Head-to-head reliability
BMW 328I vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the BMW 328I 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 328i vs Chevrolet Silverado: The BMW 328i has 1388 complaints over 10 years (138.8/yr) and 54 recalls, while the Silverado has 5105 complaints (510.5/yr) and 100 recalls. Owners report engine and electrical failures in the BMW, and powertrain and brake issues in the Silverado. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW 328I or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW 328I
The BMW 328i, particularly the 2015 model with the N20 engine, shows a pattern of serious engine and electrical issues. Owners report catastrophic timing chain failures, oil pump drive chain module failures, and engine fires, often linked to improper reassembly after recalls. The high number of engine and electrical complaints suggests that while the car offers a premium driving experience, it may require frequent and costly repairs, especially as it ages.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado, especially newer models (2026), exhibits a high volume of engine, powertrain, and brake complaints. Owners report sudden loss of motive power, transmission failures, and severe braking issues, sometimes at highway speeds. The frequency of these complaints, along with a high number of recalls, indicates that the Silverado may have significant reliability concerns, particularly in its latest generation.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW 328I | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,388 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 54 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 83 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 138.8 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 63 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 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.
BMW 328I
- 01ENGINE436
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM356
- 03ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING315
- 04AIR BAGS207
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER119
Owners report catastrophic engine failures, including broken timing chain guides and oil pump drive chain modules, leading to engine seizure. This is a critical issue that can leave you stranded and require expensive engine replacement.
There are reports of engine fires while parked, as well as wiring harness failures, often after recall repairs. These electrical issues pose a serious safety risk and can lead to total vehicle loss.
Cooling system problems, such as coolant leaks and overheating warnings, are common. Some owners report smoke coming from the engine bay, indicating potential fire hazards.
Air bag warning lights illuminate, particularly on the front passenger side, suggesting potential deployment failures. This is a safety concern as air bags may not deploy in a crash.
“The engine intake tract, PCV infrastructure, and the main lower engine wiring harness loom failed due to improper reassembly during Federal Safety Recall 24V-608. The technician left the main intake coupler completely loose and spinning freely by hand, and le…”
“On [XXX], my 2015 BMW 328i xDrive (VIN: [XXX] , N20 engine, 124,250 miles) suffered a catastrophic engine failure while in operation. Component/System Failed: The timing chain guides and oil pump drive chain module failed. The plastic timing chain guide broke…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report sudden loss of motive power, often accompanied by loud pinging sounds, and in some cases, engine failure. Diesel models also experience excessive soot accumulation in the particulate filter, requiring frequent dealer visits.
Transmission issues are prevalent, with vehicles suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, especially at low speeds or uphill. This can be dangerous, leading to loss of control.
Electrical failures can cause a cascade of problems, including loss of braking and steering assist, as reported in some incidents. This is a critical safety issue that can lead to crashes.
There are reports of sudden, severe loss of braking effectiveness, with the brake pedal remaining firm but the vehicle not stopping. This is a serious safety defect that increases the risk of collision.
“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 328I — 54 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 20…
The risk: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-52…
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 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may sho…
The risk: An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi and M3, 2007-2011 328i xDrive, 335i xDrive and 335is and 2009-2011 335d vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors for the system that controls air flow for the heating and ai…
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 replace the wiring and electrical connectors, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may cont…
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
BMW 328I or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The BMW 328i has fewer complaints per year (138.8) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), indicating a lower frequency of reported issues. However, the BMW's issues are often severe, involving engine and electrical failures, while the Silverado's problems are more frequent and also critical, including brake and powertrain failures. In practice, the BMW may require less frequent trips to the shop, but when it does, repairs could be costly.
Key differences
- The BMW 328i has a higher proportion of engine and electrical complaints, with reports of timing chain failures and fires, while the Silverado has more powertrain and brake issues, including sudden loss of power and braking.
- The Silverado has more than three times the annual complaint rate of the BMW, indicating a higher likelihood of encountering problems.
- Both vehicles have recalls, but the Silverado has nearly double the number of recalls (100 vs 54), suggesting more widespread issues.
- The BMW's complaints often stem from improper recall repairs, while the Silverado's issues appear to be inherent design or manufacturing defects.
- Check for any signs of engine oil leaks or unusual engine noise, as timing chain guide failure is common and can lead to catastrophic engine damage.
- Inspect the engine wiring harness for signs of melting or improper connections, especially if recall work has been done, to avoid potential fire hazards.
- Test the brakes at various speeds, especially from highway speeds, to ensure they respond properly, as sudden loss of braking has been reported.
- Listen for any unusual engine noises, such as pinging, and check for warning lights related to the engine or transmission, as these could indicate imminent failure.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report to check for open recalls and ensure all recall repairs have been performed correctly.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the engine, transmission, and electrical systems.
- For the BMW, specifically ask about the timing chain and oil pump drive chain module condition, and request service records for any engine work.
- For the Silverado, test drive at various speeds and inclines to check for transmission slipping or sudden neutral shifts.
- Check for any NHTSA investigations or consumer complaints related to the specific model year you are considering.
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 328I or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW 328I vs Chevrolet Silverado
- BMW 328I total complaints
- 1,388
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- BMW 328I total recalls
- 54
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- BMW 328I avg complaints/year
- 138.8
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- BMW 328I
- BMW 328I top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE