Head-to-head reliability
BMW R 1250 RT vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the BMW R 1250 RT 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 RT vs Chevrolet Silverado: The BMW has 23 complaints over 6 years (3.8/yr) with no crashes, while the Silverado has 5105 complaints over 10 years (510.5/yr) with 117 crashes and 1 death. BMW issues are brake leaks and ACC glitches; Silverado issues include engine and transmission failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW R 1250 RT or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW R 1250 RT
The BMW R 1250 RT is a premium touring motorcycle that, in ownership terms, shows a relatively low complaint rate of about 3.8 per year over six years. The complaints center on braking system issues, particularly leaks and Hill Start Control malfunctions, which are critical for rider safety. There are also reports of adaptive cruise control dropping out and minor structural/electrical annoyances, but no crashes or injuries were reported. Overall, it appears to be a generally reliable bike with some recurring quality issues that require attention.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup truck with a much higher complaint volume, averaging over 500 per year over a decade. The dominant problems are engine and powertrain failures, including serious issues like sudden loss of power and transmission slipping, which can lead to dangerous situations. Electrical system and brake complaints also feature prominently, with reports of braking loss and steering failure. With over 100 crashes and one death linked to these issues, the Silverado shows a more severe reliability and safety concern profile.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW R 1250 RT | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 23 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 14 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 3.8 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 RT
- 01SERVICE BRAKES14
- 02FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE4
- 03STRUCTURE2
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
- 05ENGINE2
Owners report leaking front brake calipers and malfunctioning Hill Start Control, which can cause the bike to roll on slopes or lose braking effectiveness. These are safety-critical issues that require repeated dealer visits.
Adaptive cruise control intermittently drops out, and there are concerns about following distance settings that could lead to rear-end collisions. This affects rider confidence and safety on the highway.
The front fender comes loose repeatedly, and the windscreen can whistle at speed, indicating fit and finish issues that may not be safety-critical but are annoying and require fixes.
There are reports of turn signals not canceling properly and headlight warnings, which could distract the rider and reduce visibility if not addressed.
“Hill Start Control malfunction this feature Hold the bike when it comes to a stop uphill or downhill of 5' degree gradient or more for max 2.5 minute, when auto mode on the brake will automatically hold the bike when it comes to a stop on a gradient and relea…”
“SINCE DAY ONE THIS BIKE HAS HAD LEAKING FRONT BRAKES. TODAY, I GO OUT IN MY GARAGE AND SEE MY BRAKES ARE LEAKING AGAIN FOR THE UMPTEENTH TIME. THIS IS BEYOND A DEALERSHIP FIX. BOTH DEALERS I'VE TAKEN THE BIKE TO (IRON HORSE BMW IN TUCSON, GOAZ IN PEORIA) HAVE…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Serious engine failures include sudden loss of power, abnormal noises, and diesel particulate filter clogging, which can leave drivers stranded and require costly repairs.
Transmission issues like sudden shifting into neutral while driving and loss of drive power are reported, posing significant safety risks, especially in traffic.
Electrical problems can cause loss of braking and steering assist, as well as warning lights, leading to dangerous driving conditions.
Brake failure is reported, where the pedal is firm but braking is ineffective, and there are issues with brake fluid low warnings, which could indicate leaks or sensor problems.
“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 RT — 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 2019-2023 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 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 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.
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 RT or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The BMW R 1250 RT has far fewer complaints per year (3.8 vs 510.5) and no reported crashes or injuries, indicating a lower frequency of issues. The Silverado's problems are more severe and frequent, with many safety-related failures. In practice, the BMW is likely to be more reliable and safer, but both require careful inspection and maintenance.
Key differences
- The BMW has 23 complaints over 6 years, while the Silverado has 5105 over 10 years, a massive difference in frequency.
- BMW complaints focus on brake leaks and ACC glitches, whereas Silverado complaints include engine and transmission failures that can cause loss of power.
- The Silverado has 117 crash-related complaints and 1 death, while the BMW has none, indicating a higher safety risk in the Silverado.
- BMW recalls are mostly about transmission input shafts and brake calipers, while Silverado recalls cover tailgate latches, steering, and brake fluid sensors.
- Inspect the front brake calipers for leaks and test the Hill Start Control on a slope to ensure it holds and releases properly.
- Check the adaptive cruise control for intermittent dropouts by test riding at highway speeds and engaging the system.
- Listen for abnormal engine noises and check for any warning lights; test the transmission for smooth shifting and ensure it doesn't slip into neutral.
- Test the brakes at low speed to ensure they respond properly, and check the brake fluid level and warning system.
Before you buy
- For the BMW, ask for service records showing brake repairs and software updates for ACC.
- For the Silverado, check for any open recalls and have a mechanic inspect the engine and transmission.
- Test drive both vehicles at highway speeds to feel for vibrations or unusual sounds.
- Check the NHTSA website for the latest complaints and recall information for the specific model year you're considering.
- Consider an extended warranty for the Silverado given its higher rate of major failures.
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 RT | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 0 |
| 2023 | 1 | 0 |
| 2022 | 1 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 4 | 934 |
| 2020 | 6 | 0 |
| 2019 | 9 | 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 RT or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW R 1250 RT vs Chevrolet Silverado
- BMW R 1250 RT total complaints
- 23
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- BMW R 1250 RT total recalls
- 14
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- BMW R 1250 RT avg complaints/year
- 3.8
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- BMW R 1250 RT
- BMW R 1250 RT top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE