Head-to-head reliability
Ferrari 458 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Ferrari 458 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 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Ferrari averages 1.1 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages 510.5. Ferrari issues include airbag deployments and fire risk; Silverado has engine, powertrain, and brake failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Ferrari 458 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Ferrari 458
The Ferrari 458 is a high-performance exotic that, in ownership terms, is a low-volume, high-cost vehicle. Its complaint history is sparse, averaging just over one per year, and centers on airbag recalls (including Takata), a fire risk, and interior plastic degradation. Owners report sudden airbag deployment without a crash and melting dashboard plastics, which are serious but isolated issues rather than widespread mechanical failures.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a mass-market pickup with a high complaint volume, averaging over 500 per year. The dominant issues are engine and powertrain problems, including fuel system and transmission failures, along with electrical and brake system complaints. Owners report sudden loss of power, braking, and steering, which are safety-critical and occur at relatively low mileage.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Ferrari 458 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 9 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 11 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1.1 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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
- 01AIR BAGS5
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER2
- 03FUEL SYSTEM1
- 04GASOLINE1
- 05SERVICE BRAKES1
Owners report Takata recall airbags that can deploy unexpectedly without a collision, as one driver experienced at 65 mph, and parts for recall repairs were unavailable for a long time.
There are reports of the vehicle catching fire spontaneously, starting in the rear passenger side, and interior dashboard plastics melting and becoming sticky, making essential buttons unidentifiable.
Some owners report being unable to add fuel to the vehicle, even at different gas stations, indicating a possible fuel filler or venting issue.
“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…”
“TAKATA RECALL WHILE DRIVING AT 65MPH ON A PERFECTLY FLAT AND SAFE HIGHWAY, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG ON MY 2012 FERRARI 458 SUDDENLY AND FOR NO VALID REASON EXPLODED AND DEPLOYED. THERE WAS NO COLLISION, THERE WAS NO POTHOLE OR ANY OTHER DAMAGE THAT WOULD HAVE…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine issues such as excessive soot accumulation in diesel particulate filters requiring dealer service, and sudden loss of motive power accompanied by loud pinging noises.
Transmission problems are common, including the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, which can be dangerous in traffic.
Electrical failures can lead to loss of braking and steering, as reported by owners, with the brake pedal remaining firm but braking ineffective.
Brake system complaints include sudden severe loss of braking effectiveness, sometimes linked to electrical issues, making it difficult to stop the vehicle.
“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 — 11 recalls
The defect: On January 9, 2018 Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) recalled 1,073 model year 2013 California, 458 Italia, 458 Spider, FF, and F12 Berlinetta vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto…
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 1, 2018 for the original population. The recall will begin in June 2018 for the expanded population. Owners…
The defect: Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) is recalling certain 2012 Ferrari California, 458 Italia, 458 Spider, and FF vehicles that have not already had their passenger frontal air bag replaced. These passenger frontal air bag modules have air bag inflators that may explode in the event of a crash due…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Ferrari will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag assembly with one that uses an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 19, 2018. Owners may contact Ferrari customer service at 1-201-8…
The defect: Ferrari North America, Inc. (FNA) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ferrari 458 Italia, 458 Spider, 458 Speciale, 458 Speciale A, California T, FF, F12 Berlinetta, and LaFerrari vehicles manufactured December 19, 2014, to April 29, 2015. The affected vehicles may be equipped with a driver side a…
The risk: In the event of a crash, the deployment of the driver's air bag in a rotated orientation increases the risk of injury.
The fix: FNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front Driver's Side Air Bag Module, free of charge. The recall began on August 10, 2015. Owners may contact Ferrari customer service at 1-866-551-2828. Ferrari's number for this recall i…
The defect: Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 F458 Italia and F458 Spider vehicles manufactured March 5, 2010, to May 20, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the secondary latch for the front trunk storage compartment may not release when the vehicle is stationary. As…
The risk: In the event an individual is trapped in the trunk and the latch system does not release the trunk lid, it increases the risk of personal injury or possibly death.
The fix: Ferrari will notify owners, and dealers will modify the existing front trunk latch system with a new component that will meet requirements, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Ferrari customer service at…
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 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Ferrari 458 has far fewer complaints per year (1.1) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. However, the Ferrari's issues are severe when they occur, such as fires and airbag deployments, while the Silverado's problems are more frequent and often affect safety-critical systems.
Key differences
- The Ferrari 458 has a very low complaint rate (1.1/yr) but includes a fire risk and Takata airbag issues, while the Silverado has a high complaint rate (510.5/yr) with engine and powertrain failures.
- Silverado owners report sudden loss of power, braking, and steering at highway speeds, which are safety-critical, whereas Ferrari owners report interior plastic melting and unexpected airbag deployment.
- The Ferrari's recalls are mostly airbag and trunk latch related, while the Silverado has recalls for tailgate latches, steering, seat belts, and brake fluid sensors.
- The Silverado's complaints are concentrated in engine and powertrain (over 3000 combined), indicating chronic mechanical issues, while the Ferrari's top issue is airbags (5 complaints).
- Check for open Takata airbag recalls and ensure the inflator has been replaced, as some owners experienced deployment without a crash.
- Inspect the rear area for signs of fire damage or previous fire incidents, and check the dashboard for melting or sticky plastic.
- Verify the engine and transmission health, especially if it's a diesel with a DPF, as owners report frequent soot accumulation and sudden neutral shifts.
- Test the brakes and electrical system thoroughly, as owners report sudden loss of braking and steering at speed.
Before you buy
- For the Ferrari 458, obtain a full recall history and confirm all airbag recalls have been performed with parts available.
- For the Ferrari 458, have a pre-purchase inspection by a specialist to check for any signs of fire damage or interior plastic degradation.
- For the Chevrolet Silverado, review the vehicle's service records for engine and transmission repairs, especially if it's a diesel.
- For the Chevrolet Silverado, test drive at highway speeds to ensure no loss of power or braking occurs, and check for any warning lights.
- For both, consider an extended warranty or service plan to cover potential high-cost repairs.
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 | 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 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Ferrari 458 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Ferrari 458 total complaints
- 9
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Ferrari 458 total recalls
- 11
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Ferrari 458 avg complaints/year
- 1.1
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Ferrari 458
- Ferrari 458 top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE