Head-to-head reliability
AUDI S6 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the AUDI S6 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 S6 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Audi S6 has 39 complaints and 30 recalls over 10 years, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints and 101 recalls. The S6 averages 3.9 complaints per year versus 822.7 for the Silverado. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI S6 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI S6
The Audi S6 is a high-performance luxury sedan that can be costly to maintain as it ages. Over 10 years, it has 39 complaints (about 3.9 per year) and 30 recalls, with engine issues dominating. Owners frequently report sudden power loss and turbo failures, often with little warning. Electrical and steering problems also appear, sometimes linked to battery or charging faults.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a huge number of complaints—8,227 over 10 years (about 823 per year) and 101 recalls. Engine and power train problems are most common, with many reports of stalling, transmission issues, and brake loss. Crash-related complaints (233) and injuries (160) are also recorded. This suggests that while popular, the Silverado has a high rate of reported serious issues.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI S6 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 39 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 30 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 3.9 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 S6
- 01ENGINE21
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM9
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER7
- 04STEERING4
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM4
Owners report clogged oil screens that starve turbochargers of oil, leading to turbo failure and engine stalling while driving. This can cause sudden power loss and loss of steering assist, creating a dangerous situation.
Complaints include sudden electrical shutdowns where the vehicle loses power and shuts off without warning, sometimes in heavy rain. This can leave the driver unable to accelerate or steer, increasing crash risk.
Some owners experience steering system faults, often after battery or charging issues. This may result in warnings like 'Steering System Fault' and can affect vehicle control.
Reports include crankcase ventilation valve failures that can cause oil leaks or engine problems, and some low-mileage vehicles have unexplained issues. These can be expensive to diagnose and repair.
“OIL SCREEN INTERIOR OF ENGINE (NON-SERVICEABLE) CLOGGED WHICH PREVENTED TURBO CHARGERS FROM RECEIVING OIL. BOTH TURBO CHARGERS FAILED WHICH CAUSES ENGINE TO STALL. WAS DRIVING AT 25 MPH ON TWO LANE CITY STREET. ENGINE DIED, POWER WAS LOST, AND STEERED VEHICLE…”
“While driving my 2020 Audi S6, the vehicle suddenly lost power and completely shut off in the middle of the road without warning. There were no warning lights or messages beforehand. I was unable to accelerate or steer out of the way, which created a major cr…”
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' or 'Press Start'. Diesel models have repeated diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events requiring dealer service.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral and loss of power, even at low speeds. This can happen in parking lots or while driving, leaving the driver unable to accelerate.
Reports describe severe loss of braking effectiveness and engine shut-offs with blank screens. These electrical glitches can disable critical safety features without warning.
Owners experience sudden loss of normal braking, where the pedal remains firm but braking is ineffective. This is a serious safety concern that could lead to crashes.
“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 S6 — 30 recalls
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Audi S6 and S7, 2012-2018 A7 and A6 Sedan, and 2014-2018 RS7 vehicles equipped with basic seats (with or without heating). Stress or wear of the body-sensing mat within the front passenger seat may cause the Passenger Occ…
The risk: If the PODS module malfunctions, the front passenger air bag may not deploy properly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a PODS system repair kit, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 74D5.
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2013-2017 A8, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, and 2014-2017 RS7 vehicles. The turbocharger oil supply strainer can become blocked, causing wear to the bearings due to lack of lubrication.
The risk: Worn bearings can cause the turbine wheel to contact the turbocharger housing or cause the shaft to break, causing an engine stall and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the oil strainer and perform an oil change, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 4, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 21H7.
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Audi S6 and S7, 2012-2018 A7 and A6 Sedan, and 2014-2018 RS7 vehicles equipped with basic seats (with or without heating). Stress or wear of the body-sensing mat within the front passenger seat may cause the Passenger Occ…
The risk: If the PODS module malfunctions, the front passenger air bag may not deploy properly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a PODS system repair kit, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 74D5.
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-…
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 S6 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Audi S6 has far fewer complaints per year (3.9 vs. 822.7) and fewer recalls (30 vs. 101). However, the S6's issues often involve sudden engine and electrical failures that can be dangerous. The Silverado's much higher complaint volume means a buyer is more likely to encounter problems, but many are reported on newer models under warranty.
Key differences
- The Audi S6 has 39 complaints over 10 years, while the Silverado has 8,227—a massive difference in reported problem frequency.
- Audi S6 complaints often involve sudden engine stalling due to turbo oil starvation, whereas Silverado complaints frequently mention transmission shifting to neutral and brake loss.
- The Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints and 160 injuries, compared to 1 crash-related and 0 injuries for the Audi S6.
- Both have recalls, but the Silverado's 101 recalls cover a wider range of safety systems, including fuel pumps and forward collision avoidance.
- Check for turbocharger health and oil screen clogging—listen for whining noises and ask for service records on oil changes and turbo repairs.
- Inspect battery and charging system, as electrical faults can cause steering warnings and sudden shutdowns.
- Test drive at low speeds and in parking lots to check for sudden transmission shifts to neutral or engine stalling.
- Verify brake function carefully; report any firm pedal with poor stopping to a mechanic immediately.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and all service records, focusing on engine, transmission, and electrical repairs.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, including a scan for stored fault codes.
- For the Audi S6, specifically check turbocharger condition and oil screen service history.
- For the Silverado, test the transmission and brakes under various conditions, including slow speeds and stops.
- Confirm that all outstanding recalls have been addressed by the manufacturer.
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 S6 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 4 | 157 |
| 2024 | 0 | 527 |
| 2023 | 0 | 450 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 0 | 961 |
| 2020 | 2 | 868 |
| 2018 | 4 | 597 |
| 2017 | 5 | 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 S6 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI S6 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- AUDI S6 total complaints
- 39
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- AUDI S6 total recalls
- 30
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- AUDI S6 avg complaints/year
- 3.9
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- AUDI S6
- AUDI S6 top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE