Head-to-head reliability
BMW 760li vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the BMW 760li 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 760li vs Chevrolet Silverado: The BMW 760li has 3 complaints and 19 recalls over 10 years, with 0 crash-related reports. The Chevrolet Silverado has 8,227 complaints, 101 recalls, and 233 crash-related reports. The BMW shows far fewer reported issues per year, but both have notable failure patterns. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW 760li or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW 760li
The BMW 760li is a high-end luxury sedan that, based on NHTSA data, generates very few complaints—only 3 over 10 years—but carries 19 recalls. Owners report serious engine oil consumption that can lead to fire risk, electric water pump failures, and fuel pump issues. Living with one means dealing with potentially expensive repairs and recall hassles, even if breakdowns are rare.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a massive complaint volume: 8,227 over 10 years, plus 101 recalls and 233 crash-related reports. Owners frequently describe engine shutdowns, transmission failures, brake loss, and electrical glitches, often on nearly new trucks. This suggests a pattern of significant reliability and safety problems that buyers should take seriously.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW 760li | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 3 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 19 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.3 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 760li
- 01ENGINE1
- 02POWER TRAIN1
- 03FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM1
Owners report excessive engine oil consumption or burning, which they link to valve stem seal design. This can lead to low oil levels, potential fire hazard, and expensive engine damage if not monitored.
The electric auxiliary water pump can fail, and at least one owner said BMW refused to honor a related recall. A failed pump can cause overheating and leave you stranded.
Owners describe repeated breakdowns and 'drive train malfunction' messages tied to high fuel pump and plug issues. These can cause sudden loss of power and costly repairs.
“BMW 750 I XDRIVE 2011 --EXCESSIVE ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION AND OR BURNING. THE DESIGN OF THE VALVE STEM SEALS IS A MAJOR SAFETY PROBLEM DUE TO EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. THE SAFETY CONCERNS ARE THE FOLLOWING: 1) FIRE HAZARD. 2) PROPERTY DAMAGE AND PERSONAL INJU…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of 2026 Silverados report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start.' Others cite diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These can be dangerous and inconvenient.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral and transmission problems, even at low miles. This can leave you unable to accelerate or move the truck as expected.
Owners report severe loss of braking and engine shut-offs while driving, with screens going blank. These electrical faults can disable critical safety systems.
Some owners describe the brake pedal feeling firm but braking effectiveness severely reduced, leading to near-misses. This is a serious safety concern that needs 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 760li — 19 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2015 BMW 760Li vehicles. The Engine Control Unit (ECU) may have been programmed with incompatible software during a service visit, possibly causing the engine to stall.
The risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: All affected vehicles have been repaired by programming the ECU with the correct software. Therefore, owner letters will not be sent. 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 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 2005-2007 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.
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 760li or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The BMW 760li has far fewer complaints per year (0.3 vs. 822.7) and no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths in the data, while the Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths. In practice, the BMW appears to have a lower frequency of reported problems, but when issues occur they can be costly; the Silverado's much higher complaint volume suggests more frequent and varied problems.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: BMW 760li has 3 complaints over 10 years; Silverado has 8,227, with 233 crash-related and 160 injuries reported.
- Recalls: BMW has 19 recalls; Silverado has 101, covering fuel pumps, brakes, and driver assist warnings.
- Reported failure types: BMW owners cite oil consumption, water pump, and fuel pump issues; Silverado owners report engine shutdowns, transmission failures, brake loss, and electrical glitches.
- Safety outcomes: BMW data shows 0 crashes, injuries, or deaths; Silverado data shows 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths.
- Check for excessive oil consumption or blue exhaust smoke, which owners link to valve stem seal failure and fire risk.
- Test the electric auxiliary water pump and ask if the recall (NHTSA campaign 11V521000) was performed; a failed pump can cause overheating.
- Look for any history of engine shut-offs or 'Return to Neutral' messages, which owners report even at low miles.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for firm pedal but reduced stopping power, and check for electrical glitches like blank screens.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA.gov to see all open recalls for the specific vehicle.
- Ask for complete maintenance records, especially for oil changes and any engine or transmission repairs.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the model, focusing on the reported problem areas.
- For the BMW, check oil level and look for leaks; for the Silverado, scan for stored trouble codes related to engine or brakes.
- Test drive extensively, including highway and stop-and-go traffic, to feel for transmission issues or brake problems.
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 760li or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW 760li vs Chevrolet Silverado
- BMW 760li total complaints
- 3
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- BMW 760li total recalls
- 19
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- BMW 760li avg complaints/year
- 0.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- BMW 760li
- BMW 760li top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE