Head-to-head reliability
BMW IX vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the BMW IX 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 IX vs Chevrolet Silverado: The BMW IX has 114 complaints over 5 years (22.8/yr) and 28 recalls, while the Silverado has 5105 complaints over 10 years (510.5/yr) and 100 recalls. The IX's issues are mostly electrical and driver-assist, while the Silverado's are engine and brake related. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW IX or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW IX
The BMW IX, as a luxury electric SUV, shows a reliability pattern centered on its advanced electronics and driver-assist systems. Owners report sudden loss of propulsion, power steering, and braking, as well as instances of unintended acceleration or engagement of cruise control, often in parking situations. These issues point to software and sensor-related failures that can be alarming and potentially dangerous, though they are relatively infrequent given the vehicle's low complaint volume.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado, a mainstream full-size pickup, has a much higher complaint volume, reflecting its widespread use and longer production history. The dominant issues are engine and powertrain problems, including severe engine failures and transmission issues, along with electrical system faults that can lead to loss of braking or power. Brake-related complaints are also notable, with reports of sudden loss of braking effectiveness. These patterns suggest a vehicle that may be less reliable in its core mechanical components, which is critical for a workhorse truck.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW IX | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 114 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 28 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 34 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 22.8 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 19 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 IX
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM33
- 02FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE29
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER20
- 04VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL15
- 05AIR BAGS13
Owners report sudden loss of propulsion, power steering, and braking, sometimes while driving on the freeway, causing the vehicle to shut down and stop in traffic. This is a critical safety issue that can leave drivers stranded or in dangerous situations.
The system can engage unexpectedly, causing the vehicle to accelerate or roll on its own, even when the driver is parking or stopped. This has led to crashes into trees or other objects, indicating a serious malfunction in the driver-assist software.
Unintended acceleration has been reported, particularly during parking maneuvers, where the vehicle suddenly lurches forward despite the driver's input. This is a frightening experience that can result in collisions.
Recalls related to the air bag/restraint control module software suggest potential issues with air bag deployment in a crash, which is a fundamental safety concern.
“On November 16, 2023, I was driving the vehicle in the far left lane of the freeway when, without any warning, the vehicle lost propulsion and would not accelerate. It also lost power assisted steering AND power assisted braking. I had to decelerate with no p…”
“The vehicle automatically lost power, shut down, and came to a complete stop in the middle of the road. During the shut down, I was unable to accelerate, brake, or steer the vehicle to the side of the road to a safe stopping location. The vehicle computer app…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine failures, including complete loss of power while driving, often accompanied by loud noises. Diesel models have issues with diesel particulate filter clogging, requiring frequent dealer visits for regeneration or replacement.
Transmission problems are common, with reports of sudden shifts into neutral or loss of drive while driving, which can be dangerous, especially in traffic or on hills.
Electrical faults can cause a sudden loss of braking and steering, as well as engine power, creating a high-risk situation. These issues may be intermittent and hard to diagnose.
There are reports of sudden, severe loss of braking effectiveness, where the brake pedal feels firm but the vehicle does not stop adequately. This is a critical safety defect that requires immediate attention.
“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 IX — 28 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022-2023 iX xDrive40, iX XDrive50, and iX M60 vehicles. The air bag malfunction indicator light and display message may not illuminate in the event of a problem with the air bag control or pedestrian protection systems, due to incorrect software.
The risk: An air bag malfunction indicator light that fails to warn the driver of a problem increases the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reprogram the air bag control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 13, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022-2023 iX xDrive40, iX xDrive50, iX M60, 2022 i4 eDrive40, and i4 M50 vehicles equipped with hybrid electric powertrains. While in Valet Parking Mode, the Central Information Display (CID) may not display critical safety information, such as w…
The risk: A display that does not show critical information, such as warning messages and/or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the display's head unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 6, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022-2023 iX xDrive50, iX M60, 2022 i4 eDrive40, and i4 M50 vehicles. The high voltage battery may have internal damage, resulting in an electrical short-circuit.
The risk: A short-circuit in a high voltage battery increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive or charge their vehicles, and to park outside and away from structures until the remedy is complete. Dealers will replace the high voltage battery, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informi…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling one 2023 iX M60 hybrid electric vehicle. The transmission final drive gear in the electric drive unit may have an improperly manufactured weld seam.
The risk: The gear weld seam could break, resulting in a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied, and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: A dealer will replace the electric drive unit, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on November 30, 2022. The owner notification letter is expected to be mailed November 28, 202…
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 IX or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The BMW IX has significantly fewer complaints per year (22.8) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. However, the nature of the IX's problems—unexpected loss of control and unintended acceleration—can be more alarming, while the Silverado's issues are more frequent and often involve core mechanical failures. In practice, the IX may offer a more trouble-free ownership experience, but the severity of its potential failures warrants careful consideration.
Key differences
- The BMW IX has far fewer complaints per year (22.8) than the Silverado (510.5), indicating a lower rate of reported issues.
- The IX's problems are concentrated in electrical and driver-assist systems, leading to sudden loss of power or unintended acceleration, while the Silverado's issues are more mechanical, such as engine failures and transmission problems.
- The Silverado has a higher number of recalls (100) compared to the IX (28), but the IX's recalls focus on software and battery thermal management, while the Silverado's include tailgate latches and brake fluid sensors.
- The IX has no reported deaths, while the Silverado has one, but both have crash and injury reports, with the Silverado having more due to higher volume.
- Check for any open recalls related to the electrical system or air bag control module, and ensure software updates are current.
- Test the forward collision avoidance and cruise control systems in a safe area to ensure they do not engage unexpectedly.
- Inspect the engine for any signs of oil leaks or unusual noises, and check the service history for any engine or transmission repairs.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including a sudden stop from highway speed, to ensure there is no loss of braking power.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for any open recalls on both models.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the electrical system and brakes for the IX, and engine and transmission for the Silverado.
- Test drive the vehicle in various conditions, including highway speeds and parking maneuvers, to check for any unexpected behavior.
- Ask for service records and verify that all software updates have been performed, especially for the IX.
- Consider the cost of potential repairs and the availability of parts for each model.
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 IX | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 98 |
| 2025 | 12 | 150 |
| 2024 | 32 | 0 |
| 2023 | 38 | 0 |
| 2022 | 29 | 1340 |
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 IX or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW IX vs Chevrolet Silverado
- BMW IX total complaints
- 114
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- BMW IX total recalls
- 28
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- BMW IX avg complaints/year
- 22.8
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- BMW IX
- BMW IX top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE