Head-to-head reliability
BMW 750li vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the BMW 750li 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 750li vs Chevrolet Silverado: The BMW 750Li had 78 complaints over 10 years (7.8/year) and 13 recalls, while the Silverado had 8,227 complaints (822.7/year) and 101 recalls. The Silverado also had 233 crash-related reports, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths; the BMW had none. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW 750li or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW 750li
The BMW 750Li is a large luxury sedan that can be costly to maintain as it ages. Over 10 years, owners filed 78 complaints, averaging 7.8 per year, with 13 recalls. The most common trouble spots are the engine, power train, electrical system, and fuel system. Reported symptoms include sudden power loss, rough running, smoke, and fuel leaks, which can leave a driver stranded or facing expensive repairs.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup used for work and family duty. In the same 10-year window, it generated 8,227 complaints, about 822.7 per year, plus 101 recalls. The data also shows 233 crash-related reports, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths. Common complaints involve the engine, power train, electrical system, and service brakes, with owners describing stalling, braking loss, and transmission problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW 750li | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 78 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 13 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 7.8 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 750li
- 01ENGINE28
- 02POWER TRAIN19
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM13
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM10
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER8
Owners report the engine malfunctioning while driving, with sudden power loss and violent vibration during acceleration. Some say the car sporadically stops operating with full power, which can be dangerous in traffic. This matters because an engine that cuts out can leave you stranded and lead to costly repairs.
Complaints describe the car vibrating violently and refusing to accelerate when merging onto the highway. Drivers press the accelerator but nothing happens, and a warning message appears. This suggests transmission or drivetrain issues that can affect drivability and safety.
Owners report smoke after AC service and doors that fail to open while parked. These electrical faults can affect basic functions like entry and climate control. They may also indicate wiring or module problems that are hard to diagnose.
Some owners report fuel leaking into the engine, causing smoke under the hood, and oil leaks from seals that create white smoke from the exhaust. These leaks can lead to fire risk and expensive engine damage if not addressed.
“THE ENGINE MALFUNCTIONED IN MY CAR WHILE DRIVING AND IS A SAFETY HAZARD TO MYSELF AND OTHERS ON PUBLIC ROADS WITH MULTIPLE ENGINE PARTS IDENTIFIED BY THE MANUFACTURER TO BE DEFECTIVE. THE CAR SPORADICALLY STOPS OPERATING WITH FULL POWER AND THERE HAVE BEEN SE…”
“WHEN ENTERING THE ON RAMP TO MERGE ONTO THE HIGHWAY. I ACCELERATED TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC AND CAR VIBRATED VIOLENTLY AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. I CONTINUED TO PRESS THE ACCELERATOR BUT NOTHING HAPPENED AND A MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE DISPLAY. NOW, I'M STUCK BETWE…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of newer Silverado models report engine shutdowns while driving, with messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start.' Others describe diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events requiring dealer service. These issues can cause sudden loss of power and repeated shop visits.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly going into neutral while driving slowly uphill, and transmission problems after purchase. This can leave a driver unable to accelerate or move the truck, creating a safety hazard in traffic.
Owners report sudden, severe loss of normal braking, with a firm pedal but reduced braking effect. Others describe the engine shutting off while driving and screens going blank. These electrical faults can disable critical safety systems.
Complaints describe the truck completely shutting off in a parking lot, with no ability to accelerate, and braking problems where the pedal is firm but the truck does not stop normally. Brake issues are especially concerning for a heavy pickup.
“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 750li — 13 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 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 — 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 750li or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The BMW 750Li has far fewer complaints per year (7.8 vs. 822.7) and fewer recalls (13 vs. 101). However, the Silverado's much higher volume of complaints includes 233 crash-related reports, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths, while the BMW data shows none of those. In practice, the BMW may have fewer reported issues overall, but both vehicles have serious reported problems that a buyer should investigate.
Key differences
- The BMW 750Li averages 7.8 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages 822.7 per year, a huge difference in reported problem frequency.
- The Silverado has 233 crash-related reports, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths in the data, while the BMW shows 0 in each category.
- BMW owners report engine power loss, fuel leaks, and electrical smoke; Silverado owners report engine shutdowns, braking loss, and transmission going into neutral.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 13 for the BMW, suggesting more widespread safety-related fixes over the period.
- Check for engine hesitation, vibration, or sudden power loss during a test drive, especially during acceleration or merging.
- Inspect for fuel or oil leaks, smoke under the hood, and any electrical issues like doors not opening or AC-related smoke.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for firm pedal but reduced stopping power, and check for any warning messages about braking or engine shutdown.
- Look for transmission issues such as sudden neutral engagement, and ask about any diesel particulate filter service history on diesel models.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on engine, transmission, brakes, and electrical systems.
- During the test drive, accelerate hard to check for power loss or vibration, and test brakes at low and moderate speeds.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for oil changes, fuel system repairs, and any transmission or brake work.
- For the Silverado, specifically ask about any stalling, braking, or transmission problems and whether the vehicle has been repaired under recall.
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 750li | 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 750li or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW 750li vs Chevrolet Silverado
- BMW 750li total complaints
- 78
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- BMW 750li total recalls
- 13
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- BMW 750li avg complaints/year
- 7.8
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- BMW 750li
- BMW 750li top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE