Head-to-head reliability
BMW 840I vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the BMW 840I 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 840i vs Chevrolet Silverado: The BMW 840i has zero complaints over 7 years, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages 510.5 complaints per year and has 100 recalls. Silverado owners report engine, brake, and electrical failures, whereas the BMW shows no reported issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW 840I or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW 840I
The BMW 840i has a remarkably clean reliability record, with zero complaints, recalls, or safety incidents reported over seven years. This suggests that owners have not encountered any widespread mechanical or electrical issues, making it a low-risk choice for a luxury coupe. However, the absence of data also means there is little to indicate potential long-term trouble spots, so buyers should rely on a thorough independent inspection.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado, in contrast, shows a high volume of owner complaints and recalls, averaging over 500 complaints per year. The most frequent issues involve the engine, powertrain, electrical system, and brakes, with many reports describing sudden loss of power, brake failure, and other safety-critical problems. This pattern indicates that while the Silverado is a popular and capable truck, it has significant reliability and safety concerns that buyers should carefully evaluate.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW 840I | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 0 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.0 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
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 840I
No component data available.
With no complaints on file, there are no specific failure patterns to describe. This absence of data is a positive sign but also means potential issues are unknown.
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine problems, including sudden loss of motive power and excessive soot accumulation in diesel particulate filters, requiring repeated dealer visits. These issues can lead to breakdowns and costly repairs.
Transmission and drivetrain complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, which can be dangerous, especially in traffic or on inclines.
Electrical failures are linked to loss of braking and steering assist, as well as warning lights and other malfunctions. These can compromise vehicle control and safety.
Brake-related complaints describe sudden, severe loss of braking effectiveness even with a firm pedal, which is a critical safety hazard. This may be related to electrical or hydraulic issues.
“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 840I
No recalls on record.
Chevrolet Silverado — 100 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertently…
The risk: An unlatched tailgate may open while driving and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2024. Owners may contact Chevr…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 vehicles. The steering gear shaft may fracture and disconnect from the steering arm.
The risk: A steering arm that disconnects may result in a total loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering gear, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 22, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-4…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra HD 2500, 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertentl…
The risk: An unlatched tailgate may open and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 17, 2024. Owners may contact…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023-2024 GMC Hummer EV pick up, 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV, and 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV vehicles. The left or right front seat belt buckle attachment bolts may not be tightened properly.
The risk: An improperly tightened seat belt buckle may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will tighten the left and right front seat belt buckle attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-833-EVCHEVY (1-833-382-4389) (TTY 711 /…
Buyer analysis
BMW 840I or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The BMW 840i has zero complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages over 500 complaints per year. This stark difference means the BMW is far less likely to experience the kinds of reliability and safety issues that Silverado owners report. For a buyer prioritizing trouble-free ownership, the BMW is the clear choice, but the Silverado's issues are more frequent and severe.
Key differences
- The BMW 840i has zero complaints and recalls, while the Silverado has thousands of complaints and 100 recalls.
- Silverado owners report dangerous failures like sudden loss of power, braking, and steering, whereas the BMW has no such reports.
- The Silverado's engine and powertrain issues are frequent, including diesel particulate filter clogging and transmission malfunctions.
- The BMW's lack of data suggests it is either very reliable or has not been widely reported, but the Silverado's problems are well-documented.
- Since there are no reported issues, inspect the vehicle thoroughly for any signs of wear or prior damage, and check for any open recalls (though none are listed).
- Check for engine-related issues, especially if it's a diesel model, by reviewing service records for DPF filter replacements or engine warning lights.
- Test the brakes and transmission carefully, and look for any electrical system warning messages or intermittent failures.
Before you buy
- For the BMW 840i: obtain a full service history and have a pre-purchase inspection by a BMW specialist to check for any hidden issues.
- For the Chevrolet Silverado: review the vehicle's recall status and ensure all recalls have been addressed.
- For the Silverado: ask about any prior engine or transmission repairs, and test drive at various speeds to check for shifting or power loss.
- For the Silverado: have a mechanic inspect the brake system, including sensors and hydraulic components, for any signs of failure.
- For both: check the NHTSA website for the latest complaints and recalls before finalizing the purchase.
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 840I | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 98 |
| 2025 | 0 | 150 |
| 2024 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 0 | 934 |
| 2020 | 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 840I or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW 840I vs Chevrolet Silverado
- BMW 840I total complaints
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- BMW 840I total recalls
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- BMW 840I avg complaints/year
- 0.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- BMW 840I
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE