Head-to-head reliability
Ferrari 296 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Ferrari 296 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
Ferrari 296 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Ferrari has zero complaints over 5 years, while the Silverado averages 510.5 complaints per year. Silverado owners report engine, transmission, and brake failures, including sudden loss of power. Ferrari has only 2 fuel system recalls. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Ferrari 296 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Ferrari 296
The Ferrari 296 is a low-volume, high-performance exotic with a spotless complaint record over five years—zero owner complaints on file. That means early buyers have not reported systematic failures to NHTSA, which is remarkable for any vehicle. The two recalls both concern fuel system hoses and fittings, a common area for high-pressure fuel systems. In practical terms, ownership risk appears centered on routine maintenance and the occasional recall fix rather than known defect patterns.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a high-volume workhorse with a dense complaint history: over 5,100 complaints in ten years, averaging 510 per year. Owners report serious engine and powertrain failures, including sudden loss of motive power, transmission issues, and diesel particulate filter clogging. Electrical problems also surface, sometimes affecting braking and steering, which is alarming. With 100 recalls and 117 crash-related complaints, the Silverado shows a pattern of recurring issues that buyers should investigate carefully.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Ferrari 296 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 0 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 2 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.0 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.
Ferrari 296
No component data available.
The only reported issues are two recalls for fuel system hoses, lines, and fittings. Owners have not filed complaints, but recalls suggest a potential for fuel leaks, which can pose fire risk. Check that all recall work is completed.
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report catastrophic engine failures, such as a 6.2L motor failing with only 8,200 miles, and diesel particulate filter clogging on Duramax engines requiring repeated dealer visits. These are costly and can leave you stranded.
Transmission issues are common, including sudden shifts into neutral while driving uphill, which is a safety hazard. This can happen with very low mileage, as one owner reported under 300 miles.
Electrical failures can cause sudden loss of braking and steering, as well as loud pinging and loss of motive power at highway speeds. These are critical safety concerns that may not be predictable.
Brake problems are frequently reported, including severe loss of braking effectiveness with a firm pedal, which can lead to crashes. This is a top safety issue.
“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.
Ferrari 296 — 2 recalls
The defect: Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Ferrari 296 vehicles. The fuel tank connecting pipe may corrode due to unintended contact between the fuel tank connecting pipe and the high-voltage battery protection cover, potentially 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: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy has been completed. Dealers will install a new fuel tank connecting pipe reinforced with a protective sleeve, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 14, 2…
The defect: Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Ferrari 296 vehicles. The fuel tank connecting pipe may corrode due to unintended contact between the fuel tank connecting pipe and the high-voltage battery protection cover, potentially 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: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy has been completed. Dealers will install a new fuel tank connecting pipe reinforced with a protective sleeve, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 14, 2…
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
Ferrari 296 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Ferrari 296 has zero complaints per year, while the Silverado averages over 510 per year. That difference is enormous and reflects the Ferrari's lack of reported issues versus the Silverado's widespread problems. In practice, the Ferrari is likely to be more reliable in terms of owner-reported failures, but it is also a niche exotic with limited real-world usage.
Key differences
- Ferrari 296 has zero complaints; Silverado has over 5,100 complaints in 10 years.
- Silverado owners report sudden loss of power, braking, and steering due to electrical and engine issues; Ferrari has no such reports.
- Silverado has 100 recalls covering tailgates, steering, seat belts, and brakes; Ferrari has only 2 fuel system recalls.
- Silverado's engine and powertrain failures often occur at low mileage (e.g., under 300 miles for transmission, under 8,200 for engine); Ferrari has no reported failures.
- Verify that both fuel system recalls have been performed, as fuel leaks can be dangerous.
- Since there are no complaints, inspect the car thoroughly for any signs of fuel odor or leaks, and ensure all service records are available.
- Check for engine codes and service history related to diesel particulate filter (DPF) issues if it's a Duramax diesel.
- Test the transmission for smooth shifting, especially from a stop and during uphill driving, to catch potential neutral-drop issues.
Before you buy
- For the Ferrari: confirm recall completion with a dealer and ask for a fuel system pressure test.
- For the Silverado: obtain a full service history and check for any open recalls, especially for brakes and steering.
- For the Silverado: have a mechanic inspect the engine and transmission for signs of previous failures or repairs.
- For the Silverado: test drive at highway speeds to listen for abnormal engine noises and ensure brakes respond consistently.
- For both: consider a pre-purchase inspection by a specialist familiar with the model.
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 | Ferrari 296 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 98 |
| 2025 | 0 | 150 |
| 2024 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1340 |
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 Ferrari 296 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Ferrari 296 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Ferrari 296 total complaints
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Ferrari 296 total recalls
- 2
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Ferrari 296 avg complaints/year
- 0.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Ferrari 296
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE