Head-to-head reliability
BMW 750xi vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the BMW 750xi 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 750xi vs Chevrolet Silverado: The BMW has 5 complaints over 5 years (1/year) and 3 recalls, with 0 crashes, injuries, or deaths. The Silverado has 8,227 complaints over 10 years (823/year), 101 recalls, 233 crash-related reports, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW 750xi or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW 750xi
The BMW 750xi is a luxury sedan with a low complaint rate: 5 complaints over 5 years (about 1 per year) and 3 recalls, all for exterior lighting. No crashes, injuries, or deaths are reported in this data. Owners describe serious drivetrain and electrical symptoms, including transmission malfunction warnings, power loss, smoke, and a shutdown where the steering went heavy. Living with one means watching for sudden electronic or drivetrain faults, even if the overall complaint count is small.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a very high complaint volume: 8,227 complaints over 10 years (about 823 per year) and 101 recalls. The data includes 233 crash-related reports, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths. Owners report engine and power train problems, electrical shutdowns, and brake issues, often on newer trucks with low mileage. This is a high-volume vehicle with a wide range of reported failures.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW 750xi | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 5 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 3 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1.0 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 750xi
- 01POWER TRAIN3
- 02ENGINE3
- 03STEERING1
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1
- 05FUEL SYSTEM1
Owners report transmission malfunction warnings, check engine lights, smoke from the exhaust, and episodes where the vehicle shook and lost power. These symptoms can leave a driver stranded or unable to accelerate safely.
Complaints include the same transmission warning plus smoke, and one owner reported the vehicle became extremely hot with a burning odor and check engine light. Overheating and burning smells point to potential engine damage if ignored.
One owner described the car coming to a halt in the middle of the street, all power ceasing, and the steering wheel becoming hard to steer. A sudden loss of power steering makes the car very difficult to control at low speed.
The same shutdown incident was also filed under electrical system, with a dealer replacing the battery and voltage regulator, but the problem happened again. Repeated electrical failures can cause stalling and loss of steering assist.
“The contact owns a 2011 BMW 750XI. The contact stated that the transmission malfunction warning message was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, smoke was coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken to the deale…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 750XI. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SHOOK AND LOST POWER. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE RIGHT SI…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of 2026 models report engine problems on new trucks, including a 6.2L that failed during a family trip and a 6.6L Duramax diesel with repeated excessive soot accumulation in the diesel particulate filter. These issues can require dealer repairs and leave the truck undrivable.
Complaints include a new Silverado suddenly going into neutral while driving slowly uphill in a parking garage, and the same 6.2L engine failure report. A truck that shifts into neutral on its own can roll or lose power unexpectedly.
Owners report sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal but poor stopping, and the engine shutting off while driving with messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start'. These electrical faults can disable braking assist and cause the truck to stall in traffic.
The same braking loss was filed under service brakes, and another owner reported the truck completely shut off in a parking lot with all screens blank and no acceleration. Brake and shutdown failures are serious safety concerns.
“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 750xi — 3 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.
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 750xi or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The BMW 750xi has far fewer complaints per year (about 1) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823), and the BMW data shows no crashes, injuries, or deaths while the Silverado data shows 233 crash-related reports, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths. In practice, the BMW appears to have a much lower reported failure rate, but both vehicles have serious reported symptoms that a buyer should inspect carefully.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: BMW 750xi has 5 complaints over 5 years (1/year); Silverado has 8,227 over 10 years (823/year).
- Safety outcomes in data: BMW shows 0 crashes, 0 injuries, 0 deaths; Silverado shows 233 crash-related, 160 injuries, 3 deaths.
- BMW recalls are all exterior lighting; Silverado recalls cover fuel pump, tires, forward collision alerts, and more.
- BMW owners report transmission warnings, power loss, smoke, and a shutdown with hard steering; Silverado owners report engine failures, sudden neutral, brake loss, and engine shutoff while driving.
- Check for transmission malfunction or check engine lights, and any history of smoke from the exhaust, which owners reported.
- Test the steering and electrical system for sudden power loss or hard steering, as one owner experienced a complete shutdown.
- Inspect for engine issues like excessive soot in the diesel particulate filter or rough running on the 6.2L, which owners reported on new trucks.
- Test the brakes and electrical system for sudden loss of braking or engine shutoff while driving, as multiple owners described.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and ask for all recall repairs to be documented, especially for the Silverado's 101 recalls.
- Have a mechanic scan for stored trouble codes related to transmission, engine, and electrical systems on both vehicles.
- Test drive at low speed and in parking lots to check for sudden neutral engagement or stalling, as reported on the Silverado.
- Check the BMW's battery and voltage regulator history, since one owner had a repeat shutdown after replacement.
- For the Silverado, verify the diesel particulate filter service history if equipped with the Duramax, and check for brake system updates.
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 750xi or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW 750xi vs Chevrolet Silverado
- BMW 750xi total complaints
- 5
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- BMW 750xi total recalls
- 3
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- BMW 750xi avg complaints/year
- 1.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- BMW 750xi
- BMW 750xi top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE