Head-to-head reliability
BMW X5 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the BMW X5 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 X5 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The X5 averages 90.5 complaints per year and 67 recalls, while the Silverado averages 822.7 complaints per year and 101 recalls. Both have serious safety complaints, but the Silverado's volume is much higher. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW X5 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW X5
The BMW X5 is a luxury SUV that can be costly to maintain, with 905 complaints over 10 years (about 90.5 per year) and 67 recalls. Owners frequently report electrical glitches, engine hesitation, and brake problems, including sudden power loss and braking issues. While the overall complaint rate is lower than some rivals, the severity of issues like power loss and brake failures means living with an X5 demands vigilance and a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume: 8,227 complaints over 10 years (about 822.7 per year) and 101 recalls. Common trouble spots include engine problems (especially with the 6.2L and diesel), transmission issues, and electrical faults that can cause stalling or brake loss. The sheer number of reports suggests that while many Silverados serve reliably, a significant number experience serious, sometimes safety-critical failures.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW X5 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 905 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 67 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 56 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 90.5 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 47 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 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 X5
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM250
- 02ENGINE171
- 03SERVICE BRAKES167
- 04POWER TRAIN146
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER126
Owners report sudden power loss while driving, emergency call system malfunctions, and other electrical glitches. These can leave you stranded or distract you with warning lights, and repeated dealer visits may be needed.
Complaints include hesitation and rough running, especially in hybrid models when the gas engine engages. This can make acceleration unpredictable and may indicate underlying fuel or ignition issues.
Drivers describe braking problems where the vehicle doesn't stop as expected, sometimes after a recall repair. This is a critical safety concern that could lead to longer stopping distances or loss of braking assist.
Reports of sudden loss of power and transmission issues, including instances where the vehicle goes into neutral unexpectedly. This can happen at speed and create dangerous situations.
“I am writing to formally document serious and recurring safety concerns with my Certified Pre-Owned 2024 BMW X5e, which I purchased from BMW of Sterling on XXX. On XXX I was merging onto [XXX] during morning rush hour when my vehicle suddenly lost power and s…”
“I purchased my 2024 BMW X5 new at BMW Alexandria, Virginia it’s have approximately 34,000 miles . I have taken X5 into dealer warranty repairs regarding malfunction emergency call system since May 2026. Total 3 visits to dealer to resolve this issues has been…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of 6.2L and 6.6L Duramax models report engine shutdowns, excessive soot accumulation in the diesel particulate filter, and other failures that can cause the truck to stall or lose power. These issues often require dealer repairs and can leave you stranded.
Complaints include the truck suddenly shifting into neutral, transmission failures, and loss of acceleration. This can happen at low speeds or while driving, making the vehicle difficult to control.
Drivers report sudden loss of braking, engine shut-off while driving, and messages like 'Return to Neutral' appearing on the dash. These electrical faults can disable critical systems and are a major safety risk.
Some owners experience a firm brake pedal with reduced braking effect, or the truck shuts off entirely during braking attempts. This can lead to an inability to stop normally, especially in emergencies.
“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 X5 — 67 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2025 Mini Cooper S, Mini Countryman S All4, X2, 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre, 2023-2025 i7, 7 Series, X7, 2024-2025 i5, 5 Series, 2023-2024 XM, X1, 2024-2025 X6, and X5 vehicles. The integrated brake (IB) system may malfunction and result in a loss o…
The risk: A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle. Additionally, malfunctioning ABS and/or DSC systems can cause a loss of vehicle control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: The Integrated brake system will be inspected and, if necessary, replaced, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 21, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce custo…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2023-2025 BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The integrated brake (IB) system may malfunction and result in a loss of power brake assist or cause the Antilock Brake (A…
The risk: A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle. Additionally, malfunctioning ABS and/or DSC systems can cause a loss of vehicle control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed between June and December 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls Royce customer service at 1-877-877…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2024-2025 X5 xDrive40i vehicles. The tire information placard may indicate an incorrect tire size and tire pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection…
The risk: Incorrect tire information can allow an incorrectly sized tire to be installed or result in improperly inflated tires, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the tire information placard, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 9, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2023-2024 X1, X5, X6, X7, XM, 530i, i5, 740i, 760i, i7, and 750e vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The integrated brake (IB) system may malfunction and result in a loss of power brake assist or…
The risk: A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle. Additionally, malfunctioning ABS and/or DSC systems can cause a loss of vehicle control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the integrated brake module, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed November 22, 2024. Second letters will be mailed once the parts are availabl…
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 X5 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The BMW X5 has far fewer complaints per year (about 90.5) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 822.7), meaning you're statistically less likely to encounter a reported problem with the X5. However, both have serious safety-related complaints, so the difference is in frequency rather than absence of risk.
Key differences
- The Silverado has over 9 times as many complaints per year as the X5, with engine and power train issues dominating.
- BMW X5 complaints often involve electrical glitches and brake problems, while Silverado complaints frequently cite engine shutdowns and transmission failures.
- The Silverado has more crash-related complaints (233 vs. 56) and injuries (160 vs. 47), though both have reported fatalities.
- Recalls are similar in number (67 for X5, 101 for Silverado), but Silverado recalls include fuel pump and forward collision avoidance issues.
- Check for any history of electrical system repairs, especially emergency call system malfunctions or power loss incidents.
- Test the brakes thoroughly and ask if any brake-related recalls have been performed, as some owners report persistent braking issues.
- Inspect for engine issues, particularly if the truck has the 6.2L or 6.6L Duramax diesel, and check for diesel particulate filter soot accumulation.
- Test drive at low speeds and in parking lots to see if the transmission unexpectedly shifts to neutral or if the engine shuts off.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the engine, transmission, brakes, and electrical systems.
- During the test drive, pay attention to any hesitation, rough running, or unexpected stalling.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for any prior repairs related to the common complaint areas.
- Verify that all safety recalls have been addressed and ask for documentation.
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 X5 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 39 | 120 |
| 2025 | 62 | 157 |
| 2024 | 145 | 527 |
| 2023 | 33 | 450 |
| 2022 | 69 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 108 | 961 |
| 2020 | 112 | 868 |
| 2019 | 191 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 72 | 597 |
| 2017 | 74 | 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 X5 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW X5 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- BMW X5 total complaints
- 905
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- BMW X5 total recalls
- 67
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- BMW X5 avg complaints/year
- 90.5
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- BMW X5
- BMW X5 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE