Head-to-head reliability
BMW M850i vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the BMW M850i 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 M850i vs Chevrolet Silverado: The M850i has 0 owner complaints over 7 years, while the Silverado has 5,105 over 10 years, with 117 crash-related complaints. Silverado owners report sudden loss of power and braking, whereas M850i has no such reports. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW M850i or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW M850i
The BMW M850i shows a remarkably clean complaint record over seven years, with zero owner complaints on file. This suggests that, in terms of owner-reported issues, it has been very reliable in practice. However, it has had seven recalls, mostly for safety-related components like backup cameras, seat belt buckles, brakes, and power windows. These recalls indicate that while owners haven't reported problems, the manufacturer has proactively addressed potential defects.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado, in contrast, has a high volume of owner complaints, averaging over 500 per year, with significant issues reported in the engine, powertrain, electrical system, and brakes. Owners describe serious failures such as sudden loss of motive power, braking, and steering, as well as diesel particulate filter clogging. With 117 crash-related complaints and one death, these issues have real safety implications. The 100 recalls further underscore a pattern of systemic problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW M850i | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 0 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 7 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.0 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 M850i
No component data available.
Two recalls for the backup camera system suggest potential display failures, which could reduce visibility when reversing, but no owner complaints are on record.
A recall for the front seat belt buckle assembly indicates a possible defect that could affect the buckle's ability to latch or release, but no owner complaints are on record.
A recall for the hydraulic service brakes points to a potential issue with brake performance, but no owner complaints are on record.
A recall for power window controls suggests a possible malfunction, but no owner complaints are on record.
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine issues, including sudden loss of motive power while driving, often accompanied by loud noises. Diesel models have experienced repeated diesel particulate filter clogging, requiring dealer service.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, and loss of power, which can be dangerous in traffic. These issues often occur at low mileage.
Electrical failures have led to loss of braking and steering, as well as engine stalling. Owners describe the vehicle becoming inoperable at highway speeds, creating a serious safety risk.
Brake complaints describe sudden, severe loss of braking effectiveness, even with a firm pedal, which can prevent the vehicle from stopping in time.
“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 M850i — 7 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 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 2019-2021 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.
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 M850i or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The BMW M850i has far fewer owner complaints per year (0.0) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5). This means that in real-world ownership, the M850i has not generated the same volume of safety-critical failures. The Silverado's complaints involve sudden loss of control and braking, which are more severe in nature.
Key differences
- The BMW M850i has zero owner complaints over 7 years, while the Silverado has over 5,000 complaints in 10 years.
- Silverado owners report sudden loss of power, braking, and steering, which are not reported for the M850i.
- The Silverado has 117 crash-related complaints and 1 death, whereas the M850i has none.
- The M850i's recalls are for minor components like cameras and seat belts, while the Silverado's recalls include steering and brake fluid sensors.
- Check that all recalls have been performed, especially the backup camera and seat belt buckle recalls, as they affect safety systems.
- Inspect the power window controls and brake system for any signs of malfunction, even though no owner complaints are on record.
- Ask for service records related to engine and transmission issues, especially if the vehicle has a 6.2L or Duramax diesel engine.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including sudden stops, and check for any warning lights related to the electrical system.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report to confirm recall completion for both vehicles.
- For the M850i, have a mechanic inspect the backup camera, seat belt buckles, and brake system.
- For the Silverado, request a diagnostic scan for engine and transmission codes, and check for any pending recalls.
- Take both vehicles for a test drive, including highway speeds, to feel for any loss of power or braking issues.
- Consider an extended warranty for the Silverado given its higher complaint rate.
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 M850i | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 98 |
| 2025 | 0 | 150 |
| 2024 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 0 | 934 |
| 2020 | 0 | 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 M850i or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW M850i vs Chevrolet Silverado
- BMW M850i total complaints
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- BMW M850i total recalls
- 7
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- BMW M850i avg complaints/year
- 0.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- BMW M850i
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE