Head-to-head reliability
BMW M235i vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the BMW M235i 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 M235i vs Chevrolet Silverado: The BMW M235i has 19 complaints over 8 years (2.4/year) and 0 crash-related, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints over 10 years (822.7/year) with 233 crash-related and 160 injuries. The BMW shows fewer reported issues overall. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW M235i or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW M235i
The BMW M235i is a sporty coupe with a relatively low complaint volume: 19 complaints over 8 years, averaging 2.4 per year. Owners report issues with electrical wiring, transmission sensors, and engine oil starvation, but there are no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths in the data. Recalls cover fuel pump and side air bag concerns. Overall, it appears to be a niche performance car with manageable but specific reliability quirks.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a very high complaint volume: 8,227 complaints over 10 years, averaging 822.7 per year. Owners report engine and transmission problems, electrical glitches, and brake issues, with 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths. Recalls address fuel pumps, tire pressure monitoring, and forward collision warnings. This suggests a complex vehicle with many reported problems across major systems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW M235i | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 19 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 8 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 2.4 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 M235i
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM4
- 02POWER TRAIN3
- 03EXTERIOR LIGHTING3
- 04ENGINE2
- 05AIR BAGS2
Owners report rear brake light failure due to faulty wiring, similar to an older BMW recall. Another complaint describes a transmission sensor getting wet from a cupholder spill, causing warning messages. These electrical gremlins can be intermittent and annoying.
Complaints include a transmission leak through the metal case and a drive train malfunction warning that caused the car to stall. One owner learned it was a BMW recall. These issues can leave you stranded or require costly repairs.
Rear brake light failure from faulty wiring is reported, and one owner notes low-contrast instruments that are hard to read when lights are off. Lighting problems affect safety and visibility.
The N55 engine's oiling system can starve under high g-forces, as reported by an owner during spirited driving. This can lead to engine damage if not addressed. Also, a stall linked to a drive train malfunction was reported.
“Rear brake light failure due to faulty wiring. Identical to the details located in this article (https://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/01/bmw-recalling-241-000-3-series-models-over-faulty-tail-lights/) for which the NHTSA had issued a recall for older BMW models i…”
“According to the dealer, a transmission sensor underneath the gear shifter got wet due to a liquid spill from the cupholders. While driving on the highway returning from scheduled dealer maintenance on the car, the informations screen showed a warning that th…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine shutdowns while driving, including a 2026 Silverado with a 6.2L motor that stalled shortly after purchase. Another complaint details diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These can cause sudden loss of power.
Complaints include a vehicle suddenly going into neutral while driving uphill in a parking garage, and a 2026 model with a 6.2L motor that stalled. Transmission and drivetrain issues can lead to dangerous situations.
Owners report sudden loss of braking with a firm pedal, and engine shut-off while driving with a 'Return to Neutral' message. These electrical faults can disable critical safety functions.
Complaints describe severe loss of normal braking and the truck shutting off completely in a parking lot. Brake failures are a serious safety concern.
“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 M235i — 8 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 228i Coupe, M235i Coupe, 320i, 320xi, 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi, ActiveHybrid 3, 328xi Sports Wagon, 428i Coupe, 428xi Coupe, 435i Coupe, 435xi Coupe, 428i Convertible, 428xi Convertible, 435i Convertible, 328xi Gran Turismo, 335xi…
The risk: If the fuel pump fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owners were mailed interim notices on May 28, 2015. The recall began on July 6, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2015 2 Series Coupe (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i), 3 Series Sedan (320i, 320i xDrive, 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335i xDrive, M3, 328d, 328d xDrive), 4 Series Coupe (428i, 428i xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive, M4), and 2015 4 Series Gran Coupe (428i, 4…
The risk: An inflator that ruptures may cause sharp metal fragments to enter or exit the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, an inflator that leaks gas may only partially inflate during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the head air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 4, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014 4 Series Coupe (428i, 428i xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive), 3 Series Sedan (320i, 320i xDrive, 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335i xDrive), and 2014-2015 2 Series Coupe (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i, M235i xDrive) vehicles. The head air bag inflator may fa…
The risk: An inflator that ruptures may cause sharp metal fragments to enter or exit the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, an inflator that leaks gas may only partially inflate during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the head air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 12, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2015 2 Series Coupe (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i), 3 Series Sedan (320i, 320i xDrive, 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335i xDrive, M3, 328d, 328d xDrive), 4 Series Coupe (428i, 428i xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive, M4), and 2015 4 Series Gran Coupe (428i, 4…
The risk: An inflator that ruptures may cause sharp metal fragments to enter or exit the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, an inflator that leaks gas may only partially inflate during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the head air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 4, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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 M235i or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The BMW M235i has far fewer issues per year (2.4 vs. 822.7) and no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths, while the Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths. In practice, the BMW may require attention to specific electrical and engine quirks, but the Silverado's much higher complaint rate and safety-related reports suggest a greater likelihood of serious problems.
Key differences
- The BMW M235i averages 2.4 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages 822.7 per year, a massive difference in reported problem frequency.
- The Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths in the data, whereas the BMW M235i has zero in all three categories.
- BMW owners report specific issues like rear brake light wiring, transmission sensor water damage, and N55 engine oil starvation; Silverado owners report engine shutdowns, sudden neutral, and brake loss.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 8 for the BMW, covering systems like fuel pumps, air bags, and forward collision warnings.
- Check rear brake light operation and wiring for signs of failure, as owners report faulty wiring causing brake light failure.
- Inspect for transmission leaks, especially around the case, and listen for any drive train malfunction warnings during a test drive.
- Test drive and check for any engine stalling or shutdown symptoms, especially with the 6.2L or Duramax diesel, as owners report sudden loss of power.
- Verify brake function thoroughly; owners report sudden loss of braking with a firm pedal, so have the brake system inspected by a professional.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models using the NHTSA VIN lookup tool.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic specializing in the brand, focusing on the specific complaint areas: electrical and oiling for BMW, engine and brakes for Silverado.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any warning lights, unusual noises, or hesitation, and test all electrical components including lights and infotainment.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for oil changes and any transmission or brake work, to gauge how well the vehicle was cared for.
- For the Silverado, consider a diesel particulate filter check if equipped with the Duramax, as owners report soot accumulation events.
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 M235i | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 0 | 527 |
| 2023 | 0 | 450 |
| 2022 | 1 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 0 | 961 |
| 2020 | 0 | 868 |
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 M235i or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW M235i vs Chevrolet Silverado
- BMW M235i total complaints
- 19
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- BMW M235i total recalls
- 8
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- BMW M235i avg complaints/year
- 2.4
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- BMW M235i
- BMW M235i top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE