Head-to-head reliability
BMW 5 Series vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the BMW 5 Series 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 5 Series vs Chevrolet Silverado: The BMW 5 Series averages about 20 complaints per year with 1 recall, while the Silverado averages about 823 complaints per year with 101 recalls. Silverado complaints are linked to 233 crashes and 160 injuries, versus 23 crashes and 23 injuries for the BMW. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW 5 Series or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW 5 Series
The BMW 5 Series is a luxury sedan that averages about 20 complaints per year over the last decade, with 198 total complaints. The most common owner-reported issues involve air bags, electrical system, engine, and seat belts. There is only one recall in that period, but 23 crashes and 23 injuries are linked to complaints. For a used buyer, this suggests a car with fewer overall complaints but potentially serious and costly problems in key safety and mechanical systems.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that averages about 823 complaints per year, totaling 8,227 over ten years. The most frequent complaints concern the engine, power train, electrical system, and service brakes. There are 101 recalls, and complaints are linked to 233 crashes, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths. For a used buyer, this points to a truck with a very high volume of reported problems across major systems, requiring careful inspection and a thorough service history.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW 5 Series | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 198 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 1 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 23 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 19.8 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 23 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 5 Series
- 01AIR BAGS46
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM44
- 03ENGINE33
- 04SEAT BELTS29
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER24
Owners report air bag issues such as the steering wheel air bag cover splitting or folding, and air bags failing to deploy properly in crashes. One complaint describes a side impact where the driver was thrown into the door, suggesting possible air bag performance concerns. These are safety-critical and can be expensive to fix.
Complaints include heavy white smoke from the vehicle and remote starter failure after a recall notice. Owners also mention waiting for recall parts. Electrical gremlins can be intermittent and hard to diagnose, leading to repeated shop visits.
Reported problems include a loud high-pitched noise from the air conditioning compressor and abnormal rattling from the engine that may indicate oil pump failure. These can lead to major engine damage if ignored, so a pre-purchase inspection should listen for unusual noises.
Owners report seat belts that fail to detach after being connected, and passenger restraint system failure codes that cost thousands to fix. A seat belt that won't release is a safety risk and a sign of potential electrical or mechanical faults in the restraint system.
“We were involved in a car accident. We were traveling through a traffic circle. The other car that was entering the circle failed to yield or even slow down and hit my car. The rear passenger side door was hit. I was driving and thrown into the driver door an…”
“The contact owns a 2021 BMW 530I. The contact stated that the edge of the air bag leather cover was folding in, which enlarged the split between the air bag cover and the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where it was inspected, and…”
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, diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service, and other engine failures. These can leave you stranded and lead to expensive repairs, especially on diesel models.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral and losing power, even at low speeds. This can happen in parking garages or on the road, creating a dangerous situation and pointing to transmission or control module issues.
Owners report sudden loss of normal braking, engine shut-off while driving with messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start,' and blank screens. These electrical faults can disable critical functions and are a major safety concern.
Complaints describe a firm brake pedal but reduced braking effect, and the truck shutting off completely during low-speed maneuvers. Brake problems are among the most serious for any vehicle, and these reports suggest potential brake system or electronic control failures.
“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 5 Series — 1 recall
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota GR Supra, 3 Series Sedan (330i xDrive, M340i xDrive, M3), 5 Series Sedan (530i, 530i xDrive, M5), 4 Series Gran Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive), 4 Series Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive), 4 Series Convertible (430i, 430i xDrive, M440…
The risk: Transmission oil that leaks into the control unit can lead to a seizure of the transmission gears, causing a sudden loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the transmission mechatronics module and the automatic transmission fluid, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 26, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-741…
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 5 Series or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The BMW 5 Series has far fewer complaints per year (about 20) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823), and fewer recalls (1 vs 101). In practice, this means a used BMW 5 Series may have fewer reported problems overall, but the issues it does have can be serious and costly. The Silverado's much higher complaint volume suggests a higher likelihood of encountering problems, especially in the engine, transmission, and brakes.
Key differences
- The BMW 5 Series averages about 20 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages about 823 per year, a massive difference in reported problem frequency.
- BMW 5 Series complaints often involve air bags, seat belts, and electrical issues, while Silverado complaints heavily feature engine, power train, and brake problems.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls over 10 years compared to just 1 for the BMW 5 Series, indicating more widespread safety or defect campaigns.
- Silverado complaints are linked to 233 crashes, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths, while BMW 5 Series complaints are linked to 23 crashes and 23 injuries, showing a higher absolute safety risk in the Silverado data.
- Check for air bag warning lights and inspect the steering wheel air bag cover for splits or folds, as owners report these issues.
- Listen for abnormal engine rattles or high-pitched noises from the AC compressor, and test all seat belts to ensure they latch and release properly.
- Test drive at various speeds and in parking lots to check for sudden neutral shifts or engine shutdowns, which owners report.
- Inspect brake performance carefully and look for any warning messages about brake or electrical system faults, as sudden brake loss has been reported.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and all recall documentation, and confirm that any open recalls have been repaired.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the specific problem areas: air bags and seat belts for the BMW; engine, transmission, and brakes for the Silverado.
- During the test drive, pay attention to unusual noises, warning lights, and any hesitation or loss of power.
- For the Silverado, ask about diesel particulate filter maintenance if equipped with a diesel engine, and check for any software updates related to the transmission or brakes.
- Verify that all safety systems, including air bags, seat belts, and brakes, function correctly before purchase.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | BMW 5 Series | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 120 |
| 2025 | 2 | 157 |
| 2024 | 0 | 527 |
| 2023 | 18 | 450 |
| 2022 | 17 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 27 | 961 |
| 2020 | 15 | 868 |
| 2019 | 39 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 79 | 597 |
| 2017 | 0 | 1154 |
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 5 Series or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW 5 Series vs Chevrolet Silverado
- BMW 5 Series total complaints
- 198
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- BMW 5 Series total recalls
- 1
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- BMW 5 Series avg complaints/year
- 19.8
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- BMW 5 Series
- BMW 5 Series top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE