Head-to-head reliability
BMW G 650 GS vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the BMW G 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 G 650 GS vs Chevrolet Silverado: The BMW has 7 complaints over 10 years (0.7/yr) with 3 recalls, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints (510.5/yr) and 100 recalls. BMW issues are mostly engine stalling, whereas Silverado problems include engine, transmission, and brake failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW G 650 GS or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW G 650 GS
The BMW G 650 GS is a niche adventure motorcycle with a low complaint volume, averaging less than one per year over the past decade. Its issues are almost entirely engine-related, with owners reporting stalling at speed, often after a recall repair. This pattern suggests a persistent engine control problem that could affect rideability, though the low frequency and lack of crash reports indicate it's not a common or catastrophic failure.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a high-volume full-size pickup with a much higher complaint rate, averaging over 500 per year. Owners report a wide range of serious issues, including engine failures, transmission problems, electrical glitches, and brake failures, some leading to crashes and injuries. The sheer number of complaints and recalls points to systemic reliability concerns that could affect safety and ownership costs.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW G 650 GS | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 7 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 3 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.7 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 G 650 GS
- 01ENGINE6
- 02POWER TRAIN1
- 03SERVICE BRAKES1
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM1
Owners report the engine stalling at speed, sometimes at 45-70 mph, with no warning. One owner noted the problem persisted even after a recall reprogramming, indicating a potential software or sensor issue that may not be fully resolved.
A 2016 model stalled at 70 mph, which could be dangerous on a highway. This suggests the stalling issue may not be limited to specific model years and could affect the motorcycle's ability to maintain power.
One complaint mentions the motorcycle stalled and could not restart, which could leave the rider without engine braking or power assist. While not a direct brake failure, it highlights a safety concern if the engine dies unexpectedly.
“I BROUGHT MY MOTORCYCLE IN FOR THE RECALL, #15V537 ENGINE CONTROL UNIT SOFTWARE (REPROGRAMMING TO ELIMINATE A HAZARDOUS STALLING PROBLEM) IN OCT 2015. THE REQUIRED REPAIR WAS DONE. THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED THE SAME PROBLEM AFTER APPROXIMATELY TWO WEEKS. I BROUGH…”
“The contact owns a 2014 BMW G 650 GS. The contact stated while riding at approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled at approximately 2,000 RPM. The contact coasted safely to the side of the road and restarted the motorcycle. The contact had to maintain a high…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine issues, including a 6.2L motor failing with low mileage, and diesel particulate filter clogging repeatedly on a 6.6L Duramax. These problems can lead to loss of power and expensive repairs.
Transmission problems are common, with one owner experiencing the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving uphill, which could cause loss of control. This indicates potential transmission control issues.
Electrical failures are frequent, including sudden loss of braking power and a case where the engine made a loud pinging sound, then lost power, brakes, and steering. This suggests electrical gremlins that can affect critical systems.
Brake failures are reported, with one owner experiencing a sudden severe loss of braking effectiveness. Another had a complete loss of braking and steering after an electrical issue, indicating a potential safety-critical defect.
“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 G 650 GS — 3 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 G 650 GS motorcycles manufactured March 8, 2013, to March 2, 2015, and 2013-2014 G 650 GS Sertao motorcycles manufactured March 8, 2013, to May 23, 2014. The affected motorcycles may stall when they are idling and the clutch…
The risk: If the engine stalls, there is an increased risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will install a revised version of the engine control unit software, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or by email at Customer…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 G 650 GS motorcycles manufactured March 8, 2013, to March 2, 2015, and 2013-2014 G 650 GS Sertao motorcycles manufactured March 8, 2013, to May 23, 2014. The affected motorcycles may stall when they are idling and the clutch…
The risk: If the engine stalls, there is an increased risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will install a revised version of the engine control unit software, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or by email at Customer…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 G 650 GS motorcycles manufactured March 8, 2013, to March 2, 2015, and 2013-2014 G 650 GS Sertao motorcycles manufactured March 8, 2013, to May 23, 2014. The affected motorcycles may stall when they are idling and the clutch…
The risk: If the engine stalls, there is an increased risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will install a revised version of the engine control unit software, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or by email at Customer…
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 G 650 GS or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The BMW G 650 GS has far fewer issues per year (0.7 vs 510.5), making it a more reliable choice in terms of complaint frequency. However, the Silverado's problems are more severe and widespread, affecting safety and usability. In practice, the BMW is likely to require less frequent repairs, but the Silverado's issues are more likely to be serious.
Key differences
- The BMW has only 7 complaints in 10 years, while the Silverado has over 5,000, indicating a massive difference in reported reliability.
- BMW issues are almost exclusively engine stalling, whereas Silverado problems span engine, transmission, electrical, and brakes.
- Silverado complaints include crashes and injuries, while BMW has none, suggesting a higher safety risk with the Silverado.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls versus 3 for the BMW, reflecting more widespread manufacturing or design defects.
- Check for any history of engine stalling or recall 15V537; test ride at various speeds to ensure no stalling occurs.
- Inspect the engine control unit and wiring for signs of previous repairs or software updates.
- Look for signs of engine or transmission problems, such as unusual noises, shifting issues, or warning lights.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including sudden stops, and check for any electrical system warning messages.
Before you buy
- For the BMW: verify all recalls are performed, especially the engine software recall, and ask for service records.
- For the Silverado: get a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic, focusing on engine, transmission, and electrical systems.
- Check the NHTSA website for the specific VIN's recall status and complaint history.
- Take a test drive that includes highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic to feel for stalling or transmission issues.
- Consider an extended warranty for the Silverado to cover potential expensive repairs.
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 G 650 GS | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 0 | 934 |
| 2020 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 0 | 591 |
| 2017 | 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 G 650 GS or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW G 650 GS vs Chevrolet Silverado
- BMW G 650 GS total complaints
- 7
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- BMW G 650 GS total recalls
- 3
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- BMW G 650 GS avg complaints/year
- 0.7
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- BMW G 650 GS
- BMW G 650 GS top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE