Head-to-head reliability
BMW I8 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the BMW I8 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 I8 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The i8 averages 1.7 complaints per year over 6 years, while the Silverado averages 510.5 per year over 10 years. The i8 has no crash-related complaints, but the Silverado has 117. The i8's issues are electrical and engine-related, while the Silverado's are engine, powertrain, and brake failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW I8 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW I8
The BMW i8 is a low-volume hybrid sports car that, in ownership terms, is a niche, high-cost vehicle. Its complaint history is sparse, averaging fewer than two per year, but the issues reported are concentrated in the electrical system and engine. Owners describe stalling, hesitation, and suspension collapse, which, while rare, can be alarming and expensive to fix. The recall list touches on the hybrid battery and stability control, so buyers should verify all recall work is done.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a mass-market full-size pickup with a high complaint volume, averaging over 500 per year. The dominant problem areas are the engine, powertrain, and electrical system, with owners reporting engine failures, transmission issues, and sudden loss of braking or power. The recall list is extensive, covering tailgate latches, steering, seat belts, and brake fluid sensors. This pattern suggests a vehicle that, while popular, has frequent and sometimes serious reliability concerns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW I8 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 10 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 6 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1.7 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 I8
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM5
- 02ENGINE3
- 03TIRES1
- 04SUSPENSION1
- 05AIR BAGS1
Owners report electrical gremlins, including warning lights and issues tied to prior damage. One owner described a significant safety issue with the car's electrical system, though the exact symptom is cut off. Another mentioned undisclosed safety-related defects from prior front/right damage, indicating that electrical problems can be exacerbated by accidents.
The hybrid powertrain can stall at highway speeds, with a warning of extreme engine heat. Another owner experienced a delay in acceleration when pulling into traffic, with the car not moving for about three seconds before kicking in. These issues, while intermittent, are serious safety concerns.
One owner reported a rear suspension collapse while driving at only 24,000 miles. BMW issued a service bulletin recommending replacement of both rear suspensions, but owners were not informed. This is a critical safety defect that could lead to loss of control.
“I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding a significant safety issue with my 2015 BMW i8. I purchased the vehicle from United BMW in Alpharetta, Georgia, on [XXX]. At the time of purchase, the car had 25,000 miles and now has 30,000 miles. Recently,…”
“I purchased a 2015 BMW i8 (salvage title) from Parkline Motors. The vehicle history (Carfax) disclosed prior front/right damage, which I accepted. However, the dealership failed to disclose critical safety-related defects associated with that damage. Shortly…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Engine problems are the most common complaint, with owners reporting failures in the 6.2L and 6.6L Duramax diesel engines. One owner experienced a catastrophic failure 750 miles from home, while another had repeated diesel particulate filter clogging events requiring dealer service. These are major, costly repairs.
Transmission issues are frequent, including sudden shifts into neutral while driving uphill, as one owner described with less than 300 miles on the truck. This can leave you stranded or cause a crash.
Several owners report sudden, severe loss of braking effectiveness, with the brake pedal firm but the vehicle not stopping. This is a critical safety issue that has led to crashes and injuries.
Electrical failures can cause a cascade of problems, including loss of motive power, brakes, and steering while driving at highway speeds. One owner heard a loud pinging sound before the vehicle became inoperable.
“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 I8 — 6 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 i8 vehicles manufactured from May 16, 2014, to September 16, 2014. A bolt used to attach a ground cable between the tank and the vehicle chassis may not have been properly welded during manufacturing.
The risk: An inadequate weld of the bolt to the fuel tank could cause a fuel leak. In the presence of an ignition source, a fuel leak could lead to a fire.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel tank if necessary, free of charge. The recall began in November 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 530e iPerformance and X3 xDrive30e and MINI Cooper Countryman All4 SE, 2020 BMW i8, and 2021 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le xDrive and X5 xDrive45e vehicles. Debris may have entered one or more of the hybrid battery cells d…
The risk: The debris could result in a short-circuit, increasing the risk of fire or injury.
The fix: BMW will inspect and, if necessary, replace the battery module free of charge. The remedy is currently being developed. Until the remedy is completed, drivers are instructed to not charge their vehicles. Drivers are instructed to not drive…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2015 i8 vehicles manufactured May 29, 2015, to June 5, 2015. Improperly drilled holes within the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) hydraulic unit may restrict one or more pistons impairing the DSC functions, including braking.
The risk: Impaired DSC functionality may negatively impact vehicle handling and braking and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the DSC hydraulic unit, and replace if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on February 8, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2017 BMW 640i, 640i xDrive, 650i, 650i xDrive, M6, 535i, 535i xDrive, 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, M4, X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, i3, i8, Rolls-Royce Dawn, Mini Clubman Cooper, Clubman Cooper S, Cooper All4, Cooper S All4, Mi…
The risk: If the air bag inflator initiator fails to ignite, the seat-mounted air bag will not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began February 6, 2017. 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 I8 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The BMW i8 has far fewer complaints per year (1.7) compared to the Silverado (510.5), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. However, the i8's problems, though rare, are still serious, and its high repair costs and niche nature mean any issue is a big deal. In practice, the Silverado's sheer volume of complaints suggests a higher likelihood of encountering a problem, but its widespread dealer network and lower repair costs may make fixes easier.
Key differences
- The i8 has 10 complaints over 6 years, while the Silverado has 5,105 over 10 years—a massive difference in reported issues.
- The i8's complaints are mostly electrical and engine, with one suspension collapse; the Silverado's are dominated by engine and powertrain failures, plus brake issues.
- The Silverado has 117 crash-related complaints and 104 injuries, while the i8 has none reported.
- The i8's recalls include the hybrid battery and stability control; the Silverado's recalls cover tailgates, steering, seat belts, and brake sensors.
- Check the rear suspension for signs of wear or previous repair, as a collapse has been reported at low mileage.
- Verify that all recalls, especially those for the traction battery and ESC, have been performed, and ask about any electrical gremlins.
- Inspect the engine and transmission for any signs of previous failures, and ask about the 6.2L or Duramax engine history.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including at low speeds, and check for any warning lights related to the brake system.
Before you buy
- For the i8: get a pre-purchase inspection from a BMW specialist, focusing on the hybrid system and suspension.
- For the Silverado: check the vehicle's recall status and ensure all recalls are completed.
- For the Silverado: ask for service records, especially for engine or transmission work.
- For the i8: verify the Carfax for any accident history, as electrical issues can stem from prior damage.
- For both: take a test drive that includes highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic to feel for any hesitation or braking anomalies.
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 I8 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 | 1992 |
| 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 I8 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW I8 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- BMW I8 total complaints
- 10
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- BMW I8 total recalls
- 6
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- BMW I8 avg complaints/year
- 1.7
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- BMW I8
- BMW I8 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE