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 745li has 0 complaints and 7 recalls over 4 years, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints and 101 recalls over 10 years. The Silverado also reports 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths. 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 is a luxury sedan with no owner complaints filed over four years, but it has seven recalls covering engine cooling, fuel delivery, and door latches. The lack of complaints could mean owners are not reporting issues, or that problems are addressed through recalls. For a buyer, this means fewer documented day-to-day failures, but you should still verify that all recall work has been completed.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a high volume of owner complaints—over 8,000 in ten years—and 101 recalls. The most common trouble spots are the engine, power train, electrical system, and brakes, with reports of sudden engine shutdowns, transmission failures, and braking problems. These are not just minor annoyances; some complaints describe dangerous situations while driving.
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 | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 7 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.0 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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 745li
No component data available.
Recalls exist for engine and engine cooling issues, but no specific owner complaints are on record. This suggests potential overheating or cooling failures that could lead to costly repairs if not addressed.
A recall for fuel delivery indicates possible problems with fuel pump or delivery module, which could cause stalling or failure to start. Buyers should confirm this recall was fixed.
A door latch recall means doors might not latch securely, posing a risk of opening while driving. This is a safety concern that should be remedied before purchase.
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report severe engine problems, including a 6.2L motor that failed shortly after purchase and a Duramax diesel with repeated excessive soot accumulation in the particulate filter. These can lead to breakdowns and expensive repairs.
Complaints describe the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral or losing power while driving, even at low speeds. This can leave you stranded or cause an accident.
Reports include sudden loss of braking assist and the engine shutting off while driving, with messages like 'Return to Neutral' appearing. These electrical glitches can disable critical safety functions.
Owners describe a firm brake pedal but reduced braking effect, and in some cases the truck completely shuts off during braking attempts. This is a serious safety hazard.
“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 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, DUE TO A SOFTWARE ERROR, A DESYNCHRONIZATION OF THE VALVETRONIC MOTORS FOR ENGINE BANKS I AND II MAY OCCUR. IF THIS OCCURS, THE ENGINE COULD STALL.
The risk: IN THOSE CASES, THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE. DEPENDING ON THE LEVEL OF ENGINE ROUGHNESS, OR STALLING, AS WELL AS TRAFFIC CONDITIONS AND THE DRIVER'S REACTIONS, THIS COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE DIGITAL ENGINE MANAGEMENT CONTROL UNIT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 8, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
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 745li or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The BMW 745li has far fewer complaints per year (0 vs. about 823 for the Silverado) and no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths in the data. The Silverado's high complaint volume and reports of engine shutdowns, brake loss, and transmission failures mean a used Silverado carries a much higher risk of costly and dangerous problems. In practice, the BMW appears less likely to leave you stranded, but its recalls still require attention.
Key differences
- The BMW 745li has zero owner complaints and seven recalls, while the Silverado has over 8,000 complaints and 101 recalls, indicating a much higher rate of reported problems.
- Silverado complaints include serious safety issues like engine shutdowns, brake loss, and transmission failures; the BMW has no such complaint text on record.
- The Silverado's complaints are concentrated in the engine, power train, electrical system, and brakes, whereas the BMW's recalls cover engine cooling, fuel delivery, and door latches.
- The Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths reported, while the BMW has none in these categories.
- Check for any signs of overheating or coolant leaks, as engine cooling recalls are present.
- Test all door latches to ensure they close securely and check for any recall paperwork for fuel delivery issues.
- During a test drive, listen for engine misfires or rough running, and check for diesel particulate filter warning lights on diesel models.
- Test the brakes firmly and watch for any electrical glitches like dashboard warnings or sudden power loss.
Before you buy
- Obtain the VIN and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website for both vehicles.
- Ask for a complete maintenance history, especially for engine, transmission, and brake repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the BMW for cooling system integrity and door latch operation.
- For the Silverado, have a mechanic scan for stored trouble codes and test the brakes and electrical system thoroughly.
- Take an extended test drive that includes highway and stop-and-go traffic to replicate conditions that trigger complaints.
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
- 8,227
- BMW 745li total recalls
- 7
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- BMW 745li avg complaints/year
- 0.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- BMW 745li
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE