Head-to-head reliability
BMW S 1000 RR vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the BMW S 1000 RR 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 S 1000 RR vs Chevrolet Silverado: The BMW has 16 complaints over 10 years (1.6/year) and 13 recalls, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints (822.7/year) and 101 recalls. The Silverado also reports 233 crash-related complaints and 160 injuries, versus none for the BMW. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW S 1000 RR or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW S 1000 RR
The BMW S 1000 RR is a high-performance sport motorcycle with a relatively low complaint volume—16 over 10 years—but the pattern shows recurring engine and electrical faults that can leave riders stranded. Owners frequently report coil pack failures, stalling while riding, and brake caliper leaks, often after recalls. Living with this bike means staying on top of recalls and being prepared for sudden loss of power or brake issues.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a massive complaint volume—8,227 over 10 years—and a wide range of engine, transmission, electrical, and brake problems. Owners describe serious safety events like engine shutdowns while driving, sudden loss of braking, and transmission failures even on new trucks. The high number of crash-related complaints (233) and injuries (160) suggests these issues can have severe consequences.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW S 1000 RR | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 16 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 13 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1.6 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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 S 1000 RR
- 01ENGINE10
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM4
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER3
- 04SERVICE BRAKES2
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM1
Owners report coil packs failing without warning, causing misfires and limp-home mode, and some experience persistent stalling while riding that dealerships struggle to fix. These issues can damage the engine and create dangerous situations on the road.
Complaints include the starter engaging unexpectedly when the key is turned off or the kill switch is pressed, and stalling that persists after repairs. Such electrical glitches can drain the battery or cause loss of control.
Front brake calipers have leaked during rest periods, consuming brake fluid, and after a recall some owners notice vibrations or bouncing during medium braking. Brake problems directly affect stopping ability and rider safety.
Some owners report surging at around 6,000 rpm that dealers cannot diagnose, leading to hand slipping on the throttle. Unresolved drivability issues like this make the bike unpredictable.
“The coil packs of the 2020 model have gotten a reputation for going out with no warning. It often happens well driving. In my case, two went bad and I had to limp home. Riding like this can further damage the engine. In some cases this happens to people when…”
“This motorcycle has had a history of stalling while riding, this issue has persisted through two "repairs" that the dealership deemed safe. It stalled on the way back from retrieving the motorcycle from the supposed repair and put me in a life threatening sce…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of new Silverados report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with messages like 'Return to Neutral,' and diesel models experience repeated excessive soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These failures can strand drivers and create hazardous situations.
Complaints include transmissions suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly, and complete loss of acceleration. Such failures can happen at low speeds in parking lots or on the road, increasing crash risk.
Owners describe sudden, severe loss of normal braking with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power, as well as engines shutting off while driving. These electrical/software glitches can disable critical safety functions.
Reports include brake pedal remaining firm but braking ineffective, and trucks shutting off completely during low-speed maneuvers. Brake-related complaints are numerous and often tied to electronic issues.
“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 S 1000 RR — 13 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022 S1000RR, M1000RR, and 2022-2023 S1000XR and S1000R motorcycles. The clutch cover bolts were not lubricated properly, which may cause the clutch cover to become loose and leak oil.
The risk: An oil leak occurring at the clutch cover increases the risk of a crash or fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace all 10 clutch cover bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 6, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2024 S 1000 RR US, and 2020-2026 S 1000 RR motorcycles. The vibration of the motorcycle may cause an internal component of the ignition lock to fail, which can cause the instrument display, rear lighting, and other systems such as ABS to fail, or…
The risk: An engine stall or failure of electrical systems such as the instrument display or ABS, increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: The remedy is currently under development. Owner notification letters were mailed September 18, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identifi…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2024 S 1000 RR US, and 2020-2026 S 1000 RR motorcycles. The vibration of the motorcycle may cause an internal component of the ignition lock to fail, which can cause the instrument display, rear lighting, and other systems such as ABS to fail, or…
The risk: An engine stall or failure of electrical systems such as the instrument display or ABS, increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: The remedy is currently under development. Owner notification letters were mailed September 18, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identifi…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 S 1000 RR motorcycles. The motorcycle hand brake lever may not function correctly, reducing brake performance.
The risk: Reduced brake performance can extend the distance required to stop the motorcycle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the hand brake lever fulcrum pin, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 25, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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 S 1000 RR or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The BMW S 1000 RR has far fewer issues per year (1.6 complaints/year) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (822.7 complaints/year). In practice, the BMW owner faces a smaller but still serious set of recurring faults, while the Silverado owner is far more likely to encounter a wide range of problems, including many that are crash-related.
Key differences
- The BMW S 1000 RR has 16 complaints over 10 years, while the Silverado has 8,227—a massive difference in reported problem frequency.
- BMW complaints center on engine coil packs, stalling, and brake caliper leaks; Silverado complaints include engine shutdowns, transmission failures, and sudden brake loss.
- The Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints and 160 injuries, while the BMW has 0 crash-related and 1 injury, indicating different safety risk profiles.
- Both have recalls, but the Silverado's 101 recalls cover a broader range of systems, including fuel pumps and forward collision warnings.
- Check for any history of coil pack replacements or engine misfires, especially on 2020 models, as these can fail without warning.
- Inspect front brake calipers for leaks and test ride at medium braking speeds to feel for vibrations or bouncing after any brake recall work.
- Test drive at low speeds and in parking lots to see if the transmission unexpectedly shifts to neutral or the engine shuts off.
- Check for any messages about brake system faults or reduced braking, and verify that all recalls—especially those for fuel pumps and brakes—have been performed.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA.gov to check for open recalls on both vehicles and confirm they have been remedied.
- For the BMW, ask for service records related to coil packs, stalling, and brake caliper leaks; consider a compression test.
- For the Silverado, have a mechanic scan for stored codes related to transmission, engine, and brake modules, and test drive extensively.
- Request a pre-purchase inspection by a specialist for the specific model—BMW motorcycle shop for the S 1000 RR, and a trusted mechanic for the Silverado.
- Verify the vehicle's history report for accident damage and frequent repairs, as both models have known recurring issues.
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 S 1000 RR | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 120 |
| 2025 | 1 | 157 |
| 2024 | 1 | 527 |
| 2023 | 2 | 450 |
| 2022 | 4 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 1 | 961 |
| 2020 | 7 | 868 |
| 2019 | 0 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 0 | 597 |
| 2017 | 0 | 1154 |
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 S 1000 RR or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW S 1000 RR vs Chevrolet Silverado
- BMW S 1000 RR total complaints
- 16
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- BMW S 1000 RR total recalls
- 13
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- BMW S 1000 RR avg complaints/year
- 1.6
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- BMW S 1000 RR
- BMW S 1000 RR top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE