Head-to-head reliability
BMW 328xi vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the BMW 328xi 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 328xi vs Chevrolet Silverado: The BMW 328xi has 0 complaints and 7 recalls over 2 years, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints and 101 recalls over 10 years. The Silverado also has 233 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths. The BMW shows far fewer reported issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW 328xi or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW 328xi
The BMW 328xi is a compact luxury sedan with no owner complaints filed over the two years covered by this data, but it does have seven recalls. The recalls are mostly for air bag inflator modules and occupant classification sensors, plus an electrical wiring issue. With zero complaints, there is no pattern of recurring failures reported by owners, but the recall count suggests some safety-related defects that should be addressed. For a used buyer, this means fewer reported day-to-day problems, but you must verify that all recall repairs have been completed.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a very high number of owner complaints—over 8,200 in ten years—and 101 recalls. The most common complaint areas are the engine, power train, electrical system, and service brakes. Owners report serious issues like sudden engine shutdowns, loss of braking, and transmission problems, sometimes at low mileage. This suggests that living with a Silverado may involve more frequent trips to the shop and potentially dangerous failures.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW 328xi | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 0 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 7 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.0 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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 328xi
No component data available.
The BMW 328xi has multiple recalls for the front driver-side air bag inflator module and the occupant classification sensor. These defects could prevent the air bag from deploying correctly in a crash. Buyers should confirm these recalls were fixed, as an unrepaired air bag may not protect you.
One recall involves the electrical system wiring. While no owner complaints describe the exact symptom, wiring issues can cause various electrical glitches or failures. It's important to have the recall performed to avoid potential problems.
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine problems such as rough running and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation on the 6.6L Duramax, requiring dealer service. Some complaints describe engine shutdown while driving, which can be very dangerous. These issues often appear at low mileage, so a used Silverado may need immediate attention.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral or losing power while driving, even at very low miles. This can leave you stranded or cause a crash. The transmission and related components seem to be a weak point.
Owners report sudden loss of braking and engine shut-off with warning messages like 'Return to Neutral'. These electrical glitches can disable critical safety systems. Such failures make the truck unpredictable and risky to drive.
Complaints describe a firm brake pedal but reduced braking effect, meaning the vehicle may not stop as expected. This is a serious safety concern. Brake problems should be checked thoroughly before buying.
“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 328xi — 7 recalls
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 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…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 2009-2011 3 Series Sedan (335d) vehicles. The original steering wheel may have been replaced with a spor…
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: Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 30, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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…
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 328xi or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The BMW 328xi has far fewer issues per year—zero complaints versus about 823 per year for the Silverado. In practice, this means the BMW is likely to spend less time in the shop for reported defects, while the Silverado has a high volume of serious complaints, including crashes and injuries. However, the BMW's recalls still require attention.
Key differences
- The BMW 328xi has 0 owner complaints in 2 years, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints in 10 years—a massive difference in reported problems.
- The Silverado's complaints include 233 crash-related incidents, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths, whereas the BMW has none reported.
- BMW's issues are mainly recall-related (air bags, wiring), while Silverado owners report engine shutdowns, transmission failures, and brake loss.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 7 for the BMW, indicating more widespread safety defects.
- Check if the air bag inflator module and occupant classification sensor recalls have been repaired; unrepaired air bags may not deploy properly.
- Inspect the electrical wiring for any signs of damage or previous repairs, as a recall addresses wiring issues.
- Test drive and listen for engine misfires or rough running, and check for diesel particulate filter warning lights on Duramax models.
- During the test drive, pay attention to transmission shifting and any sudden loss of power or braking; these are reported safety issues.
Before you buy
- Use the NHTSA VIN lookup tool to check for open recalls on both vehicles and confirm they are fixed.
- Ask for a complete maintenance history, especially for the Silverado's engine, transmission, and brake systems.
- Take a long test drive that includes highway and stop-and-go traffic to feel for transmission or brake problems.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on the BMW's air bag system and the Silverado's engine and electrical components.
- For the Silverado, check for any warning messages related to the diesel particulate filter or 'Return to Neutral' alerts.
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 328xi or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW 328xi vs Chevrolet Silverado
- BMW 328xi total complaints
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- BMW 328xi total recalls
- 7
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- BMW 328xi avg complaints/year
- 0.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- BMW 328xi
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE