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 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
Incident date: Jul 26, 2022
I started my car to drive to an appointment and noticed that the car was jerking/bucking as I pulled out of my driveway onto the main road. I was unable to accelerate appropriately for oncoming traffic behind me because the car was jerking violently and it was a bit scary since this had not happened before. This continued for several days, primarily when I would attempt to drive the car in the m... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2022
I started my car to drive to an appointment and noticed that the car was jerking/bucking as I pulled out of my driveway onto the main road. I was unable to accelerate appropriately for oncoming traffic behind me because the car was jerking violently and it was a bit scary since this had not happened before. This continued for several days, primarily when I would attempt to drive the car in the m... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2022
I started my car to drive to an appointment and noticed that the car was jerking/bucking as I pulled out of my driveway onto the main road. I was unable to accelerate appropriately for oncoming traffic behind me because the car was jerking violently and it was a bit scary since this had not happened before. This continued for several days, primarily when I would attempt to drive the car in the m... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 330I. 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 manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 BMW 328i. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and independently restarted in LIMP mode. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure recurred and various speeds. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufact... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 750LI. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. Additionally, there was oil leaking onto the ground and also onto the engine. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the brake vacuum pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 750LI. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. Additionally, there was oil leaking onto the ground and also onto the engine. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the brake vacuum pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2020
I'M JUST RECEIVING THE RECALL LETTER THIS APRIL 2022. I'VE CALLED BMW TWICE FOR THE REPAIR AND IT'S STILL UNAVAILABLE. I EXPERIENCED THE ISSUE ALREADY 2 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING MY CAR FROM CARMAXX IN JUNE 2020 BUT BELIEVED I HAD IT REPAIRED BY PUSCHASING A NEW RADIATOR, COILS, WATER PUMP AND THERMOSTAT. I WOULD LIKE FOR BMW TO CHECK AND CHANGE THE CORRECTED PART OUT. I WAS ON THE FREEWAY OUT OF TO... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Mar 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2007 BMW X3. 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 exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had experienced several failures that were uns... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
When I was driving on suburban roads with speed limit of 45 mph, I received a waring from my vehicle saying "engine high temperature, drive moderately". After sometime, it said "engine overheated stop carefully". During the first warning, I felt loss of acceleration power and during the second warning I felt completely no power in acceleration that too when I was yielding for a left turn which was... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
When I was driving on suburban roads with speed limit of 45 mph, I received a waring from my vehicle saying "engine high temperature, drive moderately". After sometime, it said "engine overheated stop carefully". During the first warning, I felt loss of acceleration power and during the second warning I felt completely no power in acceleration that too when I was yielding for a left turn which was... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
When I was driving on suburban roads with speed limit of 45 mph, I received a waring from my vehicle saying "engine high temperature, drive moderately". After sometime, it said "engine overheated stop carefully". During the first warning, I felt loss of acceleration power and during the second warning I felt completely no power in acceleration that too when I was yielding for a left turn which was... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2022
The sunroof cover fell on my daughter while driving. It is made out of black material. We went straight to the dealership, they said that the blade was blade was broken. Thankfully she was on a familiar road near our house and was able to pull over. However, if this had happened on a interstate, it would result in a serious accident. I strongly believe it’s a defected product and should be recal... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
The contact owned a 2006 BMW 330i. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, the air conditioning unit suddenly shut off and smoke began to come out of the air conditioning vents. After the contact exited the vehicle flames were present coming from under the passenger side dashboard. The fire and police departments were called to the scene and the flames were extinguished. During... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Feb 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 BMW 328I. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, there was a burning odor and smoke coming from underneath the hood. The contact pulled over safely and investigated the smoke, which evaporated quickly. The contact also stated that her husband checked under the hood and experienced the burning odor. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was no... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2022
Coolant continues to leak because of this still unfixed issue. It still makes noises that it shouldn't. Its been EIGHT MONTHS since this recall was issued and still not fixed. It's unacceptable. There is a risk of fire and BMW is dragging it's feet!
Incident date: Jun 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 535D. The contact stated that the engine warning light was illuminated. 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 ma... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 535D. The contact stated that the engine warning light was illuminated. 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 ma... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2022
My timing chain is showing symptoms of failing, engine is backfiring while braking or pulling off, I know the was a recall for the N20 engine timing chains. That’s what I have
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
2016 BMW X3, CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO DEFECTIVE DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER. THE CONSUMER STATED THE EXHAUST GAS ISSUE HAD NO REMEDY. THE VEHICLE ALSO HAD A LEAKING VALVE COVER AND DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE REPAIRS AND HAVE THE VEHICLE BOUGHT BACK FROM THE DEALER.
BMW
X3
(2016) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)
Aug 1, 2022
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
2016 BMW X3, CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO DEFECTIVE DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER. THE CONSUMER STATED THE EXHAUST GAS ISSUE HAD NO REMEDY. THE VEHICLE ALSO HAD A LEAKING VALVE COVER AND DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE REPAIRS AND HAVE THE VEHICLE BOUGHT BACK FROM THE DEALER.
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 stated that underneath the steering wheel ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 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 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 confirms parts... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approxi... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 BMW 528I. 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 and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2022
The timing chain broke at highway speed causing the engine to become completely inoperable. Apparently this is EXTREMELY COMMON in the BMW N20 ENGINS. This is extremely dangerous considering literally everything from driving to steering and braking is powered by the engine. When it fails this puts people in severe situations. Please do SOMETHING to make BMW remedy this situation.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2022
Unknown my car has been smoking g very bad lately idk if it is cause but this but this recall has never been fixed on my car would like to get looked at
Incident date: Jul 1, 2022
Unknown my car has been smoking g very bad lately idk if it is cause but this but this recall has never been fixed on my car would like to get looked at
Incident date: Jul 23, 2022
The vehicle features a panoramic sunroof with a retractable sunroof shade. The sunroof shade is attached to the sides of the vehicle ceiling with glue that fails over time and causes the sunshade to partially or completely detach from the ceiling of the vehicle, causing a dangerous obstruction to visibility. From research, this is a common problem that BMW has not remedied for many years.
Incident date: Jul 14, 2022
I purchased a used car that now has a passenger restraint sensor warning. Please fulfill a recall as this is a recurring issue with bmw
Incident date: Jul 14, 2022
I purchased a used car that now has a passenger restraint sensor warning. Please fulfill a recall as this is a recurring issue with bmw
Incident date: Jul 14, 2022
I purchased a used car that now has a passenger restraint sensor warning. Please fulfill a recall as this is a recurring issue with bmw
Incident date: Mar 2, 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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 mph whe... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 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 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 confirms parts not available. The consumer sta... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2022
The coolant started leaking at the weep hole under the oil pan. This is a pretty common issue for many 2020 and 2021 model year. Upon researches, it is caused by bad the O-Ring/Seal of the water/oil pump inside the oil pan that must be replaced. Some models leaked coolant and engine oil at the same time but mine just leaked coolant for now. Already scheduled an appointment for a warranty work to h... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2022
The coolant started leaking at the weep hole under the oil pan. This is a pretty common issue for many 2020 and 2021 model year. Upon researches, it is caused by bad the O-Ring/Seal of the water/oil pump inside the oil pan that must be replaced. Some models leaked coolant and engine oil at the same time but mine just leaked coolant for now. Already scheduled an appointment for a warranty work to h... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2022
Cruise control malfunction. Multiple times brining you to dealership.
Incident date: Jul 28, 2022
Cruise control malfunction. Multiple times brining you to dealership.
Incident date: Jul 28, 2022
Cruise control malfunction. Multiple times brining you to dealership.
Incident date: Jul 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 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... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2022
Sunshae blind is falling off on one side causing bad view of a light while driving I'm a tall man. Electric issue possible causing the track to function wrong causing sun shade to tear off. Small amount thin line of adhesive can be seen on the cloth shade. Please issue something about this many drivers on car threads have this issue.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2022
Sunshae blind is falling off on one side causing bad view of a light while driving I'm a tall man. Electric issue possible causing the track to function wrong causing sun shade to tear off. Small amount thin line of adhesive can be seen on the cloth shade. Please issue something about this many drivers on car threads have this issue.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2022
Sunshae blind is falling off on one side causing bad view of a light while driving I'm a tall man. Electric issue possible causing the track to function wrong causing sun shade to tear off. Small amount thin line of adhesive can be seen on the cloth shade. Please issue something about this many drivers on car threads have this issue.
Incident date: Jun 28, 2022
July 28 2022 while parked and I. The off position my 2007 b.m.w 335xi began bellowing black smoke from under the hood of the vehicle. I quickly discovered the origin was behind was in the housing for the vehicles blower motor. Once I realized I could put the fore out I called emergency services, they responded but the vehicle was completely destroyed.
Fire
Incident date: Jun 28, 2022
July 28 2022 while parked and I. The off position my 2007 b.m.w 335xi began bellowing black smoke from under the hood of the vehicle. I quickly discovered the origin was behind was in the housing for the vehicles blower motor. Once I realized I could put the fore out I called emergency services, they responded but the vehicle was completely destroyed.
Fire
Incident date: Feb 16, 2022
Car doesn’t hold a battery Wants to start 2% of the time Engine shook the pulley off so have troubles steering It’s under recall for a few things I would love a new car from bmw because this one is a nightmare the bmw tech advised me not to drive it so have been carless all year pretty much
Incident date: Feb 16, 2022
Car doesn’t hold a battery Wants to start 2% of the time Engine shook the pulley off so have troubles steering It’s under recall for a few things I would love a new car from bmw because this one is a nightmare the bmw tech advised me not to drive it so have been carless all year pretty much
Incident date: Feb 16, 2022
Car doesn’t hold a battery Wants to start 2% of the time Engine shook the pulley off so have troubles steering It’s under recall for a few things I would love a new car from bmw because this one is a nightmare the bmw tech advised me not to drive it so have been carless all year pretty much
Incident date: Jun 18, 2021
The oil filter housing gasket, the mechatronic transmission and the electrical system failed. Yes, it is available for inspection. My safety and the safety of others were put at risk as a result of my vehicle losing power suddenly while I was driving on the highway. I was driving at the highway speed limit and my vehicle malfunctioned and lost power while others were at high speeds. I had to abr... Read more