Head-to-head reliability
AUDI S7 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the AUDI S7 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 S7 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The S7 averages 2.8 complaints per year with 30 recalls, while the Silverado averages 822.7 complaints per year with 101 recalls. The S7 has 0 crash-related complaints; the Silverado has 233. Both have serious reported issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI S7 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI S7
The Audi S7 is a high-performance luxury sedan that demands attentive ownership. Over 10 years, it has averaged just 2.8 complaints per year, but the pattern shows recurring engine and electrical gremlins that can leave you stranded. With 30 recalls and 1 injury reported, it's a car that needs a thorough pre-purchase inspection and a healthy maintenance budget.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a massive complaint volume: 8,227 over 10 years, or about 823 per year. The data shows frequent engine, power train, and brake problems, plus 233 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths. While many are sold, the sheer number of issues means buyers should be extra cautious and check for open recalls.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI S7 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 28 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 30 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 | 1 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 S7
- 01ENGINE15
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM10
- 03POWER TRAIN6
- 04STEERING4
- 05FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE2
Owners report turbocharger failures, often after highway driving, causing shuddering, hesitation, and engine shutdown. Some mention a new oil strainer from the dealer, suggesting oil starvation issues. This can lead to costly repairs and unsafe driving conditions.
Complaints include multiple warnings like 'electrical failure, ABS failure, start stop failure' while driving, which can force you to continue in traffic. These electrical glitches may be tied to turbo or sensor problems and can be unpredictable.
The 7-speed DSG transmission is notorious for jerking and complete failure, as one owner described random jerking before the car died. Turbocharger failure while driving is also reported, leading to engine death. These issues can strand you and are expensive to fix.
Some owners link steering complaints to the same electrical failure warnings, indicating a possible systemic issue. While less frequent, loss of steering assist or warning lights can be dangerous if they occur at speed.
“The car drove normally at highway speed for approximately 4 hours. Upon leaving the highway and attempting to accelerate onto a secondary road into oncoming traffic, the engine shuttered. The car drove erratically for about a mile with hesitation and shutteri…”
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? blown turbos with new oil strainer from dealer. They said that they replaced it but who knows if they did. My audi had all those symptoms that pull up for this…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of new Silverados report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start.' Diesel models have repeated diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events requiring dealer service. These can leave you stranded and are safety concerns.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral and loss of acceleration, even at low speeds in parking garages. This can happen with very low mileage, indicating potential transmission or software defects that need immediate attention.
Reports of sudden loss of braking assist, with a firm pedal but ineffective braking, and screens going blank while driving. These electrical faults can compromise critical safety systems and are alarming for any driver.
Owners describe severe loss of normal braking, often accompanied by electrical issues. The brake pedal may feel firm but the vehicle won't stop as expected, which is a major safety risk, especially with children in the car.
“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 S7 — 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 2021 Audi A8, RS7, RS6 Avant, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, Q8, Q7, Q5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, Q5, A7, A6, A6 Allroad, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, A5 Cabrioleet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, SQ7, S5 Cabriolet, E-Tron Quattr…
The risk: A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the infotainment unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DZ.
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi RS6 Avant, RS7, 2020-2021 A6 Allroad, S6 Sedan, S7, 2019-2021 A6 Sedan, and A7 vehicles. The score line on the passenger air bag may not have been manufactured correctly.
The risk: An incorrectly manufactured air bag may not deploy properly, and could also eject plastic debris into the passenger compartment, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the passenger air bag score line, and repair it as necessary, free of charge. The recall begin March 26, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for…
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 S7 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Audi S7 has far fewer complaints per year (2.8 vs. 822.7), but both vehicles have serious reported issues. In practice, the S7's lower volume means you're less likely to encounter problems, but when they occur, they can be severe. The Silverado's high complaint rate suggests widespread issues that buyers should not ignore.
Key differences
- The Audi S7 averages 2.8 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages 822.7 per year, a massive difference in reported problem frequency.
- Silverado complaints include 233 crash-related and 3 deaths, whereas the S7 has 0 crash-related and 1 injury, indicating different safety risk profiles.
- S7 issues often center on turbo failures and DSG transmission jerking, while Silverado reports include engine shutdowns, brake loss, and transmission slipping into neutral.
- Both have many recalls (30 for S7, 101 for Silverado), but the Silverado's higher volume means more potential for unaddressed safety defects.
- Check for turbocharger health: listen for whining, check for oil leaks, and ask for service records related to oil strainer replacements.
- Test the DSG transmission for jerking or hesitation, especially when accelerating from a stop or at highway speeds.
- Inspect for brake system issues: test braking from various speeds and listen for unusual noises or pedal feel changes.
- Check for engine shutdown symptoms: during a test drive, watch for warning messages like 'Return to Neutral' and ensure the engine doesn't stall.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA's recall website to see if all recalls have been addressed.
- Obtain a full pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic familiar with the specific model.
- Ask for complete maintenance records, especially for turbo, transmission, and brake services.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any warning lights, unusual noises, or shifting issues.
- For the Silverado, specifically test the brakes and electrical system, and for the S7, test the transmission and turbo response.
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 S7 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 0 | 157 |
| 2024 | 0 | 527 |
| 2023 | 0 | 450 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 3 | 961 |
| 2020 | 3 | 868 |
| 2018 | 0 | 597 |
| 2017 | 6 | 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 S7 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI S7 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- AUDI S7 total complaints
- 28
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- AUDI S7 total recalls
- 30
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- AUDI S7 avg complaints/year
- 2.8
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- AUDI S7
- AUDI S7 top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE