Head-to-head reliability
BMW F 650 GS vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the BMW F 650 GS 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 F 650 GS vs Chevrolet Silverado: The BMW has 9 complaints over 10 years (0.9/year) and 0 crash-related, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints (822.7/year) and 233 crash-related. BMW owners report fuel pump controller failures and tank cracks; Silverado owners report engine shutdowns and brake loss. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW F 650 GS or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW F 650 GS
The BMW F 650 GS is a dual-sport motorcycle with a relatively low complaint rate: 9 complaints over 10 years, averaging 0.9 per year. Owners report recurring fuel system issues, particularly fuel pump controller failures and fuel tank cracking, which can cause stalling and fuel odors. There are also complaints about headlight reflector degradation that reduces nighttime visibility. With 8 recalls but no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths in the data, it appears to be a machine that demands attention to fuel and lighting systems but is not associated with severe safety outcomes in this dataset.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a very high complaint volume: 8,227 complaints over 10 years, averaging 822.7 per year. Owners report serious issues including engine shutdowns, transmission problems, brake failures, and electrical glitches, with 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths. The data shows 101 recalls covering fuel pumps, brakes, and driver assistance systems. This suggests that while the Silverado is popular, it has a wide range of reported reliability and safety problems that buyers should investigate carefully.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW F 650 GS | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 9 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 8 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.9 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 F 650 GS
- 01FUEL SYSTEM3
- 02GASOLINE3
- 03FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM2
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING2
- 05ENGINE2
Owners report fuel pump controller failures about twice per year, requiring repeated replacement. They also describe fuel tank cracking, especially on the left and right sides, leading to gasoline odors while riding. These issues can cause stalling and potential fire hazards, so a buyer should check for fuel smells and tank condition.
Complaints under 'Gasoline' mirror the fuel system issues: fuel pump controller failures and fuel tank cracks. The recurring nature means owners may face ongoing repair costs. A buyer should ask for service records and inspect the tank for hairline cracks.
Owners report engine stalling at speed, such as when slowing from 65 mph to 50 mph and disengaging the clutch. Another complaint notes extensive hairline cracks on the fuel tank. Stalling can be dangerous in traffic, so a test ride should include varied speeds and clutch use.
The headlight reflector's reflective coating peels or burns, dramatically reducing nighttime illumination. Owners describe this as an unsafe riding situation after dark. A buyer should inspect the headlight for dullness or flaking and test the light output.
“THIS COMPONENT HAD FAILED MULTIPLE TIMES ON THIS VEHICLE (ABOUT TWICE PER YEAR) SINCE NEW. THE COMPONENT THAT IS REPLACED EACH TIME HAS BEEN THE FUEL PUMP CONTROLLER (SMALL ELECTRONIC DEVICE MOUNTED ON TOP OF THE FUEL TANK). I AM ABOUT TO PURCHASE MY FOURTH O…”
“SMELLING GAS BEHIND ME WHEN I RIDE. I HAVE A BMW F650GS WITH UNDER SEAT TANK - I NOTICED BOTH RIDE AND LEFT SIDE OF THE SIDES OF THE TANK ARE CRACKING. TANK SEEMS TO BE PLASTIC AND THERE IS A U SHAPED CUT THAT RUNS DOWN BOTH SIDES. THERE SEEMS TO BE A SPLIT O…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start.' Others describe diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events requiring dealer service. These can leave a driver stranded or cause loss of power, so a buyer should check for recall repairs and scan for stored codes.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral and engine shutdowns. One owner reported the vehicle going into neutral while driving slowly uphill in a parking garage. Such behavior can be dangerous in traffic, so a thorough test drive should include low-speed maneuvers and gear changes.
Owners describe sudden loss of normal braking, with a firm brake pedal but reduced braking effect, as well as engine shut-offs and blank screens. These electrical glitches can affect critical systems. A buyer should have a mechanic check for fault codes and test all electronics.
Complaints include severe loss of braking shortly after starting a trip, and complete shutdowns where the truck would not accelerate. Brake issues are a major safety concern. A pre-purchase inspection should include a brake system check and a test of emergency stopping.
“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 F 650 GS — 8 recalls
The defect: BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 AND 2009 F650 GS AND F 800 GS MOTORCYCLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 27, 2007 THROUGH MARCH 30, 2009. THE DRIVE CHAINS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PRODUCED TO SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, OVER TIME THE DRIVE CHAIN COULD BREAK.
The risk: IF THE BROKEN CHAIN BECOMES TRAPPED BETWEEN THE REAR WHEEL AND THE FRAME, THE REAR WHEEL COULD LOCK UP, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
The fix: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVE CHAIN AND SPROCKETS ON THE AFFECTED MOTORCYCLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 30, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2010 F650 GS AND F800 GS MOTORCYCLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY 2008 AND DECEMBER 2009. DURING ENGINE OPERATION, A VACUUM IS CREATED IN ORDER TO DRAW FRESH AIR INTO THE CANISTER. THIS AIR THEN MIXES WITH THE FUEL VAPORS CAPTURED BY THE CANISTER, AN…
The risk: WATER COULD FLOW INTO THE CANISTER CAUSING A STALLING CONDITION INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND ADD AN ADDITIONAL HOSE AND ROUTE IT SUCH THAT THE PRESENT DEFECT IS PREVENTED. THIS REMEDY WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 13, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
The defect: BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN 2008 THROUGH 2010 F 650 GS MOTORCYCLES MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 11, 2008, THROUGH DECEMBER 8, 2009. A WASHER MAY INTERFERE WITH THE FRONT DISC BRAKE FASTENERS' TORQUE. AS A RESULT, OVER TIME, A FASTENER OR MUTIPLE FASTENERS COULD BECOME LOOSE, ALLOWING THE BRAKE DISC TO BE…
The risk: A LOOSE BRAKE DISC MAY INTERFERE WITH PROPER BRAKING PERFORMANCE AND MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 13, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW IS RECALLING 373 MY 2008 F650 GS MOTORCYCLES. DUE TO PRODUCTION AND ASSEMBLY TOLERANCES, THE LENGTH OF ONE OR MORE OF THE FRONT BRAKE DISC FASTENERS MAY BE INSUFFICIENT. IF THE LENGTH OF A FASTENER WAS INSUFFICIENT, THIS COULD RESULT IN THE FASTENER NOT BEING TIGHTENED ACCORDING TO SPECIFICATIO…
The risk: IF THIS HAPPENED, THE FASTENER COULD WORK LOOSE FROM ITS THREADS. IN SOME CASES INVOLVING MULTIPLE FASTENERS, THE BRAKE DISC COULD LOOSEN, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE BRAKE DISC FASTENERS AND REPLACE THEM WITH NEW LONGER FASTENERS. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
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 F 650 GS or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The BMW F 650 GS has far fewer issues per year (0.9 complaints) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (822.7 complaints). In practice, the BMW owner may deal with recurring fuel and lighting problems, while the Silverado owner faces a much higher likelihood of engine, transmission, brake, and electrical failures, including crashes and injuries. The difference means the BMW is a simpler machine with fewer reported safety incidents, but both require careful inspection.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: BMW F 650 GS averages 0.9 complaints per year; Chevrolet Silverado averages 822.7 per year, a massive difference in reported problems.
- Safety outcomes: BMW has 0 crash-related complaints, 0 injuries, 0 deaths; Silverado has 233 crash-related, 160 injuries, 3 deaths.
- Primary failure patterns: BMW owners report fuel pump controller failures and fuel tank cracks; Silverado owners report engine shutdowns, transmission issues, brake loss, and electrical glitches.
- Recalls: BMW has 8 recalls (power train, brakes, engine cooling); Silverado has 101 recalls (fuel pump, brakes, driver assistance, tires).
- Check the fuel tank for hairline cracks, especially on the left and right sides, and smell for gasoline odors.
- Inspect the headlight reflector for peeling or darkening, and test nighttime visibility.
- Look for signs of engine shutdowns or electrical glitches, such as warning messages or stored fault codes.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for any loss of braking power or unusual pedal feel.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed.
- For the BMW, inspect the fuel tank for cracks and check the fuel pump controller service history.
- For the Silverado, have a mechanic scan for engine, transmission, and brake fault codes.
- Take a test ride or drive that includes highway speeds, low-speed maneuvers, and braking.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and specifically inquire about any recurring fuel, engine, or electrical issues.
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 F 650 GS or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW F 650 GS vs Chevrolet Silverado
- BMW F 650 GS total complaints
- 9
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- BMW F 650 GS total recalls
- 8
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- BMW F 650 GS avg complaints/year
- 0.9
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- BMW F 650 GS
- BMW F 650 GS top complaint area
- FUEL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE