Head-to-head reliability
BMW R 1200 S vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the BMW R 1200 S 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 1200 S vs Chevrolet Silverado: The BMW has 1 complaint over 9 years (0.1/yr) and 2 recalls, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints (510.5/yr) and 100 recalls. BMW's issue is a fuel leak; Silverado's include engine, transmission, and brake failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW R 1200 S or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW R 1200 S
The BMW R 1200 S is a niche sport-touring motorcycle with a very low complaint rate over its production years, averaging just 0.1 complaints per year. The single reported issue involves a fuel leak from under the tank onto the cylinder head, which is a serious safety concern but appears to be isolated. With only two recalls, one for wheel lugs and one for the fuel pump, the bike generally shows few systemic problems, but the fuel system deserves attention.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a high-volume pickup with a much higher complaint rate, averaging over 500 complaints per year. Owners report frequent issues with the engine, powertrain, electrical system, and brakes, including severe incidents like loss of power and braking. With 100 recalls and over 100 crash-related complaints, the Silverado shows a pattern of widespread and sometimes dangerous failures, especially in newer models.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW R 1200 S | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 2 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.1 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 R 1200 S
- 01FUEL SYSTEM1
- 02GASOLINE1
Owners report gasoline leaking from under the fuel tank onto the cylinder head while riding, which poses a fire hazard and indicates a potential fuel line or tank seal failure.
The same fuel leak issue is categorized under gasoline, highlighting the severity and the need for immediate inspection of fuel delivery components.
“The contact owns a 2007 BMW R 1200S Motorcycle. The contact stated while riding at approximately 35 MPH, there was gasoline leaking from under the fuel tank onto the cylinder head. The contact stated that there were no warning lights illuminated. The contact…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine problems such as sudden loss of motive power, loud pinging noises, and diesel particulate filter clogging, leading to breakdowns and dealer visits.
Transmission issues include sudden shifting into neutral while driving, which can be dangerous, especially in traffic or on hills.
Electrical failures can cause loss of braking and steering, as well as other critical system malfunctions, often without warning.
Brake problems include sudden loss of braking effectiveness even when the pedal feels firm, indicating potential issues with brake boosters or electronic controls.
“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 1200 S — 2 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 R1200GS and R1200RT, 2006-2010 R1200GS Adventure, 2007-2010 R1200R, 2007 R1200S and K1200R Sport, 2005-2007 R1200ST, 2008-2009 HP2 Megamoto, 2006 HP2 Enduro, 2008-2010 HP2 Sport, 2005-2008 K1200S, 2006-2008 K1200R, K1200GT, 2…
The risk: If the rear wheel mounting flange cracks, the mounting bolts may loosen and the rear wheel may not remain secured to the motorcycle, causing a loss of stability and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the existing aluminum rear wheel flange with a steel one, free of charge. The recall began on May 7, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 model year R-model motorcycles, model year 2005-2012 K-model motorcycles, model year 2010-2011 S 1000 model motorcycles, and model year 2006-2010 HP2 motorcycles. In the affected motorcycles, the fuel pump flange (and the aux…
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will either reinforce the fuel pump flange or replace the pump, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 16, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW…
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 R 1200 S or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The BMW R 1200 S has far fewer issues per year (0.1 vs 510.5), making it a more reliable choice in terms of complaint frequency. However, the Silverado's issues are more varied and severe, affecting safety-critical systems, so the difference in complaint rates translates to a much higher risk of unexpected failures.
Key differences
- The BMW has only 1 complaint over 9 years, while the Silverado has over 5,000 in 10 years.
- BMW's only reported issue is a fuel leak, whereas Silverado owners report engine, transmission, electrical, and brake failures.
- Silverado has 100 recalls, including for steering and brake fluid sensors, while BMW has just 2 recalls.
- Silverado has 117 crash-related complaints and 1 death, while BMW has none.
- Inspect the fuel tank area for any signs of leakage or cracks, especially around the cylinder head.
- Check for any recall work done on the fuel pump and wheel lugs.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including sudden stops, to ensure no loss of braking power.
- Listen for unusual engine noises and check for any warning lights related to engine or transmission.
Before you buy
- For the BMW, have a mechanic inspect the fuel system, including lines and tank seals.
- For the Silverado, check the vehicle's recall status and ensure all recalls are addressed.
- For the Silverado, test drive at highway speeds to see if any loss of power or steering occurs.
- For the Silverado, ask for service records to see if the diesel particulate filter has been replaced or cleaned.
- For both, check the NHTSA website for any open investigations or updated recalls.
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 1200 S or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW R 1200 S vs Chevrolet Silverado
- BMW R 1200 S total complaints
- 1
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- BMW R 1200 S total recalls
- 2
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- BMW R 1200 S avg complaints/year
- 0.1
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- BMW R 1200 S
- BMW R 1200 S top complaint area
- FUEL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE