Head-to-head reliability
BMW G 650 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the BMW G 650 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 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The G 650 averages 0.9 complaints per year with 1 recall, while the Silverado averages 510.5 complaints per year with 100 recalls. Silverado owners report engine stalls, transmission failures, and brake loss, whereas G 650 issues are less frequent but include stalling and brake problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW G 650 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW G 650
The BMW G 650 is a niche adventure motorcycle with a low complaint rate, averaging under one per year over a decade. Owners report intermittent stalling at idle and occasional brake system failures, which can be unnerving but are not frequent. The single recall and lack of crash or injury reports suggest a generally reliable bike, though the issues that do surface are safety-relevant.
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 serious engine problems, including stalling and loss of power, as well as transmission issues and electrical failures that can affect braking and steering. With over 100 recalls and numerous crashes and injuries, the Silverado shows a pattern of more frequent and severe reliability concerns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW G 650 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 9 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 1 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 G 650
- 01ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING3
- 02SERVICE BRAKES2
- 03HYDRAULIC2
- 04ENGINE2
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1
Owners report the motorcycle randomly shuts off when dropping to idle, and sometimes stalls at speed without warning. The issue can be intermittent, making it hard to diagnose, and has been linked to ethanol in fuel by a dealer.
There are reports of the ABS failing to respond to front brake input on dry roads, and the rear foot brake failing at low speed, forcing the rider to use the emergency hand brake. These brake issues are critical for rider safety.
Brake system hydraulic failures are reported, including the ABS not engaging properly and the rear brake pedal not working, which points to potential issues with brake fluid or hydraulic components.
“MY MOTORCYCLE WILL START AND RUN FOR A WHILE BUT WILL RANDOMLY SHUT OFF WHEN THE ENGINE GETS DOWN TO IDLE. THIS PROBLEM IS NOT PERSISTENT AND SEEMS TO HAPPEN ONE DAY, BE FINE FOR A FEW DAYS, AND THEN ARISE AGAIN. WHEN THE BIKE IS RUNNING AND I 'M UP AT SPEED…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW G650 GS US MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL WITHOUT WARNING. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, IT WOULD NOT IDLE. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO ETHANOL IN THE…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine problems such as sudden loss of motive power while driving, often accompanied by loud pinging noises. Diesel models have experienced repeated diesel particulate filter clogging, requiring dealer service.
Transmission issues include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, which can be dangerous, especially in traffic or on inclines. This has occurred with very low mileage on new trucks.
Electrical failures have led to loss of braking effectiveness and inoperable steering, as reported in one incident at highway speed. These are critical safety systems that can fail without warning.
Brake system failures are reported, including a sudden severe loss of normal braking with a firm pedal, and complete brake failure accompanied by steering loss. These issues pose immediate crash risks.
“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 — 1 recall
The defect: BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007 AND 2008 G 650 X COUNTRY, G 650 X CHALLENGE, AND G650 X MOTO MOTORCYCLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 29, 2006 THROUGH MAY 19, 2008. OVER TIME, THE ROLL GEAR PIN'S MOUNTING ATTACHMENT COULD BREAK.
The risk: IF THIS OCCURS, IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE FOR FRAGMENTS OF THE ATTACHMENT TO BECOME TRAPPED BETWEEN THE DRIVE CHAIN AND THE REAR SPROCKET. THE REAR WHEEL COULD LOCK UP, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ROLL GEAR PIN'S MOUNTING ATTACHMENTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 30, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.
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 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The BMW G 650 has far fewer complaints per year (0.9) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), indicating a much lower rate of reported issues. While the G 650 has some brake and stalling concerns, the Silverado's problems are more frequent and involve critical safety systems, making the G 650 a more reliable choice based on this data.
Key differences
- The Silverado has over 500 times more complaints per year than the G 650, indicating a much higher rate of reported problems.
- Silverado owners report severe safety issues like loss of braking and steering, while G 650 issues are mostly stalling and brake component failures.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls versus 1 for the G 650, suggesting more widespread manufacturing or design problems.
- The G 650 has no reported crashes or injuries, while the Silverado has 117 crashes and 104 injuries, highlighting the severity of its failures.
- Check for idle stalling: test the bike at idle after a warm-up, and ask about any history of stalling or fuel-related issues.
- Inspect the brake system, especially ABS function and rear brake pedal response, as owners have reported failures.
- Look for signs of engine trouble: listen for unusual pinging, check for warning lights, and ask about any stalling or loss of power incidents.
- Test the transmission thoroughly, including slow-speed maneuvers, to ensure it doesn't unexpectedly shift into neutral.
Before you buy
- For the G 650, request service records and ask if the stalling issue has been addressed, possibly with a fuel system cleaning or software update.
- For the Silverado, check the recall status and ensure all open recalls are fixed before purchase.
- Have a mechanic inspect the Silverado's electrical system and brakes, as failures can be intermittent.
- Test drive both vehicles under various conditions, including idle and highway speeds, to feel for any abnormalities.
- Consider an extended warranty for the Silverado given its higher complaint rate and repair costs.
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 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW G 650 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- BMW G 650 total complaints
- 9
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- BMW G 650 total recalls
- 1
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- BMW G 650 avg complaints/year
- 0.9
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- BMW G 650
- BMW G 650 top complaint area
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE