Head-to-head reliability
BMW M6 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the BMW M6 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 M6 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The M6 averages 1.3 complaints per year with 12 recalls, while the Silverado averages 822.7 complaints per year with 101 recalls. The Silverado also has 233 crash-related reports, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths, compared to none for the M6. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW M6 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW M6
The BMW M6 is a high-performance luxury car that, based on NHTSA data, has a relatively low complaint rate of about 1.3 per year over the past decade. However, owners report serious issues such as engine stalling at speed, electrical failures affecting the convertible top and trunk, and even a fire originating in the roof. These problems, though infrequent, can be expensive and potentially dangerous, so a thorough pre-purchase inspection is critical.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume—averaging over 800 per year—and a wide range of reported problems. Common themes include engine shutdowns, transmission failures, brake loss, and electrical glitches, with some incidents leading to crashes and injuries. While not every truck will experience these issues, the sheer number of complaints suggests that buyers should be vigilant and check for recalls and service history.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW M6 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 13 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 12 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1.3 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 M6
- 01ENGINE5
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM5
- 03STRUCTURE4
- 04SEATS3
- 05SUSPENSION2
Owners report sudden engine stalling while driving at highway speeds, which can leave the car without power in traffic. Another complaint mentions drivetrain malfunction codes appearing shortly after purchase, requiring dealer service.
Electrical problems include the convertible top, rear window, and trunk failing to operate, as well as drivetrain malfunction warnings. These issues can be intermittent and costly to diagnose.
Complaints about the convertible top and trunk not working properly fall under structure, and one owner reported a fire that started in the roof, suspected to be electrical. Such failures can compromise safety and lead to expensive repairs.
Seat-related complaints include a passenger restraint and airbag malfunction warning, which could affect occupant protection in a crash. Another complaint describes a fire that began in the roof, though it was filed under seats.
“WHILE DRIVING ON A MULTI-LANE DIVIDED EXPRESSWAY AT 65MPH SUDDENLY THE ENGINE STALLED AND SHUT DOWN WHICH FORCED A VERY UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITION. OTHER CARS DID NOT HAVE AMPLE TIME TO SLOW DOWN AND REACT NOR DID I. LUCKILY AFTER A FEW NARROW MISSES I MANAGED…”
“PURCHASED VEHICLE WITH CLEAN CARFAX BUT WITHIN 1 WEEK IT WAS THROWING CODES OF DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER WHO REFUSED TO SERVICE PROVIDING INTEL THAT IT UNDERWENT A 152 POINT INSPECTION BEFORE SALE TOOK VEHICLE TO BMW DEALERSHIP SERVICE AND…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start'. Diesel models have experienced repeated diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events requiring dealer service.
Transmission issues include sudden shifting into neutral while driving slowly uphill, leaving the vehicle unable to accelerate. Another complaint mentions drivetrain malfunction shortly after purchase.
Electrical problems can cause a severe loss of braking, where the brake pedal remains firm but braking is ineffective. Other reports describe the engine shutting off and screens going blank.
Owners report sudden loss of normal braking, with the pedal feeling firm but the vehicle not stopping as expected. This is a critical safety concern that requires immediate attention.
“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 M6 — 12 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2019 M6 Gran Coupe vehicles. The third brake light may become loose, possibly allowing the light to detach from the vehicle.
The risk: If the third brake light detaches from the vehicle, it would no longer provide the required lighting to following traffic, or it may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the third brake light and properly secure it with new fasteners. If the third brake light detached from the vehicle and is damaged, it will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2019 M6 Gran Coupe vehicles. The third brake light may become loose, possibly allowing the light to detach from the vehicle.
The risk: If the third brake light detaches from the vehicle, it would no longer provide the required lighting to following traffic, or it may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the third brake light and properly secure it with new fasteners. If the third brake light detached from the vehicle and is damaged, it will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2019 M6 Gran Coupe vehicles. The third brake light may become loose, possibly allowing the light to detach from the vehicle.
The risk: If the third brake light detaches from the vehicle, it would no longer provide the required lighting to following traffic, or it may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the third brake light and properly secure it with new fasteners. If the third brake light detached from the vehicle and is damaged, it will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2017 BMW 640i, 640i xDrive, 650i, 650i xDrive, M6, 535i, 535i xDrive, 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, M4, X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, i3, i8, Rolls-Royce Dawn, Mini Clubman Cooper, Clubman Cooper S, Cooper All4, Cooper S All4, Mi…
The risk: If the air bag inflator initiator fails to ignite, the seat-mounted air bag will not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began February 6, 2017. 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 M6 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The BMW M6 has far fewer complaints per year (1.3) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (822.7), but the M6's issues tend to be severe when they occur. The Silverado's higher volume means more reported problems overall, including crashes and injuries, so buyers should weigh frequency against potential severity.
Key differences
- The BMW M6 averages 1.3 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages 822.7, a massive difference in reported issue frequency.
- Silverado complaints include 233 crash-related incidents, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths, whereas the M6 has zero reported crashes, injuries, or deaths in the data.
- M6 owners report engine stalling and electrical failures like convertible top malfunctions; Silverado owners report engine shutdowns, transmission slips, and brake loss.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 12 for the M6, indicating more widespread safety-related fixes over the years.
- Check for any history of engine stalling or drivetrain malfunction codes, especially if the car was purchased with a clean Carfax but later showed issues.
- Inspect the convertible top, rear window, and trunk operation, as these are common electrical failure points reported by owners.
- Test drive at various speeds and check for sudden engine shutdowns or transmission slipping into neutral, which owners have reported.
- Verify that the braking system functions correctly, as some owners experienced a loss of braking effectiveness despite a firm pedal.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for any open recalls on the NHTSA website for both models.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic familiar with the specific model, focusing on engine, transmission, and electrical systems.
- For the BMW M6, test all electrical components including the convertible top, windows, and trunk, and scan for stored error codes.
- For the Chevrolet Silverado, test drive under various conditions and check for any signs of engine stalling, transmission issues, or brake problems.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and confirm that all recall repairs have been completed.
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 M6 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 0 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 1 | 597 |
| 2017 | 1 | 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 M6 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW M6 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- BMW M6 total complaints
- 13
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- BMW M6 total recalls
- 12
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- BMW M6 avg complaints/year
- 1.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- BMW M6
- BMW M6 top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE