Head-to-head reliability
BMW 135I vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the BMW 135I 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 135I vs Chevrolet Silverado: The BMW 135I averaged 14.3 complaints per year over 7 years, while the Silverado averaged 822.7 over 10 years. The BMW had 1 crash-related complaint and 1 injury; the Silverado had 233 crash-related and 160 injuries. Both have serious issues, but the Silverado's volume is far higher. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW 135I or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW 135I
The BMW 135I is a compact sports coupe with a complex electrical and engine setup that can be costly to maintain. Over 7 years, it averaged 14.3 complaints per year, with air bags, engine, and electrical issues leading the list. Owners report stalling, transmission hesitation, and air bag inflator concerns that may not always be covered by recalls. Living with one means staying on top of recall notices and budgeting for potential repairs.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume, averaging 822.7 complaints per year over 10 years. Engine, power train, and electrical problems dominate, with reports of sudden engine shutdowns, transmission failures, and brake issues. Recalls are frequent, covering fuel pumps, tires, and forward collision alerts. Buyers should expect a higher likelihood of encountering problems, especially in newer models with low mileage.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW 135I | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 100 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 26 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 14.3 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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 135I
- 01AIR BAGS36
- 02ENGINE30
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM19
- 04POWER TRAIN15
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM11
Owners report air bag inflator defects that may cause serious injury or death, and some say they were not notified of recalls. This matters because a faulty inflator can deploy incorrectly in a crash.
Complaints describe the engine shutting off while idling or stalling when accelerating from a stop, which can leave you stranded in traffic. These stalls happen even with manual or automatic transmissions.
Owners report stalling, lagging dual-clutch transmission, and power steering loss, with the car hesitating then lunging forward. This makes the car unpredictable to drive and could lead to a crash.
The same stalling and transmission lag issues appear here, with the car holding gears and surging from a stop. These problems can require repeated dealer visits and expensive repairs.
“I JUST HAD THE BOLTS ON BOTH THE (INTAKE AND EXHAUST REPLACED) THIS IS LISTED IN THE UNSPECIFIED RECALL AND NO ONE NOTIFIED ME ON THIS RECALL I DRIVE THE 2011 128I SERIES COUPE AND THIS COST ME OUT OF POCKET $1,800 DOLLARS TO REPLACE, WHAT I DO NOT UNDERSTAND…”
“I RECEIVED A NOTICE IN 3/2016 THAT AIR BAG INFLATOR MAY RESULT IN "SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH" TO DRIVER AND /OR PASSENGERS. I LIVE AND WORK IN TALLAHASSEE, FL, THE AREA THAT TRIGGERS NEED FOR IMMEDIATE RESPONSE. THIS GRAVE DEFECT IS ALSO ON MY CARFAX REPORT, DE…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of newer Silverados report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start'. Others cite diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These failures can happen at low mileage and leave you stranded.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly going into neutral while driving slowly uphill, and transmission issues that cause loss of power. This can be dangerous in traffic or parking garages.
Owners report sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power, as well as engine shut-offs and blank screens. These electrical glitches can affect critical safety systems.
Reports describe severe loss of braking shortly after starting a trip, and the truck shutting off completely in a parking lot. Brake failure is a serious safety concern that needs 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.
BMW 135I — 26 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 2008-2012 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 2008-2012 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…
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 135I or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The BMW 135I has far fewer complaints per year (14.3) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (822.7), but both have serious safety-related issues. The Silverado's higher volume means you are more likely to encounter problems, while the BMW's lower volume still includes stalling and air bag defects. In practice, the BMW may be less likely to leave you stranded, but the Silverado's issues are more frequently reported and can affect basic driving functions.
Key differences
- The BMW 135I averages 14.3 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages 822.7, a massive difference in reported problem frequency.
- BMW owners report stalling and transmission hesitation, while Silverado owners report engine shutdowns, sudden neutral, and brake loss.
- Air bag inflator issues are a top concern for the BMW, with some owners unaware of recalls; the Silverado has more recalls overall, including fuel pump and tire pressure monitors.
- The Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints and 160 injuries, compared to 1 crash-related and 1 injury for the BMW, indicating more severe outcomes in reported incidents.
- Check for open air bag inflator recalls and confirm the driver-side inflator module has been replaced; owners report not being notified.
- Test drive at idle and from a stop to feel for engine stalling or transmission lag, especially with the dual-clutch transmission.
- Look for any signs of engine shutdowns or electrical glitches, such as warning messages about returning to neutral or pressing start.
- Test the brakes thoroughly at low speeds and after start-up to detect any loss of braking power, a reported issue.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA.gov to check for open recalls on both vehicles and confirm they are fixed.
- Ask for a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with BMW or Chevrolet, focusing on engine, transmission, and electrical systems.
- During the test drive, include stop-and-go traffic, highway speeds, and parking lot maneuvers to replicate reported failure conditions.
- Request service records to see if stalling, transmission, or brake issues have been addressed.
- For the Silverado, verify the diesel particulate filter and fuel pump recall work, if applicable.
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 135I or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW 135I vs Chevrolet Silverado
- BMW 135I total complaints
- 100
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- BMW 135I total recalls
- 26
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- BMW 135I avg complaints/year
- 14.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- BMW 135I
- BMW 135I top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE