Head-to-head reliability
Volkswagen Tiguan vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Volkswagen Tiguan 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 Tiguan vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Tiguan averages 127.5 complaints per year and 40 recalls, while the Silverado averages 510.5 complaints per year and 100 recalls. The Silverado has more reports of sudden power loss and brake failures, while the Tiguan sees more engine oil leaks and infotainment glitches. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volkswagen Tiguan or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volkswagen Tiguan
The Volkswagen Tiguan is a compact SUV that averages about 128 owner complaints per year over the past decade, with 40 recalls. The most common trouble spots are the engine, electrical system, and forward collision avoidance. Owners report issues like oil leaks, head gasket failures, and infotainment glitches, which can mean frequent dealer visits and unexpected repair bills.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that generates roughly 511 complaints per year, with 100 recalls. The bulk of complaints center on the engine, power train, and electrical system, including sudden loss of power, transmission problems, and brake failures. These are serious issues that can affect safety and leave owners stranded.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volkswagen Tiguan | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,275 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 40 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 31 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 127.5 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 35 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 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 Tiguan
- 01ENGINE376
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM278
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER267
- 04POWER TRAIN149
- 05FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE125
Owners report oil splashing onto the windshield and head gasket failures around 30,000 miles, which can cause the engine to enter a default mode and require major repairs. This matters because a blown head gasket often means costly engine work and downtime.
Complaints include the radio turning off and power cycling, as well as warning lights and SOS alerts after over-the-air software updates. These glitches can distract the driver and may require repeated dealer visits to fix.
With 125 complaints, owners may experience false alerts or failures in the automatic braking system. This is a safety concern because the system might not intervene when needed or could brake unexpectedly.
Reports include check engine lights that come on repeatedly, often traced to sensors that fail shortly after replacement. This can lead to ongoing diagnostic costs and uncertainty about the vehicle's reliability.
“The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact's dad who was following behind the vehicle noticed oil splashing onto the front windshield of his vehicle. The contact's dad then noticed whi…”
“I’ve had my Volkswagen Tiguen since 2021 fresh off the lot. I have been the only owner of the car at about 30,000 miles my head gasket blew, causing the engine to go into default after weeks in the dealer. They replaced the head gasket and stitched it up, the…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners of newer Silverados report severe engine issues like loss of motive power, loud pinging sounds, and diesel particulate filter problems requiring dealer service. These failures can happen at low mileage and leave the truck undrivable.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral and losing power, even at low speeds. This is dangerous because it can happen without warning and leave the driver unable to accelerate or move the truck.
Reports describe sudden loss of braking, with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power, as well as electrical failures that disable steering and brakes. These are critical safety issues that could lead to a crash.
Owners report the brake pedal remaining firm but the vehicle not stopping normally, indicating a hydraulic or electronic brake failure. This is a major red flag because it directly affects the ability to stop safely.
“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 Tiguan — 40 recalls
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan Long Wheelbase and Jetta vehicles. Bolts may be missing from the front seat tracks.
The risk: The seat can move front and back without restriction if bolts are missing, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seat tracks and, as necessary, install the bolts, free of charge. The recall began February 18, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volks…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas Cross Sport, Tiguan LWB, Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas FL and Arteon vehicles. The rear view camera could malfunction during an ignition cycle, leading to a black screen or infotainment system freeze. As such, the…
The risk: A black or frozen rear view image reduces the driver's visibility when reversing, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the infotainment system software, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this rec…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Tiguan, Taos, and 2021 Tiguan long wheel base (LWB) vehicles. A second notice will be sent once remedy parts become available. The left or right rear suspension knuckles may corrode, crack, and break.
The risk: A broken rear suspension knuckle can cause a loss of stability, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace one or both rear suspension knuckles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 13, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numb…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Tiguan, 2023 Arteon, and 2024-2025 Audi Q3 vehicles. An error may occur in the camera control unit at vehicle startup, resulting in the rearview camera image not displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to com…
The risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the camera control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed to Audi owners April 3, 2024, and Volkswagen owners November 18, 2025.Volkswagen owners will receive a second notice once remedy p…
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 Tiguan or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Volkswagen Tiguan has far fewer complaints per year (about 128) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 511), and fewer recalls (40 vs. 100). In practice, this means Tiguan owners may deal with less frequent but still serious issues, while Silverado owners face a higher volume of complaints, including severe safety-related failures like sudden power loss and brake problems.
Key differences
- The Tiguan averages about 128 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages about 511—roughly four times more.
- Silverado complaints often involve sudden loss of power, transmission shifting to neutral, and brake failures, which are immediate safety risks.
- Tiguan complaints frequently mention oil leaks, head gasket failures, and infotainment glitches, which are annoying but less likely to cause a crash.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls versus 40 for the Tiguan, suggesting more widespread safety defects requiring manufacturer fixes.
- Check for oil leaks around the engine and under the vehicle, especially near the head gasket, as owners report oil splashing and head gasket failures.
- Test the infotainment system thoroughly—turn the radio on and off, use navigation, and check for random power cycling or warning lights after software updates.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any sudden loss of power, rough shifting, or the transmission slipping into neutral, especially at low speeds.
- Test the brakes at low speed and on a slope; a firm pedal with poor stopping power could indicate a brake system failure reported by owners.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for any open recalls on the NHTSA website for the specific VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the engine, transmission, and brakes for the Silverado, and engine oil leaks and electrical systems for the Tiguan.
- For the Tiguan, ask the seller for proof of any head gasket or infotainment software repairs, and test all electronics.
- For the Silverado, test drive at highway speeds and in stop-and-go traffic to check for power loss, transmission issues, and brake performance.
- Review the owner's manual for maintenance schedules and ensure all scheduled services, especially transmission and brake fluid changes, have been done.
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 Tiguan | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 25 | 98 |
| 2025 | 46 | 150 |
| 2024 | 62 | 0 |
| 2023 | 60 | 0 |
| 2022 | 261 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 136 | 934 |
| 2020 | 139 | 0 |
| 2019 | 189 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 282 | 591 |
| 2017 | 75 | 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 Tiguan or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volkswagen Tiguan vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Volkswagen Tiguan total complaints
- 1,275
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Volkswagen Tiguan total recalls
- 40
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Volkswagen Tiguan avg complaints/year
- 127.5
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Volkswagen Tiguan
- Volkswagen Tiguan top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE