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 31, 2020
I was driving uphill on a winding, narrow highway, California State Route 18, when the range extender kicked in and I had a sudden loss of power. I could not maintain vehicle speed. It was terrifying. I was alone. I didn't know what to do. I turned on my hazard lights and I pulled over every time vehicles came up behind me.
Incident date: Oct 7, 2022
On 10/7/22 my wife started her 2021 BMW X3 and the instrument panel did not appear. She drove the vehicle to the local BMW dealership. After being told that the reported problem had not been previously reported by any other X3 owner, the dealer tested the vehicle. A scan returned a fault code, B7F8F9 HU-H. A software reset was performed and a test plan was conducted. Test plan directed technician ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2022
The Pirelli P-Zero tires that came factory equipped on my 2022 BMW X5 have experienced 3 separate sidewall failures in less than the first 20,000 miles on the vehicle. The tire sizes are staggered, 275/40r21front and 315/35r21 rear. The first instance occurred on 07/26/2022, traveling down the interstate, when both passenger side run flat tires blew out the sidewalls at approximately 15,000 miles.... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 1, 2021
Possible PCV malfunction. Intense plastic burning smell, smoke coming from front ac vents. Dealer unable to replicate issue, valve cover replaced under warranty. Issue persists. 2 Vehicle inspections at same bmw dealer, were unable to identify burnt battery PCM as well. Occasional check engine light, gone after vehicle restart. Under hard acceleration burning plastic smell intensifies.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2021
Possible PCV malfunction. Intense plastic burning smell, smoke coming from front ac vents. Dealer unable to replicate issue, valve cover replaced under warranty. Issue persists. 2 Vehicle inspections at same bmw dealer, were unable to identify burnt battery PCM as well. Occasional check engine light, gone after vehicle restart. Under hard acceleration burning plastic smell intensifies.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2021
Possible PCV malfunction. Intense plastic burning smell, smoke coming from front ac vents. Dealer unable to replicate issue, valve cover replaced under warranty. Issue persists. 2 Vehicle inspections at same bmw dealer, were unable to identify burnt battery PCM as well. Occasional check engine light, gone after vehicle restart. Under hard acceleration burning plastic smell intensifies.
Incident date: Oct 8, 2022
Vehicle disengaged itself from gear while driving on hwy going between 75-85 mph. Failed to re engage into gear when stepping on accelerator causing vehicle to just coast and slow down as fast moving traffic (semis) we’re approaching. Construction zone didn’t have shoulders to pull aside which made situation worst. Car did accelerate after a few attempts. The car did illuminate a “unable to ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2022
Vehicle disengaged itself from gear while driving on hwy going between 75-85 mph. Failed to re engage into gear when stepping on accelerator causing vehicle to just coast and slow down as fast moving traffic (semis) we’re approaching. Construction zone didn’t have shoulders to pull aside which made situation worst. Car did accelerate after a few attempts. The car did illuminate a “unable to ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2022
Vehicle disengaged itself from gear while driving on hwy going between 75-85 mph. Failed to re engage into gear when stepping on accelerator causing vehicle to just coast and slow down as fast moving traffic (semis) we’re approaching. Construction zone didn’t have shoulders to pull aside which made situation worst. Car did accelerate after a few attempts. The car did illuminate a “unable to ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 3, 2022
The engine coolant thermostat limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship. The vehicle currently has 60,128 miles. The vehicle's "service engine soon", warning light began appearing intermittently and now it is constantly on. The car has a stored code (P0597) Thermostat Heater Control Circuit/Open.This vehicle has a current technical service bulletin for a defective thermostat for t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 3, 2022
The engine coolant thermostat limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship. The vehicle currently has 60,128 miles. The vehicle's "service engine soon", warning light began appearing intermittently and now it is constantly on. The car has a stored code (P0597) Thermostat Heater Control Circuit/Open.This vehicle has a current technical service bulletin for a defective thermostat for t... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
After car warms up and while driving in warmer temperatures, steering becomes loose, vehicle drifts in lane and becomes difficult to control. Even with steering assist enabled, vehicle cannot maintain a straight line. Knocking sound from underneath vehicle when steering to center at low speeds.
Incident date: Sep 8, 2022
Intermittent vibration at highway speeds. Brought to the BMW dealership and they stated the right front wheel was out of round. I never hit a pothole or anything that would cause damage. The dealer "repaired" the wheel, but the problem still exists. Brought the vehicle back and am now told that BMW has started offering non-run flat tires on new cars. I feel that the run flat tires coupled with the... Read more
Incident date: Sep 8, 2022
Intermittent vibration at highway speeds. Brought to the BMW dealership and they stated the right front wheel was out of round. I never hit a pothole or anything that would cause damage. The dealer "repaired" the wheel, but the problem still exists. Brought the vehicle back and am now told that BMW has started offering non-run flat tires on new cars. I feel that the run flat tires coupled with the... 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 unavailable. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contac... Read more
Incident date: Sep 29, 2022
The contact called on behalf of his mother who owned a 2015 BMW X1. The contact stated that the service engine message was intermittently displayed and then remained displayed. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed that the failure was related to NHTSA ID Number: 10136705 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle had not been repaired. The m... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2007 BMW X5. The contact stated the passenger’s side air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with needing the passenger’s side air bag to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was ap... Read more
Incident date: Oct 6, 2022
Vehicle reports "Passenger restraint system malfunction" upon startup, even when passenger is not in seat. Passenger airbag light turns on. In this state the vehicle defaults to deploying the passenger airbag no matter what, even if passenger weighs less than 45 lbs. BMW of North Scottsdale inspected and recommends replacing the passenger seat sensor mat for $3600, not covered outside of factory ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 6, 2022
Vehicle reports "Passenger restraint system malfunction" upon startup, even when passenger is not in seat. Passenger airbag light turns on. In this state the vehicle defaults to deploying the passenger airbag no matter what, even if passenger weighs less than 45 lbs. BMW of North Scottsdale inspected and recommends replacing the passenger seat sensor mat for $3600, not covered outside of factory ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2022
Multiple fuel injector malfunction codes have been displayed by the vehicle repeatedly over the course of the last 10k miles. These malfunctions are causing the Malfunction Indicator Light to illuminate and remain on. This issue is documented to affect multiple vehicles with the same engine/injectors. BMW has provided an extended warranty for some vehicles with this engine/injector combination. Ho... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2022
I had my car in for regular Oil Change Service and was told I needed front brakes and rotors. I approved the stated repairs. When I started my car and proceeded to drive off the lot a caution light appeared and an error message "Secure vehicle against rolling. Secure vehicle with the parking brake when stopped. Consult service center. I text a picture of the message to the service advisor and ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Coolant) however, the contact stated that he smelled a burning odor inside the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The dealer was notified of the recall notice and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The vehicle was not diagn... 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufa... Read more
Incident date: Sep 7, 2022
My car (a 2014 BMW M5 with only approx. 39K miles) has a known issue with defective fuel injectors (manufactured by Bosch, subsequently replaced by an upgraded part). In fact, in 2018 BMW issued me and other owners with an extended warranty for the fuel injectors for 10 years/120,000 miles (see attached copy). However, in my opinion and based on a 9/7/2022 failure incident I experienced the defect... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 BMW Z4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was mad... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2022
Ongoing issues with the engine and turbochargers in this SUV. Give no warning of an issue and lose power while driving. Replaced one of the turbocharges in 2017. The car is now smoking, smells like something is burning, using a lot of oil, and losing power, and now being told both turbocharges need to be replaced. Dealer, Downtown BMW in Denver, CO who did repairs in 2017 on turbo did not report t... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2022
Ongoing issues with the engine and turbochargers in this SUV. Give no warning of an issue and lose power while driving. Replaced one of the turbocharges in 2017. The car is now smoking, smells like something is burning, using a lot of oil, and losing power, and now being told both turbocharges need to be replaced. Dealer, Downtown BMW in Denver, CO who did repairs in 2017 on turbo did not report t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V907000 (Fuel System, Diesel) 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 contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Drive Train Malfunction" ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
The positive battery fuse cable under the glovebox is placed into a plastic space causing melting. This leads to the vehicle going dead and not even emergency lights will work. This recall has been placed on very few BMWs however it is affecting way more then they are saying. You can see in UK where a man was killed for the vehicle going dead in the middle of the road and emergency lights cannot b... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
The positive battery fuse cable under the glovebox is placed into a plastic space causing melting. This leads to the vehicle going dead and not even emergency lights will work. This recall has been placed on very few BMWs however it is affecting way more then they are saying. You can see in UK where a man was killed for the vehicle going dead in the middle of the road and emergency lights cannot b... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
The positive battery fuse cable under the glovebox is placed into a plastic space causing melting. This leads to the vehicle going dead and not even emergency lights will work. This recall has been placed on very few BMWs however it is affecting way more then they are saying. You can see in UK where a man was killed for the vehicle going dead in the middle of the road and emergency lights cannot b... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2022
I got 2018 bmw x4 and 7year/80000km warranty from the bmw store in vancouver on jun 25,2019.I used to drive to seattle to shopping and eating. I and my husband drived this car from vancouver to edmonton on jun 1,2022. On jun 4,the engine sign and change oil sign all light up . on jun 6 we drived to the bmw edmonton to maintanance.on jun 7 they told me this car eccentric shaft faulty,the car mecha... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2022
Upon purchasing the vehicle it was not serviced as supposed I have been calling only to be played around with this has been a nightmare I haven't made my 3rd payment and currently carless
Incident date: Aug 4, 2022
Upon purchasing the vehicle it was not serviced as supposed I have been calling only to be played around with this has been a nightmare I haven't made my 3rd payment and currently carless
Incident date: Aug 4, 2022
Upon purchasing the vehicle it was not serviced as supposed I have been calling only to be played around with this has been a nightmare I haven't made my 3rd payment and currently carless
Incident date: Oct 2, 2022
I am getting a “secure vehicle from rolling” warning. Online many people report this is a problem with a gear shift ring. Is this being looked at as a recall?
Incident date: Sep 25, 2022
The passanger seat on this car’s seatbelt and airbags have malfioned numerous times. 3/2021 seat belt warning, seat matpad replaced 9/2022 air bag malfunction while driving with a passenger on highway. Once again seat matpad replaced. Car no longer in warranty $2500. It is extremely dangerous that this passanger seat keeps failing. What if I got into an accident on highway and malfunction h... Read more
Incident date: Sep 25, 2022
The passanger seat on this car’s seatbelt and airbags have malfioned numerous times. 3/2021 seat belt warning, seat matpad replaced 9/2022 air bag malfunction while driving with a passenger on highway. Once again seat matpad replaced. Car no longer in warranty $2500. It is extremely dangerous that this passanger seat keeps failing. What if I got into an accident on highway and malfunction h... Read more
Incident date: Sep 25, 2022
The passanger seat on this car’s seatbelt and airbags have malfioned numerous times. 3/2021 seat belt warning, seat matpad replaced 9/2022 air bag malfunction while driving with a passenger on highway. Once again seat matpad replaced. Car no longer in warranty $2500. It is extremely dangerous that this passanger seat keeps failing. What if I got into an accident on highway and malfunction h... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2022
door does not stay closed. door opened while driving.
Incident date: Sep 28, 2022
When placed in park , vehicle reads “secure vehicle against rolling “ and “ Secure vehicle with parking brake when stopped. Consult service center.” Upon research , this seems to be a common issue amongst this vehicle make and specific model that should be addressed. A parking brake should not be a requirement to ensure that a vehicle does not roll away into pedestrians , establishments , ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2022
IN MARCH 2022 I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AND I NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER MY HOOD. I WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT TO A MECHANICAL SHOP CLOSE BY. I WAS INFORMED THAT QUICK RELEASE COUPLING OF THE VENTILATION LINE O FTHE CYLINDER HEAD HAD TO BE REPLACED. BMW PART # 17129845173. AS A RESULT OF THIS MALFUNCTION ALL OF THE COOLANT DRAINED FROM THE CAR WHICH CAUSED THE OVERHEATING. IN AUGUST OF 2022 I... Read more
BMW
K 1600 GTL
(2013) — ENGINE
Oct 1, 2022
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
BMW K1600 GTL 2013 have the same issues that lates model, engine a lot noise and clank engine, unstable when you raided up 70 mph, really dangerous. Have to be responsable and do recalls in all those motorcycles. Thanks.
BMW
K 1600 GTL
(2013) — POWER TRAIN
Oct 1, 2022
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
BMW K1600 GTL 2013 have the same issues that lates model, engine a lot noise and clank engine, unstable when you raided up 70 mph, really dangerous. Have to be responsable and do recalls in all those motorcycles. Thanks.
Incident date: Sep 30, 2022
The entire sunroof shade needs to be replaced because the motor and metal no longer work causing the shade to hang and not close properly.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 BMW X5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V907000 (Fuel System, Diesel) 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 experien... Read more
Incident date: Sep 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 BMW R 1200 Motorcycle. The contact stated while driving at 60 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and emitted abnormal sounds and failed to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact continuously depressed the brake pedal until it responded. The contact was able to drive to his residence, where he noticed that the front forks were leaking oil onto the whe... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2007 BMW 328XI. 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 contact stated that while starting the vehicle and driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal oil odor detected. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the valve... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2007 BMW 328XI. 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 contact stated that while starting the vehicle and driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal oil odor detected. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the valve... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2022
Timing chain failure after 75k miles, costing a lot of money in repairs after engine starvation