Head-to-head reliability
BMW R 1250 RS vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the BMW R 1250 RS 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 RS vs Chevrolet Silverado: The BMW has only 1 complaint over 6 years (0.2/yr) and 4 recalls, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints over 10 years (510.5/yr) and 100 recalls. Silverado owners report engine, transmission, and brake failures, including loss of power and braking. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW R 1250 RS or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW R 1250 RS
The BMW R 1250 RS is a niche sport-touring motorcycle with a very low complaint rate, averaging just 0.2 per year over six years. The single reported issue is about the service indicator warning window obscuring the TFT display, which can hide critical information like fuel level and range. This is a minor but potentially distracting problem, not a mechanical failure. Overall, it appears to be a reliable bike with few owner-reported issues.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a popular full-size pickup with a high complaint volume, averaging over 500 per year over ten years. Owners report serious issues across the engine, powertrain, electrical system, and brakes, including sudden loss of motive power, transmission failures, and braking problems. These are not just nuisances; they can lead to dangerous situations. The Silverado also has a high recall count, indicating systemic issues that require attention.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW R 1250 RS | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 4 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.2 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 1250 RS
- 01UNKNOWN OR OTHER1
The only complaint involves the service indicator warning window obscuring the TFT display, preventing the rider from seeing fuel level, range, and other critical data. This could be a distraction and a potential hazard if the rider cannot monitor essential information.
“The service indicator warning window obscures access to the TFT-display and the rider cannot use or see the display controls which include fuel tank levels, range etc. This is a potential hazard for an operator. The problem is exacerbated by limited availabil…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine issues, including sudden loss of motive power while driving, often accompanied by loud pinging sounds. Some also mention diesel particulate filter (DPF) soot accumulation requiring repeated dealer visits, indicating potential engine management or emissions system problems.
Transmission problems are common, with reports of the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, especially at low speeds or uphill. This can be dangerous if it happens in traffic or on an incline, as it may cause loss of control.
Electrical failures are linked to serious safety issues, such as sudden loss of braking power and steering becoming inoperable. Owners describe the brake pedal staying firm but braking effectiveness dropping, which is alarming and could lead to crashes.
Brake-related complaints include sudden, severe loss of normal braking, even with a firm pedal. This suggests potential issues with the brake system's electronic controls or hydraulic components, which are critical for safe stopping.
“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 RS — 4 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 R 1250 RT, R 1250 R, R 1250 RS, R 1250 GS and R 1250 GS Adventure motorcycles. The tire pressure labels may not remain affixed to the motorcycle frame. As a result, these motorcycles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehi…
The risk: If the label detaches from the motorcycle, proper tire pressure information may not be readily available. This could result in the rider improperly filling the tires which may affect motorcycle handling and control, increasing the risk of…
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the tire pressure label, free of charge. The recall began October 19, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 F900R, F900XR, S1000RR, F750GS, F850GS, F850GS Adventure, R1250GS, R1250GS Adventure, R1250RS, R1250R, RnineT, RnineT Pure and RnineT Scrambler and 2019-2020 S1000R motorcycles. The brake light may flash instead of remain steady during emerg…
The risk: A flashing brake light can cause confusion to other drivers on the road, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owner, and dealers will reprogram the emergency stop signal function, free of charge. The recall began May 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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 RS or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The BMW R 1250 RS has far fewer issues per year (0.2) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5). In practice, the BMW is likely to be much more reliable and less likely to leave you stranded or face safety-critical failures. The Silverado's high complaint and recall rates indicate a higher risk of major repairs and potential safety hazards.
Key differences
- The BMW has only one complaint about a display obstruction, while the Silverado has thousands of complaints about engine, transmission, and brake failures.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls over 10 years, indicating widespread safety and reliability issues, whereas the BMW has only 4 recalls.
- The Silverado has reported crashes, injuries, and a death linked to its failures, while the BMW has none.
- The Silverado's problems often occur at low mileage (e.g., under 300 miles), suggesting early failures, while the BMW's single issue is not mechanical.
- Check that the service indicator warning does not obscure the TFT display; if it does, it may need a software update or adjustment.
- Verify that all recalls have been addressed, especially those related to brakes and labels.
- Inspect the engine and transmission for any signs of previous failures, such as unusual noises, leaks, or warning lights.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including sudden stops, to ensure they respond properly; also check for any electrical issues that could affect braking or steering.
Before you buy
- For the BMW: ask for the service history and confirm the TFT display is fully visible with no warning window obstruction.
- For the Silverado: check for any open recalls and ensure they have been completed.
- For the Silverado: have a mechanic inspect the engine, transmission, and electrical system, especially if it has a 6.2L or Duramax engine.
- For the Silverado: test drive at various speeds and inclines to see if the transmission stays in gear.
- For both: review the NHTSA complaint database for the specific model year you are considering.
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 RS | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 1 | 934 |
| 2020 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 | 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 RS or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW R 1250 RS vs Chevrolet Silverado
- BMW R 1250 RS total complaints
- 1
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- BMW R 1250 RS total recalls
- 4
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- BMW R 1250 RS avg complaints/year
- 0.2
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- BMW R 1250 RS
- BMW R 1250 RS top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE