Head-to-head reliability
BMW 750I vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the BMW 750I 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 750i vs Chevrolet Silverado: The BMW has 30 complaints and 5 recalls over 10 years, while the Silverado has 4,261 complaints and 99 recalls. Engine and powertrain issues dominate both, but the Silverado's higher frequency suggests more risk. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW 750I or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW 750I
The BMW 750i is a luxury sedan that, in ownership terms, demands attention to its complex systems. Over 10 years, owners filed 30 complaints (3.0 per year), with the engine and powertrain dominating. The pattern suggests a vehicle that can be rewarding but requires meticulous maintenance and may have recurring issues with engine components and drivetrain reliability.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume: 4,261 complaints over 10 years (426.1 per year). Engine, powertrain, and electrical issues are frequent, and there are 99 recalls. Owners report serious failures like engine knocking and transmission fluid leaks, indicating that while it's a workhorse, it has significant reliability concerns that could affect daily use and safety.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW 750I | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 30 Better | 4,261 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 5 Better | 99 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 104 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 3.0 Better | 426.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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 750I
- 01ENGINE11
- 02POWER TRAIN7
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER4
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3
- 05WHEELS3
Owners report recurring drivetrain malfunctions causing rough starts and highway issues, with VANOS solenoids and valve covers replaced multiple times. Also, active air flap actuators for the radiator grill have been subject to a warranty extension, indicating a known weakness.
The same drivetrain malfunction issues appear, with rough starts and loss of power while driving. One owner described white smoke obstructing vision, which could be a serious safety concern.
Moisture entered the brake modulator enclosure, causing it to shut down all functions of the car. Another owner reported a defective wire harness causing the check engine light to stay on, suggesting electrical gremlins that can affect critical systems.
A broken rear wheel rim and bulging front tires were reported, with the owner noting similar issues on friends' cars, hinting at a possible wheel or tire defect.
“There are two grill shutter actuators. One for the upper and one for the lower. Different part numbers. NHTSA issued a TSB for N63R in 2019: MC-10160279-9999 (G12 (N63R)/G30 (B58M) RADIATOR GRILL UPPER AND LOWER ACTIVE AIR FLAPS: LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO…”
“BMW 2013 750LI DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION RE-OCCURRING CAUSING ROUGH START AND WHILE DRIVING HIGHWAY 485 VANOS SOLENOIDS & VALVE COVERS HAVE BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES WITHIN 7 MONTHS ON MY VEHICLE THAT HAS 22,000 MILES. MY FULL SERVICE WARRANTY IS GOING TO EXPIRE…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,384
- 02POWER TRAIN1,244
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM754
- 04SERVICE BRAKES642
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER438
Diesel particulate filter (DPF) excessive soot accumulation occurred repeatedly, requiring dealer intervention. Another owner reported a loud knocking noise leading to complete engine replacement, with no warning lights, which is alarming for a new truck.
Transmission fluid line failure at highway speed caused rapid fluid leak and potential loss of drive. Another incident involved sudden transmission failure while towing, leaving the driver stranded.
Multiple visits to the dealership for ongoing issues, including warning messages for traction control and brake system failure while parked. This suggests intermittent electrical problems that can affect safety systems.
Brake system failure warnings appeared, and in one case, the vehicle displayed traction control and brake failure messages, indicating potential brake system malfunctions that could compromise stopping ability.
“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 750I — 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 2020 750i xDrive, 2019 M850i xDrive Coupe, M850i xDrive Convertible, X5 xDrive50i, X7 xDrive50i, and M5 vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may not have been properly attached to the engine, which may cause the fuel pump flange to crack, result…
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pumps, free of charge. The recall began August 27, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 BMW 550i, 550i xDrive, 550i Gran Turismo, 550i Gran Turismo xDrive, 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, ActiveHybrid7, MINI Cooper S Convertible, John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertible, Co…
The risk: If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric auxiliary water pump, free of charge. Depending on the model, there are currently limited parts available, however not all parts are available at this time. Owners will be notif…
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 750I or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The BMW 750i has far fewer complaints per year (3.0 vs 426.1) and fewer recalls (5 vs 99), suggesting a lower frequency of reported issues. However, the Silverado's problems are more numerous and include serious safety-related failures, so in practice, the BMW may offer a more predictable ownership experience, though its issues are still significant.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: BMW 30 vs Silverado 4,261 over 10 years.
- Recalls: BMW 5 vs Silverado 99.
- Engine issues: BMW has recurring VANOS and valve cover problems; Silverado has DPF and engine knocking leading to replacement.
- Safety-related: Silverado has more crash/injury reports (104/74) vs BMW (1/1).
- Inspect for engine rough starts and check VANOS solenoid and valve cover condition, as they've been replaced multiple times.
- Check for moisture in the brake modulator area, which can cause total loss of braking function.
- Look for signs of DPF soot accumulation and ask about service history for that issue.
- Check transmission fluid lines for leaks and ensure no warning lights for brakes or traction control appear.
Before you buy
- Get a pre-purchase inspection by a specialist for the BMW, focusing on engine and electrical systems.
- For the Silverado, check the DPF service records and ask about any engine knocking or transmission issues.
- Review the recall history and ensure all recalls have been performed on both vehicles.
- Test drive both vehicles under various conditions, including highway speeds, to detect any drivetrain or brake anomalies.
- Consider purchasing an extended warranty, especially for the Silverado, given its higher complaint rate.
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 750I | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | 0 | 905 |
| 2020 | 0 | 821 |
| 2019 | 0 | 1968 |
| 2018 | 0 | 0 |
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 750I or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW 750I vs Chevrolet Silverado
- BMW 750I total complaints
- 30
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 4,261
- BMW 750I total recalls
- 5
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 99
- BMW 750I avg complaints/year
- 3.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 426.1
- More reliable overall
- BMW 750I
- BMW 750I top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE