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: Aug 20, 2022
- Bracket holding KAFAS camera system to windshield failed causing Driver Assistance system errors in vehicle; surrounding area gets very hot to the touch - System errors restricted certain driver assistance features including collision warnings - Problem was found by two dealerships; first dealership denied claim, second repaired via windshield replacement - Service advisor mentioned another vehi... Read more
Incident date: Aug 21, 2022
On the night of 8/21/22, the fire department was callled to my detached garage when someone saw smoke comimg form the garage. The fire department determined that my car caught fire because of the cooling fan. The car was not running nor was the key in the ignition. The car was started 36 hours prior and had not been driven on a regualr basis for some time. The investigating office mentioned that t... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Aug 21, 2022
On the night of 8/21/22, the fire department was callled to my detached garage when someone saw smoke comimg form the garage. The fire department determined that my car caught fire because of the cooling fan. The car was not running nor was the key in the ignition. The car was started 36 hours prior and had not been driven on a regualr basis for some time. The investigating office mentioned that t... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Feb 2, 2022
My BMW 2012 E92 model vehicle currently has a malfunctioning Front Seat Occupancy AirBag sensor mat is very similar to the recall for E60 to E91 models. BMW refuses to fix it under the other recall and I'm wondering what can be done to add it to the recall? I also read of an extended warranty for this part but I do not qualify since my model is e92.( SI B01 01 18) . Please advise.
Incident date: Feb 2, 2022
My BMW 2012 E92 model vehicle currently has a malfunctioning Front Seat Occupancy AirBag sensor mat is very similar to the recall for E60 to E91 models. BMW refuses to fix it under the other recall and I'm wondering what can be done to add it to the recall? I also read of an extended warranty for this part but I do not qualify since my model is e92.( SI B01 01 18) . Please advise.
Incident date: Feb 2, 2022
My BMW 2012 E92 model vehicle currently has a malfunctioning Front Seat Occupancy AirBag sensor mat is very similar to the recall for E60 to E91 models. BMW refuses to fix it under the other recall and I'm wondering what can be done to add it to the recall? I also read of an extended warranty for this part but I do not qualify since my model is e92.( SI B01 01 18) . Please advise.
Incident date: Oct 17, 2022
A caution light appears and an error message "Secure vehicle against rolling. Secure vehicle with the parking brake when stopped." Come to find out there have been several complaints about 2017 BMW X1 having this same problem, error message caused by a faulty spring in the Shifter panel. Seems to me that this should be put on a Recall list as soon as possible as this could cause a safety issue if ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2021
Hi There, I recently received a recall notice for cylinder head ventilation line to be replaced in my BMW 430I 2017. Although, This part was replaced by BMW Riverside and I paid $1400 for this part BMW Riverside in March 2021. I contact BMW customer service for refund but they refused. Please assist. See attached copy of recall notice and service documents.
Incident date: Aug 16, 2022
Bike was serviced at Bmw Temecula and the dealer found a valve keep on magnet plug. Engine was “checked” to and all valve keepers were supposedly in place. So that means extra valve keeper was a manufacturer error. This could have locked up engine and killed me. Have asked for assistance from Bmw but have been shut down by them.
Incident date: Oct 13, 2022
When I put the battery terminals after swapping a new battery, my FRM got damaged. No brake or head lights are working, no turn signals, no windows moving etc. It's a safety issue on the road
Incident date: Oct 13, 2022
When I put the battery terminals after swapping a new battery, my FRM got damaged. No brake or head lights are working, no turn signals, no windows moving etc. It's a safety issue on the road
Incident date: Oct 13, 2022
When I put the battery terminals after swapping a new battery, my FRM got damaged. No brake or head lights are working, no turn signals, no windows moving etc. It's a safety issue on the road
Incident date: Oct 13, 2022
Drivetrain malfunction light due to bad EGR valve, which is causing car to run rough. Currently there is safety recall out for the EGR cooler. BMW of Bloomfield diagnosed and recommended EGR valve replacement but cost was excessive at over $1,100. Another BMW specialist (G&T in Jersey City) recommended replacement of EGR valve and cooler due to potential hazardous conditions described in safety... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 BMW 650 XI. The contact stated that both the front driver and front passenger seat belts would fail to retract upon disengagement. The contact stated that the seat belts would need to be pushed back manually into place by the occupants after use. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not under recall and was no longer covered u... Read more
Incident date: Oct 3, 2022
The high-pressure fuel pump failed causing the engine to stop completely without any prior warning and the car put itself in park on the highway and would not get out of park to go into neutral or any other gear. This could have caused a very serious crash and highly increased my risk of injury or death. You are more than welcome to inspect it. It is currently sitting at the dealership waiting f... Read more
Incident date: Oct 12, 2022
Quiet close doors do not latch
Incident date: Oct 12, 2022
Warning “Secure Vehicle against Rolling” light is on. Sound like a lot of BMW are having this issue
Incident date: Sep 30, 2022
I was driving on the interstate and my 2015 BMW 428i suddenly went into neutral and almost got us killed. Mileage at 88k, no check engine light, rattling, or leaking of fluids and car had just been to my local shop for an oil change the week before. Towed to BWW dealership, as car was inoperable, and told the engine had seized.
Incident date: Jul 29, 2022
I have been unable to get my BMW dealer (BMW of Bellevue) to remedy the recall issue. I received notice of the recall in January, 2022 but was informed that no remedy was available yet. I then received a letter in July 2022 informing me that a remedy was now available and I should immediately contact my BMW service center to schedule an appointment. I did that but was informed that they didn't ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 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 repair was unavailable. The contact had experienced a failure and stated that when she had started the vehicle she smelled a burning odor and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the burning odor had become a reoccurring failure an... Read more
Incident date: Sep 7, 2022
The VANOS adjustment unit develops an internal oil leakage that will no longer allow the VANOS to adjust quickly enough. This will result in activation of the engine emergency mode and the engine malfunction will become permanently active. BMW Service bulletin that is applicable: SI B11 07 14 Recall Campaign 14V-176 Documentation was inspected by local BMW dealership. They denied the recall due ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2018 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the forward collision avoidance feature would be active without incident. The contact stated that both the warning chime would sound and a red alert warning light would appear on the instrument panel during the failure. The contact also stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle came to an abrupt stop as... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2022
I got Safety recall letter in April 2022 for 22V-119 PCV valve Heater. As of today, 10/10/2022, the dealer in North liberty Iowa don't have the part and they don't know when they get the part.
Incident date: Jan 31, 2020
I was driving uphill on a winding, narrow highway, California State Route 18, when the range extender kicked in and I had a sudden loss of power. I could not maintain vehicle speed. It was terrifying. I was alone. I didn't know what to do. I turned on my hazard lights and I pulled over every time vehicles came up behind me.
Incident date: Jan 31, 2020
I was driving uphill on a winding, narrow highway, California State Route 18, when the range extender kicked in and I had a sudden loss of power. I could not maintain vehicle speed. It was terrifying. I was alone. I didn't know what to do. I turned on my hazard lights and I pulled over every time vehicles came up behind me.
Incident date: Oct 10, 2022
I have had 6-8 instances where the car "takes off" and accelerates without my touching the accelerator. It is not full-acceleration but strong enough that if a car was immediately in front of me - I might hit it. Hitting the brakes stops the acceleration and the car then drives normally. In all cases - the cruise control has been "off" and the unintended acceleration has occurred just after first ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2022
I have had 6-8 instances where the car "takes off" and accelerates without my touching the accelerator. It is not full-acceleration but strong enough that if a car was immediately in front of me - I might hit it. Hitting the brakes stops the acceleration and the car then drives normally. In all cases - the cruise control has been "off" and the unintended acceleration has occurred just after first ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2022
The Pirelli P-Zero tires that came factory equipped on my 2022 BMW X5 have experienced 3 separate sidewall failures in less than the first 20,000 miles on the vehicle. The tire sizes are staggered, 275/40r21front and 315/35r21 rear. The first instance occurred on 07/26/2022, traveling down the interstate, when both passenger side run flat tires blew out the sidewalls at approximately 15,000 miles.... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 1, 2021
Possible PCV malfunction. Intense plastic burning smell, smoke coming from front ac vents. Dealer unable to replicate issue, valve cover replaced under warranty. Issue persists. 2 Vehicle inspections at same bmw dealer, were unable to identify burnt battery PCM as well. Occasional check engine light, gone after vehicle restart. Under hard acceleration burning plastic smell intensifies.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2021
Possible PCV malfunction. Intense plastic burning smell, smoke coming from front ac vents. Dealer unable to replicate issue, valve cover replaced under warranty. Issue persists. 2 Vehicle inspections at same bmw dealer, were unable to identify burnt battery PCM as well. Occasional check engine light, gone after vehicle restart. Under hard acceleration burning plastic smell intensifies.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2021
Possible PCV malfunction. Intense plastic burning smell, smoke coming from front ac vents. Dealer unable to replicate issue, valve cover replaced under warranty. Issue persists. 2 Vehicle inspections at same bmw dealer, were unable to identify burnt battery PCM as well. Occasional check engine light, gone after vehicle restart. Under hard acceleration burning plastic smell intensifies.
Incident date: Oct 7, 2022
On 10/7/22 my wife started her 2021 BMW X3 and the instrument panel did not appear. She drove the vehicle to the local BMW dealership. After being told that the reported problem had not been previously reported by any other X3 owner, the dealer tested the vehicle. A scan returned a fault code, B7F8F9 HU-H. A software reset was performed and a test plan was conducted. Test plan directed technician ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2022
Vehicle disengaged itself from gear while driving on hwy going between 75-85 mph. Failed to re engage into gear when stepping on accelerator causing vehicle to just coast and slow down as fast moving traffic (semis) we’re approaching. Construction zone didn’t have shoulders to pull aside which made situation worst. Car did accelerate after a few attempts. The car did illuminate a “unable to ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2022
Vehicle disengaged itself from gear while driving on hwy going between 75-85 mph. Failed to re engage into gear when stepping on accelerator causing vehicle to just coast and slow down as fast moving traffic (semis) we’re approaching. Construction zone didn’t have shoulders to pull aside which made situation worst. Car did accelerate after a few attempts. The car did illuminate a “unable to ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2022
Vehicle disengaged itself from gear while driving on hwy going between 75-85 mph. Failed to re engage into gear when stepping on accelerator causing vehicle to just coast and slow down as fast moving traffic (semis) we’re approaching. Construction zone didn’t have shoulders to pull aside which made situation worst. Car did accelerate after a few attempts. The car did illuminate a “unable to ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 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 unavailable. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contac... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
After car warms up and while driving in warmer temperatures, steering becomes loose, vehicle drifts in lane and becomes difficult to control. Even with steering assist enabled, vehicle cannot maintain a straight line. Knocking sound from underneath vehicle when steering to center at low speeds.
Incident date: Oct 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2007 BMW X5. The contact stated the passenger’s side air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with needing the passenger’s side air bag to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was ap... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2022
Multiple fuel injector malfunction codes have been displayed by the vehicle repeatedly over the course of the last 10k miles. These malfunctions are causing the Malfunction Indicator Light to illuminate and remain on. This issue is documented to affect multiple vehicles with the same engine/injectors. BMW has provided an extended warranty for some vehicles with this engine/injector combination. Ho... Read more
Incident date: Oct 3, 2022
The engine coolant thermostat limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship. The vehicle currently has 60,128 miles. The vehicle's "service engine soon", warning light began appearing intermittently and now it is constantly on. The car has a stored code (P0597) Thermostat Heater Control Circuit/Open.This vehicle has a current technical service bulletin for a defective thermostat for t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 3, 2022
The engine coolant thermostat limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship. The vehicle currently has 60,128 miles. The vehicle's "service engine soon", warning light began appearing intermittently and now it is constantly on. The car has a stored code (P0597) Thermostat Heater Control Circuit/Open.This vehicle has a current technical service bulletin for a defective thermostat for t... Read more
Incident date: Sep 29, 2022
The contact called on behalf of his mother who owned a 2015 BMW X1. The contact stated that the service engine message was intermittently displayed and then remained displayed. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed that the failure was related to NHTSA ID Number: 10136705 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle had not been repaired. The m... Read more
Incident date: Oct 6, 2022
Vehicle reports "Passenger restraint system malfunction" upon startup, even when passenger is not in seat. Passenger airbag light turns on. In this state the vehicle defaults to deploying the passenger airbag no matter what, even if passenger weighs less than 45 lbs. BMW of North Scottsdale inspected and recommends replacing the passenger seat sensor mat for $3600, not covered outside of factory ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 6, 2022
Vehicle reports "Passenger restraint system malfunction" upon startup, even when passenger is not in seat. Passenger airbag light turns on. In this state the vehicle defaults to deploying the passenger airbag no matter what, even if passenger weighs less than 45 lbs. BMW of North Scottsdale inspected and recommends replacing the passenger seat sensor mat for $3600, not covered outside of factory ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 8, 2022
Intermittent vibration at highway speeds. Brought to the BMW dealership and they stated the right front wheel was out of round. I never hit a pothole or anything that would cause damage. The dealer "repaired" the wheel, but the problem still exists. Brought the vehicle back and am now told that BMW has started offering non-run flat tires on new cars. I feel that the run flat tires coupled with the... Read more
Incident date: Sep 8, 2022
Intermittent vibration at highway speeds. Brought to the BMW dealership and they stated the right front wheel was out of round. I never hit a pothole or anything that would cause damage. The dealer "repaired" the wheel, but the problem still exists. Brought the vehicle back and am now told that BMW has started offering non-run flat tires on new cars. I feel that the run flat tires coupled with the... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Coolant) however, the contact stated that he smelled a burning odor inside the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The dealer was notified of the recall notice and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The vehicle was not diagn... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2022
I had my car in for regular Oil Change Service and was told I needed front brakes and rotors. I approved the stated repairs. When I started my car and proceeded to drive off the lot a caution light appeared and an error message "Secure vehicle against rolling. Secure vehicle with the parking brake when stopped. Consult service center. I text a picture of the message to the service advisor and ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 7, 2022
My car (a 2014 BMW M5 with only approx. 39K miles) has a known issue with defective fuel injectors (manufactured by Bosch, subsequently replaced by an upgraded part). In fact, in 2018 BMW issued me and other owners with an extended warranty for the fuel injectors for 10 years/120,000 miles (see attached copy). However, in my opinion and based on a 9/7/2022 failure incident I experienced the defect... Read more