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 has 0 owner complaints over 2 years, while the Silverado averages 777.6 complaints per year over 10 years, with 225 crash-related reports. The BMW's 7 recalls are for airbags and wiring; the Silverado's 100 recalls cover engine, transmission, and brakes. 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 has zero owner complaints on record over two model years, which is exceptionally rare. Its seven recalls focus on airbag inflator modules and wiring, suggesting manufacturing or design issues rather than widespread owner-reported failures. For a buyer, this means the car has no documented pattern of problems from real-world use, but the recalls indicate potential safety-related defects that should be verified as repaired.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado has a very high complaint rate of 777.6 per year over ten years, with thousands of reports covering engine, powertrain, electrical, and brake systems. Owners describe catastrophic engine failures at low mileage, transmission fluid line ruptures, sudden loss of power, and brake malfunctions. The 100 recalls and multiple crash/injury reports underscore a vehicle with significant reliability and safety concerns.
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 | 7,776 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 7 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 225 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.0 Better | 777.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 150 |
| 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 driver-side frontal airbag inflator modules indicate a risk of improper deployment or rupture, which could fail to protect occupants in a crash.
Recalls for wiring issues suggest potential for electrical shorts or failures that could affect critical systems like lights or engine control.
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,302
- 02POWER TRAIN2,213
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,435
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,193
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER832
Owners report loud knocking noises, shaking, and complete engine failure requiring replacement, often without warning lights, starting as early as 1,800 miles.
Transmission fluid line failures cause rapid fluid loss and loss of drive, and sudden loss of power while towing, posing a serious safety hazard.
High-voltage battery faults in EV models and other electrical gremlins can cause sudden loss of vehicle control or inability to start.
Brake system issues, including loss of braking power, have been reported, often linked to electrical faults, increasing crash risk.
“At approximately 3,000 miles, the engine began making a loud knocking noise that became progressively worse while driving. The truck was diagnosed as needing a complete engine replacement. No warning lights, no check engine light, nothing. For someone inexper…”
“Truck has less than 1800 miles. Was at a stop light and the vehicle started shaking and making metal tin rattling sounds. Stopped for gas, started the vehicle all noises went away. Got onto the freeway and about 1 mile down the road the truck lost power at 70…”
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 — 100 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV and GMC Sierra EV electric vehicles. After experiencing an electronic stability control (ESC) system malfunction, the ESC malfunction warning light may not illuminate on the next key cycle. As such, these vehicles fail to com…
The risk: An indicator light that does not illuminate may fail to warn the driver of an ESC system issue, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The EBCM software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 15, 2025. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or G…
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 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 2026 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, and GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles with four-wheel (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), and certain 2015-2020 Suburban, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Yukon, Yuko…
The risk: Front or rear wheel lockup increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the transfer case assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 18, 2026. Owners may contac…
Buyer analysis
BMW 335xi or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The BMW 335xi has zero complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages 777.6 complaints per year. In practice, the BMW offers a much lower likelihood of encountering a safety-related defect, whereas the Silverado carries a high risk of major failures that could leave you stranded or cause a crash.
Key differences
- The BMW has zero owner complaints; the Silverado has thousands, including engine failures and transmission leaks.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls versus 7 for the BMW, indicating more widespread safety defects.
- The Silverado has 225 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths; the BMW has none.
- The BMW's issues are limited to airbag and wiring recalls; the Silverado's problems span engine, transmission, brakes, and electrical systems.
- Check that all seven recalls have been completed, especially the airbag inflator and wiring recalls, as they affect safety.
- Inspect the condition of wiring harnesses for any signs of chafing or damage that could cause electrical failures.
- Listen for engine knocking or rattling noises during a test drive, and check for any check engine light or service history of engine replacement.
- Inspect the transmission fluid lines for leaks or damage, and test the transmission for smooth shifting and no sudden power loss.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report to confirm all recalls have been performed on both vehicles.
- For the BMW, verify the airbag inflator recall remedy was applied and wiring inspected.
- For the Silverado, request service records for engine, transmission, and brake repairs.
- Test drive the Silverado at highway speeds and while towing if possible to check for transmission or power loss.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the top complaint 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
- 7,776
- BMW 335xi total recalls
- 7
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- BMW 335xi avg complaints/year
- 0.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 777.6
- More reliable overall
- BMW 335xi
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE