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: Mar 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 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 dealer was notified of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer had been notified of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 330XI. The contact stated that the air bags warning and seat belts warning lights illuminated intermittently. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V428000 (Air Bags) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer made aware of the failure. The approximate f... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2019
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 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 confirm... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2022
First reported front brake failure to BMW Motorcycle dealer in Chattanooga TN in fall of 2019. Lever went to grip and had to be pumped several times to engage. Dealer could not replicate problem or find anything wrong. June 2022, experienced rear brake failure though several pumps would recover system but only temporarily. Dealer suspected rear master cylinder was culprit but a new one made no di... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2022
We bought BMW X7 in Nov.2021 (model 2022), the delivery was late for two weeks because of unavailability of touch screen software but then the vehicle was delivered without software installation for touch screen. Though this was mentioned by the dealer at the time of delivery but because we need to have a vehicle ASAP and that was already two weeks late, we accepted delivery without working of a ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2022
The plastic covering over that is connected to the battery in the trunk started to slowly corrode and melt. It burned through the trunk cover and also burned into a bag and coat I had sitting in the trunk. I was on a long-distance road trip and I kept smelling something odd, but no warning lights came on. When I opened the trunk and removed my luggage, there was some smoke and then I saw the place... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2022
On May 20, 2022 at around 10 AM. I pulled into my work parking lot. I proceeded to park the car in front of the main building. I put the car on park but the car accelerated on its own at high speed. It curved around the bushes yanking them out and then smashed into the building. The airbags opened. I called 911 for help. Ambulance took me to a hospital nearby. I lost a lot of blood due to... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 20, 2022
On May 20, 2022 at around 10 AM. I pulled into my work parking lot. I proceeded to park the car in front of the main building. I put the car on park but the car accelerated on its own at high speed. It curved around the bushes yanking them out and then smashed into the building. The airbags opened. I called 911 for help. Ambulance took me to a hospital nearby. I lost a lot of blood due to... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Mar 2, 2022
Received letter in March 2022 about an "Important Safety Recall" for Recall Campaign No. 22V-119: PCV Valve Heater. Letter stated that "Remedy is Unavailable" and "is currently being developed". Manufacturer has not followed up to remedy this safety recall for your vehicle in a timely manner, and per the instructions in the letter, I am filing a complaint with NHTSA.
Incident date: Jun 30, 2022
In emergency situations when activating the horn, there is an unacceptable delay between when the horn is pressed and when there is actually sound produced. I have taken this up with the dealer and have been informed "that's just how it is." In looking across the internet, I see this is affecting all BMW i3 and some other BMW vehicles. The delay is approximately 1/2 second, which actually makes th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2022
In emergency situations when activating the horn, there is an unacceptable delay between when the horn is pressed and when there is actually sound produced. I have taken this up with the dealer and have been informed "that's just how it is." In looking across the internet, I see this is affecting all BMW i3 and some other BMW vehicles. The delay is approximately 1/2 second, which actually makes th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 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 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 too... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 528I. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle was decelerating independently. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate properly and was jerking while driving. The contact pulled to the side of the road safely. The check engine and fuel warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was unable to restart and was towed to the local... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 BMW X5. The contact stated while pulling into a parking space, he saw smoke coming through the vents. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact then parked and opened the hood but could not find any issues. The contact was able to continue driving however, the failure recurred while driving. The contact stated while driving the vehicle stalled. The check engine wa... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2022
My vehicle erupted in a fire on 06/29/22. My vehicle had all of its services. It was shooting out random messages. Then ultimately completely lost power. My car filled with smoke and I seen flames coming from underneath the hood. It was fully engulfed in just minutes.
Fire
Incident date: Jun 29, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 328D. 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 par... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 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 stated there was an abnormal burning odor comi... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 BMW X3. 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 it was 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: Jun 1, 2022
BMW x7 has the start button by the stick shift and other buttons for navigation modes and others and I when not in park at speed of 25 mph if mistakenly you hit the start button it shut off the car losing power breaks and power steering. BMW told me that how it is designed and above 25 mph even if you are at 100 mph if you do it once the car will go into neutral, if you do it twice the car will sh... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2022
My car only has 64K miles and it's giving message Secure Vehicle from Rolling. I've read this is a common fault with this car. Shouldn't this be part of recall.
Incident date: Jun 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the driving stabilization warning message would appear on the instrument panel. The contact also stated that upon start off his vehicle, the power steering assist failed to operate as the power steering warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic wh... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the driving stabilization warning message would appear on the instrument panel. The contact also stated that upon start off his vehicle, the power steering assist failed to operate as the power steering warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic wh... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2005 BMW 330CI. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was pulled over by law enforcement due to malfunctioning taillights. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that he needed to pay out-of-pocket for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacture... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2022
Since February of this year, my X5 has suddenly gone into neutral gear while driving in stop and go traffic on multiple occasions over the past 3 months. This incident first started on 2/26/2022, wherein my car abruptly went into neutral, coming to a complete stop in the midst of heavy stop and go traffic, while approaching George Washington Bridge. This happened twice within a 20 minute interva... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2022
Front Driveshaft between transfer case and front differential, is available upon request. The driveshaft broke at the universal joint, once it broke it damaged the upper and lower oil pan making a hole the size of a softball, as it kept rotating broke transmission casing also draining oil from transmission and engine components. It caused the tires to get soaked in oil and slip and spin out. Lucki... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2022
The Gear Shift area flawed design and defective assembly allows fluid spill to short out transmission and shifting ability. Assembly is not sealed correctly which allows a spilled fluid to leak through the gearshift on and into the the GWS. The GWS was not sealed causing a short in the the assembly & the need for its replacement at substantial cost to the owner. The drink holder is place next to... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2008 BMW F 800 ST. The contact stated that an abnormal sound was coming from the rear wheel bearing with the ABS warning light illuminated. The contact took the motorcycle to Max BMW Motorcycles (845 Hoosick Rd, Troy, NY 12180) where he was informed that the wheel bearing might need to be replaced in the near future. The contact stated that the failure persisted and the motorcyc... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2022
2016 BMW x1 has a key component (SHIFTER LINKAGE SPRING) and system failure per my local BMW dealer in Atlanta, Georgia -- it states: "Secure vehicle against rolling" when placing the vehicle in park -- even though the Parking Brake shows being engaged. The dealership agreed it is a common linkage spring issue that creates this safety issue however, they want to charge my family for a gear sele... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2022
When driving in freeway , Vehicles display " Drivetrain malfunction " - fuel supply full drive performance not available and begins to shut off abruptly in lanes. Can not restart vehicles. Vehicles can not be towed off the freeway lanes due to not begin able to put vehicle in Neutral mode. Vehicle was taken to local repair shop and parts were repair / replaced relating to fuel supply system. S... Read more
Incident date: Oct 27, 2021
Not a particular incident, but this recall has been active for a little more then two months. While also my car has been affected since Fall of 2021. Not once have BMW even reached out or provide any type of consultation of maybe having a rental car for the time being, or simply buy back the car or something along those sorts.
Incident date: Aug 16, 2018
1.) What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Answer: My motor/engine gave out on me. No the vehicle is not available due to the fact that it was towed and too expensive for me to take out of the impound. My vehicle was then taken from me since I couldn’t pay to have it taken out ! 2.) How was your safety or the safety of others put at ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2018
1.) What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Answer: My motor/engine gave out on me. No the vehicle is not available due to the fact that it was towed and too expensive for me to take out of the impound. My vehicle was then taken from me since I couldn’t pay to have it taken out ! 2.) How was your safety or the safety of others put at ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2022
Have been made aware recently a recall has been required on my vehicle although no remedy is available yet. PCV Crankcase Valve is defective which can cause several issues with vehicle...after learning this my car was having issues cranking and not starting, thinking it was the battery I had it replaced and still to no avail..replaced fuel pump thinking it may be a fuel issue and now no power..bat... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2022
Have been made aware recently a recall has been required on my vehicle although no remedy is available yet. PCV Crankcase Valve is defective which can cause several issues with vehicle...after learning this my car was having issues cranking and not starting, thinking it was the battery I had it replaced and still to no avail..replaced fuel pump thinking it may be a fuel issue and now no power..bat... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2022
Our car get on fire from begin low on oil, we stopped on the side and went on another car to get oil at the gas station and Suddenly star on fire and our entire car truck burned. Luckily we were able to get out off the car on time.
Fire
Incident date: May 30, 2022
Our car get on fire from begin low on oil, we stopped on the side and went on another car to get oil at the gas station and Suddenly star on fire and our entire car truck burned. Luckily we were able to get out off the car on time.
Fire
Incident date: Jun 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328i. The contact stated that while the daughter was driving approximately 60 mph the vehicle suddenly began to lose automotive power and stalled. During the incident, the warning message "battery discharge and start engine had displayed. After replacing the battery the engine eventually was restarted but the next day the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was then towed t... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2020
A/C COOLING INTERMITTENT REDUCTION OF AIR FLOW: Complaint of reduced air flow when the air conditioning system is operated for an extended time, usually longer than 30 minutes. The evaporator starts to freeze up. Here is a blog from multiple owners reporting the same issue. https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21904
Incident date: Oct 2, 2021
Ken Cook <[email protected]> Sun, Jun 19, 4:10 PM (3 days ago) to nhtsa.webmaster i found car online cr gurus and it was certified and car fax no problems, i used my savings of 5000 for down payment closed the deal and was coming down on weekend to get vehicle. coworker came and is witness. we get to Wilkins and the salesman who i talked to is nowhere to be found another person closes deal a... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2022
I was driving down the Massachusetts Turnpike with my 2 year old grandson and I experienced a power loss in the car. I immediately pulled over and opened the hood to find a fire starting in the engine compartment. I got my grandson out of the car and within minutes it was engulfed in flames. This in my opinion is a direct result of the BMW recall 21V-907 and I am really shocked drivers falling ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jun 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 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 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... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2022
Unknown - I returned from a work related trip out of the country, started my vehicle and coolant was pouring everywhere. BMW stated there's a recall coming out but have not seen one since the repair in April which was over a thousand USD.
Incident date: Nov 29, 2021
I own a 2018 BMW X5 x35d and received a notification from BMW about recall under recall number 21V907 last November 2021. It has been 8 months and I've been following up with BMW every 3 to 4 weeks and up to now, they still cannot give me an ETA on when the recall will be fixed. This is totally unacceptable.
Incident date: May 19, 2022
Hi, my vehicle has a recall, 21v586, for high pressure fuel pump. I suggest this recall should be elevated to a mandatory recall. When my fuel pump failed it immediately lost power while driving. I was fortunate to maneuver the car across traffic to a safe location. I consider myself a defensive and conscious driver. Had this been my wife or someone else I'm not real confident that they would... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2022
The car was over heating and not starting as well as fuel pump error on my dash. There is an open recall on my vehicle starting March of 2022 it is now June and BMW says they don’t know when they will have a remedy for this and it could be months but I need my car.
Incident date: Apr 28, 2022
The car was over heating and not starting as well as fuel pump error on my dash. There is an open recall on my vehicle starting March of 2022 it is now June and BMW says they don’t know when they will have a remedy for this and it could be months but I need my car.
Incident date: Apr 28, 2022
The car was over heating and not starting as well as fuel pump error on my dash. There is an open recall on my vehicle starting March of 2022 it is now June and BMW says they don’t know when they will have a remedy for this and it could be months but I need my car.
Incident date: Mar 12, 2022
My car has been effected by the PCV recall since march 2022. Smoking profusely and smelling like burning electronics. This happened while my family and I were in the car. This recall has occurred on numerous BMW's with more than 917,000 needing to be recalled for it. This defective PCV can cause a fire meaning the vehicle is completely unsafe for me and my family to drive. This is the THIRD time f... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2022
My car has been effected by the PCV recall since march 2022. Smoking profusely and smelling like burning electronics. This happened while my family and I were in the car. This recall has occurred on numerous BMW's with more than 917,000 needing to be recalled for it. This defective PCV can cause a fire meaning the vehicle is completely unsafe for me and my family to drive. This is the THIRD time f... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2022
My car has been effected by the PCV recall since march 2022. Smoking profusely and smelling like burning electronics. This happened while my family and I were in the car. This recall has occurred on numerous BMW's with more than 917,000 needing to be recalled for it. This defective PCV can cause a fire meaning the vehicle is completely unsafe for me and my family to drive. This is the THIRD time f... Read more