Head-to-head reliability
Volkswagen Touareg vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Volkswagen Touareg 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 Touareg vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Touareg averages 23.7 complaints per year with 16 recalls, while the Silverado averages 822.7 complaints per year with 101 recalls. Both have safety-related issues, but the Silverado's higher volume means more potential problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volkswagen Touareg or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volkswagen Touareg
The Volkswagen Touareg is a luxury SUV that averages about 24 complaints per year, with engine and fuel system issues being the most common. Owners report problems like coolant leaks, sudden power loss, and steering wheel shake. With 16 recalls and 13 injuries reported, it's a vehicle that demands careful maintenance and a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that generates a massive 823 complaints per year, far more than the Touareg. Common trouble spots include engine, power train, and electrical failures, with reports of sudden engine shutdowns and brake loss. With 101 recalls and 3 deaths, it's a high-volume truck with a wide range of potential problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volkswagen Touareg | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 237 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 16 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 5 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 23.7 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 13 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 Touareg
- 01ENGINE83
- 02FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM42
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER34
- 04STEERING29
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM20
Owners report coolant leaks (often mistaken for washer fluid) and random limp-home mode at low speeds, sometimes with loss of braking power. These issues can lead to expensive repairs and dangerous driving conditions.
Complaints include sudden power loss at highway speeds and intermittent jerking that can cause near-collisions. This suggests fuel delivery or hybrid system faults that may strand drivers.
Many owners experience dramatic steering wheel shake at highway speeds, often unresolved after tire replacements and balancing. This can make the vehicle tiring and potentially unsafe to drive.
Reports of stalling in rain storms and rough idling that prevents restarting. These unpredictable failures can leave drivers stranded and are hard to diagnose.
“FOR SEVERAL MONTHS WE NOTICED A SMALL PUDDLE UNDER THE FRONT RIGHT PORTION OF THE VEHICLE. WE ASSUMED IT WAS A CRACKED WASHER FLUID TANK. TOOK TO DEALER THEY FOUND NOTHING DURING SERVICE APPOINTMENT. TECHNICIAN MENTIONED NOTHING OF THE WATER IN THE FILTER ARE…”
“THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES, AT LOW SPEEDS, CAR GOES INTO LIMP HOME MODE RANDOMLY AND CREAKS ALONG AT 8 MILES AN HOUR, MOST RECENTLY LOST BRAKING POWER AND MESSAGE COMES UP "HYBRID ERROR, PULL OVER IN A SAFE LOCATION." THEN WHEN YOU TURN IT OFF AND ON AG…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of new Silverados report engine shutdowns while driving, requiring restart, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events. These can cause sudden loss of power and expensive dealer visits.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral and electronic issues that prevent acceleration. This can happen at low speeds, such as in parking garages, increasing collision risk.
Reports of severe braking loss with a firm pedal and engine shut-off while driving, with messages like 'Return to Neutral'. These electrical glitches can disable critical safety systems.
Owners describe sudden loss of normal braking and complete shutdown of screens while driving. This is a serious safety concern that requires 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 Touareg — 16 recalls
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 model year 2011-2016 Touareg vehicles. The brake pedal pivot pin may be missing a securing clip, allowing the pivot pin to move and the brake pedal to dislodge.
The risk: If the brake pedal dislodges, the driver may not be able to apply the brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake pedal assembly to verify the presence of the securing clip and install any missing securing clips, free of charge. The recall began on April 27, 2016. Owners may contact Vol…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Touareg GP, Tiguan, Golf A6, E-Golf GP, CCF, 2016-2017 Passat GP, 2018-2019 Golf R GP, and 2018 Atlas vehicles. These internal-use vehicles were sold without confirmation that they were built to all applicable regulatory requi…
The risk: Vehicles that do not meet all regulatory requirements may have an increased risk of injury, crash, or fire.
The fix: Volkswagen will repurchase the vehicles. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01F1.
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…
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 Touareg or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Volkswagen Touareg has far fewer complaints per year (about 24) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823). In practice, this means Touareg owners report fewer individual problems, but both vehicles have serious safety-related complaints. The Silverado's higher volume and broader range of issues may require more frequent repairs.
Key differences
- The Touareg averages about 24 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages about 823, indicating a much higher reported problem rate for the Silverado.
- Touareg complaints often involve engine coolant leaks and steering shake, whereas Silverado complaints frequently mention engine shutdowns and brake loss.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 16 for the Touareg, meaning more potential safety fixes to track.
- Both vehicles have crash-related complaints and injuries, but the Silverado also has 3 reported deaths, highlighting the severity of some issues.
- Check for coolant leaks under the front right area, which owners often mistake for washer fluid, and inspect the engine for limp-home mode triggers.
- Test drive at highway speeds to feel for steering wheel shake, a common complaint that may persist despite tire balancing.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any sudden engine shutdowns or messages like 'Return to Neutral', and check for brake pedal firmness and braking effectiveness.
- Inspect for diesel particulate filter issues if considering a Duramax, and ask about any software updates for the fuel pump control module.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website for both models.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the specific model, focusing on engine, transmission, and electrical systems.
- For the Touareg, test drive at various speeds and listen for engine noises or feel for steering vibrations.
- For the Silverado, test all electronic features, including brakes and infotainment, and check for any warning lights.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for oil changes and any repairs related to known complaint areas.
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 Touareg | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 0 | 597 |
| 2017 | 24 | 1154 |
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 Touareg or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volkswagen Touareg vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Volkswagen Touareg total complaints
- 237
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Volkswagen Touareg total recalls
- 16
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Volkswagen Touareg avg complaints/year
- 23.7
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Volkswagen Touareg
- Volkswagen Touareg top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE