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: Jul 22, 2022
I took my vehicle for a regular oil change and vehicle check at 22000 miles. The service advisor performed a routine check and found that the driveshaft flex disc had multiple cracks. If the cracks expand, it could lead to a complete failure of the disc at which point the driveshaft was come loose and can cause an accident along with extensive underbody damage. I do not understand how a certified ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2022
The brakes wouldn’t work and car kept going even though I tried to brake several times and with all my strength The car stopped when crashed another car and I was able to shut down the car but the brakes did not work. The crash was very severe and airbags didn’t deploy. A faulty airbag message was shown on my car screen.
Crash
Incident date: Jul 22, 2022
The brakes wouldn’t work and car kept going even though I tried to brake several times and with all my strength The car stopped when crashed another car and I was able to shut down the car but the brakes did not work. The crash was very severe and airbags didn’t deploy. A faulty airbag message was shown on my car screen.
Crash
Incident date: Jul 22, 2022
The brakes wouldn’t work and car kept going even though I tried to brake several times and with all my strength The car stopped when crashed another car and I was able to shut down the car but the brakes did not work. The crash was very severe and airbags didn’t deploy. A faulty airbag message was shown on my car screen.
Crash
Incident date: Jul 12, 2022
Vehicle Steering Lock Malfunction - Car does not start and stuck in Park. Cannot move steering wheel which is locked. This is a design defect that needs to be addressed. Vehicle is rendered inoperative! Cannot move or start it! approx. mileage 105k. This is a new problem besides the current recall which has not been available yet. I've also been locked out of this vehicle and had to climb out ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2022
Vehicle Steering Lock Malfunction - Car does not start and stuck in Park. Cannot move steering wheel which is locked. This is a design defect that needs to be addressed. Vehicle is rendered inoperative! Cannot move or start it! approx. mileage 105k. This is a new problem besides the current recall which has not been available yet. I've also been locked out of this vehicle and had to climb out ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2022
Vehicle Steering Lock Malfunction - Car does not start and stuck in Park. Cannot move steering wheel which is locked. This is a design defect that needs to be addressed. Vehicle is rendered inoperative! Cannot move or start it! approx. mileage 105k. This is a new problem besides the current recall which has not been available yet. I've also been locked out of this vehicle and had to climb out ... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2022
Left driver side rear taillights failed constantly I have no rear working lights . I brought in for repair and there is no fix for the lights ! I was rear ended
Incident date: May 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 325i. The contact stated that the front air bag and seat belt passenger sensor functionality were defective. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and no cause for the failure was determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V564000 (Air ... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 325i. The contact stated that the front air bag and seat belt passenger sensor functionality were defective. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and no cause for the failure was determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V564000 (Air ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2022
The engine stopped running as I was driving. I was able to coast to a stop but once stopped I was unable to put the vehicle in neutral so it was blocking the roadway. The cause of the vehicle engine to stop was a failure on the high pressure fuel pump. I see there has been a recall issued for this defect but my vehicle was not included. Must be an error on BMWs identification of the vehicles a... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2022
Vehicle shifts into neutral while driving and then cuts off.
Incident date: Oct 3, 2021
The contact owned a 2019 BMW 330i. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH, smoke was seen coming from under the hood of the vehicle. After stopping and exiting the vehicle, flames were then present coming from under the hood and the fire department was called to the scene. The flames were extinguished. The vehicle was destroyed and towed away. A fire report was taken at the sce... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jul 12, 2022
I have the seatbelt and airbag light illuminated on my car for the passenger. I have researched this issue and it seems to be a common problem on BMWs. It was part of a recall for the 2006 model but nothing past that year. Apparently, it is the sensor that is in the passenger seat that has broken. So the airbag can't sense whether or not a person is occupying that seat.
Incident date: Jul 12, 2022
I have the seatbelt and airbag light illuminated on my car for the passenger. I have researched this issue and it seems to be a common problem on BMWs. It was part of a recall for the 2006 model but nothing past that year. Apparently, it is the sensor that is in the passenger seat that has broken. So the airbag can't sense whether or not a person is occupying that seat.
Incident date: Jun 28, 2022
I ordered BMW ix50 in 10/1/21, got delivered on 05/20/22. Only after 39 days on 06/08/22 and about 1000 miles BMW stopped running and I called BMW roadside assistance to take to the dealership. The car was “fixed” and picked-up back from the dealership on 07/06/22. The reason was given from Gwinnett dealer that “software upgrade” needed and “was fixed”. Again on 7/15 evening when ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2022
I ordered BMW ix50 in 10/1/21, got delivered on 05/20/22. Only after 39 days on 06/08/22 and about 1000 miles BMW stopped running and I called BMW roadside assistance to take to the dealership. The car was “fixed” and picked-up back from the dealership on 07/06/22. The reason was given from Gwinnett dealer that “software upgrade” needed and “was fixed”. Again on 7/15 evening when ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2022
I ordered BMW ix50 in 10/1/21, got delivered on 05/20/22. Only after 39 days on 06/08/22 and about 1000 miles BMW stopped running and I called BMW roadside assistance to take to the dealership. The car was “fixed” and picked-up back from the dealership on 07/06/22. The reason was given from Gwinnett dealer that “software upgrade” needed and “was fixed”. Again on 7/15 evening when ... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2022
There is an exhaust leak which has developed in the turbo. This causes untreated fumes and soot to be emitted in the engine compartment. This untreated exhaust makes its way into the passenger cabin, putting passengers at safety risk due to untreated exhaust fumes entering the cabin. The dealership has acknowledged the issue and describes it as follows: "The soot that you have seen and the smel... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2003 BMW 745LI. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the brake fluid warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and diagnosed with rotors, brake wear sensors, and brake failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 174,500.
Incident date: Jul 17, 2022
* Components: Per dealership, Heat exchanger (metal) and oil filter housing (plastic), oil filter housing supports the heat exchanger, vehicle inspected by dealership and available for further inspection. *Vehicle unexpectedly overheated while driving on interstate risking the safety of driver/passengers and others. Dealer's (manufacturer) technician stated that the heat from the metal exchange... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 528I. 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 contact stated that there was an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle. The manufacturer was... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2021
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 528I. The contact stated while turning on the heater, there was a bad odor coming from the heater. 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 amo... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2021
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 528I. The contact stated while turning on the heater, there was a bad odor coming from the heater. 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 amo... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2022
Climate control safety defect. TSB SI B64 06 13 was completed, defect still exists. It happens in both recirculate and fresh air settings. Upon driving in humid conditions climate control becomes inop. Evaporator ices over and fan makes loud noise but no air comes out of vents. This creates a dangerous situation as defrost/fog setting is inop and you can’t clear the windshield or see to drive.
Incident date: Jun 14, 2022
Error Codes : 1. E11480 No Message (Alive Counter Safety 0xD7) Receiver Instrument Cluster Transmitter Airbag 2. E11482 Message (Alive Counter Safety 0xD7) Not Current Receiver Instrument Cluster Transmitter Airbag 3. B7F685 Under Voltage . 4. E114DB Instrument Panel: Demand Based Service Message, Message From CBS Subscriber (BBV) Missing 5. E114DC Instrument Panel: Demand Based Service Message,... Read more
Incident date: Jun 14, 2022
Error Codes : 1. E11480 No Message (Alive Counter Safety 0xD7) Receiver Instrument Cluster Transmitter Airbag 2. E11482 Message (Alive Counter Safety 0xD7) Not Current Receiver Instrument Cluster Transmitter Airbag 3. B7F685 Under Voltage . 4. E114DB Instrument Panel: Demand Based Service Message, Message From CBS Subscriber (BBV) Missing 5. E114DC Instrument Panel: Demand Based Service Message,... Read more
Incident date: Jun 14, 2022
Error Codes : 1. E11480 No Message (Alive Counter Safety 0xD7) Receiver Instrument Cluster Transmitter Airbag 2. E11482 Message (Alive Counter Safety 0xD7) Not Current Receiver Instrument Cluster Transmitter Airbag 3. B7F685 Under Voltage . 4. E114DB Instrument Panel: Demand Based Service Message, Message From CBS Subscriber (BBV) Missing 5. E114DC Instrument Panel: Demand Based Service Message,... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2022
Collision warning is often inaccurate. Signaling collision when no obstacles are present. Also, EGR Cooler recall still pending.
Incident date: May 10, 2022
Collision warning is often inaccurate. Signaling collision when no obstacles are present. Also, EGR Cooler recall still pending.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
Car won't start up on first try anymore. Taking 3 tries. Keeps saying that there is no signal. Seems like from the bimmer forum a lot of people are having the same issue. Also saying to close the hood when the hood isn't open. It's happening every day now that the messages are popping up and the car won't start! I hope there is a recall asap. I've only had this car for a year and is has $38k mile... Read more
Incident date: Jul 19, 2022
7/19/2022 I got a drivetrain warning. Turned car off and on and it cleared the warning but now I am getting a secure vehicle against rolling notice every time I turn car off. This appears to be the same problem with other BMW X 1s.
Incident date: Jul 19, 2022
7/19/2022 I got a drivetrain warning. Turned car off and on and it cleared the warning but now I am getting a secure vehicle against rolling notice every time I turn car off. This appears to be the same problem with other BMW X 1s.
Incident date: Apr 17, 2022
Upon starting my vehicle there is a strong smell of gasoline in the cabin. The car was making a noise that has been diagnosed by a mechanic as engine failure and this vehicle is only 10 years old. This car is my only means of transportation. I need someone to help figure out what to do with it. These cars are too costly to consumers to be just be dead in a year span. There is no possible way the m... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2022
Upon starting my vehicle there is a strong smell of gasoline in the cabin. The car was making a noise that has been diagnosed by a mechanic as engine failure and this vehicle is only 10 years old. This car is my only means of transportation. I need someone to help figure out what to do with it. These cars are too costly to consumers to be just be dead in a year span. There is no possible way the m... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2022
A strong odor of gasoline was noted and it dripped from the tank when the car was driven. Mechanic reported the tank had a leaking seam which he would patch with plastic, so the car can be used while waiting for a replacement tank.
Incident date: Jun 16, 2022
The Lighting Control Board Module (LKM) of the 1996 BMW 840Ci failed in a manner that caused it to catch fire even though the vehicle was not running at the time, and in fact had not been driven in several days. The fire damaged surrounding modules and wiring inside the passenger compartment of the car, and filled the garage with smoke, necessitating dispatch of the local fire department. The fail... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jun 16, 2022
The Lighting Control Board Module (LKM) of the 1996 BMW 840Ci failed in a manner that caused it to catch fire even though the vehicle was not running at the time, and in fact had not been driven in several days. The fire damaged surrounding modules and wiring inside the passenger compartment of the car, and filled the garage with smoke, necessitating dispatch of the local fire department. The fail... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Sep 12, 2021
Picked up from a stop light no aggressive but normally and a few seconds after going around 20-30ish mph the car stalls and goes into neutral. I was really confused and panicking of what happened, the cars behind me almost crashed into me and I was trying to manage to pull the car over to the side of road and thankfully I did. This could have caused a serious injury to me and others. As I was able... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2021
Picked up from a stop light no aggressive but normally and a few seconds after going around 20-30ish mph the car stalls and goes into neutral. I was really confused and panicking of what happened, the cars behind me almost crashed into me and I was trying to manage to pull the car over to the side of road and thankfully I did. This could have caused a serious injury to me and others. As I was able... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2021
Picked up from a stop light no aggressive but normally and a few seconds after going around 20-30ish mph the car stalls and goes into neutral. I was really confused and panicking of what happened, the cars behind me almost crashed into me and I was trying to manage to pull the car over to the side of road and thankfully I did. This could have caused a serious injury to me and others. As I was able... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 BMW X1. The contact stated his wife was driving at 35 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed to slow the vehicle down however her purse got entrapped near the brake pedal and accelerator pedal causing her to crash into the vehicle in front who was stopped. The air bags failed to deploy and the seat belt failed to retract. The contacts wife collided with the steering wheel due t... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 14, 2022
Car engine caught on fire while driving today and stopped. No smoke or other issues prior. Worried this is related to the recall issued by BMW recently, however my car is not covered under the recall yet. The car is currently located in Vancouver Canada. It was purchased in Tulsa, OK
Fire
Incident date: Jul 14, 2022
Car engine caught on fire while driving today and stopped. No smoke or other issues prior. Worried this is related to the recall issued by BMW recently, however my car is not covered under the recall yet. The car is currently located in Vancouver Canada. It was purchased in Tulsa, OK
Fire
Incident date: Jul 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 530XI. 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 had not been made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 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 not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from underneath the hood and the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 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 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: Jul 12, 2022
All BMW n20 engines have a timing chain malfunction causing damage to the engine and hazardous driving. There was a lawsuit settled two years ago, however, anyone who wasn’t alerted of the settlement or had not experienced mechanical issues yet are now left with costly repairs on their as the claim window has closed. BMW lost the lawsuit - there is a manufacturing defect that should have been ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2022
I’m having an issue with the warning light saying “Secure Vehicle from Rolling“. Vehicle has less than 47K miles. Many other owners reporting same issue in online discussion groups and forums. Identified multiple reports for the same issues already identified on NHTSA's website for complaints.
Incident date: Jul 12, 2022
I’m having an issue with the warning light saying “Secure Vehicle from Rolling“. Vehicle has less than 47K miles. Many other owners reporting same issue in online discussion groups and forums. Identified multiple reports for the same issues already identified on NHTSA's website for complaints.