Head-to-head reliability
BMW 335xi vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the BMW 335xi 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 335xi vs Chevrolet Silverado: The BMW 335xi has 0 complaints over 2 years and 7 recalls, while the Chevrolet Silverado has 8,227 complaints over 10 years, 101 recalls, and 233 crash-related reports. The Silverado's higher complaint rate and safety incidents suggest more potential issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW 335xi or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW 335xi
The BMW 335xi is a performance-oriented sedan that, over the two years covered by this data, has zero owner complaints filed with NHTSA. However, it has seven recalls, mostly for airbag inflator modules and occupant classification sensors, plus an electrical wiring recall. In ownership terms, the lack of complaints could mean fewer reported day-to-day problems, but the recalls indicate potential safety defects that should be addressed.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that, over ten years, has generated 8,227 owner complaints—an average of about 823 per year. The most common trouble spots are the engine, power train, electrical system, and service brakes, with reports of sudden engine shutdowns, loss of braking, and transmission problems. There are also 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths, making it a vehicle with a significant record of safety-related issues.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW 335xi | 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 335xi
No component data available.
Multiple recalls for the front driver-side airbag inflator module. A defective inflator can rupture during deployment, sending metal fragments into the cabin. Buyers should confirm the recall was performed.
Recalled for a sensor that determines if a passenger is present and their size. If faulty, the airbag may not deploy correctly in a crash. This is a safety-critical system that should be checked.
A recall for electrical system wiring. While no complaints describe symptoms, wiring issues can cause various electrical failures, from lights to engine management. Inspect for any signs of wiring repairs or recalls.
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report severe engine problems, including a 2026 Silverado with a 6.2L motor that had a major failure shortly after purchase, and a 6.6L Duramax diesel with repeated diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events requiring dealer service. These can lead to breakdowns and costly repairs.
Complaints include a vehicle suddenly going into neutral while driving slowly uphill, and another with less than 300 miles where the engine shut off and displayed 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start'. Such failures can leave you stranded or cause a crash.
Owners describe a sudden, severe loss of normal braking with a firm pedal but ineffective stopping, and instances where the engine shuts off while driving, with screens going blank. These electrical glitches can disable critical safety functions.
Reports include a loss of braking effectiveness shortly after dropping a child at school, and a truck that completely shut off in a parking lot, requiring a restart. Brake failures are among the most dangerous defects a vehicle can have.
“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 335xi — 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 335xi or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The BMW 335xi has far fewer issues per year—0 complaints per year versus about 823 for the Chevrolet Silverado. In practice, this means the BMW has a much lower reported rate of problems, but both have recalls that need attention. The Silverado's high complaint volume, including crashes and injuries, suggests a higher risk of serious defects.
Key differences
- The BMW 335xi has 0 complaints over 2 years, while the Chevrolet Silverado has 8,227 complaints over 10 years—a massive difference in reported problems.
- The Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths; the BMW has none of these in the data.
- BMW's issues are primarily recall-related (airbags, wiring), while Silverado owners report engine shutdowns, transmission failures, and brake loss.
- The Silverado's top complaint categories are engine (2,521) and power train (2,347), indicating major mechanical concerns; BMW has no complaint categories listed.
- Check if the airbag inflator module recalls have been performed; an unrepaired inflator can be deadly in a crash.
- Inspect the electrical wiring for any signs of damage or previous repairs, as a recall exists for wiring issues.
- Test drive at various speeds and listen for engine noises or hesitation; look for diesel particulate filter warning lights on Duramax models.
- Check for transmission slipping or sudden neutral engagement, and test brakes for firmness and stopping power; any abnormality is a red flag.
Before you buy
- Obtain the vehicle identification number (VIN) and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website for both models.
- For the BMW, confirm that all airbag and electrical recalls have been completed by a dealer.
- For the Silverado, ask for maintenance records, especially for engine, transmission, and brake repairs.
- Take a long test drive that includes highway, city, and parking lot maneuvers to check for engine shutdowns or brake issues.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic who specializes in the respective brand, focusing on the known problem areas.
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 335xi or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW 335xi vs Chevrolet Silverado
- BMW 335xi total complaints
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- BMW 335xi total recalls
- 7
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- BMW 335xi avg complaints/year
- 0.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- BMW 335xi
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE