Head-to-head reliability
BMW I7 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the BMW I7 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 i7 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The i7 averages 6.3 complaints per year, mostly about sudden braking and electrical glitches, while the Silverado averages 510.5 complaints, with engine and transmission failures common. Both have safety recalls, but the Silverado has more crash reports. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW I7 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW I7
The BMW i7 is a luxury electric sedan that, in owner reports, shows a pattern of advanced driver-assist and brake-by-wire systems acting unpredictably. Complaints describe sudden automatic braking at speed, unintended acceleration in reverse during parking assist, and occasional brake pedal unresponsiveness. These are not just annoyances—they point to potential safety-critical failures in the vehicle's electronic braking and control systems, which could undermine driver confidence.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a high volume of complaints, reflecting its popularity and long production run. Owners report serious engine issues like excessive diesel particulate filter soot buildup and sudden loss of motive power, as well as transmission problems where the truck unexpectedly shifts into neutral. Brake failures, including a firm pedal with reduced stopping power, also appear, making it a vehicle with significant reliability and safety concerns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW I7 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 25 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 19 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 4 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 6.3 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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 I7
- 01SERVICE BRAKES12
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM10
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE9
- 04HYDRAULIC4
- 05ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)4
Owners report the i7 suddenly brakes on its own at normal speeds with no obstacle ahead, and in some cases the brake pedal fails to respond or is occasionally inoperable. This suggests a problem with the electronic brake control module or hydraulic system, which could lead to unexpected stops or an inability to stop.
The electrical system is implicated in unintended acceleration in reverse when parking assist is activated, and also in the phantom braking events. These issues point to software or sensor malfunctions that can cause the car to move without driver intent, a serious safety risk.
Numerous software issues have been reported, including a case where the system did not respond appropriately when a car ahead braked suddenly. Owners also mention the system causing unintended braking, indicating that the collision avoidance sensors or software may be unreliable.
There are reports of the vehicle becoming inoperable while driving, requiring the parking brake to stop, and of brakes failing to respond. This ties to the hydraulic power assist control module, which is also subject to recalls, suggesting a known defect in the braking system.
“I have now experienced multiple instances where the vehicle suddenly brakes on its own while driving at normal speeds, without any obstruction or hazard ahead. This is not only unacceptable — it's extremely dangerous, putting both myself and other drivers at…”
“I have contacted the BMW dealership in Henderson several times about the recall and they do not have a fix from the BMW. I contacted BMW about the issue and filed a complaint with them to offer a solution of replacing the vehicle or return the vehicle for a b…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Engine complaints are numerous, with owners reporting sudden loss of motive power, loud pinging sounds, and excessive soot buildup in diesel particulate filters requiring repeated dealer visits. These issues can leave drivers stranded or cause costly repairs.
Transmission problems include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, especially at low speeds or uphill, which can be dangerous if it happens in traffic. This suggests a defect in the transmission control system.
Electrical issues are linked to severe braking loss, where the brake pedal is firm but braking is ineffective, and to loss of power to brakes and steering. This indicates potential failures in the vehicle's electronic control systems that affect critical functions.
Brake complaints mirror the electrical issues, with sudden loss of normal braking and inoperable brakes at highway speeds. These are safety-critical failures that could lead to crashes.
“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 I7 — 19 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2025 Mini Cooper S, Mini Countryman S All4, X2, 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre, 2023-2025 i7, 7 Series, X7, 2024-2025 i5, 5 Series, 2023-2024 XM, X1, 2024-2025 X6, and X5 vehicles. The integrated brake (IB) system may malfunction and result in a loss o…
The risk: A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle. Additionally, malfunctioning ABS and/or DSC systems can cause a loss of vehicle control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: The Integrated brake system will be inspected and, if necessary, replaced, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 21, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce custo…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2025 Mini Cooper S, Mini Countryman S All4, X2, 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre, 2023-2025 i7, 7 Series, X7, 2024-2025 i5, 5 Series, 2023-2024 XM, X1, 2024-2025 X6, and X5 vehicles. The integrated brake (IB) system may malfunction and result in a loss o…
The risk: A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle. Additionally, malfunctioning ABS and/or DSC systems can cause a loss of vehicle control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: The Integrated brake system will be inspected and, if necessary, replaced, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 21, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce custo…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2023-2025 BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The integrated brake (IB) system may malfunction and result in a loss of power brake assist or cause the Antilock Brake (A…
The risk: A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle. Additionally, malfunctioning ABS and/or DSC systems can cause a loss of vehicle control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed between June and December 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls Royce customer service at 1-877-877…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023-2024 740i, 740i xDrive, 760i xDrive, i7 eDrive50, i7 xDrive60, i7 M70, 2024 750e xDrive, 530i, 530i xDrive, i5 eDrive40, and i5 M60 vehicles. The ground connection to the steering wheel may not have been attached correctly, resulting in an i…
The risk: An inoperative hands-on detection system may fail to detect when the driver's hands are not on the steering wheel and therefore not engage the emergency stopping assistant system, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and reattach the ground connection as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 8, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service 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 I7 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The BMW i7 has far fewer complaints per year (6.3 vs 510.5) and fewer recalls, but its issues are concentrated in safety-critical braking and driver-assist systems. The Silverado's higher volume reflects its popularity, but the sheer number of engine, transmission, and brake failures suggests a higher risk of breakdowns and accidents. In practice, the i7 may be more reliable in terms of frequency, but its failures are just as serious.
Key differences
- The i7's complaints are dominated by electronic braking and driver-assist malfunctions, while the Silverado's are spread across engine, transmission, and brakes.
- The i7 has a much lower complaint rate (6.3/yr) compared to the Silverado (510.5/yr), but both have safety-critical failures.
- The Silverado has a higher number of crash-related complaints (117) and injuries (104) than the i7 (4 crashes, 1 injury), indicating more real-world incidents.
- The i7's recalls focus on brake control modules and ESC, while the Silverado's recalls include tailgate latches and brake fluid sensors, showing different problem areas.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including sudden braking scenarios, to check for unintended automatic braking or pedal unresponsiveness.
- Check for any open recalls related to the brake control module or ESC, and ensure they have been addressed by the dealer.
- Listen for unusual engine noises and check for any warning lights related to the diesel particulate filter or engine performance.
- Test the transmission for smooth shifting, especially at low speeds, to ensure it doesn't unexpectedly slip into neutral.
Before you buy
- For the BMW i7, verify all software updates are current and ask for a history of any brake-related complaints or repairs.
- For the Chevrolet Silverado, request maintenance records for the engine and transmission, and check for any open recalls.
- Take both vehicles for an extended test drive that includes stop-and-go traffic and highway speeds to feel for any braking or shifting anomalies.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the brake systems on both, focusing on the electronic control modules and hydraulic components.
- Check the NHTSA website for the latest recalls and complaints on the specific model year you are considering.
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 I7 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 98 |
| 2025 | 1 | 150 |
| 2024 | 15 | 0 |
| 2023 | 8 | 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 I7 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW I7 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- BMW I7 total complaints
- 25
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- BMW I7 total recalls
- 19
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- BMW I7 avg complaints/year
- 6.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- BMW I7
- BMW I7 top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE