Head-to-head reliability
BMW R 1150 RT vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the BMW R 1150 RT 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 R 1150 RT vs Chevrolet Silverado: The BMW has 7 complaints over 6 years (1.2/year) and 1 recall, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints over 10 years (822.7/year) and 101 recalls. The BMW's issues often involve electrical and fuel systems, while the Silverado's involve engine and power train failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW R 1150 RT or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW R 1150 RT
The BMW R 1150 RT is a touring motorcycle with a relatively low complaint rate of about 1.2 per year over six years. Owners report serious electrical and fuel system issues that can lead to sudden loss of braking or fuel leaks. The sample complaints show that alternator belt failure can disable power brakes, and fuel leaks may persist even after recall repairs. These are not frequent problems, but when they occur, they can be dangerous.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a very high complaint rate of about 823 per year over ten years. The most common complaints involve engine and power train failures, often on nearly new trucks. Owners describe sudden engine shutdowns, transmission problems, and brake issues that can occur while driving. With 101 recalls and numerous crash and injury reports, this truck has a well-documented pattern of reliability problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW R 1150 RT | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 7 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 1 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 2 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1.2 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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 R 1150 RT
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3
- 02FUEL SYSTEM2
- 03GASOLINE2
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1
- 05SUSPENSION1
Owners report alternator belt failure that causes the alternator to stop charging, leading to low voltage and loss of power brakes. This leaves only about 40% of normal braking, making it hard to stop. Another complaint describes a front wheel brake lock at low speed, causing a crash with injuries.
Owners smell fuel and see leaks on the ground. A recall remedy for crimp clamps often fails, with leaks continuing even after repair. Some suspect plastic components deform, preventing a proper seal. This poses a fire risk and is a major concern for any buyer.
Complaints about gasoline leaks mirror those in the fuel system category. The same recall remedy failure is reported, with fuel leaking substantially at system pressure. This indicates a persistent problem that may not be fully resolved by the recall.
One owner reported that the headlights went out completely during normal operation, leaving only fog lights. The dealer replaced the headlamp assembly under warranty. While only one complaint, losing headlights at night is a serious safety issue.
“ACTUAL MODEL IS RT1150P NOT LISTED ON MODEL LIST. ALTENATOR BELT BROKE, CAUSING ALTENATOR FAILURE AND LOW VOLTAGE WHICH NEGATED POWER BRAKES LEAVING ME WITH RESIDUAL BRAKING ABOUT 40% OF NORMAL BREAKING AT BEST. I WAS UNABLE TO STOP AND ROLLED IN FRONT OF ONC…”
“The contact owns a 2002 BMW R 1150 RT. The contact stated while driving at 15 MPH, the front wheel brake locked causing the contact to flip off the motorcycle. The contact suffered a concussion, laceration, stitches, fractured his left ankle and had problems…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of 2026 Silverado models with the 6.2L or 6.6L Duramax report engine problems at very low mileage. One complaint describes a breakdown during a family vacation with only 5,700 miles. Another reports repeated diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events requiring dealer service.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral while driving, even at low speeds in parking garages. One owner reported the vehicle went into neutral with less than 300 miles on it. This can leave the driver unable to accelerate or move the truck.
Owners report sudden loss of normal braking, with a firm brake pedal but reduced braking effect. Another complaint describes the engine shutting off while driving, with a message to 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start'. These electrical glitches can be very dangerous.
Brake complaints include a severe loss of braking shortly after dropping a child at school. The pedal remained firm but braking was ineffective. Another owner reported the truck completely shut off in a parking lot, with screens going blank and no acceleration.
“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 R 1150 RT — 1 recall
The defect: ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE 3RD AND 4TH TRANSMISSION GEAR (SHIFT) WHEELS MAY NOT BE SECURELY SEATED ON THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT. CONSEQUENTLY, WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT FROM 5TH TO 6TH GEAR, ENGAGEMENT OF THE TWO GEARS MAY OCCUR SIMULTANEOUSLY.
The risk: IF THIS HAPPENS, THE GEAR WHEELS COULD CRACK RESULTING IN A LOSS OF TRANSMISSION CAPABILITY, OR, A LOCK OF TRANSMISSION COULD OCCUR. THE REAR WHEEL COULD LOCK WHICH, DEPENDING UPON TRAFFIC AND ROAD CONDITIONS, AND THE RIDER'S REACTION, COU…
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE MOTORCYCLES AND REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION GEAR BOX IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING DECEMBER 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AN…
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 R 1150 RT or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The BMW R 1150 RT has far fewer issues per year (1.2 vs. 822.7), but its problems can be severe, such as brake loss and fuel leaks. The Chevrolet Silverado has a much higher complaint rate and more recalls, with many reports of engine shutdowns and transmission failures. In practice, the BMW may be less likely to leave you stranded, but when it fails, it can be dangerous; the Silverado is more likely to have frequent, serious problems.
Key differences
- The BMW R 1150 RT has only 7 complaints over 6 years, while the Chevrolet Silverado has 8,227 complaints over 10 years, a massive difference in reported problems.
- BMW complaints often involve electrical and fuel system failures that can cause brake loss or fuel leaks, while Silverado complaints frequently involve engine shutdowns, transmission problems, and brake failures.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls and 3 deaths reported, compared to 1 recall and 0 deaths for the BMW, indicating a higher severity and frequency of safety issues.
- BMW issues may be less frequent but can be catastrophic when they occur, such as alternator belt failure disabling power brakes; Silverado issues appear more widespread and may affect many vehicles.
- Check the alternator belt and charging system; a broken belt can cause loss of power brakes and low voltage.
- Inspect for fuel leaks around the tank, lines, and clamps; even after recall repairs, leaks may persist.
- Test drive and listen for engine misfires or shutdowns; many owners report sudden engine shut-off while driving.
- Check transmission operation for sudden neutral engagement or rough shifting, especially at low speeds.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- For the BMW, have a mechanic inspect the alternator belt, fuel system, and brakes before purchase.
- For the Silverado, scan for stored engine and transmission codes and test drive extensively, including highway and stop-and-go traffic.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for the BMW's fuel system recall work and the Silverado's engine and transmission services.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a specialist for the specific model to identify hidden issues.
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 R 1150 RT or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW R 1150 RT vs Chevrolet Silverado
- BMW R 1150 RT total complaints
- 7
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- BMW R 1150 RT total recalls
- 1
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- BMW R 1150 RT avg complaints/year
- 1.2
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- BMW R 1150 RT
- BMW R 1150 RT top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE