Head-to-head reliability
Volkswagen Cabrio vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Volkswagen Cabrio 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 Cabrio vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Cabrio has 87 complaints over 3 years (29/year) and 2 recalls, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints over 10 years (510.5/year) and 100 recalls. The Silverado also has 1 death and 104 injuries reported, versus 0 deaths and 11 injuries for the Cabrio. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volkswagen Cabrio or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volkswagen Cabrio
The Volkswagen Cabrio is a compact convertible that tends to attract buyers looking for a fun, affordable drop-top. However, NHTSA data shows 87 complaints over 3 years, with electrical problems being the most common, followed by engine, power train, visibility, and air bag issues. Owners frequently report recurring electrical glitches, premature exhaust rust, and window regulator failures. With 11 crash-related complaints and 11 injuries, but no deaths, it's a vehicle that demands careful inspection before purchase.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup available in many configurations, widely used for both work and family transport. NHTSA data shows 5,105 complaints over 10 years, with engine and power train issues dominating, plus significant electrical and brake complaints. Owners report serious problems like sudden loss of braking, transmission failures, and diesel particulate filter clogging, even on newer models. With 117 crash-related complaints, 104 injuries, and 1 death, the Silverado's issues can be severe and costly.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volkswagen Cabrio | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 87 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 2 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 11 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 29.0 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 11 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 Cabrio
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM20
- 02ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING12
- 03POWER TRAIN12
- 04VISIBILITY11
- 05AIR BAGS10
Owners report speedometer freezing, air conditioning not starting, and warning lights (check engine, ABS, check trunk) coming on intermittently. One owner described electrical shorts causing smoke and possible fire, which can lead to expensive diagnostics and safety concerns.
Complaints include check engine lights appearing shortly after purchase and entire exhaust systems rusting out up to the manifold. This can mean costly repairs and potential emissions test failures.
Reports include transmission failure linked to electrical shorts and computer overheating. A failed transmission can leave you stranded and cost thousands to replace.
Window regulators fail, causing windows to remain open and creating security and weather exposure issues. This is a common and relatively inexpensive fix, but it can be inconvenient.
“I HAVE HAD VARIOUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR THE SPEEDOMETER FREEZING OR THE SINCE IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY. SOMETIMES MY AIR CONDITIONER WON'T START. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, ABS OR THE CHECK TRUNK COMES ON HAS BEEN DOING THIS SINCE THE CAR WAS UNDER WARRANT…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN CABRIO. ON AUGUST 29, 2017, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (DAVID MAUS VOLKSWAGEN, 1050 LEE RD, ORLANDO, FL 32810) FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. THE CONTACT RETURNED ON SEPTEMBER 13, 2017 TO RETRIEVE THE VEHICLE AND NOTI…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine issues, including loss of motive power, loud pinging sounds, and diesel particulate filter clogging requiring dealer service. These can lead to sudden breakdowns and expensive repairs, even on low-mileage vehicles.
Complaints include vehicles suddenly going into neutral and transmission failures. This can cause loss of control and dangerous situations, especially at speed.
Reports include sudden loss of normal braking and inoperable brakes and steering. These are critical safety failures that could lead to crashes.
Owners describe brake pedal remaining firm but braking effectiveness severely reduced. This is a serious safety concern that requires immediate attention.
“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 Cabrio — 2 recalls
The defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." CHILD SEAT ANCHORAGES INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE'S REAR SEATS MUST BE IDENTIFIED BY MARKINGS, AND THEIR LOCATION AND USE BE DESCRIBED IN THE OWNER'S MANUA…
The risk: THESE VEHICLES WERE NOT MARKED OR DESCRIBED AS REQUIRED BY THE STANDARD.
The fix: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SUPPLEMENT FOR THE OWNER'S MANUAL AND ALSO ONE SET OF FOUR GUIDANCE FIXTURES INTENDED TO USE IN CONJUNCTION WITH CHILD SEATS EQUIPPED WITH RIGID OR SEMI-RIGID LOWER ANCHORAGE ATTACHMENTS. ALSO ENCLOSED WILL B…
The defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." CHILD SEAT ANCHORAGES INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE'S REAR SEATS MUST BE IDENTIFIED BY MARKINGS, AND THEIR LOCATION AND USE BE DESCRIBED IN THE OWNER'S MANUA…
The risk: THESE VEHICLES WERE NOT MARKED OR DESCRIBED AS REQUIRED BY THE STANDARD.
The fix: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SUPPLEMENT FOR THE OWNER'S MANUAL AND ALSO ONE SET OF FOUR GUIDANCE FIXTURES INTENDED TO USE IN CONJUNCTION WITH CHILD SEATS EQUIPPED WITH RIGID OR SEMI-RIGID LOWER ANCHORAGE ATTACHMENTS. ALSO ENCLOSED WILL B…
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 Cabrio or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Volkswagen Cabrio has far fewer complaints per year (29.0) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5). However, the Silverado's issues are often more severe, including sudden brake loss and engine failures. In practice, the Cabrio may have more frequent minor electrical and trim problems, while the Silverado can suffer from catastrophic safety defects.
Key differences
- The Cabrio averages 29 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages 510.5 per year, indicating a much higher reported problem rate for the Silverado.
- Cabrio complaints focus on electrical glitches, exhaust rust, and window regulators; Silverado complaints include sudden brake loss, engine power loss, and transmission failures.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls over 10 years, versus 2 recalls for the Cabrio over 3 years, suggesting broader safety-related issues.
- Crash-related complaints: Cabrio has 11 over 3 years; Silverado has 117 over 10 years, with 1 death reported for the Silverado.
- Check all electrical functions: speedometer, air conditioning, warning lights, and look for signs of wiring shorts or smoke under the hood.
- Inspect the exhaust system for rust, especially near the manifold and heat shield, as owners report complete rust-through.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for any loss of effectiveness or unusual pedal feel, as owners report sudden brake failure.
- Listen for engine pinging or rough running, and check for transmission slipping or sudden neutral engagement during a test drive.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the specific problem areas for each model.
- For the Cabrio, test all electrical components and inspect window regulators and exhaust system.
- For the Silverado, test brakes, transmission, and engine under various driving conditions, including highway speeds.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and be wary of vehicles with frequent or unresolved complaints.
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 Cabrio or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volkswagen Cabrio vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Volkswagen Cabrio total complaints
- 87
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Volkswagen Cabrio total recalls
- 2
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Volkswagen Cabrio avg complaints/year
- 29.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Volkswagen Cabrio
- Volkswagen Cabrio top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE