Head-to-head reliability
BMW R 1250 GS vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the BMW R 1250 GS 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 1250 GS vs Chevrolet Silverado: The BMW has 29 complaints over 5 years (5.8/yr) with 14 recalls, while the Silverado has 5105 complaints over 10 years (510.5/yr) with 100 recalls. BMW owners report brake pressure loss, Silverado owners report engine and transmission failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW R 1250 GS or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW R 1250 GS
The BMW R 1250 GS is a premium adventure motorcycle that, in ownership terms, demands attention to its braking system. With 29 complaints over five years, the pattern centers on brake issues, including reports of sudden pressure loss and caliper seizure, which are serious safety concerns. Electrical and engine problems also appear, such as random no-start conditions, but the brake complaints dominate and should be a primary focus for any prospective buyer.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume, averaging over 500 per year across a decade. Engine and powertrain issues lead the list, with owners reporting failures like engine shutdowns, transmission problems, and diesel particulate filter clogging. Electrical and brake complaints are also frequent, sometimes involving sudden loss of braking or power, making it a vehicle that requires thorough inspection before purchase.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW R 1250 GS | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 29 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 14 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 5.8 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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 1250 GS
- 01SERVICE BRAKES21
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM4
- 03ENGINE4
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER3
- 05HYDRAULIC2
Owners report the rear caliper seizing and, more alarmingly, a complete loss of brake pressure at low speed, which can lead to a crash. These are not just wear items; they are safety-critical failures that could leave you without stopping power.
The bike may randomly fail to start, even after a short ride, and the battery checks out fine. Dealers often cannot find the cause, leaving you with an unreliable machine that might strand you.
Some complaints describe the engine stalling or cutting out while decelerating, which is dangerous in traffic. This is often linked to the electrical issues, but it points to potential fuel or ignition system problems.
“4/2021 Prior to 4/2021, I had complained verbally with visits and calls to the dealership about an intermittent (CC ) Cruise Control issue. They could not find a problem w/the CC. I now consider this issue is related to the rear caliper ceasing. 5/30/2022 (RC…”
“- DRIVING BRAND NEW 2019 BMW R 1250 GS MOTORCYCLE ON WELL-MAINTAINED, RURAL, TWO-LANE ROADS IN WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA - UPON BRAKING WHILE APPROACHING A SLOW-SPEED RIGHT-HAND TURN, THE BRAKES LOST ALL PRESSURE (APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH IN 2ND GEAR) - THE FRONT TIRE…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
The most common issue is sudden engine failure or loss of power, sometimes accompanied by loud noises. Diesel models also suffer from frequent diesel particulate filter clogging, requiring dealer service and potentially leaving you stranded.
Transmission problems include sudden shifts into neutral while driving, which can cause a loss of power and control. This is a serious safety hazard, especially in traffic or on hills.
Electrical failures can cause a cascade of problems, including loss of braking assist and steering, as well as warning lights and stalling. These issues are unpredictable and can happen at highway speeds.
Owners report sudden, severe loss of braking effectiveness even though the pedal feels firm. This can be due to electrical or hydraulic issues, and it makes the truck unsafe to drive when it occurs.
“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 1250 GS — 14 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2023 R1250GS, R1250GS Adventure, and R1250RTP motorcycles. In certain engine operating and riding conditions, the gearbox input shaft may become damaged or break, possibly resulting in a blocked rear wheel.
The risk: A damaged gearbox input shaft or a blocked rear wheel can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the engine control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 22, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 R 1250 GS, GS Adventure and R 1250 RT, 2020 S 1000 RR and S 1000 XR motorcycles. The front brake calipers may leak brake fluid when parked. As such, these motorcycles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Saf…
The risk: Overtime, a leaking front brake caliper can reduce the amount of brake fluid in the reservoir. Low volume could affect brake performance, increasing the risk of crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary, replace the front brake calipers with an improved version, free of charge. BMW issued owners an interim notification on October 12, 2020. As of January 19, 2021, a remedy w…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2020 RnineT Scrambler and RnineT, 2020 R1250R and R1250RS, 2019-2020 Rnine T Pure, R1250GS,R1250GS Adventure and R1250RT and 2018 RnineT Racer motorcycles. The brake fluid reservoir cap may not clearly state the required type of brake fluid…
The risk: Improper brake system maintenance could affect braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake fluid reservoir cap, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain Motorcycle Accessory Brake Fluid Reservoir Covers, part numbers 8405-752, 8405-753, 8405-754 and 9829547 designed to fit certain 2019-2020 BMW R 1250 motorcycles, and part numbers 8404-098, 8405-100, 8405-102, and 1542056 designed to fit certain…
The risk: Improper brake system maintenance could affect braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake fluid reservoir cap, free of charge. The recall began December 14, 2020. Parts will be available in mid-September 2020 for the recall repairs. Owners may contact BMW customer servi…
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 1250 GS or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The BMW R 1250 GS has far fewer complaints per year (5.8) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. However, the GS's brake failures are potentially catastrophic, while the Silverado's problems are more frequent but varied. In practice, the GS may be more reliable overall, but its specific issues are more safety-critical.
Key differences
- The BMW has a much lower complaint rate (5.8/yr) than the Silverado (510.5/yr), but its brake complaints are more severe, including loss of pressure.
- The Silverado's engine and powertrain issues are more common, with reports of sudden power loss and transmission failures, while the BMW's engine issues are less frequent but include stalling.
- Electrical problems affect both, but on the BMW they cause no-start issues, while on the Silverado they can lead to loss of braking and steering.
- The Silverado has more recalls (100 vs 14) and crash-related complaints (117 vs 0), indicating a higher overall safety risk.
- Inspect the brake calipers for signs of seizing or corrosion, and test the brakes at low speed to ensure pressure is consistent.
- Check for any service bulletins or recalls related to the brake system, and ask if the brake fluid has been replaced per schedule.
- Check the engine for any signs of stalling or unusual noises, and ask for service records related to the transmission.
- Test the brakes at various speeds to ensure they respond normally, and look for any warning lights related to the electrical system.
Before you buy
- For the BMW: Have a mechanic inspect the brake calipers and lines, and test the bike's starting system multiple times after a ride.
- For the Silverado: Check the transmission fluid and have a diagnostic scan for any stored codes, especially related to the engine and transmission.
- For both: Review the NHTSA recall lists and ensure all recalls have been performed.
- Take a test ride/drive that includes low-speed braking and highway speeds to feel for any abnormalities.
- Ask for maintenance records and verify that the BMW's brake fluid was changed regularly and the Silverado's diesel particulate filter has been cleaned or replaced if needed.
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 R 1250 GS | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 | 0 |
| 2022 | 3 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 1 | 934 |
| 2020 | 8 | 0 |
| 2019 | 15 | 1992 |
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 1250 GS or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW R 1250 GS vs Chevrolet Silverado
- BMW R 1250 GS total complaints
- 29
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- BMW R 1250 GS total recalls
- 14
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- BMW R 1250 GS avg complaints/year
- 5.8
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- BMW R 1250 GS
- BMW R 1250 GS top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE