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 10, 2022
PCV MY safety of my self and my 5 yr 17 yr I use my BMW X5 to take my kids or doctors and school and I work too and something need to be happen about this bc My family are AT RISK OF GETTING CAUGHT ON FIRE when iam starting up the car black smoke or white smoke comes out and when iam driving and people who are behind in they car get smoke out my lots of smoke that comes from my car in back and... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
The panoramic sunroof screen has separated where glued to retractable component, causing it to sag such that visibility through rearview mirror is partially obstructed, which I anticipate will get worse if not repaired. It is available for inspection and I have scheduled a service appointment with the dealer. My understanding is that this is common for this make/model based on online forums dedi... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
Sagging sunroof liner , and potentially drop off anytime and block driver’s view .
Incident date: Apr 8, 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 on several occasions, while driving or parked, the vehicle overheated. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights illuminated on and off. The contact also stated that the ve... Read more
BMW
328I
(2011) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)
Aug 9, 2022
Incident date: Apr 8, 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 on several occasions, while driving or parked, the vehicle overheated. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights illuminated on and off. The contact also stated that the ve... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2022
BMW has issued a recall with no resolution. My engine is making noises from the crankcase and no alternative has been offered at this moment. The dealer does not want to address the issue.
Incident date: Aug 9, 2022
BMW has issued a recall with no resolution. My engine is making noises from the crankcase and no alternative has been offered at this moment. The dealer does not want to address the issue.
Incident date: Aug 9, 2022
BMW has issued a recall with no resolution. My engine is making noises from the crankcase and no alternative has been offered at this moment. The dealer does not want to address the issue.
Incident date: May 5, 2022
Cylinder Head Hose Expansion Tank Replacement - Coolant leaks out completely - This repair has been done twice on this vehicle with only 26K miles. BMW USA states no recall but the dealership informed me they have issued a bulletin but just put back on the defective hose since no other replacement hose is available...I'm paying out of pocket for the repair.
Incident date: Jun 13, 2022
Continental Sport Plus 215/50 ZR17 Replaced Michelin tires with four of this size/brand. Highly unstable at highway speeds. Even more unstable under wet roadway conditions.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
Unable to unlock/lock doors on car (obviously very worrisome), unable to use turn signals, no interior lighting controls or functionality. Unable to control headlights, they still do turn on but I cannot control them. Cannot adjust any mirrors electronically. Some speedometer lighting affect or but the dials do still work, cannot see all buttons inside interior due to electrical issue. Problem: F... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
Unable to unlock/lock doors on car (obviously very worrisome), unable to use turn signals, no interior lighting controls or functionality. Unable to control headlights, they still do turn on but I cannot control them. Cannot adjust any mirrors electronically. Some speedometer lighting affect or but the dials do still work, cannot see all buttons inside interior due to electrical issue. Problem: F... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
Unable to unlock/lock doors on car (obviously very worrisome), unable to use turn signals, no interior lighting controls or functionality. Unable to control headlights, they still do turn on but I cannot control them. Cannot adjust any mirrors electronically. Some speedometer lighting affect or but the dials do still work, cannot see all buttons inside interior due to electrical issue. Problem: F... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2022
The left rear turn signal stopped working. Along with the left brake light. Currently getting the part fixed that is causing the issue. Part is being melted by something. Yes there has been warning lamps and messages.
Incident date: May 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 BMW 750I. The contact stated that upon start the vehicle, the low tire pressure warning light illuminated. The contact initially took the vehicle to the dealer and an independent mechanic however, the cause of the failure was not determined. The failure persisted and the contact took the vehicle back to the independent mechanic who discovered a crack in the rear driver’s ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2022
While parked in my driveway, the car by it self caught fire and melted the entire fusebox, major wire harness, entire right rear panel was burnt and melted, rear headliner, and rear light housing. When I opened the door there was a huge black cloud of smoke inside.
Fire
Incident date: Mar 1, 2022
Its been more than 5 months since the recall is out and Manufacture is still not able find the remedy for the recall. I feel scared and not able to drive the car.
Incident date: Aug 7, 2022
I was driving on the freeway at 70mph, the indicated speed limit. It was cloudy, drizzling rain. No large vehicles near me. All of a sudden it sounded like a gunshot went off right above my head. I had the panoramic sunshade closed so I couldn't see anything, but my first thought was that the glass of the panoramic sunroof had shattered. After 5 more minutes of driving (so I could safely get home)... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2022
I came outside this afternoon to my Panaromic sunroof shattered. I researched if this has happened to any other BMW users and it did. As a matter of fact, BMW was hit with severe lawsuits. How do I make them accountable for the repairs?
Incident date: Aug 4, 2022
There is a Manufacturer Recall - NHTSA Recall Number22V119 this affects the PCV VALVE HEATER, which may not have been produced to specifications which could lead to a short circuit. I was advised a remedy was available to fix this defect, brought my car to the BMW dealership of Greenwich/Mamaroneck service department located at 110 Midland Avenue, Port Chester, on 8/4/2022 at 9:45 a.m. I was to... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 BMW 330E. The contact stated that the driver's and passenger’s side door handles were sticky, soft, and melting. There was also an unknown residue on the door handles. The contact attempted to clean the door handles but they continued to leave black residue on the occupant's hands. The local dealer was contacted but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufactu... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
Message on Console - " Passenger Restraint system malfunction ". Took vehicle in for Repair; BMW Dealership "thinks" it may be a wiring harness electrical short. They evidently need to discuss problem with BMW Corporate to figure out to properly diagnose problem and how to repair. My husband and I are very concerned about driving this car even after it may be "so called" repaired. We are concerne... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
Message on Console - " Passenger Restraint system malfunction ". Took vehicle in for Repair; BMW Dealership "thinks" it may be a wiring harness electrical short. They evidently need to discuss problem with BMW Corporate to figure out to properly diagnose problem and how to repair. My husband and I are very concerned about driving this car even after it may be "so called" repaired. We are concerne... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2022
Prior to this incident with my car i was having alot of power issues,the car was giving me alot of issues starting up or after being parked it sometimes wouldnt want to turn on i took my battery to get checked and battery had no issues and i continued to start to have electrical issues with my turning signals my lightning and windows stopped working until January 7 as i was driving my car just beg... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2022
Prior to this incident with my car i was having alot of power issues,the car was giving me alot of issues starting up or after being parked it sometimes wouldnt want to turn on i took my battery to get checked and battery had no issues and i continued to start to have electrical issues with my turning signals my lightning and windows stopped working until January 7 as i was driving my car just beg... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
Left rear brake and turn lights malfunctioning -issue not fixed after changing light bulbs. Noticed that metal pins in the connector was melted and stuck into the wiring harness. Problem affects brake light and turn signal. Melting of the the metal pin in the connector housing clearly is not a wear and tear situation but a defect in manufacturing that needs to be repaired and corrected by BMW.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
Left rear brake and turn lights malfunctioning -issue not fixed after changing light bulbs. Noticed that metal pins in the connector was melted and stuck into the wiring harness. Problem affects brake light and turn signal. Melting of the the metal pin in the connector housing clearly is not a wear and tear situation but a defect in manufacturing that needs to be repaired and corrected by BMW.
Incident date: Mar 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 330I. 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 BMW X5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 21V586000 (Fuel System, Diesel) and 21V907000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2022
I started my car to drive to an appointment and noticed that the car was jerking/bucking as I pulled out of my driveway onto the main road. I was unable to accelerate appropriately for oncoming traffic behind me because the car was jerking violently and it was a bit scary since this had not happened before. This continued for several days, primarily when I would attempt to drive the car in the m... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2022
I started my car to drive to an appointment and noticed that the car was jerking/bucking as I pulled out of my driveway onto the main road. I was unable to accelerate appropriately for oncoming traffic behind me because the car was jerking violently and it was a bit scary since this had not happened before. This continued for several days, primarily when I would attempt to drive the car in the m... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2022
I started my car to drive to an appointment and noticed that the car was jerking/bucking as I pulled out of my driveway onto the main road. I was unable to accelerate appropriately for oncoming traffic behind me because the car was jerking violently and it was a bit scary since this had not happened before. This continued for several days, primarily when I would attempt to drive the car in the m... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 750LI. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. Additionally, there was oil leaking onto the ground and also onto the engine. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the brake vacuum pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 750LI. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. Additionally, there was oil leaking onto the ground and also onto the engine. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the brake vacuum pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2020
I'M JUST RECEIVING THE RECALL LETTER THIS APRIL 2022. I'VE CALLED BMW TWICE FOR THE REPAIR AND IT'S STILL UNAVAILABLE. I EXPERIENCED THE ISSUE ALREADY 2 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING MY CAR FROM CARMAXX IN JUNE 2020 BUT BELIEVED I HAD IT REPAIRED BY PUSCHASING A NEW RADIATOR, COILS, WATER PUMP AND THERMOSTAT. I WOULD LIKE FOR BMW TO CHECK AND CHANGE THE CORRECTED PART OUT. I WAS ON THE FREEWAY OUT OF TO... Read more
Fire
Incident date: May 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 BMW 328i. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and independently restarted in LIMP mode. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure recurred and various speeds. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufact... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
When I was driving on suburban roads with speed limit of 45 mph, I received a waring from my vehicle saying "engine high temperature, drive moderately". After sometime, it said "engine overheated stop carefully". During the first warning, I felt loss of acceleration power and during the second warning I felt completely no power in acceleration that too when I was yielding for a left turn which was... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
When I was driving on suburban roads with speed limit of 45 mph, I received a waring from my vehicle saying "engine high temperature, drive moderately". After sometime, it said "engine overheated stop carefully". During the first warning, I felt loss of acceleration power and during the second warning I felt completely no power in acceleration that too when I was yielding for a left turn which was... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
When I was driving on suburban roads with speed limit of 45 mph, I received a waring from my vehicle saying "engine high temperature, drive moderately". After sometime, it said "engine overheated stop carefully". During the first warning, I felt loss of acceleration power and during the second warning I felt completely no power in acceleration that too when I was yielding for a left turn which was... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2022
The sunroof cover fell on my daughter while driving. It is made out of black material. We went straight to the dealership, they said that the blade was blade was broken. Thankfully she was on a familiar road near our house and was able to pull over. However, if this had happened on a interstate, it would result in a serious accident. I strongly believe it’s a defected product and should be recal... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2007 BMW X3. 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 exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had experienced several failures that were uns... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 535D. The contact stated that the engine warning light was illuminated. 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. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The ma... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 535D. The contact stated that the engine warning light was illuminated. 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. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The ma... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 BMW 328I. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, there was a burning odor and smoke coming from underneath the hood. The contact pulled over safely and investigated the smoke, which evaporated quickly. The contact also stated that her husband checked under the hood and experienced the burning odor. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was no... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2022
My timing chain is showing symptoms of failing, engine is backfiring while braking or pulling off, I know the was a recall for the N20 engine timing chains. That’s what I have
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
The contact owned a 2006 BMW 330i. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, the air conditioning unit suddenly shut off and smoke began to come out of the air conditioning vents. After the contact exited the vehicle flames were present coming from under the passenger side dashboard. The fire and police departments were called to the scene and the flames were extinguished. During... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jul 31, 2022
Coolant continues to leak because of this still unfixed issue. It still makes noises that it shouldn't. Its been EIGHT MONTHS since this recall was issued and still not fixed. It's unacceptable. There is a risk of fire and BMW is dragging it's feet!
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
2016 BMW X3, CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO DEFECTIVE DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER. THE CONSUMER STATED THE EXHAUST GAS ISSUE HAD NO REMEDY. THE VEHICLE ALSO HAD A LEAKING VALVE COVER AND DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE REPAIRS AND HAVE THE VEHICLE BOUGHT BACK FROM THE DEALER.
BMW
X3
(2016) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)
Aug 1, 2022
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
2016 BMW X3, CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO DEFECTIVE DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER. THE CONSUMER STATED THE EXHAUST GAS ISSUE HAD NO REMEDY. THE VEHICLE ALSO HAD A LEAKING VALVE COVER AND DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE REPAIRS AND HAVE THE VEHICLE BOUGHT BACK FROM THE DEALER.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 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 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 parts... Read more