Head-to-head reliability
Ferrari 458 Italia vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Ferrari 458 Italia 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 458 Italia vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Ferrari averages 0.8 complaints per year over 8 years, while the Silverado averages 510.5 per year over 10 years. Ferrari issues are airbag recalls and fuel filler problems; Silverado issues include engine, powertrain, and brake failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Ferrari 458 Italia or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Ferrari 458 Italia
The Ferrari 458 Italia is a high-performance exotic that, in ownership terms, is a low-volume, high-cost vehicle. Over an 8-year period, owners filed only 6 complaints, averaging less than one per year, which is remarkably low. The complaints that do exist center on airbag recalls (specifically Takata inflators) and fuel system quirks, not on chronic mechanical failures. This suggests that while the car is demanding in maintenance and repair costs, it is not plagued by frequent reliability issues.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a mass-market pickup truck with a much higher complaint volume: 5,105 complaints over 10 years, averaging over 500 per year. The dominant problem areas are engine, powertrain, electrical system, and brakes, with many complaints describing sudden loss of power, transmission issues, and brake failures. This pattern indicates that the Silverado, especially in recent model years, has significant reliability concerns that could affect safety and usability.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Ferrari 458 Italia | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 6 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 14 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.8 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 458 Italia
- 01AIR BAGS3
- 02FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM1
- 03FUEL SYSTEM1
- 04GASOLINE1
- 05SERVICE BRAKES1
Owners report being stuck with Takata airbag recall notices for the passenger-side front airbag, with parts unavailable for extended periods. One owner expressed worry about safety in a crash, highlighting that the recall leaves the vehicle with a potentially dangerous inflator.
Several complaints involve fuel filler issues: the 'flapper' does not close, leading to fuel spillage during spirited driving, and in some cases the car cannot be refueled at all. This is a practical annoyance and a potential fire hazard.
“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FERRARI 458 ITALIA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V341000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT…”
“FERRARI DOES NOT RESPOND TO THE URGENT SAFETY RECALL REGARDING THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AIRBAG. I AM WORRIED FOR MY SAFETY AND THAT OF MY FAMILY IN CASE OF A CRASH.”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine problems, including sudden loss of motive power while driving, often accompanied by loud pinging sounds. Some complaints mention diesel particulate filter (DPF) soot accumulation requiring repeated dealer visits, indicating chronic engine management issues.
Transmission failures are common, with vehicles suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, even at low speeds in parking garages. This can be dangerous if it happens in traffic, and owners report it occurring with very low mileage.
Electrical issues are linked to braking failures: the brake pedal remains firm but braking effectiveness is severely reduced, and in some cases the brakes become inoperable. This is a critical safety concern that has led to crashes.
Brake-related complaints echo the electrical system issues, with sudden loss of normal braking. Owners describe near-misses and actual crashes, indicating a serious safety defect that may be tied to electronic brake systems.
“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 458 Italia — 14 recalls
The defect: Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) is recalling certain 2010-2015 458 Italia, 2012-2015 458 Spider, 2014-2015 458 Speciale, 2015 458 Speciale Aperta, 2016-2019 488 GTB, and 488 Spider vehicles. The brake system may leak brake fluid, resulting in a loss of braking ability.
The risk: Loss of braking ability increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the brake fluid reservoir cap and update the software, at no charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 4, 2022. Owners may contact Ferrari customer service at 1-201-816-2668. Ferrari's number for this rec…
The defect: Ferrari North America (Ferrari) is recalling certain 2014 Ferrari California, 2014-2015 Ferrari 458 Italia, 458 Spider, 2014-2016 Ferrari FF, 2014-2017 Ferrari F12, 2015-2018 Ferrari California T, 2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale A, 2016 Ferrari F60 America, 2016-2017 Ferrari F12 tdf, 2016-2018 Ferrari 48…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Ferrari will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began March 8, 2019. Owners may contact Ferrari customer service at 1-866-551-2828. Ferrari's number for this recall is…
The defect: Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) is recalling certain 2010-2015 458 Italia, 2012-2015 458 Spider, 2014-2015 458 Speciale, 2015 458 Speciale Aperta, 2016-2019 488 GTB, and 488 Spider vehicles. The brake system may leak brake fluid, resulting in a loss of braking ability.
The risk: Loss of braking ability increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the brake fluid reservoir cap and update the software, at no charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 4, 2022. Owners may contact Ferrari customer service at 1-201-816-2668. Ferrari's number for this rec…
The defect: Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) is recalling certain 2009-2011 California and 2010-2011 458 Italia vehicles equipped with non-desiccated, passenger frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Taka…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Ferrari will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag assembly with an alternate one, including a new non-ammonium nitrate inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 8, 2020. Owners may contact Ferrari cust…
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 458 Italia or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Ferrari 458 Italia has far fewer complaints per year (0.8) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), making it statistically more reliable in terms of owner-reported issues. However, the Ferrari's complaints are safety-critical (airbags, fuel leaks), while the Silverado's are more frequent and varied, including engine and brake failures. In practice, the Ferrari is a low-volume exotic with rare but serious issues, while the Silverado is a high-volume truck with widespread problems that could affect daily usability and safety.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: Ferrari has 6 complaints over 8 years; Silverado has 5,105 over 10 years.
- Safety incidents: Silverado has 117 crash-related complaints, 104 injuries, and 1 death; Ferrari has none.
- Problem areas: Ferrari issues are airbag recalls and fuel filler problems; Silverado issues are engine, powertrain, electrical, and brake failures.
- Recalls: Ferrari has 14 recalls, Silverado has 100, but recall count alone doesn't reflect severity.
- Check that all airbag recalls have been performed, especially the Takata passenger inflator, and get written proof.
- Inspect the fuel filler flap for proper closure and test refueling to ensure no fuel spillage.
- Look for signs of engine trouble, such as unusual noises, loss of power, or check engine light, and review service history for DPF or engine repairs.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including sudden stops, and check for any warning messages or brake system recalls.
Before you buy
- For the Ferrari: verify open recalls with NHTSA and get a dealer confirmation that all are completed.
- For the Ferrari: have a pre-purchase inspection by a Ferrari specialist, focusing on fuel system and airbag components.
- For the Silverado: check the vehicle's VIN for any outstanding recalls and ensure they are done.
- For the Silverado: test drive at highway speeds and in stop-and-go traffic to feel for transmission slips or brake issues.
- For both: obtain a vehicle history report and look for any previous complaints or accident reports.
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 458 Italia | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Ferrari 458 Italia or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Ferrari 458 Italia vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Ferrari 458 Italia total complaints
- 6
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Ferrari 458 Italia total recalls
- 14
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Ferrari 458 Italia avg complaints/year
- 0.8
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Ferrari 458 Italia
- Ferrari 458 Italia top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE