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/yr) with engine stalling and electrical gremlins, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints (510.5/yr) including loss of braking and transmission failures. The Silverado also has 100 recalls versus 13 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 sportbike that, in ownership terms, demands attention to reliability. Over a decade, owners have filed 16 complaints, averaging 1.6 per year, with the engine being the most cited trouble spot. Complaints describe sudden stalling and coil pack failures that can leave riders stranded or in dangerous situations. Electrical gremlins, such as the starter activating on its own, add to the unpredictability, making it a machine that requires vigilant maintenance and awareness of known issues.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume: 5,105 over 10 years, averaging 510.5 per year. Engine and powertrain issues dominate, with owners reporting sudden loss of power, transmission failures, and diesel particulate filter problems. Electrical system failures can lead to loss of braking and steering, creating serious safety concerns. With 117 crash-related complaints and 104 injuries, the Silverado's reliability issues are not just inconveniences but potential hazards.
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 | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 13 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1.6 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 S 1000 RR
- 01ENGINE10
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM4
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER3
- 04SERVICE BRAKES2
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM1
Owners report coil packs failing without warning, causing the bike to lose power and limp home. Stalling while riding has occurred even after dealer repairs, posing a life-threatening risk.
Electrical issues include the starter activating when the key is turned off, and the bike turning on automatically. These unpredictable behaviors can be startling and dangerous.
Front brake calipers have been reported leaking, consuming brake fluid, and after recall repairs, some owners experience front-end vibrations during braking, indicating potential brake system instability.
“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
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Engine problems include sudden loss of motive power, often accompanied by loud pinging sounds. Diesel models face repeated diesel particulate filter clogging, requiring dealer intervention.
Transmission issues are common, with vehicles suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, especially at low speeds, which can be dangerous in traffic or parking structures.
Electrical failures can lead to a sudden loss of braking and steering, as reported by owners. The brake pedal may remain firm but braking effectiveness is severely reduced.
Brake-related complaints often involve a sudden, severe loss of normal braking, sometimes linked to electrical issues. This can happen shortly after starting the vehicle, posing immediate risk.
“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. Letters informing owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed September 14, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1…
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.
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. Letters informing owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed September 14, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1…
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 S 1000 RR or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The BMW S 1000 RR has far fewer complaints per year (1.6) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), indicating a lower frequency of reported issues. However, the nature of the Silverado's problems, including loss of braking and steering, can be more severe and safety-critical. In practice, the BMW may require attention to specific known engine and electrical faults, while the Silverado demands a thorough inspection of its engine, transmission, and brake systems.
Key differences
- The BMW S 1000 RR has 16 complaints over 10 years, while the Silverado has 5,105, a massive difference in reported issue frequency.
- BMW owners report engine stalling and coil pack failures, whereas Silverado owners report sudden loss of power and transmission failures.
- Silverado electrical issues can lead to loss of braking and steering, a critical safety concern not as prominent in BMW complaints.
- BMW has 13 recalls, Silverado has 100, indicating more widespread manufacturing issues in the truck.
- Check for any history of engine stalling or coil pack replacements; ask for service records.
- Inspect the electrical system for signs of starter or ignition switch problems, such as unintended activation.
- Look for signs of transmission slipping or sudden neutral engagement, especially at low speeds.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including at low speeds, and check for any warning lights related to brake or electrical systems.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a mechanic inspect the BMW's engine and electrical system, focusing on coil packs and starter operation.
- For the Silverado, test drive at various speeds and inclines to check for transmission issues and brake responsiveness.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially for the Silverado's diesel particulate filter if it's a diesel model.
- Consider a pre-purchase diagnostic scan to check for any stored trouble codes.
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 | 98 |
| 2025 | 1 | 150 |
| 2024 | 1 | 0 |
| 2023 | 2 | 0 |
| 2022 | 4 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 1 | 934 |
| 2020 | 7 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 0 | 591 |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 |
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
- 5,105
- BMW S 1000 RR total recalls
- 13
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- BMW S 1000 RR avg complaints/year
- 1.6
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- BMW S 1000 RR
- BMW S 1000 RR top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE