Head-to-head reliability
BMW 745li vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the BMW 745li 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 745li vs Chevrolet Silverado: The BMW has 0 complaints over 4 years, while the Silverado has 7,776 complaints over 10 years, including 225 crash-related incidents. The Silverado's top issues are engine failures and transmission fluid line ruptures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW 745li or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW 745li
The BMW 745li has zero owner complaints on record with NHTSA over four model years, which is extremely rare for any vehicle. However, it has seven recalls, mostly for engine cooling, fuel delivery, and door latch issues. This suggests that while owners haven't reported problems, the vehicle has had several factory-identified defects that required repairs. A buyer should verify all recall work was completed.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado has a very high complaint rate of 777.6 per year over ten years, with 7,776 total complaints. Owners report major engine failures, transmission fluid line ruptures, electrical system faults, and brake problems, some occurring at very low mileage. There are also 100 recalls and three reported deaths. This indicates a high likelihood of experiencing significant mechanical or safety issues.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW 745li | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 0 Better | 7,776 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 7 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 745li
No component data available.
No owner complaints on record, but three recalls address engine and engine cooling systems. This suggests potential issues with overheating or coolant leaks that were corrected via recall, but no real-world failures have been reported.
One recall for fuel delivery, which could involve fuel pump or line issues. Without owner complaints, the actual failure pattern is unknown, but the recall indicates a known defect.
One recall for door latches, which could cause doors to open unexpectedly. No complaints filed, so the real-world impact is unclear.
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,302
- 02POWER TRAIN2,213
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,435
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,193
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER832
Owners report loud knocking noises and loss of power at low mileage, often requiring complete engine replacement. Some incidents occur without warning lights, making them unpredictable.
Transmission fluid lines fail suddenly, causing rapid fluid loss and potential loss of drive. Owners report no warnings before failure, and some incidents happen while towing.
High-voltage battery faults in EV models cause loss of vehicle control. Other electrical issues include random shutdowns and warning light malfunctions, often requiring multiple dealer visits.
Brake failures are reported, sometimes linked to electrical system faults. Owners experience loss of braking power or unexpected brake application, posing a safety risk.
“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 745li — 7 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2005-2008 745i, 745Li, 750i, 750Li, 760i, 760Li, and B7 Alpina vehicles equipped with both the Comfort Access and Soft Close Automatic options. In these vehicles, the doors may appear to be closed and latched, but, in fact, may inadvertently open.
The risk: The door may unexpectedly open due to road or driving conditions or occupant contact with the door. The sudden opening may result in occupant ejection or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the door latch system, free of charge. The recall began February 8, 2018. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
The defect: BMW is recalling certain model year 2005-2008 7-Series vehicles, equipped with the Comfort Access option, and manufactured August 23, 2004, through July 24, 2008. The affected vehicles have an electronic key and an electronic connection between the gear shifter and the transmission (shift-by-wire)…
The risk: If the driver exits the vehicle with the transmission in Neutral and the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle may rollaway. Unattended rollaway incidents often result in a crash or cause injury to pedestrians attempting to stop or ent…
The fix: BMW will notify owners beginning in November 2012. The remedy became available in March 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
The defect: BMW is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 7-Series vehicles, equipped with both Comfort Access and Soft Close Automatic options, and manufactured August 23, 2004, through September 3, 2007. Due to a software problem, the doors may appear to be closed and latched, but, in fact, may inadvertently…
The risk: The door may unexpectedly open due to road or driving conditions or occupant contact with the door. The sudden opening may result in occupant ejection or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners and dealers will update software. The recall began on December 12, 2012. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE ENGINE OIL FILTER DRAIN PLUG MAY BE INSUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED. THIS COULD LEAD TO LOOSENING OF THE PLUG CAUSING AN INITIAL OIL SPRAY AND A SUBSEQUENT OIL LEAK.
The risk: IF A LARGE AMOUNT OF OIL LOSS OCCURS, ENGINE DAMAGE MAY RESULT. DEPENDING ON THE EXTENT OF THE DAMAGE, A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TORQUE OF THE OIL FILTER DRAIN PLUG AND, IF NECESSARY, RETIGHTEN THE DRAIN PLUG WITH THE CORRECTLY SPECIFIED TORQUE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
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 745li or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The BMW 745li has zero complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages 777.6 complaints per year. In practice, the BMW is far less likely to leave you stranded or require major repairs, but the Silverado's high complaint volume indicates a much higher risk of serious mechanical and safety issues.
Key differences
- BMW has zero owner complaints; Silverado has thousands, including engine failures at low mileage.
- Silverado has 225 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths; BMW has none.
- Silverado's transmission fluid lines can rupture without warning; BMW has no such reports.
- Silverado's electrical system can cause sudden loss of control; BMW's recalls are for cooling and latches.
- Check that all seven recalls have been completed, especially engine cooling and door latch recalls.
- Inspect the fuel delivery system for any signs of leaks or previous repairs.
- Listen for engine knocking or rattling noises, which may indicate imminent engine failure.
- Check transmission fluid lines for leaks or damage, as they can rupture without warning.
Before you buy
- Obtain the VIN and check NHTSA recall status for both vehicles.
- For the Silverado, request service records for engine, transmission, and electrical repairs.
- Test drive the Silverado at highway speeds and listen for unusual engine or transmission noises.
- For the BMW, verify all recall repairs were performed by a dealer.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the Silverado's brake system and electrical components.
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 745li or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW 745li vs Chevrolet Silverado
- BMW 745li total complaints
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 7,776
- BMW 745li total recalls
- 7
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- BMW 745li avg complaints/year
- 0.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 777.6
- More reliable overall
- BMW 745li
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE