Head-to-head reliability
BMW 640I vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the BMW 640I 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 640I vs Chevrolet Silverado: The BMW 640I has 23 complaints over 8 years (2.9/year), while the Silverado has 8,227 over 10 years (822.7/year). The Silverado also has 233 crash-related complaints and 160 injuries, versus 3 and 2 for the BMW. Both have serious issues, but the Silverado's rate is far higher. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW 640I or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW 640I
The BMW 640I is a luxury coupe with a relatively low complaint rate of 2.9 per year over 8 years, but the issues reported are serious. Owners frequently report electrical problems that can cause the engine to shut off while driving, as well as engine overheating due to a faulty auxiliary water pump. Structural issues with door locks and wheel cracks also appear, making it a car that demands attention to potential safety defects.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a very high complaint rate of 822.7 per year over 10 years, indicating widespread reliability concerns. Owners report engine and power train failures, including sudden shutdowns and transmission problems, often at low mileage. Electrical and brake issues are also common, with some complaints describing dangerous loss of braking. This suggests that many Silverado owners experience significant and recurring problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW 640I | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 23 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 7 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 3 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 2.9 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 2 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 640I
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM7
- 02ENGINE6
- 03STRUCTURE3
- 04WHEELS3
- 05SERVICE BRAKES2
Owners report the vehicle shutting off and failing to restart while driving, creating a safety hazard in traffic. One complaint describes this happening at a red light, requiring the driver to push the car out of the way. This can leave you stranded and at risk of a collision.
A common issue is the electronic auxiliary water pump failing, leading to overheating warnings and potential engine damage. Owners also report the engine shutting off unexpectedly, which can happen even after refueling. These problems can lead to costly repairs and unsafe driving conditions.
Door locks may fail, preventing doors from opening from the inside or outside without using the key fob or central locking button. This is a safety concern because it could trap occupants in an emergency. Multiple complaints describe both doors failing over time.
Some owners have experienced cracked wheels, causing tire leaks and unsafe driving conditions. In one case, a dealer acknowledged that many 5 and 6 Series with this wheel design have issues. This can lead to sudden tire failure and expensive replacements.
“ON 9/27/19 I LEFT THE GAS STATION WITH FULL TANK OF GAS AND STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT ON A BUSY ROAD IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. THE LIGHT CHANGED GREEN MY VEHICLE SHUT OFF AND WOULD NOT RESTART CREATING A SAFETY HAZARD. I PUT THE GEAR IN NEUTRAL AND PUSHED OUT OF THE…”
“To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally report a vehicle fire that occurred on [XXX] at approximately [XXX] in Alabama State University. The vehicle involved is a 2012 BMW 640i Coupe (black) with the license plate number [XXX]. The fire started while…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine shutdowns while driving, often accompanied by messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start'. Some also experience excessive soot accumulation in the diesel particulate filter, requiring dealer service. These issues can leave you stranded and may require major repairs.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly going into neutral while driving, causing a loss of power. This can happen at low speeds, such as in a parking garage, and may be accompanied by engine shutdown. Such failures increase the risk of accidents.
Owners describe a severe loss of braking, where the brake pedal remains firm but braking is ineffective. Others report the engine shutting off while driving, with screens going blank. These electrical glitches can compromise critical safety systems.
Some complaints involve sudden loss of normal braking, making it difficult to stop the vehicle. In one case, the driver was unable to stop at a stop sign. This is a serious safety hazard that could lead to a crash.
“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 640I — 7 recalls
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.
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 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…
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 640I or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The BMW 640I has far fewer complaints per year (2.9) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (822.7), but both have serious safety-related issues. In practice, the Silverado's much higher complaint volume suggests more frequent problems, while the BMW's lower rate still includes potentially dangerous failures. Buyers should weigh the likelihood of issues against the severity of reported defects.
Key differences
- The BMW 640I averages 2.9 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages 822.7, indicating a much higher rate of owner-reported issues for the Silverado.
- BMW 640I complaints often involve electrical shutdowns and engine overheating, whereas Silverado complaints frequently include engine and transmission failures that can cause sudden loss of power.
- The Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints and 160 injuries, compared to 3 crash-related and 2 injuries for the BMW, suggesting more severe outcomes in Silverado incidents.
- Both vehicles have recalls for critical systems: the BMW for air bag inflators and fuel pumps, and the Silverado for fuel pump control modules and forward collision avoidance warnings.
- Check for any history of electrical shutdowns or engine stalling; test drive and ensure the vehicle starts reliably and doesn't cut off.
- Inspect the auxiliary water pump and cooling system for signs of failure, and verify that any open recalls (such as 18V-248) have been addressed.
- Look for evidence of engine or transmission repairs, and test drive to ensure the vehicle doesn't shut off or go into neutral unexpectedly.
- Check brake function carefully; any softness or loss of braking should be a major concern, and verify that recalls for fuel pump and collision avoidance have been performed.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the specific model, focusing on the reported problem areas.
- During the test drive, pay attention to any warning lights, unusual noises, or hesitation, and test all electrical components.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for the BMW's water pump and the Silverado's transmission and brake systems.
- Verify that all safety recalls have been completed and ask for documentation.
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 640I | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 0 | 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 640I or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW 640I vs Chevrolet Silverado
- BMW 640I total complaints
- 23
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- BMW 640I total recalls
- 7
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- BMW 640I avg complaints/year
- 2.9
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- BMW 640I
- BMW 640I top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE