Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,215,138 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 138,663 crashes, 56,255 fires, and 8,561 deaths.
What is a NHTSA consumer complaint?
A consumer complaint is a free-form report filed by a vehicle owner directly to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) describing a safety concern about their vehicle. NHTSA collects these reports through its Vehicle Owner Defect Report (VOQ) system and publishes them publicly. Each complaint includes the affected component, the date and circumstances of the incident, whether the failure caused a crash or fire, and any reported injuries or deaths. The owner's full narrative description is included verbatim — NHTSA does not edit or moderate the descriptions.
The database below contains over 2,215,138 individual complaints. NHTSA's investigators monitor it for clusters of similar reports — when enough owners describe the same failure mode on the same vehicle, NHTSA may open a Preliminary Evaluation that can lead to a recall. Many of the largest recalls in U.S. history, including the Takata airbag recall and the Hyundai/Kia engine fire recalls, started as patterns visible in this complaint database years before they became formal recalls.
How to interpret what you read
A few principles for reading consumer complaints usefully:
- One complaint is anecdote; a hundred similar complaints is data. NHTSA does not investigate the truthfulness of any individual report — that's the job of the Office of Defects Investigation, which looks at the full pattern. When evaluating a vehicle, look for whether multiple owners describe the same chain of events.
- Crash, fire, injury, and death flags are owner-set. They are not verified by NHTSA. They are still useful as a filter, because owners who tick those boxes are typically reporting more serious incidents than those who don't.
- Component categories are NHTSA-assigned, not owner-assigned. NHTSA standardizes the component field so that complaints can be aggregated. The owner narrative often goes into more detail than the component category captures.
- Complaint volume scales with sales volume. A best-selling model will accumulate more raw complaints than a niche model even at the same defect rate. To compare across vehicles, look at complaints per 100,000 units sold, not raw counts.
If you've experienced a defect
File a complaint. NHTSA's investigators rely on this database to detect emerging defects, and useful complaints — specific, concrete, with dates and mileage and clear descriptions of what happened — feed directly into the agency's pattern detection. The form takes about 10 minutes and is at nhtsa.gov/recalls under "Report a Safety Problem." Your complaint becomes part of the same public record that this page is built from. Owners filing detailed VOQs are how recalls get triggered.
Read more from our blog
Showing 40,555 complaints for BMW
Incident date: Jan 12, 2022
Serious highway accident in Chicago suburbs whereby car was totaled. Engine came away from chassis after ramming into and taking out 50 feet of guardrail and coming to a screeching halt. Left front wheel came away from vehicle in its entirety. No front, side or overhead airbags deployed whatsoever. Traveling at 50MPH at time of accident. I have pictures if required.
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Apr 7, 2021
The contact owned a 2007 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at mid-range speed, another vehicle ran a two-way stop sign and hit the front end of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. A police report was filed. The contact and his wife were taken to the hospital where his wife was treated for an injury to her foot (foot location unknown) and the contact was treated for th... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Nov 24, 2022
Recently purchase this vehicle from BMW of Greenwich. Drive it less than 200 miles - the odometer at the time of purchase had 55,000 miles, the engine looked perfect upon visual inspection. The fax report had a failed emissions inspection in the record and a second inspection days latter as apassed. I detected burnt smell coming from the engine, and immediately stopped driving it and called the ve... Read more
Incident date: Nov 24, 2022
Recently purchase this vehicle from BMW of Greenwich. Drive it less than 200 miles - the odometer at the time of purchase had 55,000 miles, the engine looked perfect upon visual inspection. The fax report had a failed emissions inspection in the record and a second inspection days latter as apassed. I detected burnt smell coming from the engine, and immediately stopped driving it and called the ve... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2022
Sunroof drains - front and back overflow and drone down the pillars into the front and rear electronic boxes. A KNOW PROBLEM for this BMW. I want BMW to repair and fix this problem. Water damaged control boxes are thousands of dollars. This problem should be a recall! BMW was sued in 2018 and settled the case. I am unable to file a claim for this now. I recently moved from Southern CA to New Orlea... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2022
Sunroof drains - front and back overflow and drone down the pillars into the front and rear electronic boxes. A KNOW PROBLEM for this BMW. I want BMW to repair and fix this problem. Water damaged control boxes are thousands of dollars. This problem should be a recall! BMW was sued in 2018 and settled the case. I am unable to file a claim for this now. I recently moved from Southern CA to New Orlea... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2022
Sunroof drains - front and back overflow and drone down the pillars into the front and rear electronic boxes. A KNOW PROBLEM for this BMW. I want BMW to repair and fix this problem. Water damaged control boxes are thousands of dollars. This problem should be a recall! BMW was sued in 2018 and settled the case. I am unable to file a claim for this now. I recently moved from Southern CA to New Orlea... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 BMW Z4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not ex... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool co... Read more
Incident date: Nov 17, 2022
This is to report an incident with a recently purchased 2023 BMW 330e. Model: BMW | Make: 330e | Color: white Purchase: 17th Sep, 2022 | Dealer: BMW of San Antonio Incident date: 17th November, 2022 | Time: 9AM (approx) | Place: Parking Garage, MD Anderson Blvd, Houston, TX 77030 Incident description: When turning in to park in the parking spot in the garage, the car suddenly shot forward an... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 29, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated there was a burning odor coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The manufacturer... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2021
Oil leak leads to car smoking (but not overheating( while driving or parked. Leak was not caused by owner and same oil leak without car overheating apparent in partner's BMW car. This suggests fundamental issue with BMW not the ower, which BMW should repair without cost to the owner.
Incident date: Nov 12, 2022
- Passenger Airbag and passenger restrain system malfunction. - Malfunction of passenger airbag not deploying during accident even passenger seat is occupied with recommend weight. - Issues has been reported to Dealer. In turn dealer responds to as "External Factors" with issue could be presence of moisture in the seat. - Passenger Airbag light illuminates - Warning was never consistent. After... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2022
- Passenger Airbag and passenger restrain system malfunction. - Malfunction of passenger airbag not deploying during accident even passenger seat is occupied with recommend weight. - Issues has been reported to Dealer. In turn dealer responds to as "External Factors" with issue could be presence of moisture in the seat. - Passenger Airbag light illuminates - Warning was never consistent. After... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact stated that upon driving from a complete stop, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed the dealer where it was diagnosed that the camshaft adjuster bolts had backed out, causing the camshaft VANOS failure. Additionally, it was diagnosed that the camshaft VANOS and camshaft adjuster bolts ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
Been smelling burning plastic/or oil thru air vents. as if the pvc valve was melting per recall description on probles, it fits the description, the only thing that happened to the car recently is one of the windows regulator anti trap functions it says antitrap function window disabled, then slowly started noticing burning smell for the first 10 minutes of everyday drive, my safety and many o... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
Been smelling burning plastic/or oil thru air vents. as if the pvc valve was melting per recall description on probles, it fits the description, the only thing that happened to the car recently is one of the windows regulator anti trap functions it says antitrap function window disabled, then slowly started noticing burning smell for the first 10 minutes of everyday drive, my safety and many o... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2007 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 26, 2022
I put my car in reverse this evening and the screen kept clicking and unclick the back up assistance button. The steering wheel was moving on its own. I was not controlling it. The brakes were hard and I could not press down more than 1/5-1/4 of the way. The car was not in my control. After an hour on the phone with support and reporting the issues they advised they would tow it. I was able to p... Read more
Incident date: Nov 26, 2022
I put my car in reverse this evening and the screen kept clicking and unclick the back up assistance button. The steering wheel was moving on its own. I was not controlling it. The brakes were hard and I could not press down more than 1/5-1/4 of the way. The car was not in my control. After an hour on the phone with support and reporting the issues they advised they would tow it. I was able to p... Read more
Incident date: Nov 26, 2022
I put my car in reverse this evening and the screen kept clicking and unclick the back up assistance button. The steering wheel was moving on its own. I was not controlling it. The brakes were hard and I could not press down more than 1/5-1/4 of the way. The car was not in my control. After an hour on the phone with support and reporting the issues they advised they would tow it. I was able to p... Read more
Incident date: Nov 26, 2022
On vacation road trip driving for about 3 hours. Instrument cluster completely shuts off and goes to black. Screen, vehit speed and rpm and all adas systems stop working. Sometimes turning the car off and on will address the issue other times it will constantly restart the instrument cluster when driving.
Incident date: Nov 26, 2022
On vacation road trip driving for about 3 hours. Instrument cluster completely shuts off and goes to black. Screen, vehit speed and rpm and all adas systems stop working. Sometimes turning the car off and on will address the issue other times it will constantly restart the instrument cluster when driving.
Incident date: Nov 26, 2022
On vacation road trip driving for about 3 hours. Instrument cluster completely shuts off and goes to black. Screen, vehit speed and rpm and all adas systems stop working. Sometimes turning the car off and on will address the issue other times it will constantly restart the instrument cluster when driving.
Incident date: Nov 25, 2022
I have been waiting for any update from BMW about this issue,and I have not heard one word from them since April or 2022. Nothing has been up dated on their web site, no mailings etc. How long can this go on?? Thank You.
Incident date: May 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2007 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not ex... Read more
Incident date: Nov 23, 2022
Around 3:30 pm driving south on I 25, 10 miles north of Trinidad, CO, the panorama sunroof blew out with a loud bang. I pulled over had a quick look, drove to Trinidad and vacuumed up the broken glass from inside the car and broke out small remaining pieces. I was driving around 77 mph the inside sun roof cover was open and the air vents were off.
Incident date: Nov 23, 2022
Around 3:30 pm driving south on I 25, 10 miles north of Trinidad, CO, the panorama sunroof blew out with a loud bang. I pulled over had a quick look, drove to Trinidad and vacuumed up the broken glass from inside the car and broke out small remaining pieces. I was driving around 77 mph the inside sun roof cover was open and the air vents were off.
Incident date: Nov 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 BMW 135I. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the passenger occupancy sensor mat to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V428000 (Air Bags) howev... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 BMW 135I. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the passenger occupancy sensor mat to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V428000 (Air Bags) howev... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2023 BMW X7. The contact stated that after placing the vehicle in reverse with the back-up assist feature activated, the vehicle struck the other vehicle behind. The contact stated that the automatic brake assist feature failed to operate as designed, causing the vehicle to strike the rear tire of the other vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact depressed t... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 23, 2022
This car has a heater problem with the PCV that causes the car to not run in cold weather. The PCV fails intermittently and the car will not idle or run in cold weather. BMW issued this recall in March but it is not November and they have offered no fix for this. It is a safety issue and it's also affecting how the car runs. How could we be 8 months into this without a fix?
Incident date: Nov 23, 2022
This car has a heater problem with the PCV that causes the car to not run in cold weather. The PCV fails intermittently and the car will not idle or run in cold weather. BMW issued this recall in March but it is not November and they have offered no fix for this. It is a safety issue and it's also affecting how the car runs. How could we be 8 months into this without a fix?
Incident date: Nov 22, 2022
I received notification that my passenger restraint system has a malfunction. The car threw up a code, I received a phone call and text message from the dealer. I thought this was important so I took the car to the dealer. They said the detection mat needs replace and the cost would be $1811.00. The dealer asked me if something spilled on it? The answer was no. I believe this is a safety defect an... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2022
I received notification that my passenger restraint system has a malfunction. The car threw up a code, I received a phone call and text message from the dealer. I thought this was important so I took the car to the dealer. They said the detection mat needs replace and the cost would be $1811.00. The dealer asked me if something spilled on it? The answer was no. I believe this is a safety defect an... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. Additionally, the contact had experienced a failure of the... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 128I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confir... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted about the failure and informed him that they would call him once parts were available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for... Read more
Incident date: Oct 19, 2022
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The rear parking assist function malfunctioned. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The car was expected to reverse park itself. Instead it never stopped going backwards an crashed into the wall at the end of the parking area. It was not able to recognize the presence of a wall... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 19, 2022
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The rear parking assist function malfunctioned. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The car was expected to reverse park itself. Instead it never stopped going backwards an crashed into the wall at the end of the parking area. It was not able to recognize the presence of a wall... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 11, 2022
During normal street and highway driving operation, the whole console and digital warning systems shutdown causing safety issues while driving.
Incident date: Nov 11, 2022
During normal street and highway driving operation, the whole console and digital warning systems shutdown causing safety issues while driving.
Incident date: Nov 11, 2022
During normal street and highway driving operation, the whole console and digital warning systems shutdown causing safety issues while driving.
Incident date: Nov 13, 2022
when cold car will hesitate to start.
Incident date: Nov 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the dealer was contacted and stated that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufac... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the odor of burning oil or plastic started entering the vehicle through the vents. The contact stated engine overheating warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled off the road and turned the vehicle off. The contact made several attempts to drive the vehicle back to his residence; however, he eventually ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2022
Sunroof exploded, just driving down the road, and BOOM! Most of the glass exploded outward, but it was definitely a hazard. The sunroof cover was open about 8-10 inches to let light in, but the glass sunroof was closed.
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 18, 2022
Sunroof exploded, just driving down the road, and BOOM! Most of the glass exploded outward, but it was definitely a hazard. The sunroof cover was open about 8-10 inches to let light in, but the glass sunroof was closed.
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 18, 2022
Sunroof exploded, just driving down the road, and BOOM! Most of the glass exploded outward, but it was definitely a hazard. The sunroof cover was open about 8-10 inches to let light in, but the glass sunroof was closed.
1 injured