Head-to-head reliability
AUDI SQ7 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the AUDI SQ7 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 SQ7 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The SQ7 has 11 complaints over 7 years (1.6/year) and 17 recalls, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints over 10 years (822.7/year) and 101 recalls. The Silverado also reports 233 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths, versus none for the SQ7. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI SQ7 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI SQ7
The Audi SQ7 is a high-performance luxury SUV with a low complaint rate of about 1.6 per year over seven years, but it has 17 recalls and one injury reported. Owners frequently report electrical issues like overheating wireless charging pads and faulty USB-C ports, as well as engine cooling system failures. These problems can be expensive and frustrating, but the overall number of complaints is small compared to the Silverado.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a very high complaint rate of about 823 per year over ten years, plus 101 recalls and 233 crash-related reports, including 160 injuries and 3 deaths. Common trouble spots are the engine, power train, electrical system, and brakes, with owners describing sudden engine shutdowns, loss of braking, and transmission problems. This suggests a much higher likelihood of serious issues for buyers.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI SQ7 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 11 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 17 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1.6 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 SQ7
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM6
- 02ENGINE3
- 03BACK OVER PREVENTION2
- 04FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE2
- 05STEERING1
Owners report that the wireless phone charging pad can overheat and become a fire hazard, and that USB-C ports in the front and second row can push in, causing shorts and circuit board overheating. These issues matter because they can lead to burns, fires, or unusable charging, affecting daily convenience and safety.
Complaints describe premature cooling system failure, such as coolant leaks from the water pump and thermostat housing at low mileage (under 27,000 miles). One owner was quoted over $5,000 for repairs, indicating a costly and potentially recurring problem.
Owners report backup camera malfunctions and sporadic failures of parking and rear warning sensors, sometimes requiring multiple dealer visits without a fix. This can make reversing and parking less reliable, increasing the risk of low-speed collisions.
Complaints mention sporadic failures of adaptive assistance and pre sense systems, with warning lights appearing and sensors needing recalibration. These glitches can undermine driver confidence in the safety features.
“The wireless phone charging pad in the newer Audi vehicles is a potential fire hazard, and could cause burn injuries or an accident. It also renders the phone being charged inoperable due to overheating shutdown which is equally a safety hazard if there were…”
“USB-C ports found on the front center console and second row center console have a defective design that leads to frequent "push in" of the USB connector. This is leading to shorts, circuit boards overheating, and potential fire risk. It is a frequent issue r…”
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 diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events requiring dealer service. These can cause breakdowns and expensive repairs, even on new trucks.
Complaints describe the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral or losing power while driving, sometimes with very low mileage. This is dangerous because it can leave the driver unable to accelerate or move the truck.
Owners report sudden loss of normal braking and engine shutdowns while driving, with messages like 'Return to Neutral' appearing. These electrical glitches can lead to crashes or leave the driver stranded.
Complaints include severe loss of braking effectiveness and the truck shutting off completely in parking lots, requiring a restart. Brake failures are a critical safety concern that could result in collisions.
“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 SQ7 — 17 recalls
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal M…
The risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TV. Vehicle Identification Numbers (V…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling one Audi SQ7 vehicles. The fasteners securing the high pressure fuel pump may not be tightened properly, resulting in a fuel leak.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten the screw connections and replace the high pressure fuel pump and fuel lines as necessary, free of charge. The one affected vehicle was repaired. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 800-893-52…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal M…
The risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TV. Vehicle Identification Numbers (V…
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.
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 SQ7 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Audi SQ7 has far fewer issues per year (about 1.6 complaints) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823 complaints per year). In practice, this means a used SQ7 is likely to have fewer reported problems, but when issues occur they can still be costly, while the Silverado's much higher complaint volume suggests a greater chance of encountering serious safety defects.
Key differences
- The Audi SQ7 averages about 1.6 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages about 823 per year, a massive difference in reported problem frequency.
- The Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths, whereas the SQ7 has 0 crash-related, 1 injury, and 0 deaths.
- SQ7 owners commonly report electrical overheating and cooling system leaks, while Silverado owners report engine failures, sudden power loss, and brake problems.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 17 for the SQ7, indicating more widespread safety-related fixes over its history.
- Check the wireless charging pad and USB-C ports for signs of overheating, melting, or loose connections, as owners report fire risk and shorts.
- Inspect the cooling system for coolant leaks around the water pump and thermostat housing, especially on low-mileage examples.
- Test drive and listen for sudden engine shutdowns or transmission slipping, and check for stored codes related to the diesel particulate filter if equipped.
- Verify that the brakes respond firmly and that no warning messages about 'Return to Neutral' or loss of braking appear during a test drive.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially for the backup camera and fuel pump on both models.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the specific model, focusing on the SQ7's cooling system and electrical ports, and the Silverado's engine, transmission, and brakes.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any warning lights, unusual noises, or hesitation, and test all safety features like backup camera and collision warnings.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, particularly for the SQ7's water pump and the Silverado's diesel particulate filter if applicable.
- Check for open recalls by using the NHTSA VIN lookup tool before purchase.
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 SQ7 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 120 |
| 2025 | 2 | 157 |
| 2024 | 1 | 527 |
| 2023 | 0 | 450 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 6 | 961 |
| 2020 | 2 | 868 |
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 SQ7 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI SQ7 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- AUDI SQ7 total complaints
- 11
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- AUDI SQ7 total recalls
- 17
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- AUDI SQ7 avg complaints/year
- 1.6
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- AUDI SQ7
- AUDI SQ7 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE