Head-to-head reliability
Ferrari 488 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Ferrari 488 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 488 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Ferrari 488 has 10 complaints over 5 years (2.0/year) and 14 recalls, with brake failures reported. The Silverado has 5,105 complaints over 10 years (510.5/year) and 100 recalls, with engine and power train issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Ferrari 488 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Ferrari 488
The Ferrari 488 is a high-performance sports car with low annual mileage, but its 10 complaints over 5 years include serious brake failures that owners say led to total loss. Recalls for brakes, air bags, and fuel system are frequent (14 total), and some owners report long waits for recall parts. While overall complaint volume is low, the severity of reported brake issues makes pre-purchase checks critical.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with high annual mileage and a much larger complaint volume: 5,105 complaints over 10 years, averaging 510.5 per year. Engine and power train issues dominate, with many owners reporting sudden loss of power, transmission problems, and brake concerns. Recalls are also numerous (100), covering tailgate latches, steering, and brake fluid warnings.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Ferrari 488 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 10 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 14 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 2 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 2.0 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 3 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 488
- 01SERVICE BRAKES5
- 02AIR BAGS3
- 03HYDRAULIC1
- 04VISIBILITY/WIPER1
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER1
Owners report a 'Brake Fluid Low' warning followed by complete brake failure, sometimes while driving at low speeds. In one case, the vehicle was totaled after the brake failure. This is a critical safety issue that can occur without warning.
Complaints center on Takata airbag recalls where parts are unavailable, leaving owners waiting months for repairs. The risk is that the airbag may not deploy correctly in a crash, and the recall remedy is delayed.
A recall for service brakes/hydraulic system was issued, but owners report parts not being available at dealers. This means the brake fluid leak or failure may go unrepaired, increasing crash risk.
Owners report a sagging headliner that causes the sun visor to drop into the driver's line of sight. This is a common issue that can obstruct vision and distract the driver.
“ON 6/4/21, MY 2018 FERRARI 488 GTB DISPLAYED A MESSAGE IN MY LEFT DASH INSTRUMENT PANEL PRIOR TO COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE IN MY DRIVEWAY THAT READ "BRAKE FLUID LOW-DRIVE TO DEALER SLOWLY", THAT RESULTED IN MY FERRARI BEING TOTALED BY STATE FARM AFTER I JUMPED O…”
“On 07 September 2021, I had been driving my 2018 Ferrari 488 Spider for 8 to 10 miles when the car suddenly displayed the following message "Brake Fluid Low, Go to Dealer Slowly". (note: Dealer is 2 hours away at 60 mph). As I slowed the car from approximatel…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners of 2026 models with the 6.2L or 6.6L Duramax report sudden loss of motive power, loud pinging, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These failures can leave you stranded and may recur.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly uphill, and transmission issues that cause loss of power. This can happen at low speeds and may lead to a crash if in traffic.
Owners report severe loss of braking with a firm pedal but ineffective stopping, as well as loss of steering and brakes at highway speed. These electrical faults can disable critical safety systems without warning.
Similar to electrical complaints, owners describe sudden loss of normal braking where the pedal remains firm but the vehicle won't stop. This is a serious safety defect that could lead to a collision.
“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 488 — 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, Inc. (Ferrari) is recalling certain 2017 LaFerrari Aperta, 2018-2019 488 GTB, GTC4Lusso T, GTC4Lusso, 488 Spider, 812 Superfast, and 2019 488 Pista vehicles. The fuel vapor separator may crack and allow fuel to leak.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
The fix: Ferrari will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel vapor separator, free of charge. The recall began June 25, 2019. Owners may contact Ferrari customer service at 1-201-816-2668. Ferrari's number for this recall is 69.
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…
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 488 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Ferrari 488 has far fewer issues per year (2.0 vs. 510.5), but its problems are often severe brake failures that can total the car. The Silverado's much higher complaint rate means you're more likely to encounter engine, transmission, or electrical faults, though many are covered by recalls. In practice, the Ferrari demands meticulous brake inspections, while the Silverado requires vigilance for sudden power loss and brake issues.
Key differences
- Ferrari 488: 10 complaints over 5 years, with brake failures that owners say led to total loss; Silverado: 5,105 complaints over 10 years, with engine and power train issues causing sudden power loss.
- Ferrari 488 has 14 recalls, including brake fluid low warning and Takata airbags; Silverado has 100 recalls, including tailgate latches, steering, and brake fluid warning sensors.
- Ferrari 488 complaints often involve delayed recall parts, leaving owners driving with unresolved safety defects; Silverado complaints frequently describe new vehicles (2026) with low mileage failing.
- Ferrari 488 has 2 crash-related complaints and 3 injuries; Silverado has 117 crash-related complaints and 104 injuries, plus 1 death.
- Check for any history of 'Brake Fluid Low' warnings or brake pedal feel changes; a complete brake failure can occur even at low speeds.
- Verify that all open recalls, especially for airbags and hydraulic brakes, have been performed; parts may still be unavailable, so confirm with a dealer.
- Test drive at highway speeds and listen for loud pinging from the engine; loss of motive power and brake/steering failure have been reported.
- Check for transmission hesitation or sudden neutral engagement, especially when driving slowly uphill; this can happen with very low mileage.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full NHTSA recall history for the specific VIN and confirm all recalls are closed.
- For the Ferrari 488, have a Ferrari specialist inspect the brake system, including fluid level sensors and hydraulic lines.
- For the Silverado, scan for stored engine and transmission fault codes, and test the diesel particulate filter if equipped.
- Request service records to see if brake fluid low warnings or engine power loss issues have been addressed.
- Take a long test drive covering highway, uphill, and stop-and-go conditions to replicate reported failure scenarios.
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 488 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 1 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 3 | 591 |
| 2017 | 4 | 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 488 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Ferrari 488 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Ferrari 488 total complaints
- 10
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Ferrari 488 total recalls
- 14
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Ferrari 488 avg complaints/year
- 2.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Ferrari 488
- Ferrari 488 top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE