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: Jun 19, 2022
The drive shaft on my 2016 BMW R1200 RTW failed while I was on I 69 northbound at speed of 75 mph. I am in possession of the failed components. The back wheel locked with no warning and the bike fishtailed dangerously while I was in heavy traffic. The local BMW dealership has replaced the driveshaft and connected universal joints.There was zero warning . The director of service at the dealership r... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2022
Without any warning, the vehicle experienced a major engine failure while I was driving at about 70 mph on the highway. The vehicle immediately lost power and went into limp mode, making it impossible to safely maintain speed on a busy highway. Vehicle was towed to the dealership and it was determined that it had experienced a VANOS bolts failure on the intake side. Inspection of the failed VANOS ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2007 BMW 328i. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle began to overheat as indicated by the temperature gauge. The vehicle also began to hesitate upon the depression of the accelerator as the check engine light appeared on the instrument panel. His daughter pulled the vehicle over and waited for the engine to cool off. Once th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2022
A recall campaign No. 21V-907 was issued for my car on November 19, 2021 for the EGR Cooler. In the past 6 months I've had to add engine coolant to the cooling system reservoir and I made sure it is not leaking on the ground. On 8-8-22 I had a check engine light(MIL) with a stored code of P2004 which indicated: Intake manifold runner control (IMRC) is stuck in the open position. According to y... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2022
A recall campaign No. 21V-907 was issued for my car on November 19, 2021 for the EGR Cooler. In the past 6 months I've had to add engine coolant to the cooling system reservoir and I made sure it is not leaking on the ground. On 8-8-22 I had a check engine light(MIL) with a stored code of P2004 which indicated: Intake manifold runner control (IMRC) is stuck in the open position. According to y... Read more
BMW
X3
(2009) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)
Aug 11, 2022
Incident date: Aug 11, 2022
2009 BMW X3. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO PVC VALVE HEATER SAFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A NOISE AND SMOKE AS DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL NOTICE. THE DEALER WAS ADVISED AND TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR DIAGNOSTIC AND STATED THERE WAS NO REMEDY FOR THE FAILURE BUT, CHARGED THE CONSUMER FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC FEE.
Incident date: Jun 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 BMW X6. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking oil. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed the catalectic converter was missing and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.
Incident date: Jan 12, 2022
I have read from hundreds of other people having the same problem. One side of the moonroof shade has come loose just from simply leaving it open.
Incident date: Aug 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328i. The contact received a recall notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine And Engine Cooling). However, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time to complete the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the iss... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2022
My 2015 BMW 535d, VIN number: [XXX] is failing post catalytic 02 sensors. I replaced both of the post-catalytic 02 sensors after 1,040 miles and failed again last week on August 3, 2022. I believe the root cause may be related to the NHTSA Recall Number 21V907. BMW North America has not provided a remedy since notification in November 2021. Recall Status Recall Incomplete, remedy not yet availa... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 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 dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confir... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 BMW X5. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced overheating. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The vehicle was towed but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2022
Steering is "sticky" with a feel of detents in the steering instead of expected smooth engagement. At highway speeds this is concerning and feels unsafe. Difficult or impossible to steer smoothly.
Incident date: Aug 10, 2022
PCV MY safety of my self and my 5 yr 17 yr I use my BMW X5 to take my kids or doctors and school and I work too and something need to be happen about this bc My family are AT RISK OF GETTING CAUGHT ON FIRE when iam starting up the car black smoke or white smoke comes out and when iam driving and people who are behind in they car get smoke out my lots of smoke that comes from my car in back and... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2022
PCV MY safety of my self and my 5 yr 17 yr I use my BMW X5 to take my kids or doctors and school and I work too and something need to be happen about this bc My family are AT RISK OF GETTING CAUGHT ON FIRE when iam starting up the car black smoke or white smoke comes out and when iam driving and people who are behind in they car get smoke out my lots of smoke that comes from my car in back and... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2022
PCV MY safety of my self and my 5 yr 17 yr I use my BMW X5 to take my kids or doctors and school and I work too and something need to be happen about this bc My family are AT RISK OF GETTING CAUGHT ON FIRE when iam starting up the car black smoke or white smoke comes out and when iam driving and people who are behind in they car get smoke out my lots of smoke that comes from my car in back and... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
I saw there was a recall for the sunroof for my type of vehicle, sunroof components do not open when I press to open it. Cloth of sunroof got stuck and is now broken.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
I saw there was a recall for the sunroof for my type of vehicle, sunroof components do not open when I press to open it. Cloth of sunroof got stuck and is now broken.
Incident date: Jul 20, 2022
Fuel injectors not working check engine lights on. Car has 50,000 miles throwing fault 24BB00, recall for models a year after this one, with an extended warranty. The problem has been confirmed by two dealers and a garage. The car is presently at a BMW repair shop awaiting repair. why not this one?
Incident date: Jul 20, 2022
Fuel injectors not working check engine lights on. Car has 50,000 miles throwing fault 24BB00, recall for models a year after this one, with an extended warranty. The problem has been confirmed by two dealers and a garage. The car is presently at a BMW repair shop awaiting repair. why not this one?
Incident date: Aug 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2007 BMW 525i. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 75-85 MPH, she smelled smoke coming from the hood of the vehicle. The contact was unsure if any warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where he referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine And Engine Cooling) , but the vehicle was not diagnosed for the failure. The ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2022
Tire is cracking at the base of the knobbies.
Incident date: Aug 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2007 BMW 750i. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving or idling, he heard a rattling noise coming from the engine. The contact then stated that on another occasion while driving, he heard a rattling noise in the engine while making a left turn then the vehicle stalled. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was not notified o... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 BMW X3. The contact stated when she picked up her vehicle from the dealer after having NHTSA Campaign Number:17V683000 (Engine And Engine Cooling) completed while driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle started overheating. The contact was able to pull over and when shutting off and attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle would not start. The dealer was contacted, and they st... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 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 on several occasions, while driving or parked, the vehicle overheated. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights illuminated on and off. The contact also stated that the ve... Read more
BMW
328I
(2011) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)
Aug 9, 2022
Incident date: Apr 8, 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 on several occasions, while driving or parked, the vehicle overheated. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights illuminated on and off. The contact also stated that the ve... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
The panoramic sunroof screen has separated where glued to retractable component, causing it to sag such that visibility through rearview mirror is partially obstructed, which I anticipate will get worse if not repaired. It is available for inspection and I have scheduled a service appointment with the dealer. My understanding is that this is common for this make/model based on online forums dedi... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2022
Cylinder Head Hose Expansion Tank Replacement - Coolant leaks out completely - This repair has been done twice on this vehicle with only 26K miles. BMW USA states no recall but the dealership informed me they have issued a bulletin but just put back on the defective hose since no other replacement hose is available...I'm paying out of pocket for the repair.
Incident date: Aug 9, 2022
BMW has issued a recall with no resolution. My engine is making noises from the crankcase and no alternative has been offered at this moment. The dealer does not want to address the issue.
Incident date: Aug 9, 2022
BMW has issued a recall with no resolution. My engine is making noises from the crankcase and no alternative has been offered at this moment. The dealer does not want to address the issue.
Incident date: Aug 9, 2022
BMW has issued a recall with no resolution. My engine is making noises from the crankcase and no alternative has been offered at this moment. The dealer does not want to address the issue.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
Sagging sunroof liner , and potentially drop off anytime and block driver’s view .
Incident date: Jun 13, 2022
Continental Sport Plus 215/50 ZR17 Replaced Michelin tires with four of this size/brand. Highly unstable at highway speeds. Even more unstable under wet roadway conditions.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
Unable to unlock/lock doors on car (obviously very worrisome), unable to use turn signals, no interior lighting controls or functionality. Unable to control headlights, they still do turn on but I cannot control them. Cannot adjust any mirrors electronically. Some speedometer lighting affect or but the dials do still work, cannot see all buttons inside interior due to electrical issue. Problem: F... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
Unable to unlock/lock doors on car (obviously very worrisome), unable to use turn signals, no interior lighting controls or functionality. Unable to control headlights, they still do turn on but I cannot control them. Cannot adjust any mirrors electronically. Some speedometer lighting affect or but the dials do still work, cannot see all buttons inside interior due to electrical issue. Problem: F... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
Unable to unlock/lock doors on car (obviously very worrisome), unable to use turn signals, no interior lighting controls or functionality. Unable to control headlights, they still do turn on but I cannot control them. Cannot adjust any mirrors electronically. Some speedometer lighting affect or but the dials do still work, cannot see all buttons inside interior due to electrical issue. Problem: F... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 BMW 750I. The contact stated that upon start the vehicle, the low tire pressure warning light illuminated. The contact initially took the vehicle to the dealer and an independent mechanic however, the cause of the failure was not determined. The failure persisted and the contact took the vehicle back to the independent mechanic who discovered a crack in the rear driver’s ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2022
The left rear turn signal stopped working. Along with the left brake light. Currently getting the part fixed that is causing the issue. Part is being melted by something. Yes there has been warning lamps and messages.
Incident date: Aug 7, 2022
I was driving on the freeway at 70mph, the indicated speed limit. It was cloudy, drizzling rain. No large vehicles near me. All of a sudden it sounded like a gunshot went off right above my head. I had the panoramic sunshade closed so I couldn't see anything, but my first thought was that the glass of the panoramic sunroof had shattered. After 5 more minutes of driving (so I could safely get home)... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2022
Its been more than 5 months since the recall is out and Manufacture is still not able find the remedy for the recall. I feel scared and not able to drive the car.
Incident date: Aug 6, 2022
While parked in my driveway, the car by it self caught fire and melted the entire fusebox, major wire harness, entire right rear panel was burnt and melted, rear headliner, and rear light housing. When I opened the door there was a huge black cloud of smoke inside.
Fire
Incident date: Aug 6, 2022
I came outside this afternoon to my Panaromic sunroof shattered. I researched if this has happened to any other BMW users and it did. As a matter of fact, BMW was hit with severe lawsuits. How do I make them accountable for the repairs?
Incident date: Jul 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 BMW 330E. The contact stated that the driver's and passenger’s side door handles were sticky, soft, and melting. There was also an unknown residue on the door handles. The contact attempted to clean the door handles but they continued to leave black residue on the occupant's hands. The local dealer was contacted but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufactu... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2022
There is a Manufacturer Recall - NHTSA Recall Number22V119 this affects the PCV VALVE HEATER, which may not have been produced to specifications which could lead to a short circuit. I was advised a remedy was available to fix this defect, brought my car to the BMW dealership of Greenwich/Mamaroneck service department located at 110 Midland Avenue, Port Chester, on 8/4/2022 at 9:45 a.m. I was to... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
Message on Console - " Passenger Restraint system malfunction ". Took vehicle in for Repair; BMW Dealership "thinks" it may be a wiring harness electrical short. They evidently need to discuss problem with BMW Corporate to figure out to properly diagnose problem and how to repair. My husband and I are very concerned about driving this car even after it may be "so called" repaired. We are concerne... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
Message on Console - " Passenger Restraint system malfunction ". Took vehicle in for Repair; BMW Dealership "thinks" it may be a wiring harness electrical short. They evidently need to discuss problem with BMW Corporate to figure out to properly diagnose problem and how to repair. My husband and I are very concerned about driving this car even after it may be "so called" repaired. We are concerne... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
Left rear brake and turn lights malfunctioning -issue not fixed after changing light bulbs. Noticed that metal pins in the connector was melted and stuck into the wiring harness. Problem affects brake light and turn signal. Melting of the the metal pin in the connector housing clearly is not a wear and tear situation but a defect in manufacturing that needs to be repaired and corrected by BMW.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
Left rear brake and turn lights malfunctioning -issue not fixed after changing light bulbs. Noticed that metal pins in the connector was melted and stuck into the wiring harness. Problem affects brake light and turn signal. Melting of the the metal pin in the connector housing clearly is not a wear and tear situation but a defect in manufacturing that needs to be repaired and corrected by BMW.
Incident date: Jan 10, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 BMW X5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 21V586000 (Fuel System, Diesel) and 21V907000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2022
Prior to this incident with my car i was having alot of power issues,the car was giving me alot of issues starting up or after being parked it sometimes wouldnt want to turn on i took my battery to get checked and battery had no issues and i continued to start to have electrical issues with my turning signals my lightning and windows stopped working until January 7 as i was driving my car just beg... Read more