Head-to-head reliability
BMW M240i vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the BMW M240i 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 M240i vs Chevrolet Silverado: The M240i averages 1.1 complaints per year with 8 recalls, while the Silverado averages 822.7 complaints per year with 101 recalls. Silverado complaints include engine shutdowns and brake loss; M240i issues are mainly headlights and electrical. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW M240i or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW M240i
The BMW M240i is a compact sports coupe that sees low annual mileage in NHTSA data, averaging about one complaint per year over a decade. Owners most often report exterior lighting failures, especially headlights that crack or fog with condensation, and some steering gear concerns tied to a prior recall. Electrical gremlins like dead batteries and radio amplifier crackling also appear. Overall, the complaint volume is small, but the lighting and steering issues can be expensive once the warranty ends.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a very high complaint rate, averaging over 800 per year across ten years. Owners frequently report engine and powertrain problems, including sudden shutdowns, transmission failures, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation. Electrical and brake issues also show up, with some complaints describing loss of braking and screens going blank. The sheer number of complaints and recalls suggests a higher likelihood of encountering a serious problem.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW M240i | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 11 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 8 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1.1 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 M240i
- 01EXTERIOR LIGHTING5
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
- 03STEERING2
- 04STRUCTURE1
- 05LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES1
Owners report headlights cracking from normal driving and fogging with condensation inside the housing, sometimes requiring repeated replacements. This matters because headlights are costly to replace and can affect visibility and safety.
Complaints include a dead battery after the car was parked and covered, and a radio amplifier failure causing loud crackling or no sound. These issues can leave you stranded or require expensive electronic repairs.
Some owners have asked NHTSA to expand a steering gear recall to include their 2022 model, citing defective steering gear assemblies. A steering failure while driving could be dangerous, so any recall history should be checked.
One complaint describes a 2025 model that was parked and covered, then had a door issue upon return. While isolated, it suggests potential concerns with latches or body integrity that a buyer should inspect.
“I have owned a 2022 BMW M240i for a few years now, and as it ages out of warranty, I have replaced both headlights a total of 4 times. I fear additional pairs will be required as unfortunately these headlights tend to crack from regular driving. I have spent…”
“Just over a year of ownership and the headlights are fogging over with condensation on the inside of the headlight housing. Googling this problem produces hundreds of thousands of results, including forum posts and facebook/instagram reels showcasing this iss…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report severe engine problems, including a 6.2L motor that failed shortly after purchase and a 6.6L Duramax diesel with repeated diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events. These can cause breakdowns and costly repairs, sometimes within the first few thousand miles.
Complaints include a vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly uphill and transmission issues that leave the truck unable to accelerate. This can be dangerous in traffic and often requires dealer intervention.
Reports describe a sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power, as well as the engine shutting off while driving with messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start'. These electrical faults can disable critical safety systems.
Owners report braking loss where the pedal remains firm but the vehicle does not stop normally, and in one case the truck shut off completely in a parking lot. Brake failures are a serious safety concern and should be investigated before purchase.
“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 M240i — 8 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 2 Series Coupe (230i, 230i XDrive, M240i, M240i xDrive) vehicles. The second-row seat backrest cover panels for the side air bags may break during deployment of the side air bags.
The risk: A backrest cover panel that breaks during side air bag deployment may cause the air bag to deploy improperly, increasing the risk of injury to second-row seat occupants.
The fix: Dealers will replace the rear seat backrest side air bag cover panels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 31, 2023. 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 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 America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW 540d xDrive vehicles. The crankshaft sensor may be equipped with incorrect firmware, preventing the sensor from properly processing input from the crankshaft reluctor ring, possibly resulting in a vehicle stall. On September 12, 2018, BM…
The risk: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the crankshaft sensor, free of charge. The recall began September 6, 2018. 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 M240i or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The BMW M240i has far fewer issues per year, averaging about 1.1 complaints annually versus roughly 822.7 for the Chevrolet Silverado. In practice, this means a used M240i is less likely to leave you dealing with frequent repairs, while the Silverado's high complaint volume suggests a higher risk of encountering engine, transmission, or brake problems.
Key differences
- The BMW M240i averages about 1.1 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages about 822.7, a massive difference in reported problem frequency.
- BMW M240i complaints center on exterior lighting (cracking/fogging headlights) and electrical issues, whereas Silverado complaints are dominated by engine and powertrain failures like sudden shutdowns and transmission problems.
- The Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths in the data, while the M240i has zero in each category, though these figures do not prove cause.
- Both have recalls, but the Silverado has 101 recalls versus 8 for the M240i, covering systems like fuel pumps, brakes, and forward collision warnings.
- Inspect both headlight housings for cracks, fogging, or condensation inside the lens, as owners report repeated replacements.
- Check for any steering recall or service history related to the steering gear, especially on 2022 models, and test drive for unusual steering feel or noise.
- Look for signs of engine or transmission work, especially on 6.2L and 6.6L Duramax models, and ask about any diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events.
- Test the brakes carefully for firmness and stopping power, and check for any electrical glitches like screens going blank or messages about returning to neutral.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all safety recalls have been performed, especially for the BMW's steering and the Silverado's fuel pump and brake systems.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the BMW's headlights, battery, and steering, and the Silverado's engine, transmission, and brakes.
- During the test drive, listen for radio crackling or amplifier issues in the BMW, and watch for any sudden loss of power or braking in the Silverado.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, particularly for the Silverado's diesel particulate filter if equipped, and for any headlight replacements on the BMW.
- Check the NHTSA website for open recalls by VIN before purchase and factor potential repair costs into your offer.
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 M240i | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 120 |
| 2025 | 2 | 157 |
| 2024 | 0 | 527 |
| 2023 | 0 | 450 |
| 2022 | 4 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 0 | 961 |
| 2020 | 0 | 868 |
| 2019 | 0 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 2 | 597 |
| 2017 | 3 | 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 M240i or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW M240i vs Chevrolet Silverado
- BMW M240i total complaints
- 11
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- BMW M240i total recalls
- 8
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- BMW M240i avg complaints/year
- 1.1
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- BMW M240i
- BMW M240i top complaint area
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE