Head-to-head reliability
BMW Z4 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the BMW Z4 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 Z4 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Z4 averages 3.2 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages 510.5. Z4 owners report starter and coolant pump issues, but Silverado owners face engine, transmission, and brake failures. The Silverado has 117 crashes and 104 injuries, versus 3 and 1 for the Z4. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW Z4 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW Z4
The BMW Z4 is a niche sports car with a relatively low complaint volume, averaging about 3.2 per year over the last decade. Owners report issues concentrated in the electrical system and engine, with a notable recall for a coolant pump that could short-circuit and cause a fire. While the Z4 has had 29 recalls, many complaints center on the starter assembly failing, leaving owners unable to start the car. Overall, it's a vehicle that may require attention to known electrical and cooling system weaknesses, but the low complaint rate suggests these are not widespread problems.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a high-volume pickup truck with a much higher complaint rate, averaging over 510 per year. The dominant issues are engine and powertrain problems, including severe failures like sudden loss of power and transmission issues. Owners also report braking failures, often linked to electrical system faults, which can be dangerous. With 100 recalls and over 100 injuries reported, the Silverado shows a pattern of serious reliability and safety concerns that buyers should weigh heavily.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW Z4 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 32 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 29 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 3 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 3.2 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 Z4
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM11
- 02ENGINE8
- 03ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING7
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER3
- 05STEERING3
Owners report the engine starter assembly failing, causing starting problems. This matches a recall for the starter relay, and some owners note the part isn't available, leaving them with an undrivable car.
A coolant pump recall is a major concern: it can short-circuit and potentially cause a fire. Owners also mention the starter failure, which is part of the engine system, leading to no-start situations.
The same coolant pump issue appears here, with owners waiting for repair parts. This is a safety risk that could lead to overheating or fire, so it's critical to check if the recall has been performed.
“The engine starter failed on my 2020 BMW Z4 M40i. The vehicle experienced starting failures and the repair shop diagnosed a faulty/shorted engine starter assembly. The symptoms and component failure match the exact defect description of active safety recalls…”
“The contact owns a 2015 BMW Z4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine failures, including sudden loss of power while driving, often accompanied by loud noises. Some mention diesel particulate filter issues causing frequent dealer visits. These can leave you stranded, especially on trips.
Transmission problems are common, with vehicles suddenly shifting into neutral or losing drive, which is dangerous in traffic. This can happen at low speeds, like in a parking garage, making it unpredictable.
Electrical faults are linked to braking failures, where the brake pedal feels firm but the vehicle doesn't stop effectively. This is a critical safety issue that could lead to crashes.
Brake failure reports are alarming: sudden loss of normal braking, sometimes with warning lights, and in some cases the brakes and steering become inoperable. This is a top safety concern.
“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 Z4 — 29 recalls
The defect: BMW of North Americal, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 8 Series Coupe (840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8), 8 Series Convertible (840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8), 8 Series Gran Coupe (840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, Alpine B8 xDrive), 2 Series Coupe (230i, 230i xDrive, M240i xDrive,…
The risk: Unintentionally closing the windows or sunroof without the key present can increase the risk of injury to occupants inside the vehicle.
The fix: Dealers will update the software for the Electronic Control Unit (ECU), free of charge. In addition, the digital key function via cellular service and Wi-Fi capability will be deactivated until the vehicle is updated with new software. Own…
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…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Toyota Supra, 2022-2023 2 Series Coupe, 2021-2024 5 Series (xDrive), 2021-2022 Z4, 2022-2024 4 Series (Gran Coupe), 2021-2024 4 Series (Convertible and xDrive Convertible), 2021-2023 4 Series (Coupe), 2021-2024 3 Series, 2021-2023 X4, 2…
The risk: Fire increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Vehicle Identification…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Toyota Supra, 2022-2025 2 Series Coupe, 2021-2023 5 Series, 2022-2026 Z4, 2023-2024 4 Series Gran Coupe, 4 Series Convertible, 4 Series Coupe, 3 Series, 2021-2025 X4, and 2021-2024 X3 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complet…
The risk: Fire increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on August 28, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Veh…
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 Z4 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The BMW Z4 has far fewer complaints per year (3.2 vs 510.5), indicating a more reliable ownership experience on average. However, the Z4's issues, like the coolant pump fire risk, are serious. The Silverado's high complaint volume and severe safety-related failures make it a riskier choice, especially for those who depend on a truck for daily driving or towing.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: Z4 averages 3.2 per year vs Silverado's 510.5, a massive difference in reported issues.
- Safety-related complaints: Silverado has 117 crashes and 104 injuries, while Z4 has only 3 crashes and 1 injury.
- Failure patterns: Z4 issues are mostly electrical (starter) and cooling (coolant pump), while Silverado has engine, transmission, and brake failures that can cause sudden loss of control.
- Recall counts: Silverado has 100 recalls vs Z4's 29, indicating more widespread problems needing fixes.
- Check if the coolant pump recall (NHTSA 24V608000) has been completed; if not, get it done immediately to avoid fire risk.
- Test the starter multiple times from cold and hot; if you hear clicking or slow cranking, the starter may be failing.
- Ask for service records on engine and transmission; look for any history of sudden power loss or transmission slipping.
- Test the brakes at various speeds, including a hard stop; if the pedal feels spongy or the truck doesn't stop as expected, walk away.
Before you buy
- For the Z4: verify all recalls are performed, especially the coolant pump and starter relay; get a pre-purchase inspection focusing on electrical and cooling systems.
- For the Silverado: check for open recalls, especially brake-related ones; have a mechanic scan for trouble codes and inspect the transmission and engine.
- Take both on a test drive that includes highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic to feel for any hesitation or odd behavior.
- Review the vehicle's service history for any repeated repairs on the same components.
- Consider a warranty or extended service plan, especially for the Silverado, given its higher failure rate.
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 Z4 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 98 |
| 2025 | 0 | 150 |
| 2024 | 1 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 1 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 1 | 934 |
| 2020 | 5 | 0 |
| 2019 | 5 | 1992 |
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 Z4 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW Z4 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- BMW Z4 total complaints
- 32
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- BMW Z4 total recalls
- 29
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- BMW Z4 avg complaints/year
- 3.2
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- BMW Z4
- BMW Z4 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE