Head-to-head reliability
Volkswagen Atlas vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Volkswagen Atlas 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
Volkswagen Atlas vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Atlas averages 216.6 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages 510.5. Atlas owners report electrical and airbag glitches, while Silverado owners face engine and transmission failures. Both have serious brake issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volkswagen Atlas or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volkswagen Atlas
The Volkswagen Atlas, in ownership terms, is a family-oriented SUV that has generated a high volume of complaints relative to its age, averaging over 200 per year. Owners report a pattern of electrical gremlins, false airbag warnings, and engine stalling that can leave them stranded or dealing with unexpected braking. While not universally problematic, the frequency of these issues suggests a vehicle that may require frequent dealer visits and could be frustrating for a first-time buyer seeking reliability.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado, a full-size pickup, shows a higher total complaint count but over a longer period, averaging over 500 per year. The dominant issues revolve around engine problems, particularly with the 6.2L and Duramax diesel variants, including stalling, loss of power, and diesel particulate filter clogging. Transmission and electrical issues also appear, sometimes leading to sudden loss of braking or steering, which are serious safety concerns. This pattern indicates a vehicle that may be powerful but potentially unreliable, especially in newer models.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volkswagen Atlas | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,949 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 75 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 37 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 216.6 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 56 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.
Volkswagen Atlas
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM473
- 02AIR BAGS373
- 03ENGINE363
- 04SERVICE BRAKES350
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER294
Owners report a range of electrical faults, including error messages for door contact switches, parking brake faults, and start-stop system failures. These issues can cause windows to malfunction and may trigger warning lights, leading to a frustrating ownership experience.
There are reports of false front collision alerts and unexpected automatic braking, which can be startling and potentially dangerous if it occurs in traffic. Additionally, some complaints mention airbag warning lights, though specific details are limited.
The engine can stall unexpectedly, sometimes in the middle of intersections or while stopped at lights, leaving the driver stranded. This is a serious safety issue as it can lead to accidents or being stranded in dangerous situations.
Brake system failures include a faulty brake booster and master cylinder, leading to a hard brake pedal and reduced braking effectiveness. This can increase stopping distances and pose a crash risk.
“We've had our Atlas since 5/2020. Since then, we've had multiple issues similar to what I have seen reported on VW's upcoming recall. I am not sure how VW intends to identify which VIN's are an issue, but ours should probably be included. Here's a list of iss…”
“In the beginning of Novemeber 2021 with 7680 miles an alarm stating Error: Driver door contact switch Fault: Electronic parking brake Attention: Engine is running. Error: Start Stop The check engine light/EPC lights were on. Windows do not open or open about…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Engine problems are frequent, with reports of stalling, loss of power, and abnormal noises. Diesel models experience excessive soot accumulation in the particulate filter, requiring repeated dealer visits for regeneration or cleaning.
Transmission issues include sudden shifts into neutral while driving, which can be dangerous, especially on inclines or in traffic. This can lead to a loss of propulsion and potential accidents.
Electrical failures can cause sudden loss of braking and steering, as well as warning messages. These issues are critical as they directly impact vehicle control and safety.
Brake problems include a sudden loss of normal braking, with the pedal remaining firm but ineffective. This can lead to extended stopping distances and a higher risk of 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.
Volkswagen Atlas — 75 recalls
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Atlas and 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles equipped with accessory side steps. The reduced Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) label, reflecting the additional weight of the side steps, was not installed. As such, thes…
The risk: Without the reduced GVWR label, the vehicle could be overloaded, leading to a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will install the reduced GVWR label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 31, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 09D9.
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Atlas, 2020-2023 Atlas Cross Sport, and 2021-2023 Atlas FL vehicles. The door wiring harness electrical contacts may corrode, disrupting the electrical connection and delaying the deployment of the driver or passenger fro…
The risk: A delayed air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will secure and, as necessary, replace any the front door wiring harnesses showing a fault code, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 20, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan LWB, Golf Sportswagen A7, Golf Alltrack, Golf R GP, Audi Q3, Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas, Golf A7, Audi A3, 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport, and 2021 Atlas FL vehicles. The t…
The risk: An undetected sudden loss of pressure in all four tires increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the TPMS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audis customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Atlas and 2020 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may experience a fault in the wiring and deactivate the front passenger air bag when the seat is occupied.
The risk: A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the PODS sensor mat and wiring harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 22, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall…
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
Volkswagen Atlas or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Volkswagen Atlas has fewer complaints per year (216.6) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), indicating a lower frequency of reported issues. However, both vehicles have serious safety-related complaints, so the difference in numbers does not guarantee reliability; it suggests the Atlas may require less frequent repairs on average.
Key differences
- The Atlas has more complaints about airbags and false braking, while the Silverado has more about engine and powertrain failures.
- The Silverado's engine issues include stalling and loss of power, which can be more dangerous than the Atlas's electrical glitches.
- The Atlas's brake problems are related to booster and master cylinder failures, while the Silverado's are sudden losses of braking effectiveness.
- The Silverado has a higher average complaints per year, suggesting a higher rate of reported problems.
- Check for any history of electrical system repairs, especially related to door contact switches or parking brake faults.
- Inspect the engine for stalling issues by test driving at low speeds and stopping, and ask about any previous stalling incidents.
- Look for signs of engine trouble, such as unusual noises or hesitation, and check the service history for DPF-related visits if diesel.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including sudden stops, to ensure there is no loss of braking power.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on electrical systems and brakes for the Atlas, and engine and transmission for the Silverado.
- Test drive both vehicles in stop-and-go traffic to feel for stalling or transmission issues.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially for any engine or brake repairs.
- Check online forums for common issues specific to the model year you are considering.
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 | Volkswagen Atlas | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8 | 98 |
| 2025 | 42 | 150 |
| 2024 | 167 | 0 |
| 2023 | 129 | 0 |
| 2022 | 178 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 464 | 934 |
| 2020 | 27 | 0 |
| 2019 | 473 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 461 | 591 |
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 Volkswagen Atlas or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volkswagen Atlas vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Volkswagen Atlas total complaints
- 1,949
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Volkswagen Atlas total recalls
- 75
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Volkswagen Atlas avg complaints/year
- 216.6
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Volkswagen Atlas
- Volkswagen Atlas top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE