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 averages 0.9 complaints per year with no crashes or injuries, while the Silverado averages 510.5 complaints per year, including 117 crashes and 1 death. BMW issues center on fuel system and lighting; Silverado problems span engine, transmission, and brakes. 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 that, in ownership terms, shows a low but persistent complaint rate (about 0.9 per year over 10 years). The pattern centers on fuel system issues, particularly a fuel pump controller that fails repeatedly, and a plastic fuel tank that develops cracks, leading to fuel smells. Lighting problems also appear, with headlight reflectors degrading and reducing night visibility. Overall, it's a machine with specific, recurring weaknesses rather than widespread failures.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a high complaint volume (averaging 510.5 per year over 10 years) and a wide range of reported issues. Engine problems dominate, including stalling, loss of power, and diesel particulate filter clogging, often occurring at low mileage. Powertrain and electrical system complaints are also common, with reports of sudden neutral engagement and braking failures. This suggests a vehicle with significant reliability concerns that could affect safety and usability.
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 | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 8 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.9 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 F 650 GS
- 01FUEL SYSTEM3
- 02GASOLINE3
- 03FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM2
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING2
- 05ENGINE2
Owners report the fuel pump controller fails repeatedly, sometimes twice a year, requiring replacement. This can cause stalling or difficulty starting, leaving you stranded.
The plastic fuel tank develops cracks on both sides, leading to fuel odors and potential leaks. This is a safety hazard and may require tank replacement.
The headlight reflector's reflective coating peels or burns, drastically reducing night illumination. This compromises visibility and safety after dark.
“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
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report sudden loss of power, stalling, and abnormal noises, sometimes at highway speeds. Diesel models face repeated diesel particulate filter clogging, requiring dealer service.
Transmission issues include sudden shifts into neutral while driving, which can be dangerous. This may be linked to electronic control problems.
Electrical failures can cause loss of braking assistance and steering control, as well as warning messages. These are critical safety concerns.
Braking effectiveness can suddenly decrease, with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power. This is a serious safety issue that may be related to electrical or hydraulic problems.
“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 — 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 F 650 GS or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The BMW F 650 GS has far fewer complaints per year (0.9 vs 510.5) and no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths, while the Silverado has many more issues and safety events. In practice, the BMW's problems are more predictable and less frequent, but the Silverado's failures are more severe and widespread.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: BMW averages 0.9 per year vs Silverado's 510.5 per year.
- Safety events: BMW has zero crash-related complaints, injuries, or deaths; Silverado has 117 crashes, 104 injuries, and 1 death.
- Recalls: BMW has 8 recalls over 10 years; Silverado has 100.
- Failure patterns: BMW's issues are concentrated in fuel system and lighting; Silverado's span engine, powertrain, electrical, and brakes.
- Inspect the fuel tank for cracks, especially along the sides, and check for fuel odors.
- Test the headlight output and look for peeling or darkening of the reflector.
- Check for any engine warning lights or history of stalling/loss of power.
- Test the brakes for any unusual pedal feel or reduced stopping power, and ask about transmission behavior.
Before you buy
- For the BMW: ask for service records on fuel pump controller replacements and fuel tank condition.
- For the Silverado: request a diagnostic scan for engine and transmission codes, and check for any open recalls.
- For both: have a mechanic inspect the specific problem areas mentioned.
- For the Silverado: test drive at highway speeds to check for engine noise or power loss.
- For the BMW: ride at night to verify headlight brightness and beam pattern.
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
- 5,105
- BMW F 650 GS total recalls
- 8
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- BMW F 650 GS avg complaints/year
- 0.9
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- BMW F 650 GS
- BMW F 650 GS top complaint area
- FUEL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE