Head-to-head reliability
BMW R 1200 ST vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the BMW R 1200 ST 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 ST vs Chevrolet Silverado: The BMW averaged 0.9 complaints per year over 8 years, with 10 recalls and no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths. The Silverado averaged 822.7 complaints per year over 10 years, with 101 recalls, 233 crash-related reports, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW R 1200 ST or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW R 1200 ST
The BMW R 1200 ST is a sport-touring motorcycle with a small but consistent complaint pattern over 8 years, averaging about 0.9 complaints per year. Owners most often report fuel system problems, especially plastic quick-disconnect fittings that crack and spray fuel onto the hot engine. There are also reports of throttle cable bell cranks cracking, causing sudden loss of power. With 10 recalls and no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths in the data, it appears to be a machine that needs careful maintenance but has not generated widespread safety incidents.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a very high complaint volume: 8,227 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 823 per year. The most common areas are the engine, power train, electrical system, and brakes. Owners describe serious issues like engine shutdown while driving, sudden loss of braking, and transmission problems. There are 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths reported, along with 101 recalls, indicating a broad range of safety-related defects.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW R 1200 ST | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 7 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 10 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.9 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 ST
- 01FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM2
- 02FUEL SYSTEM2
- 03GASOLINE2
- 04POWER TRAIN2
- 05VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1
Owners report that the plastic quick-disconnect fitting on the fuel tank can crack, causing high-pressure fuel to spray onto the hot engine. This creates an extreme fire risk, and some owners have replaced the plastic part with steel to prevent it.
Similar to the fuel/propulsion system, the fuel system complaints center on the same plastic quick-disconnect couplers that break unexpectedly. A cracked coupler can leak fuel onto the hot motor, which owners describe as a serious fire hazard.
Complaints filed under 'gasoline' also describe the same fuel leak from cracked plastic quick-disconnect fittings. The smell of fuel while riding and visible fuel spraying onto the engine are common warnings.
One owner reported that the rear wheel adapter on the final drive axle lost its interference fit, causing the rear wheel to wobble more than 1 mm at about 15,750 miles. This led to handling problems and required a new splined adapter.
“THE FUEL PUMP ON MY R 1200 ST MOTORCYCLE IS MOUNTED INSIDE THE FUEL TANK AND PROVIDES FUEL UNDER PRESSURE TO THE PRESSURE REGULATOR. FUEL EXITS THE TANK THROUGH A QUICK DISCONNECT FITTING SCREWED INTO THE PLATE ON WHICH THE FUEL PUMP IS MOUNTED. DURING A ROUT…”
“THROTTLE CABLE BELL CRANKS CRACK DUE TO POOR QUALITY PLASTIC MATERIAL. THIS CAUSES MOTORCYCLE TO SUDDENLY LOSE POWER AS HAND THROTTLE NO LONGER WORKS, AND ENGINE RETURNS TO IDLE SPEED. THIS CAN LEAD TO A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD IF THIS OCCURS ON HIGH SPEED ROAD…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of 2026 Silverado models report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start.' Others describe diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events requiring dealer service at low mileage.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly going into neutral while driving slowly, such as in a parking garage, leaving the driver unable to accelerate. This can happen with very low mileage, even under 300 miles.
Owners report a sudden, severe loss of normal braking, where the brake pedal remains firm but braking is ineffective. Others describe the engine shutting off while driving, with all screens going blank.
Brake-related complaints mirror the electrical system issues: loss of normal braking without warning, and instances where the truck shuts off completely while barely applying throttle in a parking lot.
“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 ST — 10 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…
The defect: ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, EXPOSURE OF THE THROTTLE HOUSING TO ROAD DEBRIS COULD FALL AND BECOME CAUGHT BETWEEN THE THROTTLE-BODY AND THE ENGINE BLOCK.
The risk: THIS COULD RESTRICT MOVEMENT OF THE THROTTLE-CABLE PULLEY THAT, IN TURN, COULD AFFECT THROTTLE OPERATION AND INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A COVER OVER THE THROTTLE-CABLE PULLEY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 10, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
The defect: ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, UNDER RAPID, REPEATED, AND UNUSUALLY HARSH BRAKING, LOSS OF ABS CAPABILITY COULD TEMPORARILY OCCUR.
The risk: TEMPORARY LOSS OF ABS BRAKING COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL ADD A PHYSICAL RESTRICTION, IN THE FORM OF A BANJO BOLT WITH A FLOW RESTRICTOR TO THE BRAKE LINE, AND ON CERTAIN MODELS DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW FRONT BRAKE DISCS OF A SLIGHTLY LARGER THICKNESS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN…
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 ST or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The BMW R 1200 ST has far fewer issues per year (0.9 complaints/year) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (822.7 complaints/year). In practice, the BMW's problems are concentrated in a few areas like fuel leaks and throttle control, while the Silverado's complaints span many systems and include serious safety events like engine shutdowns and brake loss. The difference means a BMW buyer should focus on specific maintenance checks, while a Silverado buyer faces a much higher likelihood of encountering a wide range of defects.
Key differences
- The BMW R 1200 ST averages 0.9 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages 822.7 per year, a massive difference in reported problem frequency.
- BMW complaints center on fuel leaks from plastic quick-disconnect fittings and throttle cable bell cranks cracking, leading to fire risk or sudden power loss.
- Silverado complaints include engine shutdowns while driving, sudden loss of braking, and transmission going into neutral, with 233 crash-related reports, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths.
- The BMW has 10 recalls and no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths in the data, while the Silverado has 101 recalls and a substantial number of safety-related outcomes.
- Inspect the plastic quick-disconnect fuel fittings on the tank for cracks or signs of fuel weeping; consider replacing them with metal versions as a precaution.
- Check the throttle cable bell cranks for cracks or brittleness, as a failure can cause sudden loss of power.
- Test drive and check for any hesitation, sudden engine shutdown, or warning messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start' on the display.
- Verify brake function carefully; a firm pedal with poor stopping power has been reported, so have a mechanic inspect the braking system.
Before you buy
- For the BMW R 1200 ST, ask the seller if the fuel quick-disconnects have been upgraded to metal and check for fuel odors or leaks.
- For the Chevrolet Silverado, obtain a full vehicle history report and check for any open recalls, especially on fuel pump, brakes, and forward collision avoidance.
- On the Silverado, scan for stored diagnostic trouble codes related to the engine, transmission, and diesel particulate filter if equipped.
- On the BMW, inspect the rear wheel for any wobble or play that could indicate a failing final drive adapter.
- Take both vehicles for a thorough test drive, including highway speeds for the BMW and stop-and-go traffic for the Silverado, to replicate reported conditions.
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 ST or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW R 1200 ST vs Chevrolet Silverado
- BMW R 1200 ST total complaints
- 7
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- BMW R 1200 ST total recalls
- 10
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- BMW R 1200 ST avg complaints/year
- 0.9
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- BMW R 1200 ST
- BMW R 1200 ST top complaint area
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE