Head-to-head reliability
BMW I3 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the BMW I3 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 I3 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The I3 averages 29.4 complaints per year over 8 years, while the Silverado averages 822.7 per year over 10 years. The I3 has 16 recalls and 11 crash-related complaints; the Silverado has 101 recalls and 233 crash-related complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW I3 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW I3
The BMW I3 is a small electric hatchback with an optional range extender. Over 8 years, it has averaged about 29 complaints per year, with steering, structure, and electrical issues being the most common. Owners report software bugs causing steering pull, a delaminating carbon-fiber roof that can leak, and sudden power loss in range-extender models. These are not just minor annoyances—some can affect safety and require costly repairs.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup available with various engines. It has averaged about 823 complaints per year over 10 years, with engine, power train, and electrical problems dominating. Owners describe severe issues like engine shutdowns while driving, sudden loss of braking, and transmission failures even on new trucks. The high volume of complaints and recalls suggests that many owners experience significant reliability problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW I3 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 235 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 16 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 11 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 29.4 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 8 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 I3
- 01STEERING55
- 02STRUCTURE43
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM38
- 04POWER TRAIN31
- 05AIR BAGS26
Owners report the steering pulling hard to the left every few weeks, requiring constant correction. Some were told it was a software bug fixed under warranty, but others had recurring issues. This can make the car tiring and potentially dangerous to drive.
The carbon-fiber roof can delaminate and separate, causing leaks and risking pieces flying off while driving. Owners say BMW often does not address the problem, leaving them with an expensive repair.
Complaints include plastic particles blowing from vents and the car suddenly shutting down on the highway. These failures can leave you stranded and may require dealer diagnosis.
In range-extender models, the car can lose power without warning when the gas engine turns on, especially at low battery. This sudden loss of propulsion is dangerous in traffic.
“Previously reported a steering incident no. 11438343. Dealer indidicated that there was a "bug in the software" and that the car would be entitled to a one time fix under extended warranty. Dealership worked on the issue and completed the warranty repair on 1…”
“EVERY 3 TO 21 DAYS, MY STEERING PULLS HARD TO THE LEFT. THIS OCCURS ON FLAT ROADS ON DRY PAVEMENT. I HAVE TO PULL THE STEERING WHEEL HARD TO THE RIGHT TO KEEP THE VEHICLE GOING STRAIGHT AT CITY DRIVING SPEEDS (0-35 MPH). ON ONE OCCASION THIS OCCURRED WHILE ON…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of new Silverados report engine shutdowns while driving, requiring a restart, and diesel models suffer from repeated excessive soot accumulation in the particulate filter. These issues can leave you stranded and lead to costly repairs.
Transmission problems include sudden shifting into neutral and loss of power, even at low speeds. Some trucks with very low mileage have experienced complete failure, raising concerns about long-term durability.
Complaints describe sudden loss of braking assist and the engine shutting off while driving, with messages like 'Return to Neutral' appearing. These electrical glitches can compromise safety and are hard to diagnose.
Owners report the brake pedal becoming firm with reduced braking power, making it hard to stop. This can happen without warning and may be linked to electrical or brake booster failures.
“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 I3 — 16 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2018 BMW i3 electric and hybrid electric vehicles. Unbelted, small adult, drivers may be at a higher risk of neck injury in the event of a frontal crash. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Sta…
The risk: During a frontal impact, unbelted, small adult, drivers could be at a higher risk of neck injury.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the Driver air bag control unit software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 8, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at the dedicated i3 recall number 1-855-269-…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2017 i3 REx hybrid electric vehicles. The fuel tank vent line may rub against the ribbed wire protection sleeve of the battery positive (B+) cable, creating a hole in the vent line and causing a fuel vapor leak.
The risk: A fuel vapor leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel vent line, replacing it as necessary, and install a clip to prevent it from chafing, free of charge. The recall beganApril 3, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2018 BMW i3 electric and hybrid electric vehicles. Unbelted, small adult, drivers may be at a higher risk of neck injury in the event of a frontal crash. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Sta…
The risk: During a frontal impact, unbelted, small adult, drivers could be at a higher risk of neck injury.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the Driver air bag control unit software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 8, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at the dedicated i3 recall number 1-855-269-…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2017 i3 REx hybrid electric vehicles. The fuel tank vent line may rub against the ribbed wire protection sleeve of the battery positive (B+) cable, creating a hole in the vent line and causing a fuel vapor leak.
The risk: A fuel vapor leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel vent line, replacing it as necessary, and install a clip to prevent it from chafing, free of charge. The recall beganApril 3, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-…
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 I3 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The BMW I3 has far fewer complaints per year (about 29) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823). In practice, this means you are much less likely to encounter frequent repair visits with the I3, but when problems do occur, they can be serious, like roof delamination or power loss. The Silverado's higher complaint rate suggests a wider range of issues that could affect daily use.
Key differences
- The BMW I3 averages about 29 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages about 823, a huge difference in reported problem frequency.
- I3 owners frequently report steering pull and roof delamination, whereas Silverado owners report engine shutdowns and brake loss.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls over 10 years, compared to 16 for the I3, indicating more widespread safety fixes.
- I3 complaints often involve unique electric-vehicle components like the range extender and carbon-fiber roof, while Silverado complaints center on traditional engine, transmission, and brake systems.
- Check the roof for any signs of delamination, bubbling, or separation, especially around the edges and seams.
- Test drive at various speeds and on flat roads to feel for any steering pull to the left; ask if the steering software has been updated.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any hesitation, rough shifting, or sudden loss of power; also check for warning messages about the transmission or engine.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including emergency stops, to ensure the pedal feels normal and braking is consistent; look for any electrical glitches like flickering screens.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for outstanding recalls on the NHTSA website.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the specific problem areas: for the I3, focus on steering, roof, and electrical system; for the Silverado, focus on engine, transmission, and brakes.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and whether any software updates or warranty repairs have been performed.
- During the test drive, simulate various driving conditions: for the I3, include low-speed turns and highway driving; for the Silverado, include stop-and-go traffic and braking from higher speeds.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a specialist familiar with the model, as some issues like roof delamination or transmission problems may not be obvious in a short drive.
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 I3 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 0 | 961 |
| 2020 | 0 | 868 |
| 2019 | 26 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 28 | 597 |
| 2017 | 52 | 1154 |
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 I3 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW I3 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- BMW I3 total complaints
- 235
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- BMW I3 total recalls
- 16
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- BMW I3 avg complaints/year
- 29.4
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- BMW I3
- BMW I3 top complaint area
- STEERING
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE