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 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 BMW 328I. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, an abnormal plastic burning odor was coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that there was white colored smoke coming from the engine while sta... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2022
As I was slowing down to make a turn, the vehicle went into neutral and shut off. I immediately turned it back on and put it in drive and the same thing occurred moments later. I start it again and drove away enough to safely park. I let the car rest in the off position for 30 minutes and it drove fine. There were no warning lights and the vehicle is well maintained with scheduled services. I cont... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2022
As I was slowing down to make a turn, the vehicle went into neutral and shut off. I immediately turned it back on and put it in drive and the same thing occurred moments later. I start it again and drove away enough to safely park. I let the car rest in the off position for 30 minutes and it drove fine. There were no warning lights and the vehicle is well maintained with scheduled services. I cont... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2022
As I was slowing down to make a turn, the vehicle went into neutral and shut off. I immediately turned it back on and put it in drive and the same thing occurred moments later. I start it again and drove away enough to safely park. I let the car rest in the off position for 30 minutes and it drove fine. There were no warning lights and the vehicle is well maintained with scheduled services. I cont... Read more
Incident date: Jun 19, 2022
Consistent steam coming through hood of vehicle. Electrical panel indicators. Vehicle has been serviced regularly and sent to BMW Mountain View for recall repairs.
Incident date: Jun 19, 2022
Consistent steam coming through hood of vehicle. Electrical panel indicators. Vehicle has been serviced regularly and sent to BMW Mountain View for recall repairs.
Incident date: Jun 19, 2022
Consistent steam coming through hood of vehicle. Electrical panel indicators. Vehicle has been serviced regularly and sent to BMW Mountain View for recall repairs.
Incident date: Jun 19, 2022
I was the driver and I stopped at a traffic light. I leaned over toward the passenger seat and the driver’s seat belt came loose from the fixed attachment point at the driver door side of the seat. The seat belt tensioner was recently replaced at the local BMW dealer. There was no warning or other indication that the seat belt anchor point was not secure. I am taking the vehicle back to the dea... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2007 BMW 328I. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, he saw steam exiting from under the hood and multiple warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated he parked the vehicle on the side of the road and saw coolant leaking under the vehicle. The contact stated he waited until the engine had cooled down and continued driving to his destination. The contact later received... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2017
The contact owns a 2003 BMW Z4. The contact stated while driving at various speeds in hot weather, the steering wheel became difficult to turn and would also jerk the vehicle into the next lane. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the battery to be ... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 BMW 128i. The contact stated after completing an oil change at the dealer and starting the vehicle, the RPM started fluctuating. The contact stated that after coming to a complete stop at a traffic light, the RPM fluctuated rapidly and the vehicle decelerated while driving. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle back to the dealer... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 BMW 328XI. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle was overheating and the gauge was notifying the contact of the engine temperature moving from high to extremely high. The contact also stated there was black smoke coming from the engine and tailpipe. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact re... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2022
The water pump failure recall BMW currently has for 8 and 12 cylinder engines need to include 3.0 6 cylinder engines also. My car had the identical failure as the current recall and its not covered . Why? There is just as many 6 cylinder water pump failures as 8 and 12 cylinder cars . This is not right . Extremely dangerous and needs rectified now . Please help me my email is [XXX] Phone [XXX]. M... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2022
TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE .I COULD NOT STOP THE MOTORCYCLE.I WENT RITE THROUGH AN INTERSECTION,THANK GOD THERE WAS NO VEHICLES DRIVING THROUGH THE INTERSECTION AT THE SAME TIME.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2022
The contact's wife owns a 2008 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, a burning rubber odor was coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, light gray smoke was intermittently coming from the passenger’s side hood. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328I. The contact stated the vehicle was overheating. The contact stated that the high engine temperature warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was undrivable. The contact had the vehicle towed to the residence. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the fail... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 325XI. 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confi... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 BMW 528XI. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the low oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2006 BMW Z4. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. Additionally, there was a burning odor on the inside and outside of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who changed the engine spark plugs however, the failure persisted. The local dealer and manufac... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 325I. 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confir... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 335I. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle independently entered limp mode with the service transmission warning message on the instrument panel. The contact restarted the vehicle and cleared all warning codes before he resumed normal driving. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not under recall... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 335I. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle independently entered limp mode with the service transmission warning message on the instrument panel. The contact restarted the vehicle and cleared all warning codes before he resumed normal driving. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not under recall... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2022
2013 BMW 328I X Drive. A drive train warning light came on at approx 11300 miles. After dealer inspection the timing chain guides may have caused/or the chain my be loose and is now dropping metal into the engine oil. Repair requires a new engine. Inspection also revealed a waste gate control malfunction on the turbo. Repair new turbo.
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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confir... Read more
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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confir... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2022
Timing chain failure and shutting down of engine on the highway. There was a class action suit about this, which closed March 2021. BMW has not issues a recall despite the class action suit.
Incident date: May 17, 2022
I was told by BMW that the high pressure fuel pump for these vehicles are under warranty for 100,000 miles or 10 years. I just purchased the vehicle to not only drive from new jersey to New York and shut down. Since then it caused an accident and the used dealer is just ignoring everything. I was also told there’s an electric water pump class action suit and also something with the trunk leaking... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 17, 2022
I was told by BMW that the high pressure fuel pump for these vehicles are under warranty for 100,000 miles or 10 years. I just purchased the vehicle to not only drive from new jersey to New York and shut down. Since then it caused an accident and the used dealer is just ignoring everything. I was also told there’s an electric water pump class action suit and also something with the trunk leaking... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 528i. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. Additionally, the odor of burning plastic was present inside the vehicle. The contact stated that smoke was coming from the engine compartment. The contact attached a diagnostic device to the vehicle and the reading indicated a heater malfunction. No further i... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2021
I am filing a complaint based on the recalls for my vehicle. There are two recalls with no solutions. My car has not been functional in over 6 months. I have called BMW and they have offered me no solutions. I want to receive compensation so I can be done with this vehicle and get one that I can actually drive.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2008
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 530i. The contact stated that while driving, the engine temperature was extremely hot. While the vehicle was parked inside the garage, the cooling fan continued to run. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the heat pump and thermostat were placed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V1... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2022
Fuel Tank Ventilation failed in my 2017 BMW X5 XDrive 40E at around 93k miles (ODO). The problem has been confirmed by the dealer and this is creating fuel odor and undesired gases to be leaked out of the system
Incident date: Mar 2, 2022
There was a recall on my vehicle, and I have been without a vehicle since. My vehicle smokes when i try to drive it so, i have been without a vehicle and BMW sent out a notice of this back on March 2, 2022 and they still do not have a resolution. something needs to be done as i am without a vehicle.
Incident date: Jun 11, 2022
I had my passenger in the car driving 30mm and then I got a “restraint system warning ⚠️ “ illuminating the seatbelt light and seatbelt with airbag light. This is a safety concern as it is still on without a passenger. This affects the passenger airbag so in the case of fatality this would fall on BMW NA for neglecting to fix this issue. The car was fine before and this came out of no wher... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2022
I had my passenger in the car driving 30mm and then I got a “restraint system warning ⚠️ “ illuminating the seatbelt light and seatbelt with airbag light. This is a safety concern as it is still on without a passenger. This affects the passenger airbag so in the case of fatality this would fall on BMW NA for neglecting to fix this issue. The car was fine before and this came out of no wher... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2022
I had my passenger in the car driving 30mm and then I got a “restraint system warning ⚠️ “ illuminating the seatbelt light and seatbelt with airbag light. This is a safety concern as it is still on without a passenger. This affects the passenger airbag so in the case of fatality this would fall on BMW NA for neglecting to fix this issue. The car was fine before and this came out of no wher... Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 2020
The contact owns a 2007 BMW 328i. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle began to overheat and started shuddering. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to continue to drive the vehicle however, the failure recurred several times while driving. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) h... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2022
instrument cluster sporadically working. front collision and lane departure not working when the cluster isn't working. unable to judge speed accurately, Yes problem has been reproduced by Sandy Sansing BMW in Pensacola FL.no the part hasn't been inspected.no other warmings but have had warnings since that the driver assistance restricted. Frontal collision warning, pedestrian warning . I have be... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2022
instrument cluster sporadically working. front collision and lane departure not working when the cluster isn't working. unable to judge speed accurately, Yes problem has been reproduced by Sandy Sansing BMW in Pensacola FL.no the part hasn't been inspected.no other warmings but have had warnings since that the driver assistance restricted. Frontal collision warning, pedestrian warning . I have be... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2022
instrument cluster sporadically working. front collision and lane departure not working when the cluster isn't working. unable to judge speed accurately, Yes problem has been reproduced by Sandy Sansing BMW in Pensacola FL.no the part hasn't been inspected.no other warmings but have had warnings since that the driver assistance restricted. Frontal collision warning, pedestrian warning . I have be... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal went to the floorboard while depressed; however, the brakes failed to stop the vehicle. The contact was able to steer the vehicle into a gas station before the vehicle came to a complete stop. Car’s computer failed to indicate there were any hazardous issues nor dangerous concerns. The ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 2022
The contact owned a 2004 BMW 325i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V018000 (Air Bags) and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list as she no longer own the vehicle. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted.
Incident date: Jun 13, 2022
In regards safety recall 21V-907, the BMW dealer does not have a remedy yet; however in October 2021 they stated that the intake manifold needed replacement due to heavy buildup and it was replaced. The recall issued in November 2021 states that the leakage from the faulty EGR valve could contaminate the intake manifold and the replacement should be done free of charge. They charged me $1,281 + la... Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 2022
The car only has 500 miles. It is a show car not taken out of the garage. Went to change oil and inspection sticker. Found to have a bad front knuckle. It is cracked. Many forums on this. This car is limited and has very low miles by owners. This should not be occurring
Incident date: Jun 11, 2022
Hello , I am owning a BMW i3REX (2018). Recently like many other users experienced multiple times the loss of power steering after starting the vehicle. While previous events like this were short lived and resolved with stopping, turning off and on the vehicle, this time it was on entering a highway, where the car suddenly lost its power steering and could not be driven properly. I had to exit , s... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2022
Transmission error see service provider and park with emergency brake. Seems to be a lot of faulty springs in shifter on a lot of BMW’s. This should be a recall
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
Headlight wires are made poorly. Susceptible to heat damage. The wire insulation cracks off, leaving bare copper wires to touch. Therefore, the low beams, etc will no longer function. The only solution is $3,000+ on new headlights.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
Headlight wires are made poorly. Susceptible to heat damage. The wire insulation cracks off, leaving bare copper wires to touch. Therefore, the low beams, etc will no longer function. The only solution is $3,000+ on new headlights.
Incident date: Jun 11, 2022
Fuel injectors and high pressure fuel pump. I believe there was a recall for the 335i model not the 335xi. These are the same exact engines and were produced at the same exact time with the same exact parts. BMW created index 1 injectors and has since remanufactured to what today is now called an index 12 injector. I believe my model is well over due to qualify for this recall because old injector... Read more