Head-to-head reliability
BMW 540D vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the BMW 540D 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 540D vs Chevrolet Silverado: The BMW 540D has 0 owner complaints over 2 years, while the Silverado averages 777.6 complaints per year over 10 years, including 225 crash-related incidents. The BMW is far more reliable, but the Silverado offers greater towing capacity. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW 540D or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW 540D
The BMW 540D has zero owner complaints on record over two model years, which is exceptionally rare. Its four recalls cover engine cooling, backup camera, and EGR valve issues, but no failures have been reported by owners. This suggests a very low problem rate in real-world use, making it a strong candidate for a trouble-free ownership experience.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado has a high complaint rate of 777.6 per year over ten years, with major issues in engine, power train, electrical system, and service brakes. Owners report engine knocking and failure at low mileage, transmission fluid leaks and sudden power loss, electrical faults including high-voltage battery problems, and brake failures. These patterns indicate significant reliability concerns that could lead to costly repairs and safety risks.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW 540D | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 0 Better | 7,776 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 4 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 540D
No component data available.
No owner complaints on record, but recalls address engine cooling and EGR valve issues. Buyers should verify recall completion to prevent potential engine performance or emission problems.
A recall exists for the backup camera system, but no failures reported. Ensure the camera functions properly and recall work is done to maintain visibility when reversing.
Two recalls for the EGR valve, but no owner complaints. This component can affect emissions and engine performance; confirm recall repairs are applied.
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,302
- 02POWER TRAIN2,213
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,435
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,193
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER832
Owners report loud knocking noises and complete engine failure as early as 1,800 miles, often without warning lights. This suggests a serious defect that can leave you stranded and require a full engine replacement.
Transmission fluid line failures cause sudden fluid loss and loss of power at highway speeds, especially when towing. This is a safety hazard that can lead to accidents.
High-voltage battery faults in the Silverado EV cause sudden loss of vehicle control, with repeated occurrences. Other electrical issues include random failures without warning.
Brake failures are reported alongside electrical faults, with some complaints describing loss of braking ability. This is a critical safety concern that requires immediate attention.
“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 540D — 4 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW 540d xDrive vehicles. The crankshaft sensor may be equipped with incorrect firmware, preventing the sensor from properly processing input from the crankshaft reluctor ring, possibly resulting in a vehicle stall. On September 12, 2018, BM…
The risk: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the crankshaft sensor, free of charge. The recall began September 6, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 530e, 530e xDrive, X3 sDrive, X3 xDrive, X3 M40i, X3 M, and 2019-2020 X4 xDrive, X4 M40i, X4 M, X7 xDrive, X7 M50i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 8 Series Co…
The risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Toyota owners may c…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 540d xDrive vehicles that were previously repaired under recall number 22V-614. The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler may leak internally, causing coolant to mix with diesel engine soot, which could result in smoldering particles and a melt…
The risk: An EGR valve with smoldering particles and a melting intake manifold increases the risk of an engine fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the EGR module and the intake manifold as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 7, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d xDrive vehicles equipped with an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) module with an integrated cooler. The EGR cooler may leak internally, causing coolant to mix with diesel engine soot, which could result in smoldering particles and a mel…
The risk: A melting intake manifold increases the risk of fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the EGR module, and the intake manifold will be inspected and replaced, if necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on October 7, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed December 3…
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 540D or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The BMW 540D has zero complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages 777.6 complaints per year. In practice, the BMW offers a far lower likelihood of experiencing a major failure, whereas the Silverado carries a high risk of engine, transmission, and electrical problems that can be costly and dangerous.
Key differences
- BMW 540D has zero owner complaints; Silverado has thousands, including engine failures at low mileage.
- Silverado owners report transmission fluid leaks and sudden power loss; BMW has no such reports.
- Silverado has electrical system faults causing loss of control; BMW has no electrical complaints.
- Silverado has brake failures; BMW has no brake-related issues on record.
- Verify all four recalls have been performed, especially the EGR valve and backup camera recalls.
- Check for any signs of engine cooling system leaks or prior repairs, as the engine recall suggests potential issues.
- Listen for engine knocking or rattling during test drive; check for any check engine light or prior engine replacement.
- Inspect transmission fluid lines for leaks and test transmission behavior under load, especially when towing.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report to confirm recall completion for both vehicles.
- For the Silverado, request service records for engine, transmission, and electrical repairs.
- Test drive the Silverado at highway speeds and while towing if possible to check for transmission issues.
- Inspect the BMW 540D's backup camera and EGR system for proper operation.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the known problem areas.
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 540D | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 0 | 1955 |
| 2018 | 0 | 584 |
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 540D or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW 540D vs Chevrolet Silverado
- BMW 540D total complaints
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 7,776
- BMW 540D total recalls
- 4
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- BMW 540D avg complaints/year
- 0.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 777.6
- More reliable overall
- BMW 540D
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE