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 750I has 32 complaints over 10 years (3.2/year) and 5 recalls, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints (822.7/year) and 101 recalls. The Silverado also has 233 crash-related complaints and 160 injuries, versus 1 each for the BMW. 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 with a relatively low complaint volume—32 over 10 years—but the pattern shows recurring, expensive problems. Owners report engine issues like failed grill shutter actuators and repeated VANOS solenoid and valve cover replacements, plus power train problems such as front differential carrier bearing failure. Electrical gremlins, including water intrusion that disables the brake modulator, add to ownership risk. With only 5 recalls and 1 crash-related complaint, it's not a high-volume problem car, but the repairs that do occur can be costly and persistent.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a massive complaint volume—8,227 over 10 years—and a wide range of serious issues. Owners frequently report engine problems like rough running and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation, power train failures such as sudden neutral engagement, and electrical faults that can cause engine shutdown or brake loss. Brake complaints are also common, with reports of sudden loss of braking effectiveness. With 101 recalls and 233 crash-related complaints, the Silverado's ownership experience includes many safety-related failures.
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 | 32 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 5 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 3.2 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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 750I
- 01ENGINE11
- 02POWER TRAIN8
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM4
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER4
- 05WHEELS3
Owners report failed grill shutter actuators (upper and lower) and repeated VANOS solenoid and valve cover replacements, sometimes three times in seven months. These can cause rough starts, drivetrain malfunctions, and expensive repairs, especially after warranty expires.
A common complaint is front differential carrier bearing failure, which can lead to noise, vibration, and costly drivetrain repairs. This is a significant concern for a luxury sedan where repairs are already expensive.
Water can enter the brake modulator enclosure, causing it to shut down all braking functions. Another report describes the engine shutting off independently with an overheating warning, leaving the driver stranded.
Owners report broken rear wheel rims and bulging front tires, suggesting possible wheel or tire defects that can affect safety and require immediate replacement.
“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
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of newer Silverados report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start.' Diesel models experience repeated diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events, requiring dealer service.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral while driving slowly uphill, causing loss of power. This can be dangerous in traffic and may indicate transmission or software issues.
Reports describe sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power, as well as engine shut-off while driving. These electrical faults can disable critical safety systems.
Owners report severe loss of braking effectiveness, sometimes accompanied by the vehicle shutting off completely. This is a major safety concern that requires immediate attention.
“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 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 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…
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.
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 750I or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The BMW 750I has far fewer complaints per year (3.2 vs. 822.7) and fewer recalls (5 vs. 101), but its issues tend to be expensive luxury-car repairs. The Silverado's much higher volume means more frequent and varied problems, including serious safety-related failures like brake loss and engine shutdown. In practice, the BMW may be less likely to leave you stranded, but when it breaks, it can cost more.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: BMW 750I has 32 complaints over 10 years; Silverado has 8,227, meaning Silverado owners report problems far more often.
- Safety-related failures: Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints and 160 injuries; BMW has 1 crash-related and 1 injury, though both have serious brake and engine issues.
- Recalls: Silverado has 101 recalls vs. BMW's 5, indicating more widespread safety defects addressed by the manufacturer.
- Common failure types: BMW issues often involve engine actuators, VANOS solenoids, and differential bearings; Silverado issues include engine shutdown, transmission neutral drops, and brake loss.
- Check for rough starts, drivetrain malfunction warnings, and service records for VANOS solenoid or valve cover replacements.
- Inspect for water intrusion around the brake modulator and test all electrical functions, especially after rain or washing.
- Test drive at low speeds and uphill to check for sudden neutral engagement or transmission hesitation.
- Verify that all recalls are completed, especially for fuel pump, brakes, and forward collision avoidance, and check for any engine shutdown or brake loss symptoms.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic who specializes in the specific make and model.
- For the BMW, ask for records of engine, power train, and electrical repairs, and check for active warranties.
- For the Silverado, test drive extensively, including highway and stop-and-go traffic, and check for brake and transmission issues.
- Budget for potential repairs: BMW parts and labor are typically more expensive, while Silverado may have more frequent but sometimes less costly fixes.
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 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 2 | 961 |
| 2020 | 0 | 868 |
| 2019 | 0 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 0 | 597 |
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
- 32
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- BMW 750I total recalls
- 5
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- BMW 750I avg complaints/year
- 3.2
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- BMW 750I
- BMW 750I top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE