Head-to-head reliability
BMW 328D vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the BMW 328D 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 328D vs Chevrolet Silverado: The BMW 328D averaged 36 complaints per year over 5 years, while the Silverado averaged 823 per year over 10 years. The BMW has 24 recalls and 5 crash-related complaints; the Silverado has 101 recalls and 233 crash-related complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW 328D or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW 328D
The BMW 328D is a diesel sedan that demands attentive ownership. Over five years, it averaged 36 complaints per year, with most issues centered on the engine, fuel system, and emissions components. Owners frequently report smoke, fuel pump failures, and emissions-related faults, often after recall work. While the complaint volume is lower than the Silverado's, the problems can be serious and costly, so a thorough pre-purchase inspection is essential.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size truck with a much higher complaint rate—about 823 per year over ten years. Complaints span the engine, power train, electrical system, and brakes, with many reports of sudden stalling, braking loss, and transmission problems. The sheer number of complaints and recalls suggests that while many Silverados serve reliably, a significant number experience major issues. Buyers should be especially cautious with recent model years that show repeated problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW 328D | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 180 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 24 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 5 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 36.0 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 328D
- 01ENGINE63
- 02FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM56
- 03FUEL SYSTEM32
- 04DIESEL30
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER20
Owners report smoke coming from the wheel wells and engine bay after the vehicle sits for a few days, as well as emissions-related fault codes like 2BB300 after EGR cooler recall work. These symptoms can indicate underlying engine or emissions system problems that may be expensive to diagnose and fix.
The Bosch CP4 high-pressure fuel pump can fail catastrophically, sending debris through the fuel system. This can cause sudden loss of power and require replacing the entire fuel system, a very costly repair.
Owners report oil leaks from the oil filter housing and abnormal engine noises with reduced acceleration. These issues can lead to engine damage if not addressed promptly.
Complaints include oil filter housing leaks and acceleration problems at low speeds. These are often related to the diesel emissions equipment and can be persistent.
“Vehicle is 100% BMW Serviced for it's history, showroom to present. Vehicle had been smoking after sitting 2-3 days and driving. We'd park and see wisps of smoke coming from the wheelwells and engine bay. Alarming! Never witnessed open flame, but as the sayin…”
“I am reporting an emissions-related malfunction that occurred a very short time after BMW performed the EGR cooler recall and updated the DDE software on my vehicle. Shortly after the recall work, the vehicle began showing DDE fault code 2BB300 – Particulate…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of newer Silverados report severe engine issues, including a 6.2L motor that failed shortly after purchase and a 6.6L Duramax diesel experiencing repeated diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events. These can leave the truck undrivable and require major repairs.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral and losing power, even at low speeds. This can be dangerous, especially in traffic or parking situations.
Owners report sudden loss of braking assistance and the engine shutting off while driving, with messages like 'Return to Neutral' appearing. These electrical glitches can compromise safety and leave the driver stranded.
Reports describe a firm brake pedal but reduced braking effectiveness, and instances where the truck shut off completely during low-speed maneuvers. Brake problems are a critical safety concern.
“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 328D — 24 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2018 BMW 328d and 328d xDrive, 2014-2018 328d Sports Wagon and 328d xDrive Sports Wagon, 2014-2016 535d and 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d SAV and 2014-2017 X5 xDrive35d SAV vehicles equipped with an Exhaust Gas Recir…
The risk: The melting intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the EGR cooler as necessary. If a leak has already occurred, the engine intake manifold will also be replaced. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began May 13,…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2016 328d xDrive sedans and 2013-2015 328d xDrive station wagon vehicles. The constant-velocity joint which transfers power between the transfer case and the rear drive shaft, may become damaged, possibly resulting in loss of power to the re…
The risk: A loss of power to the rear wheels can affect vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the vehicle is parked after a loss of power to the rear wheels and the parking brake is not engaged, unintended rollaway can…
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the constant-velocity joint and inspect the transfer case, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 22, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2018 328d, 328d xDrive, 2014-2018 328d Sports Wagon, 328d xDrive Sports Wagon, 2014-2016 535d, 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d SAV, and 2014-2017 X5 xDrive35d SAV diesel vehicles equipped with an Exhaust Gas Recirculat…
The risk: A melting intake manifold increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the EGR cooler and inspect the intake manifold, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 18V-755. Vehicles previously recalled under 18V-755 will need to ha…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2018 328d, 328d xDrive, X5 xDrive35d, 2014-2016 535d, 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, and 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d vehicles. The high-pressure fuel pump may fail.
The risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the high-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 14, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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 328D or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The BMW 328D has far fewer complaints per year (36 vs. 823), but its issues tend to be serious and expensive, especially fuel pump and emissions failures. The Silverado's much higher complaint rate reflects a broader range of problems, including safety-critical stalling and braking loss. In practice, the BMW may be less likely to leave you stranded, but when it breaks, it can cost more; the Silverado may have more frequent problems, some of which are dangerous.
Key differences
- The BMW 328D averages 36 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages 823—a huge difference in reported problem frequency.
- BMW complaints often involve the Bosch CP4 fuel pump failing catastrophically, which can contaminate the entire fuel system and cost thousands to repair.
- Silverado complaints include sudden engine shutdowns, loss of braking, and transmission slipping into neutral, which are immediate safety hazards.
- The Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints and 160 injuries reported, compared to 5 crash-related and 1 injury for the BMW, indicating a higher rate of severe incidents.
- Check for any smoke from the engine bay or wheel wells after the car has sat for a few days—this could indicate an emissions or engine issue.
- Ask for records of the EGR cooler recall and any subsequent DDE software updates; some owners report new fault codes appearing after this work.
- Test drive at low speeds and in parking lots to see if the truck hesitates, stalls, or shows warning messages like 'Return to Neutral'.
- Inspect brake function carefully; a firm pedal with reduced stopping power or any electrical glitches during braking are warning signs.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and all service records, paying special attention to recalls and any repeat repairs.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a mechanic who specializes in the specific model (diesel BMW or Silverado).
- For the BMW, ask the mechanic to check the high-pressure fuel pump for signs of wear or debris, and scan for any stored fault codes.
- For the Silverado, test all electrical systems, including brakes, and check for any software updates related to stalling or braking.
- Verify that all open recalls have been completed, and ask if any recent recall work introduced new issues.
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 | BMW 328D | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 0 | 597 |
| 2017 | 0 | 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 BMW 328D or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW 328D vs Chevrolet Silverado
- BMW 328D total complaints
- 180
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- BMW 328D total recalls
- 24
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- BMW 328D avg complaints/year
- 36.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- BMW 328D
- BMW 328D top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE