Head-to-head reliability
BMW M8 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the BMW M8 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 M8 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The M8 has only 5 complaints over 6 years (0.8/yr) but includes dangerous unintended acceleration, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints over 10 years (510.5/yr) with engine and powertrain failures. The M8 has 6 recalls, the Silverado 100. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW M8 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW M8
The BMW M8 is a high-performance luxury coupe that, in ownership terms, is a low-volume, high-cost vehicle. Its complaint pattern is dominated by reports of sudden, unintended full-throttle acceleration where the engine revs to redline and the throttle sticks, which can lead to loss of control. Other issues include a coolant leak into the fuel injectors causing misfires and power loss, plus recalls for backup camera, brakes, transmission, and power windows. While the number of complaints is low, the severity of the acceleration issue is alarming.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a mass-market full-size pickup with a very high complaint volume, averaging over 500 per year. The dominant problems are engine and powertrain failures, including catastrophic engine failures, diesel particulate filter clogging, and transmissions that suddenly shift into neutral. Electrical issues can cause sudden loss of braking and steering, and brake system complaints are also frequent. With 100 recalls, the Silverado has a broad range of potential defects, making it a higher-risk used purchase.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW M8 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 5 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 6 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.8 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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 M8
- 01VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL2
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1
- 03ENGINE1
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM1
- 05SERVICE BRAKES1
Owners report sudden unintended acceleration where the engine revs to 7000-8000 RPM and the throttle sticks, even with the foot off the pedal. This can cause the car to lurch forward and crash, as one owner hit a curb before the car stopped.
The same unintended acceleration incidents are also logged under electrical system, suggesting a possible electronic throttle control malfunction. This is a critical safety issue that could happen at any time.
Engine problems include a coolant tank leak that contaminates the fuel injectors, leading to misfires and loss of power. Owners note that BMW's recall only replaces injectors, not the tank, which may not fully fix the issue.
The coolant leak into the fuel system is a specific failure that can cause rough running and stalling. This is a complex repair that may not be fully covered by recall.
“While driving, the vehicle immediately went into full unintended acceleration without any input from the accelerator pedal. I removed my foot completely from the pedal, but engine RPM increased to full 7000 rpm’s and the throttle was stuck there. The vehicle…”
“On [XXX]. My car went into unintended acceleration at full throttle of 8000 RPMs. The engine was stuck at maximum power and would not slow down. My car slide until it hit a curb and was forced to stop. However, the engine was still running at full maximum cap…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Engine failures are the most common complaint, with owners reporting catastrophic failures in 6.2L and 6.6L Duramax engines. For example, a 2026 Silverado with only 8,200 miles experienced a complete engine failure while on vacation, and another had repeated diesel particulate filter clogging requiring dealer service.
Transmission issues are frequent, including a vehicle with less than 300 miles that suddenly shifted into neutral while driving uphill in a parking garage. This can be dangerous if it happens in traffic.
Electrical problems can lead to sudden loss of braking and steering, as one owner experienced at 70 MPH. The vehicle lost motive power, and the brakes and steering became inoperable, which is a severe safety risk.
Brake failures are reported, such as a sudden severe loss of braking effectiveness where the pedal is firm but the vehicle does not stop normally. This can lead to crashes, especially in stop-and-go traffic.
“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 M8 — 6 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series C…
The risk: If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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 2019-2020 M5 and 2020 M8 Gran Coupe, M8 Coupe, and M8 Convertible vehicles. The transmission wiring harness can become damaged, resulting in an electrical short circuit.
The risk: An electrical short circuit can cause the transmission to shift to neutral resulting in a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace any damaged transmission harnesses. All harnesses will be rerouted and secured. These repairs will be performed, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 3, 2020. Owners may…
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…
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 M8 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The BMW M8 has far fewer complaints per year (0.8) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), but the M8's issues are more severe in nature, involving unintended acceleration. In practice, the Silverado's high complaint volume and 100 recalls indicate a much higher likelihood of encountering problems, but the M8's acceleration defect is a critical safety concern that could lead to a serious crash.
Key differences
- The BMW M8 has a very low complaint rate (0.8/yr) but a high proportion of unintended acceleration reports, which are extremely dangerous.
- The Chevrolet Silverado has a very high complaint rate (510.5/yr) with engine and powertrain failures being the most common, often occurring at low mileage.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls, indicating widespread issues, while the M8 has only 6 recalls, but the M8's recalls include backup camera and brake issues.
- The M8's engine issue involves a coolant leak into injectors, while the Silverado's engine issues include complete failures and diesel particulate filter clogging.
- Test drive the M8 at various speeds and listen for any unintended throttle response or surging; check for any stored trouble codes related to throttle control.
- Inspect the coolant tank and fuel injectors for signs of coolant contamination, such as white smoke from exhaust or misfires.
- Check the engine oil and coolant for any signs of mixing or contamination, and ask for service records related to engine repairs or replacements.
- Test the transmission by driving uphill and in stop-and-go traffic to ensure it doesn't slip or shift into neutral unexpectedly.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both vehicles; ensure all recalls have been performed.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the throttle system for the M8 and the engine/transmission for the Silverado.
- For the M8, ask if the coolant tank recall has been completed and if injectors were replaced; verify no coolant smell in the oil.
- For the Silverado, ask about any engine or transmission replacements and get documentation; check the diesel particulate filter if diesel.
- Take both vehicles for an extended test drive, including highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic, to feel for any hesitation or unusual behavior.
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 M8 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 0 | 150 |
| 2024 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 0 | 934 |
| 2020 | 5 | 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 M8 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW M8 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- BMW M8 total complaints
- 5
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- BMW M8 total recalls
- 6
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- BMW M8 avg complaints/year
- 0.8
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- BMW M8
- BMW M8 top complaint area
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE