Head-to-head reliability
BMW K 1300 S vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the BMW K 1300 S 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 K 1300 S vs Chevrolet Silverado: The BMW had 4 complaints and 4 recalls over 10 years, while the Silverado had 8,227 complaints and 101 recalls, with 233 crash-related reports. The BMW's low volume contrasts sharply with the Silverado's high rate. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW K 1300 S or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW K 1300 S
The BMW K 1300 S is a sporty motorcycle with a very low complaint rate—only 4 complaints over 10 years, averaging 0.4 per year. Owners mainly report engine stalling and sudden electrical shutdowns, often requiring a key cycle to restart. There are 4 recalls, including three for the fuel pump and one for hydraulic brakes, but no crashes, injuries, or deaths in the data. Living with it means being aware of potential stalling, especially at low speeds.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a massive complaint volume: 8,227 complaints over 10 years, averaging 822.7 per year. The most common issues involve the engine, power train, electrical system, and brakes, with reports of stalling, sudden loss of braking, and transmission problems. There are 101 recalls and 233 crash-related complaints, plus 160 injuries and 3 deaths reported. This suggests a wide range of reliability concerns that buyers should investigate carefully.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW K 1300 S | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 4 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 4 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.4 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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 K 1300 S
- 01ENGINE3
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1
Owners report the engine stalling when slowing to a stop, sometimes with no warning. One complaint describes the engine failing and self-destructing internally. This matters because stalling in traffic can be dangerous and may require costly repairs.
The bike can suddenly lose all power while in motion, feeling like the kill switch was hit, but restarting after turning the key off and on. This intermittent issue is hard to diagnose and could leave a rider stranded.
A complaint mirrors the electrical stalling symptom, with no pattern to speed or gear. This reinforces that stalling is a recurring theme, though the exact cause may vary.
“LESS THAN ONE WEEK AFTER TAKING OWNERSHIP OF THE BRAND NEW MOTORCYCLE (AUGUST 2012) I EXPERIENCED THE FIRST OCCURRENCE OF THE ENGINE STALLING WHEN THE VEHICLE SLOWED TO A STOP. SINCE THEN THE MACHINE HAS BEEN RETURNED TO THE DEALERSHIP FOUR TIMES SPECIFICALLY…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW K1300S MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED AND SELF DESTRUCTED INT…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start.' Diesel models have experienced repeated diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events requiring dealer service. These issues can leave drivers stranded and lead to expensive repairs.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly uphill, and transmission problems linked to engine stalling. This can cause loss of power and control, especially in traffic.
Reports describe a sudden, severe loss of normal braking with a firm pedal but reduced braking effect, as well as the engine shutting off while driving. These electrical glitches can affect critical safety systems.
Owners report braking loss and the truck shutting off completely in parking lots, with screens going blank and inability to accelerate. Brake issues are particularly concerning for safety.
“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 K 1300 S — 4 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2014 S 1000 RR/R/ HP4, R 1200 GS/GS Adventure/R/RT, K 1300 S, K 1600 GT/GTL/GTL Exclusive and 2014 R nine T motorcycles. The fuel pump, and auxiliary fuel pump in certain models, may crack and leak fuel during vehicle operation.
The risk: A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, may result in a fire.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began March 17, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2014 S 1000 RR/R/ HP4, R 1200 GS/GS Adventure/R/RT, K 1300 S, K 1600 GT/GTL/GTL Exclusive and 2014 R nine T motorcycles. The fuel pump, and auxiliary fuel pump in certain models, may crack and leak fuel during vehicle operation.
The risk: A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, may result in a fire.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began March 17, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2014 S 1000 RR/R/ HP4, R 1200 GS/GS Adventure/R/RT, K 1300 S, K 1600 GT/GTL/GTL Exclusive and 2014 R nine T motorcycles. The fuel pump, and auxiliary fuel pump in certain models, may crack and leak fuel during vehicle operation.
The risk: A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, may result in a fire.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began March 17, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 K1200 S, K1200 R, and K1200 R Sport motorcycles and 2012 and 2013 K1300 S motorcycles. In October 2012, BMW recalled 2062 2007-2008 K1200 S, K1200 R, and K1200 R Sport motorcycles. In November 2012, BMW informed the agency that it was adding model year…
The risk: Brake fluid that foams could lead to a reduced braking capability of the front brake system, possibly resulting in a crash.
The fix: The front brake fluid reservoir will be retrofitted with a screen insert, free of charge. The recall began on December 19, 2012. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
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 K 1300 S or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The BMW K 1300 S has far fewer issues per year (0.4 complaints/year) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (822.7 complaints/year). In practice, the BMW owner is much less likely to experience frequent problems, while the Silverado owner faces a higher chance of encountering engine, transmission, electrical, or brake issues. However, the BMW's stalling complaints, though rare, can still be serious.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: BMW K 1300 S has 4 complaints over 10 years; Chevrolet Silverado has 8,227, a massive difference in reported issues per year.
- Safety outcomes: Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths; BMW has 0 in each category.
- Common failure types: BMW owners report engine stalling and sudden electrical shutdowns; Silverado owners report engine shutdowns, transmission problems, brake loss, and electrical glitches.
- Recalls: BMW has 4 recalls (mostly fuel pump); Silverado has 101 recalls covering fuel pump, tires, forward collision alerts, and more.
- Check for any history of engine stalling, especially when slowing to a stop; ask if the fuel pump recall was performed.
- Test the electrical system thoroughly—look for intermittent power loss or kill-switch-like shutdowns that require key cycling.
- Inspect for signs of engine stalling or shutdown while driving, and check for diesel particulate filter issues on diesel models.
- Test the brakes carefully for any loss of braking effect, and verify that electrical systems (screens, start button) function reliably.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been completed, especially fuel pump and brake recalls.
- For the BMW, take a test ride and deliberately slow to a stop multiple times to check for stalling.
- For the Silverado, test drive at various speeds and in parking lots, checking for transmission hesitation, engine shutdown, and brake performance.
- Have a qualified mechanic inspect the engine, transmission, electrical system, and brakes before purchase.
- Search NHTSA complaints for the specific model year to see if common issues apply.
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 K 1300 S | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 0 | 961 |
| 2020 | 0 | 868 |
| 2019 | 0 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 0 | 597 |
| 2017 | 0 | 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 K 1300 S or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW K 1300 S vs Chevrolet Silverado
- BMW K 1300 S total complaints
- 4
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- BMW K 1300 S total recalls
- 4
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- BMW K 1300 S avg complaints/year
- 0.4
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- BMW K 1300 S
- BMW K 1300 S top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE