Head-to-head reliability
BMW X4 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the BMW X4 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 X4 averages fewer NHTSA complaints per year. BMW X4 has 68 complaints and 43 recalls on record; Chevrolet Silverado has 7,904 complaints and 100 recalls. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW X4 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 68 Better | 7,904 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 43 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 7 Better | 229 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 6.8 Better | 790.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 2 Better | 159 |
| 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 X4
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM21
- 02ENGINE11
- 03SERVICE BRAKES10
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER10
- 05ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING9
“WHILE DRIVING OUT OF A PKG LOT AT LOW SPEED AND SNOW CONDITIONS, MULTIPLE WARNING LIGHTS TURNED ON, WHILE VEHICLE SLIDED TOWARD COLISION. THE CAR WENT TO PARK (BY ITSELF) WHILE MOVING FWD DIRECTION, THE REAR TIRES WERE SPINNING AND THE FRONT WERE LOCKED INTO…”
“I own the car since brand new from dealership and never have incident. Couple weeks ago, started having issues with digital main instruments panel. Suddenly when I turn on the car in the morning the dash simply does not work. I got alert saying one the safety…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,352
- 02POWER TRAIN2,254
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,452
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,198
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER838
“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…”
“At approximately 3,000 miles, the engine began making a loud knocking noise that became progressively worse while driving. The truck was diagnosed as needing a complete engine replacement. No warning lights, no check engine light, nothing. For someone inexper…”
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 X4 — 43 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022 X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, and X4M vehicles. The rear license plate may not be illuminated properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, an…
The risk: The incorrectly positioned license plate lamp cutouts could cause confusion to other drivers on the road, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will modify the rear license plate bracket, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on December 17, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain X4 xDrive30i vehicles. The tire label may contain the wrong tire size and pressure information. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
The risk: Incorrect tire size and pressure information could result in the wrong tires being installed, or improperly inflated tires, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the tire information label, free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022 330i, 530i, X3 xDrive30i, and X4 xDrive30i vehicles. The mechatronics unit inside the transmission may not have been assembled properly, which could result in an internal leak.
The risk: An internal transmission leak can result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the transmission mechatronics unit, free of charge. All of the vehicle population for this recall have been repaired. Owner notification letters were not mailed. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-741…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 BMW 330i, 2019-2022 BMW Z4, 2020-2022 BMW 530i, X3, X4, Toyota Supra, 2021-2022 BMW 430i, 430i Convertible, and 2022 BMW 230i vehicles. The engine starter relay may corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short circuit.
The risk: A short circuit in the starter relay may increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is complete. Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 6, 2026. Owners may contact B…
Chevrolet Silverado — 100 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…
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 X4 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 135 |
| 2024 | 3 | 498 |
| 2023 | 7 | 424 |
| 2022 | 3 | 1302 |
| 2021 | 6 | 914 |
| 2020 | 14 | 831 |
| 2019 | 10 | 1977 |
| 2018 | 11 | 588 |
| 2017 | 3 | 1153 |
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 X4 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW X4 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- BMW X4 total complaints
- 68
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 7,904
- BMW X4 total recalls
- 43
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- BMW X4 avg complaints/year
- 6.8
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 790.4
- More reliable overall
- BMW X4
- BMW X4 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE