Head-to-head reliability
BMW 740li vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the BMW 740li 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 740li vs Chevrolet Silverado: The BMW 740li had 32 complaints over 6 years (5.3/year), while the Silverado had 8,227 over 10 years (822.7/year). The BMW has fewer complaints but reports of engine and transmission failures; the Silverado has far more complaints, including braking and electrical issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW 740li or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW 740li
The BMW 740li is a large luxury sedan that can be costly to maintain as it ages. Over six years, owners filed 32 complaints, averaging about 5.3 per year, with engine and power train issues being the most common. Many complaints describe sudden breakdowns, such as engine shutting off at highway speed or transmission failing to shift. These patterns suggest that while the car may be comfortable, it demands careful attention to engine and transmission health.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup truck with a much higher complaint volume: 8,227 over ten years, or about 823 per year. The most frequent issues involve the engine, power train, and electrical system, with many reports of stalling, braking loss, and transmission problems. Some complaints come from very new trucks with low mileage, indicating that problems can appear early. This volume of complaints suggests that while the Silverado is popular, it has a wide range of potential reliability concerns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW 740li | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 32 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 5 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 2 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 5.3 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 3 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 740li
- 01ENGINE8
- 02POWER TRAIN7
- 03FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM5
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER4
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM4
Owners report excessive oil consumption and burning, which can lead to fire hazards and sudden engine shutdown while driving. One complaint describes a loud noise followed by the car shutting off on a highway at 70 mph, creating a serious safety risk.
Transmission problems are common, including failure to shift into park or reverse, and sudden downshifts to first gear while driving. These issues can cause loss of control and require expensive repairs.
High fuel pump failures and drive train malfunction messages are reported, often leading to breakdowns and costly repairs. One owner spent over $3,500 in a year on such issues.
Electrical problems include doors that won't unlock with the remote or interior buttons, leaving owners locked out. This can be frustrating and may indicate broader electrical faults.
“BMW 750 I XDRIVE 2011 --EXCESSIVE ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION AND OR BURNING. THE DESIGN OF THE VALVE STEM SEALS IS A MAJOR SAFETY PROBLEM DUE TO EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. THE SAFETY CONCERNS ARE THE FOLLOWING: 1) FIRE HAZARD. 2) PROPERTY DAMAGE AND PERSONAL INJU…”
“II WAS ON FLORIDA TURNPIKE LATE NIGHT AROUND 10.30PM WITH MY WIFE GOING SOUTH AND ALL OF SUDDEN WE HEAR LOUD NOISE FROM OUR CAR AND THE CAR STARTED TO SHUT OFF BY ITSELF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY . I WAS GOING ON 70 MILES PER HOUR AND WAS VERY LUCKY THAT T…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start.' Diesel models also experience excessive soot accumulation in the particulate filter, requiring dealer service.
Transmission issues include sudden shifting into neutral and loss of power, even at low speeds in parking lots. This can leave the vehicle unable to accelerate, posing a risk in traffic.
Electrical faults can cause a severe loss of braking, with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power. Other reports mention screens going blank and the engine shutting off while driving.
Braking problems are reported, including sudden loss of normal braking and the vehicle shutting off during braking attempts. These issues are especially dangerous as they affect the ability to stop safely.
“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 740li — 5 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2015 740i, 740Li, 740Lxi, 750i, 750xi, 750Li and 750Lxi and 2014 ActiveHybrid 7 vehicles. The affected vehicles may have received incorrect replacement left rear taillight assemblies. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requireme…
The risk: Vehicles with the incorrect left rear lamp assemblies may be less conspicuous to other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace any incorrect left rear taillight assemblies, free of charge. The recall began August 11, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2015 740i, 740Li, 740Lxi, 750i, 750xi, 750Li and 750Lxi and 2014 ActiveHybrid 7 vehicles. The affected vehicles may have received incorrect replacement left rear taillight assemblies. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requireme…
The risk: Vehicles with the incorrect left rear lamp assemblies may be less conspicuous to other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace any incorrect left rear taillight assemblies, free of charge. The recall began August 11, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2015 740i, 740Li, 740Lxi, 750i, 750xi, 750Li and 750Lxi and 2014 ActiveHybrid 7 vehicles. The affected vehicles may have received incorrect replacement left rear taillight assemblies. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requireme…
The risk: Vehicles with the incorrect left rear lamp assemblies may be less conspicuous to other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace any incorrect left rear taillight assemblies, free of charge. The recall began August 11, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 1 Series M Coupe and 135i Convertible vehicles, 2011 Z4 sDrive 35i, 335i, 335d, 335i Coupe, 335is Coupe, 335i Convertible, 335is Convertible, 535i, 535i xDrive, 535i Gran Turismo and 550i xDrive Gran Turismo vehicles and 201…
The risk: If the CV joint breaks, the vehicle may have a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear driveshaft CV joint and, based on its production date, will replace it, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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 740li or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The BMW 740li has far fewer complaints per year (about 5.3) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823). However, the BMW's issues often involve sudden engine or transmission failures that can be dangerous. The Silverado's much higher complaint volume means a buyer is more likely to encounter problems, but many are reported even on new trucks.
Key differences
- The BMW 740li averages about 5 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages over 800 per year, a massive difference in reported frequency.
- BMW complaints often involve engine oil consumption and transmission failures that can cause sudden shutdowns, while Silverado complaints include engine stalls, braking loss, and electrical glitches.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 5 for the BMW, indicating more widespread safety-related fixes over its lifetime.
- Both vehicles have reports of engines shutting off while driving, but the Silverado's higher volume means more owners experience such issues.
- Check for excessive oil consumption by asking about oil top-off frequency and inspecting for blue exhaust smoke.
- Test the transmission thoroughly for smooth shifting into park, reverse, and drive, and listen for abnormal noises.
- Test the brakes for any loss of power assist or unusual pedal feel, and check for recalls related to braking.
- Verify that the engine does not stall at idle or low speeds, and check for any stored fault codes related to the fuel pump or electrical system.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on engine, transmission, and electrical systems.
- For the BMW, specifically ask about oil consumption and transmission service history.
- For the Silverado, test drive at various speeds and check for stalling, braking issues, and electrical warnings.
- Review the owner's manual for maintenance schedules and ensure all recommended services were performed.
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 740li | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 0 | 1390 |
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 740li or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW 740li vs Chevrolet Silverado
- BMW 740li total complaints
- 32
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- BMW 740li total recalls
- 5
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- BMW 740li avg complaints/year
- 5.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- BMW 740li
- BMW 740li top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE