Head-to-head reliability
Ferrari California T vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Ferrari California T 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 California T vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Ferrari has 1 complaint and 12 recalls over 9 years, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints and 101 recalls over 10 years. The Silverado also reports 233 crash-related cases, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths; the Ferrari reports none. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Ferrari California T or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Ferrari California T
The Ferrari California T is a low-volume sports car with very few owner complaints filed with NHTSA—just 1 over 9 years. That single complaint is about a Takata airbag recall, where the owner complained about the time taken to complete the repair. With 12 recalls but no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths in the data, the main ownership concern is staying on top of recall notices, not frequent breakdowns.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a high-volume pickup with thousands of owner complaints—8,227 over 10 years—and 101 recalls. The most common complaint areas are the engine, power train, electrical system, and brakes. Owners report serious issues like engines shutting off while driving, sudden loss of braking, and transmission problems, with 233 crash-related reports, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths in the data.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Ferrari California T | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 12 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.1 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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 California T
- 01AIR BAGS1
The only owner complaint is about a Takata airbag recall (NHTSA campaign 19V006000) where the owner felt the manufacturer took too long to complete the repair. For a buyer, this means checking that the recall work has been done is critical, since an unrepaired airbag inflator can be dangerous in a crash.
Recalls list hydraulic service brakes, though no owner complaints describe a specific brake failure. A buyer should still verify that any brake-related recall has been addressed, as brake problems can be serious.
A recall covers the air bag/restraint control module. This module controls when airbags deploy, so a faulty one could affect protection in a crash. Buyers should confirm this recall was performed.
“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FERRARI CALIFORNIA T. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V006000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. FERRARI OF…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engines shutting off while driving, sometimes with a 'Return to Neutral' message, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These can leave you stranded or cause a loss of power in traffic.
Complaints include a vehicle suddenly going into neutral while driving slowly uphill, and transmission issues. This can cause a loss of acceleration when you need it most, such as merging or climbing a hill.
Owners describe sudden, severe loss of normal braking with a firm brake pedal, and engines shutting off while driving. Electrical glitches that affect brakes or engine power are serious safety concerns.
Reports include braking that doesn't stop the vehicle normally, and the truck shutting off completely in a parking lot. Brake problems directly affect your ability to stop safely.
“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 California T — 12 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 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 2005-2009 430, 2019-2020 488 Pista, 2016 F60 America, 2005-2011 612 Scaglietti, 2010-2011 612, 2018-2022 812, 2020-2022 F8 Spider, 2020-2022 F8 Tributo, 2021-2022 Roma, 2009-2017 California, 2015-2017 California T, 2013-2017 F12 Berlinetta,…
The risk: A loss of brake function can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the brake fluid reservoir cap and update the software to provide a new warning message for low brake fluid, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed September…
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…
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 California T or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Ferrari California T has far fewer issues per year (0.1 complaints/year) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (822.7 complaints/year). In practice, the Silverado owner is much more likely to experience a reported problem, including serious ones like engine shutdown or brake loss, while the Ferrari's main issue is ensuring a Takata airbag recall is completed.
Key differences
- The Ferrari California T has 1 complaint and 12 recalls; the Chevrolet Silverado has 8,227 complaints and 101 recalls.
- Silverado owners report engines shutting off while driving and sudden loss of braking; Ferrari's only complaint is about a Takata airbag recall repair delay.
- The Silverado data includes 233 crash-related reports, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths; the Ferrari data shows 0 in each category.
- Top Silverado complaint areas are engine, power train, electrical, and brakes; the Ferrari's only complaint area is air bags.
- Confirm the Takata airbag recall (NHTSA campaign 19V006000) has been completed; an unrepaired inflator can be dangerous.
- Check for any open recalls on the air bag/restraint control module and hydraulic service brakes, and ask for proof of repair.
- Test drive at low speeds and uphill to check for sudden neutral engagement or transmission slipping, as reported by owners.
- Ask if the engine has ever shut off while driving or if the diesel particulate filter has needed repeated service; check for stored codes.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to see all open recalls for the specific vehicle.
- For the Ferrari, get written proof that the Takata airbag recall and any brake or restraint module recalls were completed.
- For the Silverado, have a mechanic scan for engine and transmission fault codes and check for software updates related to stalling or braking.
- During a test drive, specifically test braking from speed and low-speed maneuvering to feel for any loss of braking or sudden neutral.
- Ask the seller for all service records, especially any repairs related to engine stalling, transmission, or brake issues.
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 California T | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 0 | 597 |
| 2017 | 1 | 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 California T or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Ferrari California T vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Ferrari California T total complaints
- 1
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Ferrari California T total recalls
- 12
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Ferrari California T avg complaints/year
- 0.1
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Ferrari California T
- Ferrari California T top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE