Head-to-head reliability
BMW M2 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the BMW M2 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 M2 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The M2 averages 2.5 complaints per year with 0 crash-related reports, while the Silverado averages 822.7 per year with 233 crash-related reports and 3 deaths. The M2’s issues are mostly lighting and charge-pipe failures; the Silverado’s include engine stalls and brake problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW M2 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW M2
The BMW M2 is a low-volume performance coupe that averages just 2.5 complaints per year over the past decade, with no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths in the NHTSA data. The complaints cluster around lighting quirks, charge-pipe failures, and a few drivetrain and suspension issues, suggesting that while problems exist, they are relatively infrequent and often tied to hard driving or specific components. For a buyer, this means the M2 is not a trouble-free car, but the failure patterns are narrow and generally addressable.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a high-volume full-size truck with an average of 822.7 complaints per year, plus 233 crash-related reports, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths in the same period. Owner complaints center on engine and powertrain problems, electrical glitches that can cause sudden power loss or braking issues, and brake performance concerns. For a buyer, the Silverado’s sheer volume means many reported issues, and some—like unexpected stalling or reduced braking—are serious enough to warrant a thorough inspection.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW M2 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 25 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 7 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 2.5 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 M2
- 01EXTERIOR LIGHTING16
- 02ENGINE3
- 03POWER TRAIN2
- 04SUSPENSION2
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER2
Owners report that the gauge cluster can be unreadable in daytime conditions because it does not illuminate, and that LED headlights can snow-pack in winter, reducing visibility. These are livability and safety annoyances that a buyer should test in different lighting and weather.
The charge pipe connecting the intercooler to the throttle body can fail without warning, causing a sudden loss of power. This is a known weak point on stock vehicles and can leave a driver stranded or in a dangerous situation.
Some owners report catastrophic clutch or transmission failure at low mileage, as well as differential seal leaks and wheel bearing failure. These are expensive repairs, so a pre-purchase inspection should focus on drivetrain noises and leaks.
Rear springs have snapped on low-mileage examples, and wheel bearing failure has been reported alongside differential leaks. A buyer should check for clunks, uneven ride height, and any signs of cracked or broken springs.
“PLEASE LOOK AT THE ATTACHED PIC. THE SPEEDOMETER/GAUGES CLUSTER LOOKS DARK IN GARAGE, TUNNELS, CLOUDY CONDITIONS, UNDER TREE COVER. THERE IS NO ILLUMINATION DURING THE DAYTIME. YOU CAN'T EVEN READ THE SPEEDOMETER OR RPMS AT A GLANCE WHICH IS A SAFETY HAZARD.…”
“FOR THE LAST TWO YEARS IN EVERY SNOWSTORM, THIS HAS BECOME A PROBLEM. THE HEADLIGHTS BECOME BUILT UP WITH SNOWPACK AND WILL NOT MELT DUE TO THE EFFICIENCY OF THE LED BULBS NOT PRODUCING ENOUGH HEAT. I'VE TRIED USING THE WASHER FLUID SPRAYERS EVERY FEW MINUTES…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine shutdowns while driving, diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service, and other engine-related stalls. These can leave the truck undrivable and are a major concern for reliability.
Complaints include sudden shifts into neutral and loss of power, sometimes at very low mileage. This can happen in parking lots or on the road, making the truck unpredictable.
Reports describe the engine shutting off while driving with messages like “Return to Neutral” and “Press Start,” as well as a severe loss of normal braking with a firm pedal. These electrical faults can affect both propulsion and braking, which is a serious safety issue.
Owners report that the brake pedal remains firm but braking effectiveness is reduced, and in some cases the truck shuts off entirely during low-speed maneuvers. A buyer should test the brakes thoroughly and check for related software updates or recalls.
“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 M2 — 7 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 230i, 230i xDrive, M240i, M240i xDrive, M2 Competition Coupe, 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, M4, and 2019 330i xDrive Sportswagon vehicles. The driver and passenger knee air bag assemblies may have been improperly folded and asse…
The risk: An improperly folded and assembled air bag may not deploy as intended, increasing risk of injury.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the knee air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began July 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North Americal, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 8 Series Coupe (840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8), 8 Series Convertible (840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8), 8 Series Gran Coupe (840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, Alpine B8 xDrive), 2 Series Coupe (230i, 230i xDrive, M240i xDrive,…
The risk: Unintentionally closing the windows or sunroof without the key present can increase the risk of injury to occupants inside the vehicle.
The fix: Dealers will update the software for the Electronic Control Unit (ECU), free of charge. In addition, the digital key function via cellular service and Wi-Fi capability will be deactivated until the vehicle is updated with new software. Own…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 230i, 230i xDrive, M240i, M240i xDrive, M2, and X3 xDrive 30i SAV vehicles. These vehicles may have an error in the software for the instrument panel, causing the display to not properly illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply wit…
The risk: If the display does not illuminate during start up or does not illuminate various control and warning symbols while driving, it can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster display software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 8, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 2 Series (230i, 230i xDrive, M240i, M240i xDrive), 330e, 330e Xdrive, 4 Series Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive) M4 Coupe, M4 Competition Coupe, BMW 4 Series Convertible (430i, M440i), BMW X1 sDrive28i, xDrive28i, 2 Series Gran Coupe (…
The risk: During a crash, a seat belt retractor that does not function as intended increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the seat belt retractors (including the seat belts) and, if necessary, replace the retractors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-8…
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 M2 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The BMW M2 has far fewer issues per year (2.5 vs. 822.7 complaints) and no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths, while the Silverado has thousands of complaints and hundreds of crash-related reports. In practice, the M2’s problems are narrower and often performance-related, whereas the Silverado’s issues include sudden stalls and braking loss that can affect basic driving safety.
Key differences
- The M2 averages 2.5 complaints per year with zero crash-related reports, while the Silverado averages 822.7 per year with 233 crash-related reports and 3 deaths.
- M2 complaints are dominated by exterior lighting (16 of 25) and a few engine/powertrain issues, whereas Silverado complaints are spread across engine (2,521), power train (2,347), electrical (1,513), and brakes (1,222).
- Silverado owners report sudden engine shutdowns and reduced braking, which are not seen in the M2 sample; M2 owners report charge-pipe failures and lighting quirks.
- The M2 has 7 recalls over 10 years; the Silverado has 101 recalls, including fuel pump control and forward collision warning issues.
- Check the charge pipe and intercooler connections for cracks or loose clamps, and listen for whistling or power loss during a test drive.
- Inspect the rear springs for cracks or breaks and check for differential seal leaks or wheel bearing noise, especially on low-mileage cars.
- Test for any hesitation, stalling, or “Return to Neutral” messages during a test drive, and scan for stored engine and transmission codes.
- Verify that all recalls (especially fuel pump control and forward collision warning) have been performed, and check brake pedal feel and function at low speeds.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all open recalls are closed for the specific truck or car.
- For the M2, test the gauge cluster illumination in daylight and inspect the charge pipe, rear springs, and differential for leaks.
- For the Silverado, drive at low speed in a parking lot and on the highway to check for stalling, transmission hesitation, and brake performance.
- Have a independent mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the engine, transmission, electrical system, and brakes for the Silverado, and on the charge pipe, suspension, and drivetrain for the M2.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and check for repeated dealer visits related to the reported complaint areas.
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 M2 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 120 |
| 2025 | 0 | 157 |
| 2024 | 1 | 527 |
| 2023 | 1 | 450 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 1 | 961 |
| 2020 | 2 | 868 |
| 2019 | 0 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 3 | 597 |
| 2017 | 17 | 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 M2 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW M2 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- BMW M2 total complaints
- 25
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- BMW M2 total recalls
- 7
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- BMW M2 avg complaints/year
- 2.5
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- BMW M2
- BMW M2 top complaint area
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE