Head-to-head reliability
Volkswagen EOS vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Volkswagen EOS 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 EOS vs Chevrolet Silverado: The EOS has 425 complaints over 10 years (42.5/yr) while the Silverado has 5,105 (510.5/yr). EOS owners report airbag and transmission issues; Silverado owners report engine and brake failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volkswagen EOS or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volkswagen EOS
The Volkswagen EOS is a compact convertible that, in ownership terms, demands attention to its airbag system and powertrain. With 425 complaints over 10 years (about 42.5 per year), the pattern shows that while the car can be enjoyable, owners frequently face issues with the Takata inflator recall, transmission failures, and electrical gremlins. Living with an EOS means staying on top of recall repairs and being prepared for potential mechanical breakdowns.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that, in ownership terms, is a workhorse but with a high volume of reported problems. With 5,105 complaints over 10 years (about 510.5 per year), the data reveals serious engine and transmission issues, especially in newer models, along with brake and electrical failures. Owners report sudden power loss, brake failure, and electrical malfunctions, making it a vehicle that requires careful inspection and maintenance.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volkswagen EOS | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 425 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 21 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 13 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 42.5 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 8 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 EOS
- 01AIR BAGS168
- 02POWER TRAIN102
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM51
- 04ENGINE48
- 05SERVICE BRAKES34
Owners report that after Takata inflator recall repairs, the horn, ignition lock, and steering wheel controls often stop working, leading to unexpected repair costs. This suggests the recall process itself can introduce new electrical problems.
Transmission failures are common, with reports of sudden loss of power, RPM spikes, and the car feeling like it goes into neutral while driving. This can be dangerous, especially at highway speeds, and often requires major repairs.
Electrical issues range from malfunctioning seat heaters that can burn the seat to problems with the horn and steering wheel controls, often linked to airbag recall work. These can be intermittent and hard to diagnose.
Engine problems include timing belt tensioner failures that cause significant engine damage, and loss of power with warning lights. These are costly repairs that can leave owners stranded.
“I TOOK THE CAR IN AS PART OF THE TAKATA INFLATOR RECALL. EVERYTHING IN THE CAR WAS WORKING WHEN I DROPPED OFF THE CAR. NOW THE DEALERSHIP WANTS $700 PLUS TO REPAIR THE HORN, IGNITION LOCK, CONTROLS ON THE STEERING WHEEL THAT CONTROL THE VOLUME AND MENU BUTTON…”
“TAKATA RECALL ON 10/19/18 I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP SO THAT THEY COULD INSTALL THE NEW AIRBAG INFLATOR KIT DUE TO THE RECALL. A FEW DAYS LATER I NOTICED MY HORN WAS NOT WORKING. I RETURNED TO THE DEALERSHIP ON 11/9/18 ONLY TO BE TOLD I NEED TO REPLACE T…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine issues, including sudden loss of power, loud pinging noises, and in some cases, complete engine failure. Diesel models have had repeated diesel particulate filter (DPF) clogging, requiring dealer intervention.
Transmission problems are frequent, with reports of the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral, losing drive, and failing to accelerate. This can happen at low speeds or on the highway, posing a safety risk.
Electrical failures can lead to loss of braking and steering, as well as warning lights and other malfunctions. These are critical safety issues that require immediate attention.
Brake failures are reported, including sudden loss of braking effectiveness even when the pedal feels firm. This is a serious safety concern that can 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.
Volkswagen EOS — 21 recalls
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015 Passat, 2015-2016 Eos, 2015-2017 CC, 2016-2017 TT Roadster, TT Coupe, 2017 Audi R8 Coupe, and R8 Spyder vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
The risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 4, 2019. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Eos, 2012 Passat, 2012-2016 CC, 2015-2016 e-Golf, 2011-2015 Touareg, 2012-2015 and 2017 Tiguan, and 2011-2016 Golf and 2011-2013 GTI vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period ma…
The risk: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles to make them fully compliant or Volkswagen will repurchase them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer se…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015 Passat, 2015-2016 Eos, 2015-2017 CC, 2016-2017 TT Roadster, TT Coupe, 2017 Audi R8 Coupe, and R8 Spyder vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
The risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 4, 2019. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Volkswagen CC, 2010-2014 Golf, 2010-2014 Eos, 2007-2010 Passat Sedan and Wagon, and 2012-2014 Passat vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
The risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 16, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.…
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 EOS or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Volkswagen EOS has fewer complaints per year (42.5) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), indicating a lower frequency of reported issues. However, the EOS's problems are still significant, particularly with airbags and transmission. In practice, the Silverado's higher complaint volume suggests a greater likelihood of encountering major mechanical or safety-related failures.
Key differences
- The EOS has a much lower complaint rate (42.5/yr) than the Silverado (510.5/yr), but both have serious safety-related issues.
- EOS owners frequently report airbag recall-related electrical problems, while Silverado owners report engine and transmission failures that can cause sudden power loss.
- Silverado brake failures are a critical safety concern, whereas EOS brake complaints are less prominent.
- The EOS is a convertible with a smaller owner base, while the Silverado is a high-volume pickup with more data, but the Silverado's issues are more severe in terms of crash and injury counts.
- Check for any open Takata airbag recalls and ensure the repair was done correctly; test the horn and steering wheel controls after any airbag work.
- Inspect the transmission for signs of slipping or hesitation, and ask for service records related to powertrain issues.
- Look for signs of engine trouble such as unusual noises, loss of power, or warning lights; check for any open recalls on the engine or transmission.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including sudden stops, and be alert for any warning messages about brake fluid or system failure.
Before you buy
- Check NHTSA recall status for both vehicles and ensure all recalls are completed.
- For the EOS, have a mechanic inspect the timing belt and tensioner, and test all electrical features including the horn and seat heaters.
- For the Silverado, request a diagnostic scan for engine and transmission codes, and test the brakes at various speeds.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially for oil changes and transmission service.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic who specializes in the respective 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 Volkswagen EOS or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volkswagen EOS vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Volkswagen EOS total complaints
- 425
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Volkswagen EOS total recalls
- 21
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Volkswagen EOS avg complaints/year
- 42.5
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Volkswagen EOS
- Volkswagen EOS top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE