Head-to-head reliability
Volkswagen GOLF Alltrack vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Volkswagen GOLF Alltrack 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 GOLF Alltrack vs Chevrolet Silverado: The GOLF Alltrack has zero owner complaints over four years, while the Silverado averages over 500 complaints per year, with 117 crash-related incidents. Silverado owners report engine, transmission, and brake failures, whereas the GOLF Alltrack shows no such issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volkswagen GOLF Alltrack or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volkswagen GOLF Alltrack
The Volkswagen GOLF Alltrack is a compact wagon that, in the NHTSA data, shows a spotless complaint record over four model years—zero owner complaints filed. This suggests that, at least in terms of reported issues, owners have not encountered significant mechanical or electrical problems. The four recalls, while present, cover items like tire pressure monitoring and ignition switches, which are relatively minor and typically addressed quickly by dealers. For a first-time buyer, this points to a vehicle that is likely to be dependable in everyday use, though the lack of complaints also means less real-world data to gauge long-term reliability.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado, in contrast, has a heavy complaint load: over 5,100 complaints in ten years, averaging more than 500 per year. The dominant problem areas are the engine, powertrain, electrical system, and service brakes, with owners reporting serious issues like sudden loss of motive power, transmission failures, and brake malfunctions. These are not just nuisances; they can be safety concerns, as evidenced by 117 crash-related complaints and one reported death. While the Silverado is a popular and capable truck, the data suggests that buyers should expect a higher likelihood of encountering significant mechanical problems, especially in newer models with advanced engines.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volkswagen GOLF Alltrack | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 0 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 4 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.0 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.
Volkswagen GOLF Alltrack
No component data available.
The NHTSA database contains zero owner complaints for the GOLF Alltrack across all four years, meaning there are no specific failure patterns to describe. This absence is notable but does not guarantee perfection; it simply indicates that owners have not reported issues to NHTSA.
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine problems, including sudden loss of motive power while driving, often accompanied by loud pinging sounds. Diesel models have experienced repeated diesel particulate filter (DPF) clogging, requiring dealer intervention multiple times within the first 10,000 miles.
Transmission issues are common, with vehicles suddenly shifting into neutral without warning, even at low speeds in parking garages. This can be dangerous if it happens on the road, as it leaves the driver without drive power.
Electrical failures are linked to braking and steering loss. One owner described a scenario at 70 mph where the engine pinged, then the vehicle lost power, and both brakes and steering became inoperable—a critical safety hazard.
Brake failures are reported, with the pedal staying firm but braking effectiveness severely reduced, making it difficult to stop. This can lead to crashes, especially in stop-and-go traffic or at intersections.
“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 GOLF Alltrack — 4 recalls
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Golf R and Atlas, 2017 Golf Alltrack and E-Golf and 2016-2018 Passat vehicles. These internal use vehicles were sold without confirmation that they were built to all applicable regulatory requirements and may have b…
The risk: Vehicles that do not meet all regulatory requirements may have an increased risk of a crash or injury to vehicle occupants.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners and will repurchase the vehicles. The recall began October 6, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01E9.
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Jetta GLI, Golf Alltrack, and Golf GTI vehicles. The front wheel bearings may have been improperly machined, potentially causing excessive stress on the wheel, wheel bolts, or wheel bearings.
The risk: The excessive stress can cause steering, traction or other stability issues or breakage relating to the front wheels, and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Volkswagen has notified owners, and dealers will replace the wheel bearing assemblies, wheels, and wheel bolts, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswage…
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 Audi’s customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Golf, Golf Alltrack, Golf Sportwagen, 2019-2020 Golf GTI, and Jetta vehicles equipped with a conventional ignition switch. The ignition switch may fail, especially in high temperature environments.
The risk: Ignition switch failure can cause the electrical system to shut down and the engine to stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 1, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 28H7.
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 GOLF Alltrack or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Volkswagen GOLF Alltrack has far fewer reported issues per year—zero complaints versus over 500 for the Silverado. In practice, this means a GOLF Alltrack buyer is less likely to face unexpected breakdowns or safety-related failures, while a Silverado buyer should budget for potential repairs and be vigilant about warning signs.
Key differences
- The GOLF Alltrack has zero owner complaints, while the Silverado has over 5,000, indicating a stark difference in reported reliability.
- Silverado owners report dangerous failures like sudden loss of power, brake failure, and steering loss, which are absent in the GOLF Alltrack's record.
- The Silverado's engine and powertrain issues, including DPF clogging and transmission neutral drops, are common, whereas the GOLF Alltrack shows no such patterns.
- The Silverado has 117 crash-related complaints and one death, underscoring the potential severity of its issues, while the GOLF Alltrack has none.
- Since there are no complaints, focus on the recall items: check that all four recalls (tire pressure monitoring, ignition switch, etc.) have been performed by the dealer.
- Inspect the vehicle's service history to ensure regular maintenance, as a clean complaint record does not guarantee the previous owner cared for it.
- Listen for unusual engine noises (like pinging) and check for any warning lights related to the DPF or engine. Ask if the DPF has been replaced or cleaned.
- Test the transmission thoroughly, especially at low speeds, to ensure it does not slip into neutral unexpectedly. Also, test the brakes at various speeds to confirm they respond normally.
Before you buy
- For the GOLF Alltrack: verify all recalls are completed and get a pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
- For the Silverado: obtain a vehicle history report and check for any open recalls, especially those related to brakes and tailgate latches.
- For the Silverado: have a mechanic perform a compression test and scan for engine codes, particularly for DPF issues on diesel models.
- For the Silverado: test drive at highway speeds and in stop-and-go traffic to feel for transmission slips or brake fade.
- For both: ask for maintenance records and consider a warranty that covers major components.
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 GOLF Alltrack | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 0 | 591 |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 |
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 GOLF Alltrack or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volkswagen GOLF Alltrack vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Volkswagen GOLF Alltrack total complaints
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Volkswagen GOLF Alltrack total recalls
- 4
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Volkswagen GOLF Alltrack avg complaints/year
- 0.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Volkswagen GOLF Alltrack
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE