera and rear cross-traffic alert to become unavailable, making it harder to see behind the vehicle when reversing. This is especially dangerous in parking lots or driveways.
“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…”
“"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 reloa…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start,' as well as diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These issues can leave the truck stranded and may be dangerous if they occur in traffic.
Complaints include sudden loss of power, transmission shifting into neutral unexpectedly, and complete shutdowns while driving. These problems can happen at low speeds or in parking garages, but also at higher speeds, increasing crash risk.
Owners describe sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power, as well as engine shut-off while driving and blank screens. These electrical glitches can affect critical safety functions like braking and steering.
Reports include severe loss of braking effectiveness and the vehicle shutting off entirely while braking or moving slowly. This can lead to an inability to stop, which is a serious safety hazard.
“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 S5 — 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 Audi RS5 Sportback, 2020-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, and S5 Sportback vehicles. The wiring harness for the rear lights could be missing the anti-abrasion protection in the area of the spare wheel well.
The risk: Without the scuff protection, the wires may become damaged during a rear crash, disabling the doors from being opened from the outside, causing a loss of hazard lights, and increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will apply scuff protection, free of charge. The recall began January 21, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 97EU.
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 S5 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Audi S5 has far fewer complaints per year (7.2 vs. 822.7) and fewer recalls (20 vs. 101), but both vehicles have serious reported issues. The Silverado's much higher volume of complaints means a buyer is more likely to encounter problems, while the S5's lower frequency doesn't guarantee freedom from costly electrical or engine faults.
Key differences
- The Audi S5 averages 7.2 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages 822.7, a massive difference in reported problem frequency.
- Audi S5 complaints often center on infotainment reboots that disable safety features, whereas Silverado complaints frequently involve engine shutdowns and brake loss.
- The Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints and 160 injuries reported, compared to 2 crash-related and 2 injuries for the S5, indicating a higher severity of reported incidents.
- Both vehicles have recalls for safety systems, but the Silverado's recalls include fuel pump control and forward collision warning issues, while the S5's include seat belt retractors and backup camera display.
- Check for infotainment system reboots by test-driving and using the backup camera, navigation, and rear sensors; note any screen blackouts or delays.
- Listen for engine noises or check for camshaft codes and piston skirt issues, especially on 2018 models with the 3.0 TFSI engine; a pre-purchase inspection should include a scan for stored codes.
- Test-drive at various speeds and in parking lots to check for sudden engine shutdowns, transmission slipping into neutral, or loss of braking; any hesitation or warning messages are red flags.
- Inspect for diesel particulate filter issues on Duramax models by checking for excessive soot accumulation codes or recent dealer service records for P2463.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and all available service records, focusing on infotainment, engine, and brake repairs.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, including a scan for diagnostic trouble codes and a test of all safety systems.
- Test-drive the vehicle for at least 30 minutes, including highway, city, and parking lot maneuvers, to replicate conditions where complaints occur.
- Verify that all recalls have been addressed by checking the NHTSA website with the VIN and asking for proof of completion.
- For the Silverado, specifically test braking from various speeds and check for any warning lights or messages related to engine, transmission, or brakes.
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 S5 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 120 |
| 2025 | 11 | 157 |
| 2024 | 2 | 527 |
| 2023 | 0 | 450 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 1 | 961 |
| 2020 | 25 | 868 |
| 2019 | 6 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 26 | 597 |
| 2017 | 0 | 1154 |
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 S5 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI S5 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- AUDI S5 total complaints
- 72
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- AUDI S5 total recalls
- 20
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- AUDI S5 avg complaints/year
- 7.2
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- AUDI S5
- AUDI S5 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE