Head-to-head reliability
AUDI TT vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the AUDI TT 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 TT vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Audi TT has only 2 complaints over 10 years (0.2/yr) and no crashes, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints (510.5/yr) and 117 crashes. The TT's issues are minor seat trim, but the Silverado suffers from engine, transmission, and brake failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI TT or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI TT
The Audi TT is a niche sports coupe with a very low complaint rate—just two owner complaints over a decade. Those complaints center on the plastic trim around the front seats, which can pop open or break, potentially affecting side airbag deployment. While the car has had several recalls, none are crash-related, and there are no reported injuries or deaths. For a buyer, this suggests a generally reliable vehicle, but the seat trim issue is worth checking.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume—over 5,000 in ten years—and a wide range of issues. Engine problems dominate, including diesel particulate filter clogging and sudden loss of power, often accompanied by brake and steering failures. The truck has also been involved in over 100 crashes and one death, with recalls covering steering, brakes, and tailgate latches. This points to a vehicle with significant reliability and safety concerns that buyers should investigate thoroughly.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI TT | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 6 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.2 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
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 TT
- 01AIR BAGS2
- 02SEATS2
Owners report that the plastic housing on both sides of the driver's seat, near the headrest, pops open and pulls away from the seat. This is the area where side airbags are stored, so there's concern that the airbag may not deploy properly in a collision.
The same trim issue is described under seats: the plastic housing is loose and broken on both front seats. One owner was quoted $2,700 to fix it, and Audi customer care reportedly said it's a customer responsibility, which could be a costly repair for a buyer.
“DRIVER SEAT: THE PLASTIC HOUSING ON BOTH SIDES OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT, NEAR THE HEADREST, HAVE POPPED OPEN AND PULLED AWAY FROM THE SEAT. THE IS THE AREA WHERE THE SIDE AIRBAGS ARE STORED AND DEPLOY FROM DURING A COLLISION. PASSENGER SEAT: THE PLASTIC HOUSING H…”
“THE TRIM ON BOTH SIDES OF THE FRONT SEATS IS LOOSE AND BROKEN, I AM CONCERNED THAT THE AIRBAG WON'T DEPLOY PROPERLY IF NOT ADDRESSED BY AUDI. THE DEALERSHIP WANTS $2700 TO FIX THIS ISSUE. I HAVE CONTACTED AUDI CUSTOMER CARE AND THEY HAVE ADVISED THAT IT IS CU…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report serious engine problems, including a 6.6L Duramax diesel that experienced multiple Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) excessive soot accumulation events, requiring dealer intervention. Another owner with a 6.2L motor reported a sudden loss of power while driving, which is alarming.
Transmission issues are also common, with one owner describing the vehicle suddenly going into neutral while driving uphill in a parking garage, with less than 300 miles on the odometer. This kind of unexpected power loss can be dangerous in traffic.
Electrical failures have led to severe braking loss, as one owner described: the brake pedal was firm but braking was ineffective, and another reported a loud pinging sound followed by loss of motive power, brakes, and steering at 70 mph. These are critical safety failures.
Brake-related complaints include sudden loss of normal braking, often linked to electrical issues. One owner had to deal with a vehicle that wouldn't stop at a stop sign, which is a major safety concern.
“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 TT — 6 recalls
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Audi TT Roadster Quattro and TT Coupe Quattro vehicles. In the event of a crash, the fuel tank may become damaged by the fuel tank heat shield bracket .
The risk: A damaged fuel tank may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cap on the fuel tank heat shield bracket, free of charge. The recall began March 19, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016 Audi TT Roadster, TT Coupe, S3 Sedan, R8 Coupe, A3 Sedan, A3 Etron, A3 Cabriolet, 2016 Golf Sportwagen, Golf R, Golf GTI, Golf A7, and E Golf vehicles. During air bag deployment, the front passenger air bag may explode or depl…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in serious injury or death. An improper air bag deployment may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing their risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the front-passenger air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 16, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-283…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023 Audi S5 Cabriolet, A4 Allroad, Q5 Sportback, A3 Sedan, S5 Sportback, SQ7, TT Coupe, TT Roadster, RS5 Sportback, 2024 A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q8, RSQ8, 2023-2024 Q3, Q5, and Q7 vehicles. An electrical conn…
The risk: A deactivated front passenger air bag will not deploy during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the passenger seat occupant detection system control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 8, 2024. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for th…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Audi TT Roadster Quattro and TT Coupe Quattro vehicles. In the event of a crash, the fuel tank may become damaged by the fuel tank heat shield bracket .
The risk: A damaged fuel tank may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cap on the fuel tank heat shield bracket, free of charge. The recall began March 19, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's…
Chevrolet Silverado — 100 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertently…
The risk: An unlatched tailgate may open while driving and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2024. Owners may contact Chevr…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 vehicles. The steering gear shaft may fracture and disconnect from the steering arm.
The risk: A steering arm that disconnects may result in a total loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering gear, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 22, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-4…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra HD 2500, 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertentl…
The risk: An unlatched tailgate may open and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 17, 2024. Owners may contact…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023-2024 GMC Hummer EV pick up, 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV, and 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV vehicles. The left or right front seat belt buckle attachment bolts may not be tightened properly.
The risk: An improperly tightened seat belt buckle may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will tighten the left and right front seat belt buckle attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-833-EVCHEVY (1-833-382-4389) (TTY 711 /…
Buyer analysis
AUDI TT or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Audi TT has far fewer issues per year—0.2 complaints versus 510.5 for the Silverado—making it a much more reliable choice in terms of reported problems. The Silverado's high complaint volume and involvement in crashes suggest a higher risk of unexpected failures and safety incidents. In practice, the TT offers peace of mind for a used sports car, while the Silverado demands careful inspection and a budget for potential repairs.
Key differences
- The Audi TT has only 2 complaints in 10 years, while the Silverado has over 5,000, a massive difference in reported reliability.
- The TT's issues are limited to cosmetic seat trim that could affect airbag deployment, whereas the Silverado has serious engine, transmission, and brake failures that can lead to loss of control.
- The Silverado has been involved in 117 crashes and 1 death, while the TT has none, indicating a higher safety risk in real-world use.
- The Silverado's recalls cover critical systems like steering and brakes, while the TT's recalls are mostly fuel system and airbag-related, with no crash reports.
- Inspect the plastic trim on both sides of the front seats, especially near the headrests, for any looseness or cracks. If it's broken, it could impede side airbag deployment and cost around $2,700 to fix.
- Check if all recalls have been performed, particularly those related to the fuel system and airbags, to ensure safety systems are up to date.
- Listen for unusual engine noises or warning lights related to the diesel particulate filter or engine power loss. Ask for service records showing any DPF or transmission repairs.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including at low speeds, and check for any warning messages about brake fluid or electrical issues. Also, verify that all recalls, especially those for steering and brakes, have been completed.
Before you buy
- For the Audi TT: examine the front seat trim for damage and ensure the side airbag covers are intact.
- For the Audi TT: verify that all recalls have been addressed by checking the VIN on the NHTSA website.
- For the Chevrolet Silverado: obtain a full service history and look for repeated engine or transmission repairs.
- For the Chevrolet Silverado: have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the engine, transmission, brakes, and electrical system.
- For both: take a test drive that includes highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic to feel for any hesitation, unusual noises, 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 TT | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 0 | 934 |
| 2020 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 0 | 591 |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 |
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 TT or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI TT vs Chevrolet Silverado
- AUDI TT total complaints
- 2
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- AUDI TT total recalls
- 6
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- AUDI TT avg complaints/year
- 0.2
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- AUDI TT
- AUDI TT top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE