Vehicle 1

BMW 535I

419 complaints · 14 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Chevrolet Silverado

7,542 complaints · 100 recalls

📊 Based on NHTSA owner complaint & recall data
Which Should I Buy?

BMW 535I vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Silverado has 754.2 complaints per year, far more than the BMW's 41.9. The Silverado also has 100 recalls vs 14 for the BMW. Engine and powertrain issues dominate Silverado complaints, while BMW's top issues are engine and tires. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

Lower numbers are better for complaints, recalls, and crashes.

4
BMW 535I
wins all 4 categories
0
Chevrolet Silverado
no category wins
CategoryBMW 535IChevrolet Silverado
Total Complaints
All years combined
419
✓ lower
7,542
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
14
✓ lower
100
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
14
✓ lower
219
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
41.9
✓ lower
754.2

Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records. Lower is better.

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

BMW 535I

1. ENGINE86
2. TIRES71
3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM63
4. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM59
5. POWER TRAIN53

Chevrolet Silverado

1. ENGINE2,207
2. POWER TRAIN2,129
3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,393
4. SERVICE BRAKES1,182
5. UNKNOWN OR OTHER812
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Chevrolet Silverado has far more complaints per year (754.2) than the BMW 535I (41.9), which suggests the Silverado may have a higher likelihood of issues. However, the BMW still has a notable number of complaints, so neither vehicle is without risk.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize lower complaint rates and fewer recalls, the BMW 535I is the better choice. If you need a truck and can accept higher risk of problems, the Silverado may still suit your needs, but be prepared for potential engine and powertrain issues.

Key Differences
  • Chevrolet Silverado has 754.2 complaints per year vs BMW 535I's 41.9.
  • Silverado has 100 recalls; BMW has 14.
  • Silverado's top issue is ENGINE (2207 complaints); BMW's top is ENGINE (86).
  • Silverado has 219 crash complaints; BMW has 14.
⚠ Watch on BMW 535I
  • Watch for engine problems (86 complaints) and tire issues (71 complaints).
  • Electrical system complaints (63) are also common.
⚠ Watch on Chevrolet Silverado
  • Engine (2207) and powertrain (2129) complaints are very frequent.
  • Service brake issues (1182) are a major concern.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check NHTSA recall status for both vehicles.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the engine and transmission.
  • Test drive and listen for unusual noises or vibrations.
  • Review service history for any repeated repairs.
  • Check for open recalls and ensure they were fixed.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

BMW 535IChevrolet Silverado
2017
0
1148
BMW 535I vs Chevrolet Silverado — comparison facts
Comparison
BMW 535I vs Chevrolet Silverado
BMW 535I total complaints
419
Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
7,542
BMW 535I total recalls
14
Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
100
BMW 535I avg complaints/year
41.9
Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
754.2
More reliable overall
BMW 535I
BMW 535I top complaint area
ENGINE
Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
ENGINE
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

BMW 535I Reliability & Problems

419 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Chevrolet Silverado Reliability & Problems

7,542 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific BMW 535I or Chevrolet Silverado?

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