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 94.6 complaints per year, with engine stalling and brake noise common. The Silverado averages 510.5 complaints per year, with severe engine and transmission failures reported. Both have recalls, but the Silverado has 100. 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, in owner reports, shows a pattern of engine stalling and fuel system trouble, often accompanied by electrical gremlins. Brake complaints are also frequent, with owners describing grinding, squealing, and a burnt smell. While the number of complaints per year is lower than the Silverado's, the nature of the issues—especially sudden power loss—can be alarming for daily driving.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher volume of complaints, reflecting its longer sales history and larger owner base. Engine and powertrain issues dominate, including severe failures like loss of motive power and transmission problems. Brake and electrical system complaints also appear, sometimes in conjunction with engine failures, suggesting potential systemic issues 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 TAOS | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 473 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 9 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 8 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 94.6 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 2 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 TAOS
- 01ENGINE194
- 02SERVICE BRAKES113
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM92
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER70
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM69
Owners report the engine stalling while accelerating and shutting off, sometimes repeatedly, which can be dangerous in traffic. Others mention hard starting and fuel pump replacement, pointing to fuel delivery problems.
Brake complaints include loud grinding, squeaking, gurgling noises, and a burnt smell from both front and rear brakes, even at low mileage. Some owners report ongoing malfunctions that dealerships have not resolved.
Electrical issues often accompany engine stalls, with warning lights illuminating and screens going blank. Some owners report false start conditions and instrument cluster failures, which can be distracting and confusing.
“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
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Engine failures are severe, with reports of sudden loss of motive power at highway speeds, often accompanied by loud noises. Diesel models have experienced repeated diesel particulate filter clogging, requiring dealer intervention.
Transmission issues include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, which can be hazardous. Other reports mention loss of power and drivability problems, sometimes linked to engine failures.
Electrical problems can lead to brake failure, as one owner described a sudden loss of braking with a firm pedal. Other reports mention warning messages and loss of steering and brakes when the engine fails.
“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 — 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 TAOS or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Volkswagen Taos has fewer complaints per year (94.6) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. However, the Taos's engine stalling and brake problems are serious safety concerns. The Silverado's higher volume reflects its longer production and larger market, but the severity of its engine and transmission failures is notable.
Key differences
- The Taos has a higher proportion of engine and brake complaints relative to its total, while the Silverado's complaints are spread across engine, powertrain, and electrical systems.
- Taos owners report engine stalling and brake noise, whereas Silverado owners report sudden loss of power and transmission failures.
- The Silverado has a much higher number of recalls (100) compared to the Taos (9), suggesting more widespread issues.
- The Taos has fewer crash-related complaints (8) than the Silverado (117), but both have injury reports.
- Check for any history of engine stalling or fuel pump replacement, as these are common issues.
- Inspect the brakes for unusual wear or noise, and ask if the brake system has been serviced.
- Look for signs of engine or transmission problems, such as warning lights or unusual noises, and check service records for repairs.
- Ask about any recalls and whether they have been performed, especially those related to engine and powertrain.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report to check for previous complaints or repairs.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the engine, brakes, and electrical systems.
- Test drive at various speeds and inclines to check for stalling or transmission issues.
- Verify that all recalls have been addressed by the dealer.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially for fuel system and brake work.
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 | 1 | 98 |
| 2025 | 9 | 150 |
| 2024 | 51 | 0 |
| 2023 | 102 | 0 |
| 2022 | 310 | 1340 |
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
- 473
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Volkswagen TAOS total recalls
- 9
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Volkswagen TAOS avg complaints/year
- 94.6
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Volkswagen TAOS
- Volkswagen TAOS top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE