Head-to-head reliability
BMW M4 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the BMW M4 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 M4 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The M4 has 16 complaints and 10 recalls over 10 years, with no crashes or injuries, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints, 100 recalls, and 117 crash-related reports. The M4 averages 1.6 complaints per year versus 510.5 for the Silverado. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW M4 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW M4
The BMW M4 is a high-performance coupe with a relatively low complaint volume: 16 complaints over 10 years, averaging 1.6 per year. Owners report issues like fuel tank leaks, rearview camera failures, and recall-related power train delays. With 10 recalls and no reported crashes or injuries in the data, it appears to have fewer safety-related complaints, but the fuel leak and back-over prevention issues are worth noting.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume: 5,105 complaints over 10 years, averaging 510.5 per year. The most common problem areas are the engine, power train, electrical system, and service brakes. There are 117 crash-related complaints, 104 injuries, and 1 death reported, indicating more severe safety concerns. Recalls total 100, covering items like tailgate latches, steering, and brake fluid warning sensors.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW M4 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 16 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 10 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1.6 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 M4
- 01FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM4
- 02BACK OVER PREVENTION3
- 03ENGINE2
- 04POWER TRAIN2
- 05VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL2
Owners report fuel tank leaks, often after filling up, with one complaint describing a cracked tank due to heat expansion. This can lead to fuel loss and potential fire risk, so a buyer should have the tank inspected for leaks or cracks.
Complaints include rearview cameras becoming inoperable and rear cross-traffic alert not providing warnings. These failures make reversing less safe, especially in parking lots, and may require costly repairs.
One owner reported a wheelbase failure causing the front end to lift while turning at 40 mph. While isolated, this suggests potential suspension or structural issues that could affect control.
Owners have complained about recall parts unavailability for power train issues, leaving them driving vehicles with unresolved safety defects. This means a buyer should verify that all recalls have been completed.
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Fuel Tank on my BMW under 50k miles started leaking after a fill up. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I didn't notice any leaks at the g…”
“Fuel tank was leaking. I brought it in to BMW of San Antonio who found the left side top area of fuel tank leaking fuel from the sealed portion. Heat caused the top of fuel tank to expand and crack. BMW of SA required me to buy a replacement fuel tank. When I…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine problems, including loss of motive power and abnormal noises, sometimes with low mileage. One complaint described a 2026 Silverado with a 6.2L motor losing power and brakes becoming inoperable, which is a major safety concern.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral and loss of power while driving, even at low speeds. This can leave a driver stranded or cause a crash, so transmission and driveline function should be thoroughly checked.
Owners report sudden loss of braking and steering assist, along with pinging sounds from the engine. These electrical faults can disable critical safety systems, making the vehicle dangerous to drive.
Complaints describe a firm brake pedal but reduced braking effectiveness, leading to difficulty stopping. This suggests a brake system defect that could increase stopping distances and crash risk.
“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 M4 — 10 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2026 M4 and 430i vehicles. The positive battery cables may not be properly connected to the power distribution box, resulting in an engine stall and a fire.
The risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash and a fire increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace cables and power distribution box as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Nu…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, and M4 convertible vehicles. The Emergency Locking Retractors (ELR) within the front seat belt assemblies may have been produced with incompatible vehicle-sensitive locking mechanism housings.
The risk: If the vehicle has an incompatible vehicle-sensitive locking mechanism, the seat belt may not restrain the seat occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary replace, the front seat belt assemblies, free of charge. The recall began October 13, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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 2020-2021 M2 Coupe and 2020 M4 Coupe vehicles. Fuel injectors may have been installed without a damping component which is used to reduce vibration. If a damping component is not present, vibration will increase at the connection between the fuel…
The risk: A damaged connection between the fuel line and the fuel rail could lead to a fuel leak and, in the presence of an ignition source, increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel injectors and if a damping component is missing, the injectors and the fuel rail will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW custome…
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 M4 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The BMW M4 has far fewer complaints per year (1.6 vs. 510.5) and no reported crashes or injuries in the data, while the Silverado has 117 crash-related complaints and 104 injuries. In practice, the M4 appears to have a lower frequency of reported problems, but the Silverado's issues are more severe and safety-critical.
Key differences
- The BMW M4 averages 1.6 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages 510.5 per year, a massive difference in reported problem frequency.
- The Silverado has 117 crash-related complaints, 104 injuries, and 1 death, whereas the M4 has 0 in each category, indicating more severe safety outcomes for the Silverado.
- M4 owners report fuel tank leaks and rearview camera failures; Silverado owners report engine power loss, brake failure, and sudden neutral shifts.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls versus 10 for the M4, covering critical systems like steering and brakes, which means more potential unresolved safety defects.
- Check for fuel tank leaks or cracks, especially after filling up, as owners report tanks cracking due to heat expansion.
- Test the rearview camera and rear cross-traffic alert for proper operation, since complaints mention these systems failing without warning.
- Listen for abnormal engine noises and check for loss of power or brake assist, as owners report sudden failures while driving.
- Test the brakes for firmness and stopping ability, and verify that all recalls (especially for brake fluid warning and tailgate latches) have been completed.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been repaired, especially for the M4's power train and the Silverado's brakes and tailgate.
- Have a mechanic inspect the M4's fuel tank and rearview camera system, and the Silverado's engine, transmission, and brake system.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any warning lights, unusual noises, or changes in braking and steering feel.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and check if the vehicle has been subject to any unresolved recall notices.
- For the Silverado, consider a pre-purchase inspection by a dealer familiar with the 6.2L and 6.6L engine issues reported by owners.
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 M4 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 98 |
| 2025 | 0 | 150 |
| 2024 | 4 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 2 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 1 | 934 |
| 2020 | 1 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 6 | 591 |
| 2017 | 2 | 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 M4 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW M4 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- BMW M4 total complaints
- 16
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- BMW M4 total recalls
- 10
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- BMW M4 avg complaints/year
- 1.6
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- BMW M4
- BMW M4 top complaint area
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE