Head-to-head reliability
BMW 428I vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the BMW 428I 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 428I vs Chevrolet Silverado: The BMW 428I averages about 38 complaints per year over 3 years, while the Silverado averages about 823 per year over 10 years. The BMW has 12 recalls and 15 crash-related complaints; the Silverado has 101 recalls and 233 crash-related complaints. Both show brake and engine issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW 428I or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW 428I
The BMW 428I is a sporty luxury coupe that, based on NHTSA data, averages about 38 complaints per year over three years. Owners frequently report electrical glitches like sudden power steering loss and no-start conditions, as well as engine and brake problems. With 12 recalls and 15 crash-related complaints, it demands careful attention to maintenance and recall history.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that, according to NHTSA data, averages about 823 complaints per year over ten years. Owners report a wide range of issues, especially engine and transmission problems, along with electrical and brake failures. With 101 recalls and 233 crash-related complaints, it has a higher volume of reported problems, though the longer period and larger sales volume should be considered.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW 428I | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 113 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 12 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 15 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 37.7 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 9 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 428I
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM51
- 02ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING35
- 03ENGINE21
- 04SERVICE BRAKES15
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER14
Owners report sudden loss of power steering while driving, often accompanied by a 'Chassis Unstable' warning, which can make steering difficult. Others experience intermittent no-start conditions where the vehicle eventually starts after multiple attempts.
Some owners describe no-start problems that may be linked to engine or cooling system faults. A recall (24V608000) addresses engine and cooling issues, but parts may not be available, leaving drivers waiting for repairs.
Engine-related complaints include no-start conditions and potential stalling. These issues can leave a driver stranded and may require costly diagnostics and repairs.
Owners report brake failure, such as the vehicle not slowing down despite pedal pressure, and unexpected surging forward when stopped. These brake problems pose serious safety risks and require immediate attention.
“The contact owns a 2014 BMW 428I. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 - 70 MPH and attempting to change lanes, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The message “Chassis Unstable” was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact…”
“The contact owns a 2015 BMW 428I. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, while attempting to start the vehicle, it failed to start. The contact stated that the vehicle eventually started. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start,' which can be dangerous. Diesel models experience excessive soot accumulation in the particulate filter, requiring dealer service.
Transmission problems include sudden shifting into neutral while driving, even at low speeds, which can cause loss of power. These issues may leave the vehicle unable to move and require towing.
Electrical faults can cause a severe loss of braking, where the brake pedal feels firm but braking is ineffective. Other reports include the engine shutting off and screens going blank while driving.
Brake complaints mirror electrical issues, with sudden loss of normal braking and the vehicle not stopping as expected. Some owners also report the truck shutting off entirely when braking or applying throttle.
“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 428I — 12 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 BMW 328i xDrive Sports Wagon, 2012-2014 BMW 320i Sedan, 328i Sedan, 320i xDrive Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 2012-2013 BMW 528i Sedan, 528i xDrive Sedan, 2013-2014 BMW X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2013-2014 BMW…
The risk: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will install a locking ring in the camshaft to retain the camshaft seal disk in the proper location, free of charge. The recall began on December 2, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800…
The defect: BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 228i Coupe, M235i Coupe, 320i, 320xi, 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi, ActiveHybrid 3, 328xi Sports Wagon, 428i Coupe, 428xi Coupe, 435i Coupe, 435xi Coupe, 428i Convertible, 428xi Convertible, 435i Convertible, 328xi Gran Turismo, 335xi…
The risk: If the fuel pump fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owners were mailed interim notices on May 28, 2015. The recall began on July 6, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2015 2 Series Coupe (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i), 3 Series Sedan (320i, 320i xDrive, 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335i xDrive, M3, 328d, 328d xDrive), 4 Series Coupe (428i, 428i xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive, M4), and 2015 4 Series Gran Coupe (428i, 4…
The risk: An inflator that ruptures may cause sharp metal fragments to enter or exit the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, an inflator that leaks gas may only partially inflate during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the head air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 4, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2015 6 Series Gran Coupe, 2014 5 Series Gran Turismo, 2014 5 Series Sedan, 2015 6 Series Convertible, 2015 6 Series Coupe, 2014 X5, 2013-2014 X3, 2014-2015 3 Series Sedan, 2014 4 Series Coupe, 2014 4 Series Convertible, 2014 3 Series Gran Turismo…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, increasing the risk of injury or death.
The fix: The driver's front air bag will be replaced, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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 428I or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The BMW 428I has far fewer complaints per year (about 38) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823), but both have serious safety-related reports. In practice, the BMW may have fewer overall issues, but the Silverado's higher volume means more owners experience problems, especially with engines and transmissions.
Key differences
- The BMW 428I averages about 38 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages about 823 per year, indicating a much higher reported problem rate for the Silverado.
- BMW 428I complaints often involve electrical power steering loss and brake failure, whereas Silverado complaints frequently involve engine shutdowns and transmission shifting into neutral.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls and 233 crash-related complaints, compared to 12 recalls and 15 crash-related complaints for the BMW, reflecting more widespread safety campaigns for the truck.
- Both vehicles have brake-related complaints, but the BMW's include surging and no braking, while the Silverado's include loss of braking effectiveness and engine shutoff during braking.
- Check for any history of power steering loss or 'Chassis Unstable' warnings, and test drive at highway speeds to ensure steering feels normal.
- Inspect for brake issues by testing braking from various speeds and listening for unusual noises; also verify that all recalls, especially 24V608000, have been performed.
- Look for signs of engine problems such as rough idling, stalling, or dashboard warnings like 'Return to Neutral'; on diesel models, check for excessive soot accumulation in the particulate filter.
- Test the transmission for sudden neutral engagement or slipping, especially at low speeds, and verify that all recalls, including fuel pump and brake-related campaigns, have been addressed.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm that all open recalls have been repaired.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic familiar with the specific model, focusing on engine, transmission, electrical, and brake systems.
- During the test drive, pay attention to any warning lights, unusual noises, or changes in steering and braking feel.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and check for frequent repairs related to the complaint areas.
- For the Silverado, specifically test the transmission at low speeds and check for diesel particulate filter issues if equipped.
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 428I or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW 428I vs Chevrolet Silverado
- BMW 428I total complaints
- 113
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- BMW 428I total recalls
- 12
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- BMW 428I avg complaints/year
- 37.7
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- BMW 428I
- BMW 428I top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE