Head-to-head reliability
BMW M3 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the BMW M3 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 M3 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The M3 averages 2.8 complaints per year over 10 years, with issues like fuel leaks and engine hub failures. The Silverado averages 510.5 complaints per year, including engine, transmission, and brake problems. The M3 has 12 recalls, while the Silverado has 100. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW M3 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW M3
The BMW M3 is a performance sedan that, in ownership terms, shows a relatively low complaint rate but with issues that can be serious when they occur. Over 10 years, owners have reported fuel system leaks, engine problems like the crank hub spinning, and drivetrain concerns such as clutch slipping. These are not everyday annoyances but potential safety and reliability concerns that could lead to costly repairs.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume, averaging over 500 per year. Owners frequently report engine failures, transmission issues, electrical problems, and brake malfunctions, some occurring at low mileage. The high number of complaints and recalls suggests a pattern of significant reliability issues that could affect a buyer's ownership experience.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW M3 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 28 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 12 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 2.8 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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 M3
- 01FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM8
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER6
- 03ENGINE6
- 04POWER TRAIN5
- 05SUSPENSION2
Owners report fuel tank leaks, often after filling up, with a strong fuel odor in the garage. A failed rubber gasket can cause large fuel leaks, posing a fire risk.
A known issue with the S55 engine is the crank hub spinning, which can damage the engine and leave the car in a dangerous state while driving. This can happen even on stock vehicles.
Clutch issues include slipping and abnormal engagement, reported on a 2022 M3 at around 26,000 miles. Another owner reported a banging sound and failure to operate at 25 mph, requiring a tow.
“- Fuel tank started slowly leaking fuel after filling tank up to full, only discovered after driving back home and noticing a strong smell of fuel. Repair records are with BMW of Sherman Oaks, CA. - Leaking fuel caused my garage to fill with strong odor of fu…”
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Fuel tank rubber gasket failed How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Leaks large amount of fuel and can cause a fire or explosion Has the pro…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Engine failures are common, with reports of sudden loss of power, loud pinging sounds, and even complete engine failure. Diesel models have issues with diesel particulate filter soot accumulation, requiring dealer service.
Transmission problems include sudden shifting into neutral while driving, loss of motive power, and other drivability issues. These can occur at low mileage, sometimes within the first few hundred miles.
Electrical failures can lead to severe braking loss, with the brake pedal firm but ineffective. Other electrical issues cause loss of power, steering, and brake function while driving at highway speeds.
Brake failures are reported, including sudden loss of normal braking, which can be dangerous. Some incidents are linked to electrical system malfunctions, making the problem complex.
“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 M3 — 12 recalls
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…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 8 Series Coupe, Grand Coupe and convertible 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8 and 740 Li, 740 Li xDrive, 750 Li xDrive, M760 Li xDrive, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xdrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, and 2019-2021 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i,…
The risk: A loss of ABS and a reduction in braking assistance can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 25, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M3, and 330e xDrive vehicles. The bolt securing the seat belt assembly to the frame was not tightened to specification.
The risk: An improperly installed seat belt assembly may not restrain an occupant as expected, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seat belt buckle assembly connection and, if necessary, replace it, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 25, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service…
The defect: BMW North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2016 BMW M2 Coupe vehicles, 2015-2017 M3 Sedan vehicles and 2015-2016 M4 Coupe and M4 Convertible vehicles. During servicing of the rear differential for a prior service action, the rear sub-frame bolts may have been reused instead of bei…
The risk: Loose rear sub-frame bolts may adversely affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear sub-frame bolts with new bolts, free of charge. The recall began on November 3, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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 M3 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The BMW M3 has far fewer complaints per year (2.8) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5). While the M3's issues are serious, they are rare, whereas the Silverado's problems are widespread and frequent, indicating a higher likelihood of encountering a major failure.
Key differences
- The Silverado has a much higher complaint rate, with engine and transmission failures reported at low mileage, while the M3's issues are less frequent but include fuel leaks and engine hub problems.
- Brake failures are a significant concern in the Silverado, sometimes linked to electrical issues, whereas the M3's brake-related complaints are not prominent.
- The M3's fuel system leaks pose a fire risk, but the Silverado's engine and transmission failures can leave you stranded.
- The Silverado has a higher number of recalls (100) compared to the M3 (12), indicating more widespread safety-related defects.
- Inspect the fuel tank and gaskets for any signs of leaks, especially after a full fill-up.
- Check for any engine modifications or signs of crank hub issues, such as unusual vibrations or noises from the front of the engine.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including sudden stops, and check for any warning lights or unusual pedal feel.
- Listen for abnormal engine noises and check for any service records related to engine or transmission replacements.
Before you buy
- For the BMW M3: have a mechanic inspect the fuel system for leaks and check the engine for any signs of crank hub failure.
- For the Chevrolet Silverado: review the vehicle's service history for any engine, transmission, or brake repairs.
- Check for open recalls on both vehicles using the NHTSA website and ensure they are addressed.
- Take both vehicles for an extended test drive, including highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic, to feel for any drivability issues.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a certified mechanic specializing in each brand.
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 M3 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 98 |
| 2025 | 2 | 150 |
| 2024 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 1 | 0 |
| 2022 | 1 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 3 | 934 |
| 2018 | 9 | 591 |
| 2017 | 3 | 0 |
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 M3 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW M3 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- BMW M3 total complaints
- 28
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- BMW M3 total recalls
- 12
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- BMW M3 avg complaints/year
- 2.8
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- BMW M3
- BMW M3 top complaint area
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE