Head-to-head reliability
BMW 335D vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the BMW 335D 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 335D vs Chevrolet Silverado: The 335D had 58 complaints over 3 years (19.3/year) and 15 recalls, while the Silverado had 8,227 complaints over 10 years (822.7/year) and 101 recalls. The Silverado also reported 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW 335D or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW 335D
The BMW 335D is a diesel sport sedan that demands attentive ownership. Over three years, NHTSA logged 58 complaints, averaging about 19 per year, with air bags, engine, and electrical systems drawing the most attention. Owners describe persistent overheating, stalling, and carbon buildup that can leave the car undriveable. With 15 recalls, including Takata air bag inflators, this is a vehicle that requires regular recall checks and a mechanic familiar with diesel emissions systems.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a massive complaint volume: 8,227 over ten years, or roughly 823 per year. Engine and power train issues dominate, with many reports of sudden stalling, loss of braking, and transmission problems even on low-mileage trucks. The 101 recalls and 233 crash-related complaints suggest that while many trucks serve reliably, a notable subset experiences serious safety defects. Buyers should verify recall completion and inspect thoroughly.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW 335D | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 58 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 15 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 19.3 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 4 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 335D
- 01AIR BAGS18
- 02ENGINE16
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM15
- 04POWER TRAIN6
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM6
Owners report front passenger seat occupancy sensor failures (fault code 93C3) that can prevent the air bag from deploying, plus Takata inflator recalls. This matters because a passenger may be unprotected in a crash if the sensor or inflator is not fixed.
Complaints describe years of overheating, stalling, rough idling, and jerking, often linked to carbon buildup on the intake manifold and failed fuel injectors. These issues can strand a driver and lead to expensive repeat repairs.
Owners report sudden stalling while driving, sometimes after engine or diesel pump replacements, and blower motor wiring deterioration that can cause overheating or fire. Electrical gremlins can be hard to diagnose and may recur.
The same stalling and overheating complaints often involve the power train, with dealers sometimes replacing the engine, diesel pump, or injectors. These are major repairs that can cost thousands and affect reliability.
“- The component that has failed is the front passenger seat occupancy sensor, as indicated by an OBDII scan showing fault code 93C3, seat-occupancy detector, passenger. - The safety of any person in the front passenger seat is compromised because the passenge…”
“TAKATA RECALL: I AM STILL WAITING FOR MY RECALL TO BE FIXED. I'VE READ THAT THEY ARE FIXING OLDER MODELS AND THOSE IN HIGH HUMIDITY FIRST, BUT FIND IT INTERESTING THAT I RECEIVED A NOTICE TO FIX THE RECALL ON THE 2013 LEASED BMW BEFORE MY 2011 OWNED BMW. I LI…”
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, requiring a restart, and diesel models experience repeated excessive soot accumulation in the particulate filter. These events can happen at low mileage and leave the truck undriveable.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral and loss of acceleration, even at very low miles. This can be dangerous in traffic or parking garages and may indicate transmission or software defects.
Reports describe sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal, as well as engine shut-off and blank screens. These electrical faults can disable critical safety functions without warning.
Owners report severe loss of braking effectiveness, sometimes after the vehicle shuts off or displays warnings. Brake failure is a top safety concern and should be checked immediately on any used Silverado.
“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 335D — 15 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009 328i and 328xi, 2009-2011 335d, 2008-2012 M3 Coupe and M3 Convertible, and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. The connection of the positive battery cable at the fuse box terminal may degrade, resulting in an intermittent loss of electrical power.
The risk: A loss of electrical power can cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace and secure the positive battery cable connector, free of charge. The recall began August 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansio…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2010-2011 BMW 335d vehicles with diesel engines. The connection of the positive battery cable at the fuse box terminal may degrade over time, possibly resulting in an intermittent loss of electrical power.
The risk: A loss of electrical power to the vehicle can cause the vehicle to unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall began on June 29, 2018. 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…
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 — 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 335D or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The BMW 335D has far fewer complaints per year (about 19 vs. 823 for the Silverado), but both have serious safety-related reports. In practice, the 335D may need more frequent specialized maintenance, while the Silverado's higher volume means a greater chance of encountering a truck with engine, transmission, or brake defects.
Key differences
- Complaint rate: BMW 335D averages about 19 complaints per year; Silverado averages about 823 per year, a huge difference in reported problem frequency.
- Safety reports: Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths; BMW 335D has 1 crash-related, 4 injuries, and 0 deaths.
- Common failures: BMW 335D owners report air bag sensor faults, engine overheating/stalling, and electrical stalling; Silverado owners report engine shutdowns, transmission neutral drops, and brake loss.
- Recalls: BMW 335D has 15 recalls (including Takata air bags); Silverado has 101 recalls (including fuel pump and forward collision warnings).
- Check for any open Takata air bag inflator recalls and confirm the passenger seat occupancy sensor works (no fault code 93C3).
- Look for signs of overheating, rough idling, or stalling; ask for records of carbon cleaning, injector replacement, and EGR service.
- Test drive at low speeds and in parking lots to check for sudden neutral engagement or engine shut-off; verify all recalls, especially fuel pump and brake-related ones, are completed.
- Inspect for brake performance and any warning messages about 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start'; have a mechanic scan for stored engine and transmission codes.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA's recall site and confirm all recalls are closed, especially air bag and fuel system recalls.
- Obtain a pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic familiar with the specific model (diesel BMW or full-size Chevy truck).
- Ask for complete maintenance records, focusing on engine, transmission, and brake repairs.
- During the test drive, listen for unusual noises, check for smooth acceleration and braking, and watch for any warning lights.
- Verify the vehicle's history report for accidents, and for the Silverado, check for any crash-related damage.
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 335D or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW 335D vs Chevrolet Silverado
- BMW 335D total complaints
- 58
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- BMW 335D total recalls
- 15
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- BMW 335D avg complaints/year
- 19.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- BMW 335D
- BMW 335D top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE