Head-to-head reliability
AUDI S8 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the AUDI S8 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 S8 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Audi S8 has 7 complaints over 10 years (0.7/year) and 26 recalls, with no reported crashes or injuries. The Chevrolet Silverado has 8,227 complaints (822.7/year), 101 recalls, 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI S8 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI S8
The Audi S8 is a low-volume luxury sedan with very few owner complaints—only 7 over 10 years. The pattern shows electrical and power train warnings that appear suddenly, often requiring a dealer visit. With 26 recalls but no reported crashes or injuries, it's a complex car that demands attention to electronics and brakes.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a high-volume pickup with thousands of complaints—8,227 over 10 years—and a much higher rate per year. Owners report serious issues like engine shutdowns, brake loss, and transmission problems, with 233 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths. It's a workhorse but one with a long list of potential faults.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI S8 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 7 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 26 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.7 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 S8
- 01POWER TRAIN2
- 02SERVICE BRAKES2
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1
- 04ENGINE1
- 05STEERING1
Owners report multiple warning lights and system errors on startup, sometimes with the steering wheel off-center. This can indicate electronic or steering angle sensor failures that may affect drivability.
Complaints describe brake system errors appearing alongside other warnings, potentially reducing braking confidence. The same incident often triggers power train and brake alerts, suggesting linked electronic faults.
Sudden electrical and battery malfunction warnings appear, advising the driver to stop and contact service. These can recur after restart, pointing to persistent electrical gremlins.
Engine-related warnings are part of the same multi-system error events, often without a clear mechanical cause. This can lead to repeated dealer diagnostics and uncertainty.
“When started up on 11/17/22, multiple warning lights came on in rapid sequence advising of an electrical system & battery malfunction. Warning was to not drive the vehicle and contact service. I shut off the vehicle and re-started it. The same warnings were d…”
“I STARTED THE CAR LAST FRIDAY, 11/15/2019 AND GOT A BUNCH OF SYSTEM ERRORS POPPING UP ONE RIGHT AFTER THE OTHER. I DROVE THE CAR TO GET TO A SAFE PARKING SPOT AND NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL TOTALLY OFF CENTER ABOUT 70 DEGREES COUNTER CLOCKWISE. I AM NOT SURE…”
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 also suffer from excessive soot accumulation in the particulate filter, requiring dealer service.
Transmission issues include sudden shifting into neutral and loss of acceleration, even at low speeds. These events can leave the driver stranded or in a dangerous position.
Electrical faults cause severe braking loss with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power, as well as engine shut-offs and blank screens. These are safety-critical and often unpredictable.
Brake complaints describe a sudden loss of normal braking, sometimes after dropping off a child or at a stop sign. The pedal remains firm but braking is ineffective, which is alarming.
“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 S8 — 26 recalls
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8 and S8, 2022 Audi A5 Sportback, A4 Sedan, E-Tron GT, Q3, Q5, RS6 Avant, A3 Sedan, S5 Sportback, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RSQ8, SQ7, SQ8, and S3 Sedan vehicles. A software error may prevent the rear-view image from initially dis…
The risk: A rear-view camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the infotainment unit parameters, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 9, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 91CR.
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 2019-2021 Audi A8 and 2020-2021 Audi S8 vehicles. A missing sealing pin may allow moisture to enter the engine control module connector, possibly causing a control module malfunction.
The risk: An engine control module malfunction may cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine control module connector for a missing sealing pin, and install it, if necessary. The connector will also be inspected for corrosion, and replaced as necessary. Repairs will be p…
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 S8 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Audi S8 has far fewer issues per year (0.7 vs. 822.7 complaints), but both have recalls. In practice, the S8's problems are less frequent but can be complex; the Silverado's are numerous and include serious safety failures like brake loss and engine shutdown.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: Audi S8 has 7 complaints over 10 years; Silverado has 8,227, with 233 crash-related and 160 injuries.
- Failure severity: Silverado owners report engine shutdowns, brake loss, and transmission failures; S8 complaints are mostly warning lights and electronic errors.
- Recalls: S8 has 26 recalls; Silverado has 101, covering fuel pumps, tires, and collision avoidance.
- Safety outcomes: Silverado has 3 deaths and 160 injuries in complaints; S8 has 0 reported crashes, injuries, or deaths.
- Check for recurring electrical warnings or battery malfunction messages on startup, as owners report these appearing in rapid sequence.
- Inspect steering alignment and brake system for off-center wheel or brake error lights, which have been reported alongside power train faults.
- Test drive for sudden engine shutdowns or transmission slipping into neutral, especially at low speeds or in parking garages.
- Verify brake function under firm pedal pressure; owners report braking loss with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- For the Audi S8, have a pre-purchase inspection focus on electrical system and steering/brake sensors.
- For the Silverado, test drive extensively, including highway and parking lot maneuvers, to check for engine stalling or brake issues.
- Ask the seller for any dealer service records related to warning lights, transmission, or brake complaints.
- Consider a warranty or service contract, especially for the Silverado given its higher complaint rate.
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 S8 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 120 |
| 2025 | 0 | 157 |
| 2024 | 0 | 527 |
| 2023 | 0 | 450 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 1 | 961 |
| 2020 | 0 | 868 |
| 2018 | 0 | 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 S8 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI S8 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- AUDI S8 total complaints
- 7
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- AUDI S8 total recalls
- 26
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- AUDI S8 avg complaints/year
- 0.7
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- AUDI S8
- AUDI S8 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE