Head-to-head reliability
Ferrari California vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Ferrari California 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 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Ferrari has 6 complaints over 5 years (1.2/yr) and 14 recalls, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints over 10 years (510.5/yr) and 100 recalls. Ferrari issues are mostly Takata airbag recalls; Silverado reports engine, transmission, and brake failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Ferrari California or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Ferrari California
The Ferrari California is a low-volume exotic that, in ownership terms, means infrequent but often serious issues. With only 6 complaints over 5 years, the pattern is dominated by Takata airbag recalls, where owners report long waits for remedy parts. Other complaints involve a speedometer failure linked to wheel sensors and a computer issue that dealers struggled to diagnose. Overall, it's a car that may spend time at the dealer for recall work, but major mechanical failures are rare in the data.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a high-volume workhorse with a much larger complaint footprint: 5,105 complaints over 10 years, averaging over 500 per year. The dominant issues are engine and powertrain problems, including reports of sudden power loss, transmission slipping into neutral, and diesel particulate filter clogging. Electrical and brake complaints also appear, some describing severe braking loss. This suggests a pattern of potentially serious reliability concerns that could affect safety and dependability.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Ferrari California | 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 | 1.2 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 California
- 01AIR BAGS3
- 02VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1
- 03WHEELS1
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1
- 05ENGINE1
Owners report being notified of Takata airbag recalls (e.g., NHTSA 19V006, 16V341) but parts are unavailable, leading to long waits for repair. This means the airbag may not deploy correctly in a crash until fixed.
One complaint describes wheels not operating properly and the speedometer failing. Dealers couldn't replicate the issue, but a third dealer suspected a computer problem, indicating an intermittent electronic fault that could affect speed reading and possibly throttle response.
The same complaint about wheel operation and speedometer failure suggests a possible wheel speed sensor issue, which can affect ABS and traction control, not just the speedometer.
The electrical system complaint is tied to the same speedometer/wheel issue, pointing to a potential wiring or sensor problem that is hard to diagnose, leaving owners with an unresolved warning.
“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FERRARI CALIFORNIA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V006000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS FOR THE RECALL REMEDY WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A R…”
“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FERRARI CALIFORNIA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V341000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT C…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine issues, including a 2026 model with a 6.2L motor that lost power while driving, and a Duramax diesel with repeated diesel particulate filter clogging (P2463) requiring dealer service. These can lead to breakdowns and costly repairs.
Transmission problems are common, such as a vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving uphill, and another losing motive power at highway speed. These are safety concerns as they can leave you stranded or unable to accelerate.
Electrical failures are linked to severe braking loss and loss of power steering, as described in a complaint where the vehicle made a loud pinging sound, then lost power, brakes, and steering. This suggests a possible computer or sensor failure affecting multiple systems.
Brake complaints include sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal, and another where brakes became inoperable at 70 mph. These are critical safety issues that could lead to crashes.
“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 — 14 recalls
The defect: Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) is recalling certain 2009-2011 Ferrari California, and 2010-2011 Ferrari 458 Italia vehicles that have not 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. Owners may contact Ferrari customer service at 1-201-816-2668. Ferrari's number for this…
The defect: Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Ferrari California vehicles manufactured February 16, 2009, to July 8, 2011, and model year 2010-2011 458 Italia vehicles manufactured March 5, 2010, to July 29, 2011. These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators…
The risk: An inflator rupture 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, free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2017. Owners may contact Ferrari customer service at 201-816-2668. Ferrari's number for this recall i…
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…
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…
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 California or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Ferrari California has far fewer complaints per year (1.2 vs 510.5) and no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths, while the Silverado has 117 crashes, 104 injuries, and 1 death. In practice, the Ferrari's issues are mostly recall-related, whereas the Silverado shows a pattern of serious mechanical and safety failures that could affect daily reliability and safety.
Key differences
- The Ferrari has 6 complaints over 5 years, mostly about airbag recalls, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints over 10 years, with engine and powertrain issues dominating.
- The Silverado has 117 crash-related complaints and 1 death, whereas the Ferrari has none, indicating a higher safety risk in the Silverado.
- Silverado owners report sudden power loss, transmission slipping, and braking failures, which are more severe than the Ferrari's speedometer and recall issues.
- The Ferrari's recalls are primarily Takata airbag inflators, while the Silverado's recalls cover tailgate latches, steering, seat belts, and brake fluid sensors.
- Check if all Takata airbag recalls have been performed; if not, expect long waits for parts.
- Test the speedometer and wheel sensors for intermittent failures, as reported by one owner.
- Inspect the engine for signs of power loss or diesel particulate filter issues, especially on 6.6L Duramax models.
- Test the transmission for slipping or sudden neutral shifts, and check brake performance for any loss of effectiveness.
Before you buy
- For the Ferrari, verify open recalls with NHTSA and confirm parts availability.
- For the Silverado, get a diagnostic scan for engine and transmission codes, especially P2463.
- Test drive both vehicles at highway speeds to check for power loss or brake issues.
- Review service records for any prior repairs related to the complaints.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a specialist familiar with each brand.
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 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Ferrari California vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Ferrari California total complaints
- 6
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Ferrari California total recalls
- 14
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Ferrari California avg complaints/year
- 1.2
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Ferrari California
- Ferrari California top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE