Head-to-head reliability
BMW 740il vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the BMW 740il 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 740il vs Chevrolet Silverado: The BMW averages 23 complaints per year with 4 recalls, while the Silverado averages 426 complaints per year with 99 recalls. BMW owners report electrical and cooling issues, while Silverado owners face engine and transmission failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW 740il or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW 740il
The BMW 740il, a luxury sedan from the early 2000s, shows a pattern of electrical and engine cooling issues that can make ownership demanding. Owners report pixel loss in the instrument cluster, random engine shutdowns, and coolant leaks from cracked plastic parts. Airbag warning lights and transmission problems also appear, suggesting a car that needs attentive maintenance and potentially costly repairs.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado, a full-size pickup, has a high volume of complaints across many systems, with engine and transmission issues dominating. Owners report diesel particulate filter clogging, engine knocking requiring replacement, and transmission fluid line failures. Electrical and brake system problems also surface, indicating a vehicle that may have widespread reliability concerns, especially in newer models.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW 740il | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 46 Better | 4,261 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 4 Better | 99 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 104 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 23.0 Better | 426.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 3 Better | 74 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 2 |
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 740il
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM8
- 02ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING6
- 03AIR BAGS6
- 04POWER TRAIN5
- 05TIRES5
Owners report missing pixels in the instrument cluster, making it hard to read speed or warnings. Others describe random engine shutdowns, failing window motors, and brake lights that blow repeatedly, pointing to wiring or component issues.
Coolant leaks from cracked plastic reservoirs and separate coolant tanks cause overheating. The low coolant warning can be persistent even when levels are fine, suggesting sensor or pressure problems.
The airbag warning light often comes on due to a suspected passenger seat sensor failure. In one case, a side airbag deployed unexpectedly after hitting debris, tearing trim, which is a safety concern.
Transmission issues include failure to engage reverse, clicking noises, and intermittent check engine lights. These can leave the car undriveable and require major repairs.
“THE PROBLEM AREAS OF MISSING PIXELS ARE PRIMARILY LOCATED IN THE DRIVER'S INSTRUMENT CLUSTER THAT DISPLAYS ODOMETER & TRIP ODOMETER, OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE , AND CHECK CONTROL DISPLAY, SUCH AS WARNINGS/PARKING BRAKE/COOLANT TEMPERATURE /LEVEL/ KEY & SEAT BELT RE…”
“PURCHASED PRE-OWNED CERTIFIED CAR IN APRIL 06, STARTING HAVING PROBLEMS WITH ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS: WINDOW MOTORS, GPS SYSTEM/MONITOR, CAR KEPT DYEING WHILE STOPPED AND DRIVING, ENGINE SHUTDOWN/FAILSAFE MODE, BRAKE LIGHTS BLOWING ALL THE TIME, FUSES AND IGNITION…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,384
- 02POWER TRAIN1,244
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM754
- 04SERVICE BRAKES642
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER438
Diesel models suffer from repeated diesel particulate filter clogging, requiring dealer service. Gas engines can develop loud knocking and need complete engine replacement, often without warning lights.
Transmission fluid lines can fail, leaking fluid and causing loss of drive. Some owners report sudden transmission failure while towing, even with light loads.
The truck may show warning messages for traction control and brake system failure while parked, and electrical gremlins can persist despite multiple dealer visits.
Brake system failures are reported, often linked to electrical issues, with warnings appearing on the dash. This can affect braking performance and safety.
“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…”
“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…”
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 740il — 4 recalls
The defect: FCP GROTON IS RECALLING CERTAIN STEERING CENTER DRAG LINKS, P/N 32 21 1 096 057, SOLD FROM DECEMBER 1, 2009 THROUGH APRIL 9, 2010 AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR MODEL YEAR 1995 THROUGH 2001 BMW 740I, 740IL, AND 750IL PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SHAFT OF THE STEERING CENTER TIE ROD MAY SHEAR OFF.
The risk: THIS CONDITION WOULD RESULT, WITHOUT WARNING, IN IMMEDIATE AND COMPLETE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
The fix: FCP GROTON WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE TIE ROD WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT JUNE 1, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FCP GROTON TOLL-FREE AT 1-877-634-0063.
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE BRAKE LAMPS IN THESE VEHICLES ARE CONTROLLED BY A SWITCH ACTIVATED BY THE MOVEMENT OF THE BRAKE PEDAL. THIS SWITCH COULD FAIL INTERNALLY, CAUSING IT TO REMAIN EITHER IN THE "BRAKE LAMPS OFF" POSITION OR IN THE "BRAKE LAMPS ON" POSITION.
The risk: IF THIS HAPPENS, THE BRAKE LAMPS EITHER WILL NOT OPERATE OR WILL BE CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED, REGARDLESS OF BRAKE PEDAL POSITION.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE EXISTING BRAKE LAMP SWITCH WITH AN IMPROVED SWITCH.
The defect: FCP GROTON IS RECALLING CERTAIN STEERING CENTER DRAG LINKS, P/N 32 21 1 096 057, SOLD FROM DECEMBER 1, 2009 THROUGH APRIL 9, 2010 AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR MODEL YEAR 1995 THROUGH 2001 BMW 740I, 740IL, AND 750IL PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SHAFT OF THE STEERING CENTER TIE ROD MAY SHEAR OFF.
The risk: THIS CONDITION WOULD RESULT, WITHOUT WARNING, IN IMMEDIATE AND COMPLETE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
The fix: FCP GROTON WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE TIE ROD WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT JUNE 1, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FCP GROTON TOLL-FREE AT 1-877-634-0063.
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 18-INCH TIRES. (18-INCH TIRES ARE STANDARD EQUIPMENT ON THE M5 AND OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT ON THE 7-SERIES MODELS). THE MACHINE USED TO MOUNT AND INFLATE THE TIRES ON THE WHEELS AT THE ASSEMBLY PLANT MAY HAVE DAMAGED THE SIDEWALL OF ONE OR MORE TIRES…
The risk: HANDLING AND CONTROL WOULD BE DRASTICALLY AFFECTED INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TIRES AND IF DAMAGE FROM THE MOUNTING MACHINE IS FOUND, THE TIRE WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 10, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND…
Chevrolet Silverado — 99 recalls
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2025 Chevrolet Silverado EV work trucks. The pedestrian alert sound system may not produce sound at a sufficient volume. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 141, "Minimum So…
The risk: A vehicle that fails to make sufficient sound may result in pedestrians being unaware of an approaching vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the software in the body control module (BCM), free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 22, 2025. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N24…
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 (GM) has decided that certain 2022 model year Chevrolet Silverado, and GMC Sierra vehicles equipped with an accessory sport bar. The accessory sport bar contains a high-mounted brake light that may not function. In addition, it may block the vehicle's existing high-mounted brake ligh…
The risk: An inoperative high-mounted brake light can reduce visibility to other drivers and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the installation of the accessory bar and provide the correct vehicle wiring, if necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters advising owners of the safety risk were mailed on August 10, 2022. Owner no…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vehicles. The sensing diagnostic module (SDM) was left in manufacturing mode and not activated at the assembly plant prior to shipment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle S…
The risk: An SDM in manufacturing mode will not deploy the vehicle's air bags in a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury.
The fix: Dealers returned the vehicles to the GM assembly plant and the sensing diagnostic modules were activated. The vehicles had not been sold from dealer inventory and therefore no owner letters will be mailed. Owners may contact Chevrolet cust…
Buyer analysis
BMW 740il or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The BMW 740il has far fewer complaints per year (23 vs 426) and fewer recalls (4 vs 99), suggesting a lower frequency of reported issues. However, the BMW's problems are typical of an aging luxury car, while the Silverado's high volume indicates widespread issues, especially in newer models.
Key differences
- The BMW has electrical gremlins like pixel loss and random shutdowns, while the Silverado has more severe engine and transmission failures.
- The Silverado's complaints are 18 times more frequent per year, indicating a much higher rate of reported problems.
- The BMW's airbag issues are mostly sensor-related, while the Silverado has brake system failures that could be more immediately dangerous.
- The Silverado has 99 recalls versus 4 for the BMW, suggesting more factory-acknowledged defects.
- Check the instrument cluster for missing pixels and ensure all warning lights work.
- Inspect the coolant system for leaks, especially the plastic reservoir and tank, and look for signs of overheating.
- Listen for engine knocking and check for any service history of engine replacement or DPF issues.
- Inspect transmission fluid lines for leaks and test all gears, especially reverse, and check for warning messages on the dash.
Before you buy
- Have a mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the electrical system and coolant system for the BMW.
- For the Silverado, check the engine for unusual noises and review maintenance records for DPF or transmission repairs.
- Test all dashboard functions and warning lights on both vehicles.
- Check for open recalls on both vehicles and ensure they've been addressed.
- Take a thorough test drive including highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic to feel for transmission or brake issues.
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 740il or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW 740il vs Chevrolet Silverado
- BMW 740il total complaints
- 46
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 4,261
- BMW 740il total recalls
- 4
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 99
- BMW 740il avg complaints/year
- 23.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 426.1
- More reliable overall
- BMW 740il
- BMW 740il top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE