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 488 has 10 complaints over 5 years (2.0/year) and 14 recalls, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints over 10 years (822.7/year) and 101 recalls. The 488's complaints center on brake failure and airbag delays; the Silverado's on engine, transmission, and electrical faults. 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 low-volume exotic, so its 10 complaints over 5 years (2.0 per year) reflect a small owner pool rather than a trouble-free car. The pattern is dominated by brake-fluid loss warnings that owners say led to complete brake failure, plus airbag recalls with parts delays. Living with one means watching for sudden brake warnings and confirming recall work is actually done.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a high-volume truck with 8,227 complaints over 10 years (about 822.7 per year), so problems are common and widely reported. Owners describe engine and transmission failures, electrical glitches that can kill braking or shut the engine off, and brake problems. With 101 recalls and 3 deaths reported, it is a vehicle where many issues are known and documented.
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 | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 14 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 2 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 2.0 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 3 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 3 |
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
- 03VISIBILITY/WIPER1
- 04HYDRAULIC1
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER1
Owners report a 'Brake Fluid Low' warning followed by complete brake failure, sometimes in a driveway or after 8–10 miles of driving. This matters because a brake failure at any speed can lead to a crash or total loss.
Complaints describe airbag recalls where dealers said parts were not available, leaving owners waiting months. A recalled airbag that is not repaired may not protect occupants in a crash.
One owner reported a sagging headliner that pushed the sun visor down and blocked the driver's view. This is a simple but real visibility problem that can distract or obstruct the driver.
A hydraulic brake recall (21V833000) was reported with parts unavailable at the dealer. Until fixed, the brake system may not perform as designed.
“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
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of 2026 Silverados report engine shutdowns while driving and diesel particulate filter soot events requiring dealer service. An engine that quits on the road can leave you stranded or in a dangerous spot.
Complaints describe the truck suddenly going into neutral and losing power, sometimes with less than 300 miles on the odometer. A transmission that drops out of gear can cause loss of control.
Owners report sudden loss of normal braking, engine shut-off while driving, and messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start'. Electrical faults that affect braking or engine power are serious safety concerns.
Complaints include a firm brake pedal with reduced braking effect and the truck shutting off during low-speed maneuvers. Brake problems in a heavy truck increase stopping distance and crash risk.
“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 (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 2018 488 Spider, 488 Pista, 2015 458 Speciale A, 2016-2018 488 GTB, 2015-2017 F12 Berlinetta, 2016 F12 tdf, and 2016-2018 Carlifornia T vehicles. The air bag Electronic Control Unit (ECU) may malfunction, possibly causing the non-deployment…
The risk: In the event of a crash, air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Ferrari will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag ECU, free of charge. The recall began August 2, 2019. Owners may contact Ferrari customer service at 1-201-816-2668. Ferrari's number for this recall is 70.
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 — 101 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 vehicles. These vehicles may not have received an owner's manual during production. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, “Child Re…
The risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will provide the owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 30, 2025. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252532020. Vehicle Identifi…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, and GMC Sierra 3500 vehicles with gasoline engines and dual fuel tanks (RPOs L8T and N2N). The rear fuel pump may not transfer adequate fuel to the front tank, causing an engine stall.
The risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: The vehicle's engine control module (ECM) will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 8, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782…
The defect: General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ, Escalade IQL, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Corvette Convertible, Corvette Cou…
The risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reset the vehicle radio, which will facilitate automatic download of the electronic owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2026. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-467-970…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and GMC Sierra 2500 vehicles equipped with the enhanced towing option and 20-inch accessory tire/wheel package. The tire information label may state the incorrect rear tire pressure, resulting in underinflated tires an…
The risk: Driving with underinflated tires can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect, update the engine control module (ECM) software, apply a tire label overlay, inflate tires to the correct pressure, and perform a tire pressure monitor system (TPMS) re-learn process as necessary, free of charge. Owne…
Buyer analysis
Ferrari 488 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Ferrari 488 has far fewer complaints per year (2.0) than the Chevrolet Silverado (822.7), but that is partly because far fewer 488s are on the road. In practice, the Silverado has many more reported problems across engine, transmission, electrical, and brakes, while the 488's smaller set of complaints centers on brake failure and airbag recall delays.
Key differences
- The Ferrari 488's top complaint area is service brakes (5 complaints) with reports of complete brake failure after a low-fluid warning; the Silverado's top area is engine (2,521 complaints) with shutdowns and diesel soot events.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls and 3 deaths reported, while the 488 has 14 recalls and 0 deaths, showing a much larger and more severe complaint footprint for the truck.
- Airbag recall parts delays are a repeated theme in 488 complaints, while Silverado complaints often involve electrical faults that can cut engine power or braking.
- The 488 averages 2.0 complaints per year; the Silverado averages 822.7 per year, so the truck generates vastly more owner-reported problems even after accounting for sales volume.
- Check for any history of 'Brake Fluid Low' warnings or brake repairs, and confirm the hydraulic brake recall (21V833000) was completed.
- Verify the airbag recall was performed and that parts were actually installed, not just ordered, because owners reported long waits.
- Ask for service records on engine and transmission repairs, especially for 2026 models with reports of shutdowns or going into neutral.
- Test the brakes and electrical system thoroughly, looking for messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start' and any reduced braking feel.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN through NHTSA to see all open recalls for the specific Ferrari 488 or Chevrolet Silverado you are considering.
- For the 488, ask a mechanic to inspect the brake system and check for any stored brake-fluid warning codes.
- For the Silverado, have a mechanic scan for engine, transmission, and electrical fault codes and test-drive at low speed to check for stalling.
- Request complete service records and confirm that any recall repairs were done with parts installed, not just scheduled.
- Get a pre-purchase inspection from a shop that knows the model, and budget for potential repairs based on the complaint patterns.
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 | 868 |
| 2019 | 1 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 3 | 597 |
| 2017 | 4 | 1154 |
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
- 8,227
- Ferrari 488 total recalls
- 14
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Ferrari 488 avg complaints/year
- 2.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Ferrari 488
- Ferrari 488 top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE