Head-to-head reliability
BMW 128I vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the BMW 128I 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
BMW 128I vs Chevrolet Silverado: The BMW 128I has 162 complaints over 7 years (23/year) and 34 recalls, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints over 10 years (823/year) and 101 recalls. The Silverado also reports 233 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths, versus 3 and 0 for the BMW. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW 128I or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW 128I
The BMW 128I is a compact luxury coupe/convertible with a relatively low complaint volume: 162 complaints over 7 years, averaging about 23 per year. Most complaints center on air bag inflator recalls (Takata) and engine issues like VANOS bolts and cooling odors. Recalls are frequent (34), but many are for safety campaigns that may not have been completed. For a buyer, this means the car can be reliable if recalls are addressed, but you must verify open recalls and inspect for engine and electrical quirks.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a very high complaint volume: 8,227 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 823 per year. The most common problem areas are the engine, power train, electrical system, and service brakes, with reports of sudden engine shutdowns, transmission failures, and brake loss. There are also 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths reported. This suggests that while the Silverado is popular, owners frequently report serious safety and reliability issues.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW 128I | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 162 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 34 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 3 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 23.1 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.
BMW 128I
- 01AIR BAGS85
- 02ENGINE25
- 03ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING20
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM18
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM8
Owners report Takata air bag inflator recalls, with complaints about long waits for parts and air bag warning lights staying on. This matters because an unrepaired air bag may not deploy correctly in a crash.
Complaints include VANOS bolts missing and retrieved from the oil pan after recall repairs, and check engine lights or drivetrain faults appearing after cylinder head work. These can lead to costly engine damage if not addressed.
Owners describe strong burning odors while driving and recall notices for crankcase ventilation (PCV) issues, sometimes with parts unavailable for months. This can indicate oil leaks or fire risk if ignored.
Reports include door locks that only unlock with electrical assistance and keys stuck in the ignition, causing no-start conditions. These failures can strand you or hinder escape in an emergency.
“TAKATA RECALL I OWN A BMW SERIES 1 128I YEAR 2013. I RECEIVED A NOTICE ON SEPTEMBER 2017 STATING THAT THERE IS A DEFECT ON MY AIR BAG , AND TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT AT THE NEAREST BMW. I HAVE CALLED BMW OF FORT LAUDERDALE AND BMW OF PEMBROKE PINES UNSUCCESSFULL…”
“"TAKATA RECALL" I HAVE CALLED TWO DEALERSHIPS TO HAVE MY AIRBAG REPLACE AND MY AIRBAG LIGHT IS ALSO ON AND THEY SAY THE PART WOULD HAVE TO BE ORDERED AND IT WOULD BE 2 WEEKS (UNITED BMW GWINNETT) AND I ASKED TO SPEAK TO THE MANAGER AND I LEFT A MESSAGE AND IT…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start,' and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. Sudden loss of power is a serious safety concern.
Complaints include vehicles suddenly shifting into neutral or losing power with very low mileage, such as in parking garages. This can leave you unable to accelerate or move the truck.
Owners describe severe loss of braking with a firm pedal, and screens going blank while driving. These electrical glitches can disable critical safety systems.
Reports of sudden, severe loss of normal braking shortly after starting a trip, with the brake pedal remaining firm but braking ineffective. This is a major red flag for any buyer.
“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.
BMW 128I — 34 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2012 BMW 128i, 135i, 135is Coupes and 128i, 135i Convertible vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors in the blower-regulator wiring harness may overheat.
The risk: Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the blower-regulator wiring harness, and replace it with a new part, free of charge. The recall began October 4, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This r…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi,…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi);…
The risk: An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.
The fix: This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall su…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi);…
The risk: An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.
The fix: This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall su…
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
BMW 128I or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The BMW 128I has far fewer issues per year (about 23 complaints/year) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823 complaints/year). In practice, the BMW is likely to have fewer reported problems overall, but both have serious safety-related complaints. The Silverado's much higher volume and severity of engine, brake, and power train failures make it a riskier used purchase unless thoroughly inspected.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: BMW 128I averages 23 complaints/year; Silverado averages 823 complaints/year, a huge difference in reported problems.
- Crash/injury reports: Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths; BMW has 3 crash-related, 2 injuries, and 0 deaths.
- Top failure types: BMW complaints focus on air bags and engine (VANOS, cooling); Silverado complaints focus on engine shutdowns, power train failures, and brake loss.
- Recall counts: BMW has 34 recalls; Silverado has 101 recalls, with many for fuel pumps, tires, and forward collision warnings.
- Check for open Takata air bag recall and confirm the inflator has been replaced; look for air bag warning light on the dash.
- Inspect for engine oil leaks or burning smells, and ask for documentation of VANOS bolt or PCV recall repairs.
- Test drive at low speeds and in parking lots to check for sudden engine shutdown or transmission slipping into neutral.
- Check for brake pedal feel and any warning messages about brake system or 'Return to Neutral' on the display.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA.gov to check for open recalls on both vehicles and confirm they were repaired.
- For the BMW 128I, ask for service records showing VANOS and PCV recall work, and inspect for oil leaks or burning odors.
- For the Silverado, test drive extensively, including slow parking maneuvers, and check for any engine stalling, brake issues, or transmission hesitation.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on engine, transmission, brakes, and electrical systems.
- Ask the seller for a complete history of repairs and complaints, and be wary if they cannot provide recall completion proof.
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 BMW 128I or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW 128I vs Chevrolet Silverado
- BMW 128I total complaints
- 162
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- BMW 128I total recalls
- 34
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- BMW 128I avg complaints/year
- 23.1
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- BMW 128I
- BMW 128I top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE