Head-to-head reliability
Volkswagen TAOS vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Volkswagen TAOS 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 TAOS vs Chevrolet Silverado: The TAOS averages 99 complaints per year with 9 recalls, while the Silverado averages 823 complaints per year with 101 recalls. Both have engine and brake issues, but the Silverado has more reports of injuries and deaths. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volkswagen TAOS or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volkswagen TAOS
The Volkswagen TAOS is a compact SUV that has averaged about 99 complaints per year over five years, with 9 recalls. The most common complaints involve engine stalling, fuel pump failures, and brake issues, often reported at low mileage. Owners describe repeated dealership visits for the same safety problems, which can be frustrating and potentially dangerous.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that has generated an average of about 823 complaints per year over ten years, with 101 recalls. Owners report a wide range of issues, including engine and transmission failures, electrical glitches, and brake problems, sometimes occurring at very low mileage. The volume of complaints and recalls suggests a higher frequency of problems compared to the TAOS.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volkswagen TAOS | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 495 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 9 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 9 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 99.0 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 2 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 3 |
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 TAOS
- 01ENGINE199
- 02SERVICE BRAKES116
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM99
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM73
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER72
Owners report engine stalling while accelerating, hard starting, and catastrophic internal engine failure at low mileage (e.g., 22,531 miles). These issues can leave drivers stranded and may require costly repairs if warranty coverage is denied.
Complaints include rear brake problems and sudden unintended acceleration with automatic emergency braking failure, sometimes resulting in crashes. Brake issues are safety-critical and should be addressed immediately.
Electrical complaints often mirror engine stalling and include warning lights like the EPC light. These glitches can cause unpredictable behavior and may be difficult to diagnose.
Fuel pump failures and related trouble codes (e.g., P0148) are reported, leading to hard starting and stalling. A faulty fuel pump can cause the engine to shut off while driving.
“I have brough my vehicle into the dealership on 3 separate occasions, all of which were the same safety issue - the engine would stall while accelerating and would shut off. However the 3rd incident was the most dangerous. On [XXX], I was driving southbound o…”
“Incident 1: Noticed hard starting one morning. After stopping for gas various engine warning lights illuminated (including EPC light). Took to VW dealer few days later, found trouble codes stored (P0148). Fuel pump replaced few days after diagnosis. Incident…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine shutdowns while driving, excessive diesel particulate filter soot accumulation, and internal failures on the 6.2L and 6.6L engines. These can lead to dangerous situations and expensive repairs.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral and loss of power, sometimes at very low mileage (under 300 miles). Transmission problems can cause loss of control and may require major repairs.
Electrical issues manifest as sudden loss of braking, engine shut-off while driving, and blank screens. These failures can be unpredictable and compromise safety.
Owners describe severe loss of braking with a firm pedal, and instances where the truck shuts off and cannot accelerate. Brake failures are extremely dangerous and demand 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 TAOS — 9 recalls
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2025 Jetta and Taos vehicles. The instrument panel may fail to display warning lights or gauges. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Display…
The risk: An instrument panel that does not display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the instrument panel software and replace the instrument panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2026. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswa…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Taos vehicles. In the event of a rear-end crash, the fuel pressure sensor may dislodge or separate from the fuel tank. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard…
The risk: A fuel tank with a dislodged or separated fuel pressure sensor can leak fuel after a rollover crash, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will install a fuel pressure sensor wiring harness extension, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2026. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recal…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Taos vehicles. In the event of a rear-end crash, the fuel pressure sensor may dislodge or separate from the fuel tank. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard…
The risk: A fuel tank with a dislodged or separated fuel pressure sensor can leak fuel after a rollover crash, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will install a fuel pressure sensor wiring harness extension, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2026. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recal…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Taos vehicles. The underhood fuel supply quick-connector may detach from the fuel supply line causing a fuel leak in the engine compartment.
The risk: A fuel leak may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash. A fuel leak also increases the risk of fire in the presence of an ignition source.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the connection and replace the fuel supply line and connector as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 31, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volk…
Chevrolet Silverado — 101 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 vehicles. These vehicles may not have received an owner's manual during production. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, “Child Re…
The risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will provide the owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 30, 2025. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252532020. Vehicle Identifi…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, and GMC Sierra 3500 vehicles with gasoline engines and dual fuel tanks (RPOs L8T and N2N). The rear fuel pump may not transfer adequate fuel to the front tank, causing an engine stall.
The risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: The vehicle's engine control module (ECM) will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 8, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782…
The defect: General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ, Escalade IQL, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Corvette Convertible, Corvette Cou…
The risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reset the vehicle radio, which will facilitate automatic download of the electronic owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2026. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-467-970…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and GMC Sierra 2500 vehicles equipped with the enhanced towing option and 20-inch accessory tire/wheel package. The tire information label may state the incorrect rear tire pressure, resulting in underinflated tires an…
The risk: Driving with underinflated tires can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect, update the engine control module (ECM) software, apply a tire label overlay, inflate tires to the correct pressure, and perform a tire pressure monitor system (TPMS) re-learn process as necessary, free of charge. Owne…
Buyer analysis
Volkswagen TAOS or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Volkswagen TAOS has far fewer complaints per year (99 vs. 823) and fewer recalls (9 vs. 101), indicating a lower frequency of reported issues. However, both vehicles have serious safety-related complaints, so the difference means the Silverado may require more frequent attention, but the TAOS is not problem-free.
Key differences
- The TAOS averages 99 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages 823, a roughly eightfold difference in reported issues.
- Silverado complaints include 160 injuries and 3 deaths, whereas TAOS has 2 injuries and 0 deaths, though both have crash-related reports.
- TAOS issues often center on engine stalling and fuel pump failures at low mileage; Silverado issues span engine, transmission, electrical, and brake systems with many reports at very low mileage.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 9 for the TAOS, suggesting more widespread safety defects over its longer production run.
- Check for any history of engine stalling or hard starting, and ask for fuel pump replacement records.
- Inspect rear brakes for uneven wear or premature replacement, and test for unintended acceleration or brake assist failures.
- Look for signs of engine shutdowns or transmission slipping, especially if the truck has low mileage.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for loss of braking power and check for electrical glitches like blank screens or warning lights.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed.
- Take a lengthy test drive that includes acceleration, braking, and highway speeds to check for stalling or shifting issues.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the engine, transmission, brakes, and electrical system for signs of the reported problems.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for fuel pump, brake, and software updates.
- For the Silverado, verify if the diesel particulate filter has been serviced if equipped with the Duramax engine.
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 TAOS | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 120 |
| 2025 | 11 | 157 |
| 2024 | 55 | 527 |
| 2023 | 109 | 450 |
| 2022 | 317 | 1390 |
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 TAOS or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volkswagen TAOS vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Volkswagen TAOS total complaints
- 495
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Volkswagen TAOS total recalls
- 9
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Volkswagen TAOS avg complaints/year
- 99.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Volkswagen TAOS
- Volkswagen TAOS top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE