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 has 86.8 complaints per year versus the Silverado's 510.5. X5 owners report electrical and brake issues, while Silverado owners face engine and transmission failures. 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, particularly the plug-in hybrid and newer models, shows a pattern of electrical gremlins and brake system surprises. Owners report intermittent charging warnings and sudden unintended braking, which can be alarming. Engine and powertrain issues, like transfer case shudder and plastic oil pump concerns, add to the ownership complexity. While not the highest complaint volume, the nature of these issues suggests a vehicle that may require attentive maintenance and potential for unexpected warnings.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado, especially with the 6.2L and Duramax engines, has a high volume of complaints centered on engine and powertrain failures. Owners describe sudden loss of motive power, transmission issues, and diesel particulate filter problems. Electrical and brake issues also appear, sometimes leading to loss of braking or steering. With over 500 complaints per year, the Silverado shows a pattern of serious, potentially dangerous failures that could affect reliability and safety.
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 | 868 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 67 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 54 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 86.8 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 47 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 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 X5
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM240
- 02SERVICE BRAKES165
- 03ENGINE161
- 04POWER TRAIN137
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER117
Owners report intermittent 'battery not properly charging' warnings in plug-in hybrids, and even minor water spills can trigger drivetrain error messages. These electrical gremlins can be unpredictable and may require dealer diagnostics.
There are reports of unexpected braking at highway speeds and loss of control during braking, leading to rollovers. This suggests potential issues with the brake system's sensors or stability control that could compromise safety.
Complaints mention the B58TU engine using a plastic oil pump instead of metal, raising durability concerns. Owners also report repeated safety-related failures, though specifics vary, indicating potential engine reliability issues.
The transfer case can fail, causing shuddering at low speeds or on hills. This is a costly component to repair and affects drivability, especially in all-wheel-drive models.
“The high-voltage battery system (this is a plug-in hybrid) began intermittently displaying a "battery not properly charging" warning approximately 6 months ago; the issue would resolve after plugging in and charging. On July 14, 2026, while driving, the vehic…”
“I bought my 2023 BMW X5 brand new on 1/9/23- was driving through West Pam Beach on the way home from vacation and spilled a little water on my console. I immediately got a message on the dash that there was something wrong with the drive train. It then said n…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
The 6.2L motor has experienced failures that left families stranded far from home, and the Duramax diesel has repeated diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events requiring dealer service. These are major engine issues that can lead to breakdowns.
Transmissions can suddenly shift into neutral while driving, and there are reports of loss of motive power. These issues can be dangerous, especially in traffic or on hills.
Electrical problems can cause severe loss of braking and even make the steering wheel inoperable, as reported in one incident. This indicates potential failures in critical systems that rely on electronics.
Owners describe sudden, severe loss of normal braking with a firm pedal, and in some cases, brakes become inoperable. This is a critical safety concern that could lead to crashes.
“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 2023 X5 sDrive40i, xDrive40i, xDrive45e, and X7 xDrive40i vehicles. The windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle which could allow water to enter the vehicle and contact electrical components, possibly resulting in a short-circ…
The risk: An electrical short-circuit increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the windshield seal and as necessary, remove and reinstall the windshield with a new seal, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 30, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 X5 sDrive40i, X5 M50i and X5 xDrive 45e vehicles. One of the four bolts that connects the backrest to the driver's seat frame may not have been correctly installed.
The risk: A loose driver's seat backrest may not properly restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the driver's seat backrest and if necessary, install an attachment bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 17, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota GR Supra, 3 Series Sedan (330i xDrive, M340i xDrive, M3), 5 Series Sedan (530i, 530i xDrive, M5), 4 Series Gran Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive), 4 Series Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive), 4 Series Convertible (430i, 430i xDrive, M440…
The risk: Transmission oil that leaks into the control unit can lead to a seizure of the transmission gears, causing a sudden loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the transmission mechatronics module and the automatic transmission fluid, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 26, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-741…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 M50i, X5 M and X5 xDrive45e vehicles. The head restraints for the second-row outboard seats may have been improperly manufactured without locking tabs in the guide sleeves. As such, these vehicles fail to compl…
The risk: A head restraint without a locking tab may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the second-row outboard seat head restraint guide sleeves, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 31, 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 X5 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The BMW X5 has significantly fewer complaints per year (86.8) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5). While both have serious issues, the Silverado's higher volume and reports of sudden power loss and brake failure suggest a higher risk of major problems. In practice, the X5 may offer a more predictable ownership experience, though it still has its own electrical and brake quirks.
Key differences
- The Silverado has over five times more complaints per year than the X5, indicating a higher frequency of reported issues.
- Silverado owners report sudden loss of motive power and transmission failures, while X5 owners more often face electrical warnings and unintended braking.
- Engine issues in the Silverado include catastrophic failures and diesel particulate filter problems, whereas X5 engine complaints focus on plastic oil pump durability.
- Brake problems in the Silverado can lead to complete loss of braking, while X5 brake issues involve unexpected application and loss of control.
- Check for any history of electrical system warnings, especially related to the high-voltage battery in plug-in hybrids.
- Inspect the transfer case for signs of shuddering during a test drive, particularly at low speeds or on inclines.
- Ask about any engine replacements or major repairs, especially for the 6.2L or Duramax diesel engines.
- Test the transmission for smooth shifting and check for any signs of sudden neutral engagement.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full service history and check for open recalls on both vehicles.
- For the X5, have a mechanic inspect the electrical system and brakes, and test drive to feel for transfer case shudder.
- For the Silverado, ask about any diesel particulate filter issues and verify the transmission's condition.
- Check the NHTSA website for the specific model year's complaint patterns and recall status.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a dealer or independent mechanic familiar with these models.
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 | 31 | 98 |
| 2025 | 61 | 150 |
| 2024 | 144 | 0 |
| 2023 | 31 | 0 |
| 2022 | 66 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 102 | 934 |
| 2020 | 107 | 0 |
| 2019 | 183 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 70 | 591 |
| 2017 | 73 | 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 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
- 868
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- BMW X5 total recalls
- 67
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- BMW X5 avg complaints/year
- 86.8
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- BMW X5
- BMW X5 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE