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 18, 2019
I have had continuous issues with the electrical system in the front drivers side headlight with burnt plastic housing to the main headlight and the plug for the blinker system. Sometimes it will work and most of the time it won't. I cant tell you the amount of times it has stopped working in the middle of using the blinker. Every time I attempt to change it out, the bulb ends up still in good sh... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2019
I have had continuous issues with the electrical system in the front drivers side headlight with burnt plastic housing to the main headlight and the plug for the blinker system. Sometimes it will work and most of the time it won't. I cant tell you the amount of times it has stopped working in the middle of using the blinker. Every time I attempt to change it out, the bulb ends up still in good sh... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2022
The sunroof in my car exploded yesterday morning as I was driving in clear weather on the open freeway. There were no other vehicles or other obstacles near the car when the incident occurred; nothing to "throw up" a rock onto the car and cause the damage as BMW says occurs often in situations like this. When the sunroof blew out, it sounded like a gun went off in my car, My dad and I were was sho... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 12, 2022
No oil change or engine light on dash. Passed state emissions test with no indicator lights on weeks ago. Engine timing chain malfunction. A warning light displayed once the engine stopped my vehicle. Also, pressed SOS button for 911 after vehicle stopped right off highway and stopped mid intersection, but learned it doesn’t work after 5G towers upgraded.
Incident date: Sep 12, 2022
No oil change or engine light on dash. Passed state emissions test with no indicator lights on weeks ago. Engine timing chain malfunction. A warning light displayed once the engine stopped my vehicle. Also, pressed SOS button for 911 after vehicle stopped right off highway and stopped mid intersection, but learned it doesn’t work after 5G towers upgraded.
Incident date: Sep 12, 2022
No oil change or engine light on dash. Passed state emissions test with no indicator lights on weeks ago. Engine timing chain malfunction. A warning light displayed once the engine stopped my vehicle. Also, pressed SOS button for 911 after vehicle stopped right off highway and stopped mid intersection, but learned it doesn’t work after 5G towers upgraded.
Incident date: Nov 19, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 BMW X5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V907000 (Fuel System, Diesel) 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 confirms parts... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 BMW K 1600 GT. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V0230000 (Suspension). The dealer had been notified of the issue and the contact was informed 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 of time for the recall repair. The contact had ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2022
Headlight internal wiring insulation completely degraded, exposing wires and causing electrical shorts/arcing. Unchecked this will certainly cause a fire.
Incident date: Jun 28, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Coolant) 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 dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The contact stated that pr... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2022
while im driving at my normal speed about 70mph the car start to get in safe mode, i was on the free way at the time so the car start to stop and lost accerlation, when i checl with my mechanic he told me i need to change the fuel pump and i found out there is a complane "Report Receipt Date: MAR 31, 2015 NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V189000 Component(s): FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE Potential Number of Un... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2022
Front passenger occupancy sensor failure
Crash
Incident date: Jul 26, 2022
Front passenger occupancy sensor failure
Crash
Incident date: Aug 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2022 BMW IX. The contact stated that under certain circumstances, while driving approximately 65 MPH, the automatic safety feature indicated a false emergency stop. The contact stated that while at a stop light, the vehicle made a false detection and the Interrupted Assisted Driving warning light illuminated indicating that the contact’s hands were not on the steering wheel; h... Read more
Incident date: Sep 9, 2022
Engine failure Defective timing chain and components BMW part/guide unstable plastic on low mileage vehicle
Incident date: Sep 12, 2022
BMW turns off driving down the road. Loss of power, power steering and brakes. Dangerous due to the fact that it is hard and sometimes impossible to pull over and get it to restart. When it happens on the freeway it is very dangerous because it is almost impossible to pull over. The SUV just quits working for no apparent reason. This has happened several times and not just one incident. Last time ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2022
I have smoke that comes from my exhaust pipe only whenever I first start my vehicle at the beginning of the day. I had a diagnosis done on my vehicle and was advised that my oil feed line was faulty. This is a known design flaw with BMW vehicles from years 2013 through 2016. I would like for BMW to repair the flaw on my vehicle since this is a known manufacturer issue which is something out of my ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2022
I have smoke that comes from my exhaust pipe only whenever I first start my vehicle at the beginning of the day. I had a diagnosis done on my vehicle and was advised that my oil feed line was faulty. This is a known design flaw with BMW vehicles from years 2013 through 2016. I would like for BMW to repair the flaw on my vehicle since this is a known manufacturer issue which is something out of my ... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2022
4/2021 Prior to 4/2021, I had complained verbally with visits and calls to the dealership about an intermittent (CC ) Cruise Control issue. They could not find a problem w/the CC. I now consider this issue is related to the rear caliper ceasing. 5/30/2022 (RC) Rear caliper ceased without any indications. The (MC) motorcycle, presented w/a power loss otherwise unknowingly to me until later in... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2022
4/2021 Prior to 4/2021, I had complained verbally with visits and calls to the dealership about an intermittent (CC ) Cruise Control issue. They could not find a problem w/the CC. I now consider this issue is related to the rear caliper ceasing. 5/30/2022 (RC) Rear caliper ceased without any indications. The (MC) motorcycle, presented w/a power loss otherwise unknowingly to me until later in... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2022
4/2021 Prior to 4/2021, I had complained verbally with visits and calls to the dealership about an intermittent (CC ) Cruise Control issue. They could not find a problem w/the CC. I now consider this issue is related to the rear caliper ceasing. 5/30/2022 (RC) Rear caliper ceased without any indications. The (MC) motorcycle, presented w/a power loss otherwise unknowingly to me until later in... Read more
Incident date: Sep 7, 2022
My BMW 330XI 2018 wagon recently passed 40000 miles. My wife heard a rubbing noise when braking a few days ago. We took car into a repair shop and they found the rear brake pads were worn down to the metal. At no time did a brake wear warning light ever alert us to this!
Incident date: Sep 9, 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. 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 but provided no assis... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2022
Unknown, design fault! I’m having an issue with the warning light saying Secure Vehicle from Rolling every time I turn on/off my car. My main menu or radio doesn’t appear until I confirm notice about the parking brake. There were no warnings before this it just toned and has been consistent every time. The dealer says it may be a small spring in the gear box, while the gears are working good.
Incident date: Sep 4, 2022
I was driving to work one morning On the highway, when I suddenly heard a loud sharp noise from the engine bay that followed with the engine and battery lights turning blinking on my display with sudden loss of steering. I panicked but quickly put my vehicle into neutral with my hazard lights on and slowly hit my brakes till I came to a complete stop on the highway. I got my vehicle towed back and... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2022
I was driving to work one morning On the highway, when I suddenly heard a loud sharp noise from the engine bay that followed with the engine and battery lights turning blinking on my display with sudden loss of steering. I panicked but quickly put my vehicle into neutral with my hazard lights on and slowly hit my brakes till I came to a complete stop on the highway. I got my vehicle towed back and... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2022
I was driving to work one morning On the highway, when I suddenly heard a loud sharp noise from the engine bay that followed with the engine and battery lights turning blinking on my display with sudden loss of steering. I panicked but quickly put my vehicle into neutral with my hazard lights on and slowly hit my brakes till I came to a complete stop on the highway. I got my vehicle towed back and... Read more
Incident date: Nov 19, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer w... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 BMW X5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V907000 (Fuel System, Diesel). The contact had suffered a failure when the vehicle overheated. The contact drove the vehicle to a dealer who diagnosed that the EGR cooler needed to be replaced; however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceed... Read more
Incident date: Sep 8, 2022
Diesel Emissions System is producing an error code due to incorrect coding by the manufacturer for US grade Diesel fuel. Check engine light has come on. There are warranties out for the model years just slightly older than mine. I have read many threads with people talking about having the same issue.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2021
i was told by BMW that my vehicle doesn't qualify for RECALL 21V-586. however my high pressure fuel pump failed at about 130,000 miles. i am trying to be reimbursed for my cost of parts under the TREAD ACT but BMW says my vin wasn't included by NHTSA. the recall seems to cover all BMW diesels from 2014 to 2018. please help. Michael Kanterakis, [email protected] 973-432-0673. thanks
Incident date: Sep 5, 2022
Date of complete failure noted below (09/05/22) On 2 previous occasions, approx. 7 days earlier and a week earlier as car was making a slow left turn, not from a stop, one rear wheel shuddered, and the engine seemed to rev as if missed a gear. I lifted off the throttle, and then the car operated normally. The complete failure occurred (3rd occurance) on Sept. 7. Accelerating slowly from a traff... Read more
Incident date: Sep 7, 2022
There is a transmission recall on 2022 530i vehicles and my VIN number needs to be included. My vehicle constantly jerks forward and the vehicle dashboard does not set off any alerts.
Incident date: Sep 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 BMW 535D. 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 not 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. Parts distributio... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2022
Active Air Flap fault, Upper and Lower Actuator is not working and that is why engine is overheating. BMW has extended this warranty to 10 years/120K miles for 750 and 550 series manufactured up to Aug 2019. But they have not done that on 740 series. My vehicle has the same problem and should be covered under the same in order to avoid engine damage. Please advice the next step. The fault code are... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2022
The electric parking gear shift slipped out of park on it own. When I stepped out of the car and the gear was placed in P park position, I got out the car was completely in park and not moving, I went to open my garage and planned to come back and drive car in garage. The car automatically with no one driving slipped into another gear on its own, I looked up as I was opening garage the car was dri... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 28, 2022
The electric parking gear shift slipped out of park on it own. When I stepped out of the car and the gear was placed in P park position, I got out the car was completely in park and not moving, I went to open my garage and planned to come back and drive car in garage. The car automatically with no one driving slipped into another gear on its own, I looked up as I was opening garage the car was dri... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 28, 2022
The electric parking gear shift slipped out of park on it own. When I stepped out of the car and the gear was placed in P park position, I got out the car was completely in park and not moving, I went to open my garage and planned to come back and drive car in garage. The car automatically with no one driving slipped into another gear on its own, I looked up as I was opening garage the car was dri... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 14, 2022
Hi, I have bought BMW x5 2017 from certified dealer in Nov 2020. From the beginning, vehicle is giving me problems. I spoke with BMW customer care and they are not helping me much. Below are the problems that vehicle has given me. They are so many other problems but I am noting the major problems. 1. Vibration during acceleration 2. The rear suspension got broke 3. Vehicle stopped on the road... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2022
Hi, I have bought BMW x5 2017 from certified dealer in Nov 2020. From the beginning, vehicle is giving me problems. I spoke with BMW customer care and they are not helping me much. Below are the problems that vehicle has given me. They are so many other problems but I am noting the major problems. 1. Vibration during acceleration 2. The rear suspension got broke 3. Vehicle stopped on the road... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2022
Hi, I have bought BMW x5 2017 from certified dealer in Nov 2020. From the beginning, vehicle is giving me problems. I spoke with BMW customer care and they are not helping me much. Below are the problems that vehicle has given me. They are so many other problems but I am noting the major problems. 1. Vibration during acceleration 2. The rear suspension got broke 3. Vehicle stopped on the road... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2022
Development of a major fuel leak after starting motorcycle, leak is coming from the high pressure fitting on the fuel pump. Very dangerous as the fuel is dripping on the hot exhaust and pooling on top of the fuel pump. Risk of fire and possibility of fuel getting on pant leg and burning riders leg. I talked to a couple dealers in the Phoenix area and it’s more common than not.
Incident date: May 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 BMW 328I. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the "Contact BMW" and "Stop Driving" messages were displayed. The contact stated that the power brakes and power steering became inoperable whenever the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled at various speeds and became more frequent. The contact pulled off... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 BMW 528I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that while driving, she noticed that smoke was coming from the hood of the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the PCV valve needed to be replaced; however, the part to do the r... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2022
The car had been running properly for months/years without any complaints. Last week while driving on a surface street, after a turn, the car that was going at about 40 MPH, suddenly started accelerating by itself to may be 70 or 80 MPH, this confused and shocked the driver and to avoid hitting the cars in front, the driver crashed the car into a tree. The car was totaled, fortunately the driver d... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 30, 2022
Front driveshaft broke at U-joint while driving Front driveshaft was showing signs of rust prior to the incident but unknown at the time that it was a more serious, known issue with the previous model. I believe this to be the exact same problem as the 2010-2013 BMW x5 E70 chassis (recall 17V-138). I saw the BMW service bulletin (unfortunately after the incident) which would have clearly shown me... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2020
The contact owns a 2015 BMW X5. The contact received recall notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V907000 (Fuel System, Diesel). However, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that while driving speeds, the vehicle emitted abnormal knocking sounds intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that they could not duplicate the... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 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 local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the reca... 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: Aug 22, 2022
Hello, I bought this Vehicle from Bridgewater BMW on Aug 22 in New Jersey and the very next day got a call from Roshad Petteway of BMW NA about the recall for the battery and had it towed back to the dealership. BMW Failed to notify the Dealer as they were unaware of the recall and sole me a recalled vehicle which Iam paying the loan with no vehicle now .