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: Nov 11, 2022
My 2011 328i convertible has the Vanos Cam shaft bolts broken, and the dealership never said anything about the recall for this issue. When I brought it to their attention they gave me a bill for $800 to find what I told them was wrong with the car. For the 10 years I had the car I have only use one dealership for repairs, and had an additional warranty on my vehicle and NOTHING was said about the... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2022
Radiator Grill does not open when running. It remains in the close position. It started with the engine symbol that appeared on the dash.
Incident date: Mar 15, 2022
The check engine light stays on because of the defective wire harness. It was made of very low quality and I feel strongly this is a major safety defect and needs to be rectified. NHTSA should initiate a vehicle recall because of this.
Incident date: Apr 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 BMW X3. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that after attempting to turn on the heat, the heat failed to properly operate. The contact stated that the heat was either too low or too hot. The contact was concerned that the system would overheat. No warning lights were illuminated. The deal... Read more
Incident date: Nov 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 740I. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the front air suspension failed to perform as designed, causing the front end of the vehicle to remain lowered, making the front driver’s and passenger’s side tires touching the inner wheel well. The vehicle was taken to the local service center who diagnosed that the front driver’s and passenger’s side ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 BMW K 1600 GT. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V023000 (Suspension) 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 notified of the recall notice and stated that parts were available for the recall r... Read more
Incident date: Oct 22, 2022
I noticed all of a sudden when I would turn my steering wheel it would make a clicking sound. Then none of my controls were working on the steering wheel. The horn wouldnt work none of the buttons and the air bag malfunction light was on. I researched and quite a few people had the same problem and I found out it was the ribbon wire inside the steering wheel had snapped and broke. The clock spring... Read more
Incident date: Oct 22, 2022
I noticed all of a sudden when I would turn my steering wheel it would make a clicking sound. Then none of my controls were working on the steering wheel. The horn wouldnt work none of the buttons and the air bag malfunction light was on. I researched and quite a few people had the same problem and I found out it was the ribbon wire inside the steering wheel had snapped and broke. The clock spring... Read more
Incident date: Oct 22, 2022
I noticed all of a sudden when I would turn my steering wheel it would make a clicking sound. Then none of my controls were working on the steering wheel. The horn wouldnt work none of the buttons and the air bag malfunction light was on. I researched and quite a few people had the same problem and I found out it was the ribbon wire inside the steering wheel had snapped and broke. The clock spring... Read more
Incident date: Nov 7, 2022
BMW Drivetrain malfunction. Timing chain replacement kit. Pump module with Vanos units and solonoids
Incident date: Oct 31, 2022
WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE IN A HEAD-ON PARKING SPOT, THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING AND HIT A WALL. THE CAR THEN WENT INTO REVERSE AND SPED UP RAPIDLY UNTIL IT HIT A CONCRETE PATIO ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE PARKING LOT. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED WITH SUBSTANTIAL FORCE THE ENTIRE TIME THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP MOVING. THE BRAKES DID NOT ENGAGE. I DO ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 31, 2022
WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE IN A HEAD-ON PARKING SPOT, THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING AND HIT A WALL. THE CAR THEN WENT INTO REVERSE AND SPED UP RAPIDLY UNTIL IT HIT A CONCRETE PATIO ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE PARKING LOT. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED WITH SUBSTANTIAL FORCE THE ENTIRE TIME THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP MOVING. THE BRAKES DID NOT ENGAGE. I DO ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 31, 2022
WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE IN A HEAD-ON PARKING SPOT, THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING AND HIT A WALL. THE CAR THEN WENT INTO REVERSE AND SPED UP RAPIDLY UNTIL IT HIT A CONCRETE PATIO ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE PARKING LOT. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED WITH SUBSTANTIAL FORCE THE ENTIRE TIME THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP MOVING. THE BRAKES DID NOT ENGAGE. I DO ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 BMW X6. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the vehicle without warning. The contact stated that upon inspection of the vehicle, he discovered that front driveshaft universal joint was loosened. Upon investigation, he discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V138000 (Power Train) which he linked to the failur... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2022
Component or system failed: Steering Column. It is available for inspection. Safety or the safety of others put at risk: When driving the steering column will lock or stick into place until it is forced back into a normal driving position. This consistently occurs when driving on a corner or making slight steering adjustments on a straight road. Has the problem been reproduced by a dealer: UNKNOWN... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 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 then stated that he noticed that the front passenger’s side interior door handle disintegrated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the door han... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 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 then stated that he noticed that the front passenger’s side interior door handle disintegrated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the door han... Read more
Incident date: Nov 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 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 local dealer was contacted several times. 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. T... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2022
On July 15, 2022, my 2013 BMW X3 i28 broke down on the NYS Thruway; I reside in Fort Lauderdale; I've owned the Vehicle for a year and a half, have serviced it at BMW of Fort Lauderdale, and actually had it In to change a lightbulb and make sure all was good. It was towed to Towne BMW in Williamsville, NY, as I was in town visiting family. I purchased the car from Carvana in November 2020; the ext... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2022
On July 15, 2022, my 2013 BMW X3 i28 broke down on the NYS Thruway; I reside in Fort Lauderdale; I've owned the Vehicle for a year and a half, have serviced it at BMW of Fort Lauderdale, and actually had it In to change a lightbulb and make sure all was good. It was towed to Towne BMW in Williamsville, NY, as I was in town visiting family. I purchased the car from Carvana in November 2020; the ext... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2022
Right passenger door will not open from the inside using the door handle about 1 out of 10 times. This seems to be a common problem on many other BMW vehicles as noted here: https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1217271. The door will still open from the outside or using the interior door unlock button that operates an actuator to unlock the door, but in a emergency situation where ba... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2022
Sept 2, 2022: I was driving my BMW i4 eDrive40 2022 model going to work when suddenly I heard the rear tire blown off and the Notification on my screen indicating tire pressure on my Rear Right Tire is going down fast. I was able to pull over safely to the curbside and called for roadside assistance . The vehicle was towed to Pacific BMW Glendale CA for tire replacement. They said that the damage... Read more
Incident date: Oct 19, 2022
Oct 19, 2022, I was driving my 2022 BMW i4 eDrive40 when it flashed notification that Driver Assistance permanently Restricted and it affected the Adaptive Cruise Control and the Lane Departure warning. There were a total of 3 occurrence that these Notifications were flashed on the cars Touch screen. Then on Oct 24, 2022, I dropped off this vehicle at the BMW of Monrovia where they observed and di... Read more
Incident date: Oct 19, 2022
Oct 19, 2022, I was driving my 2022 BMW i4 eDrive40 when it flashed notification that Driver Assistance permanently Restricted and it affected the Adaptive Cruise Control and the Lane Departure warning. There were a total of 3 occurrence that these Notifications were flashed on the cars Touch screen. Then on Oct 24, 2022, I dropped off this vehicle at the BMW of Monrovia where they observed and di... Read more
Incident date: Oct 19, 2022
Oct 19, 2022, I was driving my 2022 BMW i4 eDrive40 when it flashed notification that Driver Assistance permanently Restricted and it affected the Adaptive Cruise Control and the Lane Departure warning. There were a total of 3 occurrence that these Notifications were flashed on the cars Touch screen. Then on Oct 24, 2022, I dropped off this vehicle at the BMW of Monrovia where they observed and di... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2017
2009 BMW R1200RT MOTORCYCLE REAR BEARING FAILURE THAT LED TO A FINAL DRIVE FAILURE. At highway speed, heard clicking noise from rear of bike. While parked on center stand and spinning rear wheel, heard a terrible grinding sound. Who knows what would have happened had I not exited when I did. This left me stranded, requiring a tow; repair took two days and was over $3,000.
Incident date: Nov 4, 2022
Warning message: "Secure vehicle with parking brake when stationary". Extremely common issue with various BMW's including Mini Cooper vehicles. Error code reads "420106". Vehicle's computer can't read/tell if parking brake is engaged or not while parked. This is a safety hazard that is often quoted as several thousand dollars in repair costs by BMW dealers. A faulty gear box is at play and should ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2022
Warning message: "Secure vehicle with parking brake when stationary". Extremely common issue with various BMW's including Mini Cooper vehicles. Error code reads "420106". Vehicle's computer can't read/tell if parking brake is engaged or not while parked. This is a safety hazard that is often quoted as several thousand dollars in repair costs by BMW dealers. A faulty gear box is at play and should ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2022
On 7/1/22, my Vehicle Alert came on advising that the front brake pads need replacement and to schedule an appointment within 1,000 miles. I called the same day to schedule an appointment with my local dealer. However, the next available date was on 7/13/22. I specifically requested an earlier date, but that was the only available slot they had. I brought my vehicle in on 7/13/22 (alert now says... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed, there was an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle. There was also smoke entering the cabin of the vehicle through the vents. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, but they were unable to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired.... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2018
The contact owned a 2008 BMW 328xi. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact's son was driving approximately 30 MPH when the son noticed that smoke had begun to issue from the dashboard vents. The son pulled over and stopped the vehicle and exited when the vehicle dashboard burs... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
I received a warning on the dashboard that the tires needed inflating and that I should not drive the car over 80 miles per hour. When this happened the communication system on the car failed. I could not use the telephone or the direction feature. I do not know if other parts of the car also failed. When the tires were re inflated, these other features returned. This has happened twice. (In ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
I received a warning on the dashboard that the tires needed inflating and that I should not drive the car over 80 miles per hour. When this happened the communication system on the car failed. I could not use the telephone or the direction feature. I do not know if other parts of the car also failed. When the tires were re inflated, these other features returned. This has happened twice. (In ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 27, 2022
My car randomly started throwing an error for a failure with the passenger restraint system. From what I have read it has something to do with the OC3 Mat in the seat that detects if there is an occupant, and if the weight of the occupant is considered to be that of an adult, so the airbag does not deploy in the wrong circumstances, which is potentially dangerous to anyone that may ride in the pas... Read more
Incident date: Oct 27, 2022
My car randomly started throwing an error for a failure with the passenger restraint system. From what I have read it has something to do with the OC3 Mat in the seat that detects if there is an occupant, and if the weight of the occupant is considered to be that of an adult, so the airbag does not deploy in the wrong circumstances, which is potentially dangerous to anyone that may ride in the pas... Read more
Incident date: Oct 27, 2022
My car randomly started throwing an error for a failure with the passenger restraint system. From what I have read it has something to do with the OC3 Mat in the seat that detects if there is an occupant, and if the weight of the occupant is considered to be that of an adult, so the airbag does not deploy in the wrong circumstances, which is potentially dangerous to anyone that may ride in the pas... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2022
My car randomly stiffens steering in a turn which made me nearly hit a parked car and lit up a warning light stating “Drive Moderately”. The car recently also began to have symptoms of clunking and grinding when turning the wheel at low speeds. While this issue has recently arrises, my forward collision warning, blind spot detection, and lane departure warning safety features turned off comple... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2022
My car randomly stiffens steering in a turn which made me nearly hit a parked car and lit up a warning light stating “Drive Moderately”. The car recently also began to have symptoms of clunking and grinding when turning the wheel at low speeds. While this issue has recently arrises, my forward collision warning, blind spot detection, and lane departure warning safety features turned off comple... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2022
My car randomly stiffens steering in a turn which made me nearly hit a parked car and lit up a warning light stating “Drive Moderately”. The car recently also began to have symptoms of clunking and grinding when turning the wheel at low speeds. While this issue has recently arrises, my forward collision warning, blind spot detection, and lane departure warning safety features turned off comple... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2020
This car has had fuel leaking since the moment I drove it off the lot. I messaged the dealer, and received no response. Living in Arizona without a working AC in the car is also quite a nightmare. At the moment the smell of gasoline is extremely intense and I feel worry about my baby riding in a car. It would be great if, BMW came forward, to do what’s correct, and fix the car’s issues, ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2020
This car has had fuel leaking since the moment I drove it off the lot. I messaged the dealer, and received no response. Living in Arizona without a working AC in the car is also quite a nightmare. At the moment the smell of gasoline is extremely intense and I feel worry about my baby riding in a car. It would be great if, BMW came forward, to do what’s correct, and fix the car’s issues, ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the engine was shutting off inadvertently. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled in the middle of the road. The contact was unable to veer to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after several at... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
When coming to a stop, my trunk continues to open and will not close unless you turn the car off and get out and close it. I tried to replace the battery in my key fob, but it will not work. The trunk button when you hold it down, says “remote battery, change battery.”. The rear hatch continues to open every time you stop your car unless you hold the trunk button down. This is extremely unsafe... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
COOLANT HOSE AND FITTINGS FAILED. OVERHEATED THE ENGINE. CAR SPEED WAS LIMITED AND HAD TO STOP THE CAR ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. BMW USES PLASTIC PARTS FOR THE COOLING SYSTEM. THESE PLASTIC PARTS FAILED AFTER 35,000 MILES. THE COST TO REPAIR WAS ~ $1200.00
Incident date: Sep 1, 2022
The dashboard has pulled away from the windshield and is rippling. If it continues it will obstruct my view. I think it would affect the airbags as well. I've seen another 640 with this same problem at the store. I am available for inspection, I also attached BMWs invoice to show it was diagnosed. No warning lamps. I also use the garage and a window shade if not in garage.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2022
The dashboard has pulled away from the windshield and is rippling. If it continues it will obstruct my view. I think it would affect the airbags as well. I've seen another 640 with this same problem at the store. I am available for inspection, I also attached BMWs invoice to show it was diagnosed. No warning lamps. I also use the garage and a window shade if not in garage.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2021 BMW M340I. The contact stated while driving various speeds, the vehicle independently shifted from reverse(R) to drive(D) to park(P). The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH and attempting to stop the vehicle, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The contact stated that the brake failed to operate as designed. The vehicle was towed to... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2021 BMW M340I. The contact stated while driving various speeds, the vehicle independently shifted from reverse(R) to drive(D) to park(P). The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH and attempting to stop the vehicle, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The contact stated that the brake failed to operate as designed. The vehicle was towed to... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2020
The contact ownd a 2004 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, she dozed off behind the wheel when the vehicle crashed into the rear of a tow truck. As a result, the front end of the vehicle was damaged. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained an injury to the head and bodily soreness. Medical attention was required. No police report was filed. The vehi... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 15, 2020
The contact owns a 2008 BMW 528XI. 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 35 MPH, there was smoke coming from under the hood and through the A/C vents. The contact stated that the failure had become a recurring issue. The contact state... Read more