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 and 2 recalls over 9 years, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints and 101 recalls over 10 years. The BMW's lone complaint is a fuel leak; the Silverado's top issues are engine (2,521) and power train (2,347). 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 sporty motorcycle with very few reported problems over nine years—just one owner complaint and two recalls. The single complaint describes gasoline leaking from under the fuel tank onto the cylinder head while riding, which is a serious fire risk. Recalls address wheel lug nuts and the fuel pump. Overall, it appears to be a low-volume, niche model with minimal complaint data, but the fuel leak is a notable concern.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a massive number of owner complaints—over 8,200 in ten years—and 101 recalls. The most common issues involve the engine, power train, electrical system, and brakes, with reports of sudden engine shutdowns, transmission failures, and brake problems. Some complaints describe dangerous situations like the truck going into neutral or losing braking. This suggests a complex vehicle with many potential trouble spots.
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 | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 2 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.1 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 R 1200 S
- 01FUEL SYSTEM1
- 02GASOLINE1
One owner reported gasoline leaking from under the fuel tank onto the cylinder head while riding at about 35 mph, with no warning lights. This can cause a fire, so any fuel smell or visible leak should be taken seriously.
The same complaint also falls under the gasoline category, again describing fuel leaking onto the hot engine. This reinforces that fuel delivery components may be prone to leaks, which is a critical safety issue on a motorcycle.
“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
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine problems like rough running, stalling, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. Some complaints mention the engine shutting off while driving, which can be very dangerous.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly going into neutral while driving slowly, and transmission issues. This can leave a driver unable to accelerate or move the truck as expected.
Owners describe sudden loss of braking, engine shutdowns, and messages like 'Return to Neutral' appearing on the display. These electrical glitches can affect critical functions and are alarming.
Reports include a firm brake pedal but reduced braking effect, and the truck shutting off completely while in a parking lot. Brake problems are especially concerning for safety.
“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 — 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 1200 S or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The BMW R 1200 S has far fewer issues per year (0.1 complaints/year) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (822.7 complaints/year). In practice, this means the BMW is likely to have fewer reported problems, but the Silverado's high volume of complaints reflects its popularity and complexity. The difference is stark: the BMW has one known fuel leak complaint, while the Silverado has thousands covering engines, transmissions, brakes, and electrical systems.
Key differences
- The BMW R 1200 S has only 1 complaint and 2 recalls, while the Chevrolet Silverado has 8,227 complaints and 101 recalls.
- BMW's sole complaint is a fuel leak onto the cylinder head; Silverado complaints cover engine, power train, electrical, and brake failures.
- Silverado complaints include 233 crash-related reports, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths; BMW has 0 in these categories.
- BMW recalls involve wheel lug nuts and fuel pump; Silverado recalls include fuel pump control module, tire pressure monitoring, and forward collision warnings.
- Check for any gasoline smell or visible fuel leaks under the tank, especially around the cylinder head, as one owner reported a leak while riding.
- Inspect wheel lug nuts and bolts for tightness or wear, since a recall addressed wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studs.
- Test drive and listen for engine stalling, rough running, or diesel particulate filter warnings, as owners reported these issues.
- Check for transmission problems like sudden neutral engagement and brake performance, including any firm pedal with reduced braking.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially fuel pump and wheel issues for the BMW and fuel pump control module for the Silverado.
- For the BMW, inspect the fuel tank, lines, and cylinder head area for leaks or stains, and take a test ride to check for fuel odors.
- For the Silverado, scan for stored engine and transmission codes, and test drive at various speeds to check for stalling, shifting issues, and brake response.
- Have a qualified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the BMW's fuel system and the Silverado's engine, transmission, electrical, and brakes.
- Review the NHTSA complaint database for specific model years to see if patterns match what you observe during inspection.
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
- 8,227
- BMW R 1200 S total recalls
- 2
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- BMW R 1200 S avg complaints/year
- 0.1
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- BMW R 1200 S
- BMW R 1200 S top complaint area
- FUEL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE