Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,245,377 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA, including 140,173 crashes, 56,794 fires, and 8,580 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 2,245,377 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 41,082 complaints for BMW
Incident date: Dec 22, 2022
out of nowhere with only 1 day warning car requested coolant refill. After refill within 10 minutes car engine ran hot and completely stopped on the expressway. I’ve read hundreds of reviews online and youtube where this exact same thing has happened to others with this same car.
Incident date: Dec 22, 2022
out of nowhere with only 1 day warning car requested coolant refill. After refill within 10 minutes car engine ran hot and completely stopped on the expressway. I’ve read hundreds of reviews online and youtube where this exact same thing has happened to others with this same car.
Incident date: Dec 23, 2022
I was in a busy Freeway driving & Now my 2014 Bmw 328 D high pressure fuel failed which caused me to stall and be stuck in the middle of the freeway which also almost made me cause like 10 car crashes it was sorry scary but lucky police helped out and other driver where also caution
Incident date: Dec 23, 2022
I was in a busy Freeway driving & Now my 2014 Bmw 328 D high pressure fuel failed which caused me to stall and be stuck in the middle of the freeway which also almost made me cause like 10 car crashes it was sorry scary but lucky police helped out and other driver where also caution
Incident date: Dec 16, 2022
Passenger restraint system malfunction. An independent repair shop tested and found the passenger seat sensor pad is bad. From my research, BMW has a problem with this part.
Incident date: Dec 23, 2022
Open recall since March of 2022, no remedy yet still available
Incident date: Dec 18, 2022
RECAL 94V219000: Double-lock Feature GCM Revised. "The double-lock feature can engage with occupants and the door/ignition key inside of the vehicle. The occupants of the vehicle would be unable to exit either from the doors or from the windows of the vehicle." NOTE: IF YOUR VEHICLE IS PRESENTED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND THE REMEDY IS NOT PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2022
RECAL 94V219000: Double-lock Feature GCM Revised. "The double-lock feature can engage with occupants and the door/ignition key inside of the vehicle. The occupants of the vehicle would be unable to exit either from the doors or from the windows of the vehicle." NOTE: IF YOUR VEHICLE IS PRESENTED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND THE REMEDY IS NOT PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2022
The SOS malfunctions by disabling the center display panel. The satellite radio and navigation don’t work. An error message populates the main dash display and cannot be reset by driver. The SOS device box is located in the rear overhead panel where it’s very difficult to access. The dealer replaced the SOS box and Li battery. After 3 weeks, the SOS malfunctions again where it randomly calls t... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2007 BMW 530XI. 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 confi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2022
During the parking of my BMW X1, when I put the gearbox shifter in the P position and turn off the engine I receive the following error message: "Secure Vehicle with Parking brake, have problem checked by service partner." This happens each time and also when the vehicle is parked on level ground. The error will remain even when the parking brake is applied. BMW Error Computer code is "420106... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2022
Dealer states my occupancy detection mat was already reworked, however the original mat is still in the seat and no evidence exists to show what was done to prevent future fatigue of the mat. The date code on the mat is 2005 and the dealer stated it only needed replacing if it showed visible cracking during inspection. They stated it wasn't required to replace it but the date of warranty started f... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2022
Transmission system is not functioning properly. The shifter automatically shifts into "N" or "P" when shifting into "D" or "R". The instrument cluster displays "transmission malfunction". Check engine light comes on. The code is P17E1 "Ratio monitoring clutch "A"
Incident date: Sep 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 BMW X5. 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 several times. The contact stated that white smoke was coming from underneath the hood. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2022
At-fault vehicle (charged with improper lane usage) in Toyota Corolla attempted to abruptly merge left from "local lanes" going north of IL 53 to the "express" lanes hitting a Toyota Camry which veered into my front right tossing me across 3 lanes taking out 70' of guardrail and totaling my 2018 BMW X1. My airbags did not deploy. My engine came away from the chassis and left front wheel came away ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 15, 2022
According to the dealer, a transmission sensor underneath the gear shifter got wet due to a liquid spill from the cupholders. While driving on the highway returning from scheduled dealer maintenance on the car, the informations screen showed a warning that there was a drive train malfunction and that the car would not be drivable after the current drive ended. The cupholders were not in use at thi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2022
I took my car to the dealer after I started to get an error message saying that I needed to put the parking brake on to prevent rolling. It was very stressful driving the car while this error message was in place. When I took it took the dealer, I was charged $200 for a diagnostic and was told there's nothing operationally wrong with the car but the sensor can't tell that the car is in park and is... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2022
Error: Secure Vehicle Against Rolling. This just appeared on my dash 12/16/2022 while it was in park mode. I’ve done some research and found it’s just a small spring in the shifter that costs about $10. To get spring replaced at the dealer will cost about $3,000! This appears to be a problem with the BMW X1s. My vehicle has not been in an accident and I’ve always maintained it since owners... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2022
This recall notice received almost 8 months back. This recall concerns me. I didn’t have any accidents to report but it’s too bad no remedy was given by BMW.
Incident date: Apr 1, 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 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 ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2022
I was out of town and my Drivers Side Door locked and would not open, not even with the key. It is making a sound when I try to unlock and once I start the car and drive, it makes the same clicking sound. If I were in a wreck and both doors locked and would not unlock, is that not a safety problem if I could not get out of the car? Who would design such a locking feature that the door would not u... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 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 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
I was driving on the freeway when all of a sudden a lot of white smoke started to come from the engine. The car instantly overheated and it shut off. My car had no problems until now. I called a tow truck to bring it home. I had many mechanics check it out and they couldn’t figure out why this happened out of nowhere. They all said the same thing that this car was in fixable and it’s not ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2017
The contact owns a 2007 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 e... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
NHTSA Recall Number 21V907 It has been over a year since I received notification that there was a recall on my vehicle. I have contacted BMW for this to be repaired several times, but the local dealer always says, "We're sorry, there aren't any parts available for your recall." This recall is NOT being performed in a timely manner and based on my interpretation of the recall notice that keeps ap... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2022
2010 328i bmw That I own. Vehicle will not start. I had to leave it where it sits as we speak at my baby mamas apartment complex in Lacey Washington. Very dangerous and strong smell a burning smell I am finally after getting the trunk open come to find out that my battery was more than just “smoldering” and the positive terminal was melted all the way to the point where we panic and I had to d... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Dec 12, 2022
2010 328i bmw That I own. Vehicle will not start. I had to leave it where it sits as we speak at my baby mamas apartment complex in Lacey Washington. Very dangerous and strong smell a burning smell I am finally after getting the trunk open come to find out that my battery was more than just “smoldering” and the positive terminal was melted all the way to the point where we panic and I had to d... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Dec 12, 2022
2010 328i bmw That I own. Vehicle will not start. I had to leave it where it sits as we speak at my baby mamas apartment complex in Lacey Washington. Very dangerous and strong smell a burning smell I am finally after getting the trunk open come to find out that my battery was more than just “smoldering” and the positive terminal was melted all the way to the point where we panic and I had to d... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Mar 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 330XI. 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 confi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2007 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. 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 ... 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 while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal burning plastic odor detected. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2022
Hi BMW I have noticed issues with my seatbelts but more specifically my engine light keeps turning on. My driving seat will not buckle. Simple last Saturday.
Incident date: Apr 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 BMW 330I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, an unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that an unknown rubber hose needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the coolant light was illuminated. The contact stated that the oil housing... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2022
On January 19, 2022 I was driving and then smoked filled inside my car and the outside engine was smoking and a light came on that said check coolant. BMW service took me in that day and they said my coolant broke. They removed it and replaced it. They did not understand how the coolant broke but I paid for the service and parts and moved forward. On November 25, 2022 I went into the same BMW ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jan 20, 2022
On January 19, 2022 I was driving and then smoked filled inside my car and the outside engine was smoking and a light came on that said check coolant. BMW service took me in that day and they said my coolant broke. They removed it and replaced it. They did not understand how the coolant broke but I paid for the service and parts and moved forward. On November 25, 2022 I went into the same BMW ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Apr 1, 2022
there's an error appearing in the main screen stating "Secure Vehicle Against Rolling"
Incident date: Nov 26, 2022
Whiles driving on the highway, the car shifted to neutral. I pulled over to the shoulder and tried to start the car, but it won't start. I had to have it towed.
Incident date: Dec 12, 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 not contacted. 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 ha... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 535D. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the high-pressure fuel pump had failed, and the entire fuel system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included i... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2022
Received written Safety Recall Notice from BMW April 2022. To date, no more contact from BMW, and the NHSTA website has no update about a repair. This has been 8 months with no repair or resolution.
Incident date: Dec 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 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 time for the recall repair. The contact stated that she noticed smoke outside of the vehicle and she smelled an abnormal burn... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2001 BMW 330 Ci. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle was involved in a head-on crash. The contact stated he was not aware of any warning lights. The contact stated that the front end was crumpled past the wheel wells and almost to the firewall. The front end frame had buckled. The contact stated that all the air bags had deployed except for the dri... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 530I. 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. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The cont... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2022
On 12/10/2022 I was driving to work and my BMW started smelling of like electrical fire. I pulled over on a exit in Sweetwater, TN and upon exiting the vehicle I noticed flames under the hood of the car. The car was on fire somewhere in the engine. A passerbuyer stopped and called 911 for me Christianburg, TN fire Dept. done the report. But BMW has a recall on this vehicle for over 1yr with no rem... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Dec 10, 2022
On 12/10/2022 I was driving to work and my BMW started smelling of like electrical fire. I pulled over on a exit in Sweetwater, TN and upon exiting the vehicle I noticed flames under the hood of the car. The car was on fire somewhere in the engine. A passerbuyer stopped and called 911 for me Christianburg, TN fire Dept. done the report. But BMW has a recall on this vehicle for over 1yr with no rem... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Dec 10, 2022
The wiring insulation is dry cracked everywhere in both headlights exposing a lot of the wires in many places. It can cause a short.
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 while driving approximately 30 MPH, the heater was activated, and she smelled an odor of burning plastic inside the vehicle. The contact stated that once the weather turned colder, while usi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2022
When starting the vehicle and shifting into drive, "hard" brakes are felt. Brake pedal is "stuck" in a high position and cannot be compressed. The vehicle is extremely unstable - the car lurches forward when brakes are slightly released. Excessive brake pressure is required to prevent the vehicle from moving inadvertently. This persists for 10-60 seconds, then the brakes relax into the normal posi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2022
Exploding moonroof while driving vehicle