Head-to-head reliability
AUDI SQ8 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the AUDI SQ8 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 SQ8 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The SQ8 has 6 complaints over 7 years (0.9/year) and 17 recalls, with no crashes or injuries. The Silverado has 8,227 complaints over 10 years (822.7/year), 101 recalls, 233 crashes, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI SQ8 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI SQ8
The Audi SQ8 is a low-volume luxury SUV with very few complaints over seven years, averaging less than one per year. Owners mainly report electrical glitches, such as door locks trapping occupants and infotainment screens blacking out. There are no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths in the data, but the electrical issues can be alarming. With 17 recalls, it's worth checking that all recall work has been completed.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a high-volume pickup with thousands of complaints over ten years, averaging over 800 per year. Owners frequently report engine, power train, electrical, and brake problems, including sudden engine shutdowns and brake loss. There are 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths reported. With 101 recalls, this truck has a long history of safety fixes.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI SQ8 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 6 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 17 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.9 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 SQ8
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3
- 02POWER TRAIN2
- 03LANE DEPARTURE1
- 04FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE1
- 05SUSPENSION1
Owners report the electronic door locks can trap them inside, and the infotainment screen (MMI) sometimes stops working, especially after updates. These failures can leave you locked in or unable to use safety features.
The auto stop/start feature may cause the engine to shut off unexpectedly when slowing to a stop. This can be startling and potentially dangerous in traffic.
Complaints mention safety sensors going off randomly and the instrument cluster blacking out. This means lane-keeping assistance may not work when needed.
The same electrical gremlins can cause forward collision warnings to malfunction. Drivers report sensors activating without reason, which can distract or desensitize you to real threats.
“I am reporting a serious safety defect involving the door locking and electrical systems in my 2024 Audi SQ8. On two separate occasions the vehicle experienced a complete electrical malfunction. During the first incident, I and my child were trapped inside th…”
“MMI system stops working all of a sudden. This has happened multiple times and especially when it takes updates on its own. When called customer service they referred to the dealer stating they cannot do anything. Right after my call with them the car starts…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engines shutting off while driving, requiring a restart, and diesel particulate filter issues causing excessive soot. These can leave you stranded or cause sudden loss of power.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral and the engine shutting off with a 'Return to Neutral' message. This can happen at low speeds, making it hard to control the truck.
Owners describe sudden loss of braking assistance and screens going blank while driving. These electrical faults can affect critical safety systems.
Reports of the brake pedal becoming firm but braking effectiveness reduced, and the truck shutting off entirely. This is a serious safety concern that needs immediate attention.
“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 SQ8 — 17 recalls
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2025 Audi RS Q8, Audi Q8, Audi Q7, and Audi SQ8 vehicles. The driver and front passenger seat belt buckles may be missing a rivet that secures the buckle to the seat belt stalk.
The risk: A seat belt that is missing a rivet may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace both front seat belt buckles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 3, 2025. Owners may contact Audi at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 692K. Vehicle Identification Numbers (V…
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. (Audi) is recalling certain 2023-2024 SQ8, RSQ8, Q8, Q7, and 2024 SQ7 vehicles. The driver's seat side air bag may have been improperly mounted to the seatback frame. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Stand…
The risk: An improperly mounted air bag may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and reinstall the air bag as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 17, 2024. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69GA.
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…
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 SQ8 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Audi SQ8 has far fewer issues per year (0.9 vs. 822.7), but both have serious electrical and power train complaints. The Silverado's much higher complaint volume and reports of crashes, injuries, and deaths suggest a greater likelihood of encountering problems. In practice, the SQ8 may be less likely to leave you stranded, but its electrical quirks can still be disruptive.
Key differences
- The Audi SQ8 has 6 complaints over 7 years, while the Chevrolet Silverado has 8,227 over 10 years—a massive difference in reported problems.
- Silverado complaints include 233 crash-related, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths; the SQ8 has none of these reported.
- SQ8 issues are mostly electrical (door locks, screens), while Silverado issues span engine, power train, brakes, and electrical systems.
- Both have recalls, but the Silverado has 101 vs. the SQ8's 17, indicating more frequent safety fixes.
- Test all electronic door locks and handles to ensure they don't trap you inside or fail to open.
- Check the infotainment system (MMI) for freezing or blackouts, especially after software updates.
- Test drive at low speeds and in parking lots to check for sudden engine shutdowns or transmission slipping into neutral.
- Inspect brake function carefully; look for any signs of reduced braking assistance or unusual pedal feel.
Before you buy
- Verify all open recalls have been performed by checking the NHTSA website with the VIN.
- Obtain a full pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic specializing in the brand.
- For the SQ8, test every electrical feature, including door locks, windows, and infotainment.
- For the Silverado, check for engine and transmission software updates and service history.
- Ask the seller for any repair records related to electrical, engine, or brake issues.
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 SQ8 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 120 |
| 2025 | 0 | 157 |
| 2024 | 2 | 527 |
| 2023 | 0 | 450 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 3 | 961 |
| 2020 | 1 | 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 SQ8 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI SQ8 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- AUDI SQ8 total complaints
- 6
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- AUDI SQ8 total recalls
- 17
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- AUDI SQ8 avg complaints/year
- 0.9
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- AUDI SQ8
- AUDI SQ8 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE