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 1, 2022
POWER CABLE FROM BATTERY TO FUSE BOX IS LOOSE ON FUSE BOX, I LOST THE POWER 3 TIMES. THEY RECALL THE VEHICLES E84 BMW BECAUSE OF THE SAME ISSUE BUT THE DIDNT INCLUED X1 2013, IT IS SERIOS PROBLEM, I FIXED THAT PROBLEM AND SPEND OVER 500$ TO FIX, IT HAS TO BE FREE https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RCMN-19V472-7907.pdf SAFETY RECALL NOTICE To: All Center Operators, Sales Managers, Servi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2022
POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION (PCV) VALVE HEATER: This recall involves an engine component known as the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve heater. The PCV valve heater may not have been produced to specifications which could lead to a short circuit. Safety Risk: Should a short circuit occur, the PCV valve heater could overheat, lead to smoldering, and possibly start melting. In extremely... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2022
My car is experiencing stalling and stuttering issues due to the failed EGR Cooler that's in recall. This part was replaced by BMW 2 years ago with a different recall with the same part. It's unsafe. Sometimes, my car stalls or stutters while driving which poses a huge risk (especially when turning out onto a street where there's traffic coming towards me). This has happened numerous times. I get ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2022
I have soft closing doors on my vehicle. My doors won’t unlock/open, the only way I can get the driver side door open is using the physical key. When trying to unlock the door with the key fob, it makes the sound but none of the doors unlock. The unlock button inside doesn’t work and when trying to open the other doors (passenger side and rear doors) manually, it won’t open! Thank goodness ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2022
I have soft closing doors on my vehicle. My doors won’t unlock/open, the only way I can get the driver side door open is using the physical key. When trying to unlock the door with the key fob, it makes the sound but none of the doors unlock. The unlock button inside doesn’t work and when trying to open the other doors (passenger side and rear doors) manually, it won’t open! Thank goodness ... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2022
Lumbar support automatically inflates without driver pushing button. This causes the driver to become distracted, uncomfortable and losing focus trying to deflate lumbar support while driving. Has not been inspected but I did ask dealer about this being an issue. No warning of any kind alerts driver of inflation of lumbar.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2022
When putting the vehicle in park, I got an alert that said "secure car from rolling". I was unable to find this warning in the owner's manual but I found online that it is a frequent problem with this vehicle, usually around 40k miles. It's a broken spring in the shifter that requires that the entire center console be removed to be replaced but the part was $7.27 including shipping from China. H... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2022
Warning sign in front dashboard. Transmission: Secure vechicle with parking brake when stopped. Consult Service Center. From doing research found out this warning message is very common in BMWX1 requiring a small spring to be changed in a lot of the vechicles. But no recall being issues yet by Bmw. Just astronomical fees to change a little spring.
Incident date: Jul 8, 2022
Failure of emission system. SCR active tank failed at 66K miles. Manufacture warranty does not cover the fix.
Incident date: Mar 23, 2021
We had a 2017 bmw 330i x-drive. It had approximately 67000 miles. The car stalled while driving about 6 times. The first time was in 3/2021. The diagnostics were for a faulty high pressure fuel pump. We replaced the HPFP. It stalled again while driving. The diagnostics were for a faulty low pressure fuel pump. We replaced this. The car then stalled while driving 2 more times. The car stalled again... Read more
Incident date: Mar 23, 2021
We had a 2017 bmw 330i x-drive. It had approximately 67000 miles. The car stalled while driving about 6 times. The first time was in 3/2021. The diagnostics were for a faulty high pressure fuel pump. We replaced the HPFP. It stalled again while driving. The diagnostics were for a faulty low pressure fuel pump. We replaced this. The car then stalled while driving 2 more times. The car stalled again... Read more
Incident date: Mar 23, 2021
We had a 2017 bmw 330i x-drive. It had approximately 67000 miles. The car stalled while driving about 6 times. The first time was in 3/2021. The diagnostics were for a faulty high pressure fuel pump. We replaced the HPFP. It stalled again while driving. The diagnostics were for a faulty low pressure fuel pump. We replaced this. The car then stalled while driving 2 more times. The car stalled again... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2022
The front lights - water gets in impact visibility. The only repair is to replace the entire unit which is $2k per light. There is not other options. The adaptive warning sign does not go away due to this water.
Incident date: Jul 8, 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 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 confi... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The contact then 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 had been notified about the issue and confirm... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 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 dealer had been notified about the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate upon depression of the ac... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2022
Wipers hit hood, Wiper Fluid pump motor leaks, leaks all the fluid out of tank. Visibility is impaired due to Windshield that can not be cleaned while driving.
Incident date: Jul 5, 2022
When applying brakes and releasing the brakes there is a grinding sound. The grinding sound is pronounced when applying the brake and turning the steering wheel at the same time. When I took the vehicle to Checkered flag BMW of Virginia Beach, I was told per BMW engineering it was norm operating characteristic. The Shop Foreman said he had several customers complain about the same problem and dupl... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 BMW 430i. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the low coolant/add coolant warning light illuminated. The contact stated she saw a coolant leak underneath the engine. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but experienced ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2022
I was driving at 20mph and the brakes failed at a red light and it felt that a misfire in the engine as well I didn't have other option to force my way to the side because I could push the front car and pedestrians where crossing.
Crash
Incident date: Apr 2, 2022
I was driving at 20mph and the brakes failed at a red light and it felt that a misfire in the engine as well I didn't have other option to force my way to the side because I could push the front car and pedestrians where crossing.
Crash
Incident date: Jul 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 BMW X3. 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
Incident date: Jul 2, 2022
Multiple times while driving, my key FOB in my pocket has opened the trunk. Extremely dangerous, and apparently very easy to accidentally press. Same thing with the alarm, almost caused me to have an accident.
Incident date: Jul 2, 2022
Multiple times while driving, my key FOB in my pocket has opened the trunk. Extremely dangerous, and apparently very easy to accidentally press. Same thing with the alarm, almost caused me to have an accident.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328XI. 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 not 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. The contact had... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2022
Vehicle started smelling like smoke and making loud screeching noise in February. Took car to BMW certified shop to be fixed, put out thousands of dollars to have valve replaced, check engine light will still not turn off. In April I received a letter from BMW about the a recall on the PVC Valve. It is now July and they just diagnosed a remedy. Called around to every local dealership, they cannot ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2022
Vehicle started smelling like smoke and making loud screeching noise in February. Took car to BMW certified shop to be fixed, put out thousands of dollars to have valve replaced, check engine light will still not turn off. In April I received a letter from BMW about the a recall on the PVC Valve. It is now July and they just diagnosed a remedy. Called around to every local dealership, they cannot ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 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 dealer was notified of the issue and confirmed 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 ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 330XI. The contact stated that the air bags warning and seat belts warning lights illuminated intermittently. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V428000 (Air Bags) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer made aware of the failure. The approximate f... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2019
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 330XI. 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 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 confirm... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2022
First reported front brake failure to BMW Motorcycle dealer in Chattanooga TN in fall of 2019. Lever went to grip and had to be pumped several times to engage. Dealer could not replicate problem or find anything wrong. June 2022, experienced rear brake failure though several pumps would recover system but only temporarily. Dealer suspected rear master cylinder was culprit but a new one made no di... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2022
We bought BMW X7 in Nov.2021 (model 2022), the delivery was late for two weeks because of unavailability of touch screen software but then the vehicle was delivered without software installation for touch screen. Though this was mentioned by the dealer at the time of delivery but because we need to have a vehicle ASAP and that was already two weeks late, we accepted delivery without working of a ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2022
Received letter in March 2022 about an "Important Safety Recall" for Recall Campaign No. 22V-119: PCV Valve Heater. Letter stated that "Remedy is Unavailable" and "is currently being developed". Manufacturer has not followed up to remedy this safety recall for your vehicle in a timely manner, and per the instructions in the letter, I am filing a complaint with NHTSA.
Incident date: May 20, 2022
On May 20, 2022 at around 10 AM. I pulled into my work parking lot. I proceeded to park the car in front of the main building. I put the car on park but the car accelerated on its own at high speed. It curved around the bushes yanking them out and then smashed into the building. The airbags opened. I called 911 for help. Ambulance took me to a hospital nearby. I lost a lot of blood due to... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 20, 2022
On May 20, 2022 at around 10 AM. I pulled into my work parking lot. I proceeded to park the car in front of the main building. I put the car on park but the car accelerated on its own at high speed. It curved around the bushes yanking them out and then smashed into the building. The airbags opened. I called 911 for help. Ambulance took me to a hospital nearby. I lost a lot of blood due to... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 1, 2022
The plastic covering over that is connected to the battery in the trunk started to slowly corrode and melt. It burned through the trunk cover and also burned into a bag and coat I had sitting in the trunk. I was on a long-distance road trip and I kept smelling something odd, but no warning lights came on. When I opened the trunk and removed my luggage, there was some smoke and then I saw the place... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 528I. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle was decelerating independently. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate properly and was jerking while driving. The contact pulled to the side of the road safely. The check engine and fuel warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was unable to restart and was towed to the local... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2022
In emergency situations when activating the horn, there is an unacceptable delay between when the horn is pressed and when there is actually sound produced. I have taken this up with the dealer and have been informed "that's just how it is." In looking across the internet, I see this is affecting all BMW i3 and some other BMW vehicles. The delay is approximately 1/2 second, which actually makes th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2022
In emergency situations when activating the horn, there is an unacceptable delay between when the horn is pressed and when there is actually sound produced. I have taken this up with the dealer and have been informed "that's just how it is." In looking across the internet, I see this is affecting all BMW i3 and some other BMW vehicles. The delay is approximately 1/2 second, which actually makes th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 BMW 328XI. 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN too... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2022
My vehicle erupted in a fire on 06/29/22. My vehicle had all of its services. It was shooting out random messages. Then ultimately completely lost power. My car filled with smoke and I seen flames coming from underneath the hood. It was fully engulfed in just minutes.
Fire
Incident date: May 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 BMW X5. The contact stated while pulling into a parking space, he saw smoke coming through the vents. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact then parked and opened the hood but could not find any issues. The contact was able to continue driving however, the failure recurred while driving. The contact stated while driving the vehicle stalled. The check engine wa... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 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 unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 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 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 stated there was an abnormal burning odor comi... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 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 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 par... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the driving stabilization warning message would appear on the instrument panel. The contact also stated that upon start off his vehicle, the power steering assist failed to operate as the power steering warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic wh... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the driving stabilization warning message would appear on the instrument panel. The contact also stated that upon start off his vehicle, the power steering assist failed to operate as the power steering warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic wh... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2022
Since February of this year, my X5 has suddenly gone into neutral gear while driving in stop and go traffic on multiple occasions over the past 3 months. This incident first started on 2/26/2022, wherein my car abruptly went into neutral, coming to a complete stop in the midst of heavy stop and go traffic, while approaching George Washington Bridge. This happened twice within a 20 minute interva... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
BMW x7 has the start button by the stick shift and other buttons for navigation modes and others and I when not in park at speed of 25 mph if mistakenly you hit the start button it shut off the car losing power breaks and power steering. BMW told me that how it is designed and above 25 mph even if you are at 100 mph if you do it once the car will go into neutral, if you do it twice the car will sh... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2022
Front Driveshaft between transfer case and front differential, is available upon request. The driveshaft broke at the universal joint, once it broke it damaged the upper and lower oil pan making a hole the size of a softball, as it kept rotating broke transmission casing also draining oil from transmission and engine components. It caused the tires to get soaked in oil and slip and spin out. Lucki... Read more