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: Jan 21, 2022
I had just parked and about a minute later, there was a huge amount of smoke coming through the front cabin vents and hood. I immediately turned my car off and opened the hood to find more smoke and hearing popping sounds coming from my catalytic converter. The smoke left residue all over my windshield as well as an unpleasant smell lingering in the car. I emailed my local mechanic and he told me ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2021
After driving, sometimes while driving the engine smokes
Incident date: Feb 6, 2022
The car sos system “masses a dos call” to the police department. After clsryfiyng the error, the car shows the following message: “ emergency call malfunction”. BMW disabled my car emergency system to avoid this problem again but tried to change me to fix the problem
Incident date: Mar 11, 2022
Alert to ‘secure vehicle from rolling’ when put vehicle into park
Incident date: Jun 11, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated temporarily. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring intermittently. Additionally, the contact stated that the hood warning light had been illuminated for approximately 2 months, even though the hood was securely closed. The vehicle was taken to an inde... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated temporarily. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring intermittently. Additionally, the contact stated that the hood warning light had been illuminated for approximately 2 months, even though the hood was securely closed. The vehicle was taken to an inde... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2022
I was driving the car when the car began smoking. I pulled over and the was fire underneath the vehicle. It burned the car up completely within 10 mins.
Fire
Incident date: Nov 19, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 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 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... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 BMW 328I. The contact received a notification through a rideshare app that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was not made aware of the issue. The manufacturer had been notified of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 BMW 328i. The contact stated while driving at 25-30 MPH for 10 minutes, the engine started misfiring, went on overheating mode and stalled. The coolant temperature warning light illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact stated that he turned off the vehicle for some time; however, when he restarted the vehicle, the coolant temperature wa... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Mar 11, 2022
My BMW 2016 is displaying a message “Secure Vehicle against rolling”. This message is coming up only today (03/11/2022). I tried to search in the web forums and could see many many users reported same issue. I am worried about the safety of myself and family driving the vehicle with this message. I am planning to take it to the dealer for consultation. I feel this is a manufacturing issue and ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2022
I drove my 2007 bmw to work and got to work and I walked inside my job and clocked in maybe 5-10 of being inside a customer came inside and said a car was on fire 🔥 and it was my car on fire My boss called 911 and the fire department got there and put the fire out and called my insurance and got told to call bmw bc there was a recall on my vehicle
Fire
Incident date: Jul 6, 2021
while driving in a highway far from any measure city, the car start slowing down and overheating signal showed up. fan start running like a jet engine. after towing it to a mechanic. it turns out the water pump failed a long with thermostat and the plastic resurve water leaked. it seams like a design fault to make a plastic resurve water that hold hot water. the car had 121000 mile. coast was $5... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2022
Car has an emergency call system in case of a crash. The dashboard shows a malfunction that flashes every few minutes. Call to dealer for a repair was not considered a safety hazard and was scheduled for the next month.
Incident date: Mar 8, 2022
Car has an emergency call system in case of a crash. The dashboard shows a malfunction that flashes every few minutes. Call to dealer for a repair was not considered a safety hazard and was scheduled for the next month.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2020
suspension warning came up. air suspension bags. and air pump fail while driving at 65m/h. car was hard to control. I had to slow down to 40m/h. to drive safely.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2020
oil leaked from the engine dripping over auxaust and casing fume to inter the capen. mechanick indicate the engine cover is made out of plastic and it warped and cause the oil to leak.
Incident date: Mar 4, 2019
car will not start. towed over 120mil to the closest mechanics. starter was dead.
Incident date: Mar 5, 2018
ear conditioning will not work while driving in the desert.
Incident date: Mar 5, 2022
The high-pressure fuel pump failed while the car was in motion and the engine completely shut off. This was incredibly dangerous and put the lives of the driver, passenger (young child) and surrounding cars at risk. The problem was diagnosed by an independent BMW service center and is currently being repaired. There were no warning lights or messages apparent to the driver, but the service t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2022
I took my car for a new battery. I was told I needed to replace the gear selector.at a cost of 3,000. After reading reading several post about this situation happening to a bunch of people.it should be a recall.
Incident date: Jun 25, 2021
The contact owns a 2007 BMW 525i. The vehicle had previously been serviced by the dealer under an unknown NHTSA campaign; however, the failure recurred with a burning odor detected. Additionally, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not y... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Sep 13, 2021
On 11/10/21 I was advised by Long Beach BMW (Long Beach, CA) that my car needs a new engine. The car smells of gas (both when running and when sitting) and burns excessive amounts of oil. The car requires a quart of oil every 200 - 400 miles. The first engine was replaced after only 77,000 miles because the car was stalling unexpectedly. Now, the current engine needs to be replaced after only ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2022
transmission error - faulty gear selector
Incident date: Feb 12, 2022
Sometimes when I drive the vehicle I smell smoke and there is a strong burning plastic smell. Occasionally, I see see smoke from the engine compartment. When I raise the hood it appears the smoke is coming from the back of the engine unit on the passenger side of the SUV. The problem is intermittent. Since COVID I barely drive so I have fairly low trip mileage.
Incident date: Oct 9, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 BMW X1. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the warning message "Secure Vehicle with Parking Brake" illuminated. The contact stated that he was able to drive the vehicle; however, he would engage the parking brake whenever he was parking the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic whe... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2021
I can smell a burning smell at times coming out from my blower and the heat and air condition is not functioning properly. Also my rear hatch lights on the interior are always on and when I hit bumps they flash off and on.
Incident date: Mar 9, 2022
Sunroof exploded while driving on the highway
Incident date: Mar 9, 2022
Sunroof exploded while driving on the highway
Incident date: Nov 8, 2021
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 530i. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the passenger’s side air bag warning light illuminated, and remained illuminated. Additionally, the check engine and brake warning lights also illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer to be diagnosed. The failure was intermittent. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2022
I was at a red light while driving my car.When I stepped on the gas once the light turned green the car stalled and started jerking i immediately smelled smoked and seen smoke coming through the cabin..lt made a strange sound from the engine The service engine light came on and said reduced engine power/ drive train malfunction get service immediately.I was able to coast the car to a curb luckily... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Feb 9, 2022
I was at a red light while driving my car.When I stepped on the gas once the light turned green the car stalled and started jerking i immediately smelled smoked and seen smoke coming through the cabin..lt made a strange sound from the engine The service engine light came on and said reduced engine power/ drive train malfunction get service immediately.I was able to coast the car to a curb luckily... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Feb 9, 2022
I was at a red light while driving my car.When I stepped on the gas once the light turned green the car stalled and started jerking i immediately smelled smoked and seen smoke coming through the cabin..lt made a strange sound from the engine The service engine light came on and said reduced engine power/ drive train malfunction get service immediately.I was able to coast the car to a curb luckily... Read more
Fire
Incident date: May 10, 2021
No warnings. The car started smoking while driving down the interstate. Lost electrical and brakes at around 30 mph while trying to stop. My daughter had to roll out of the car while moving because my brakes wouldn’t stop. Finally slammed in park. Car was totaled.
Fire
Incident date: May 10, 2021
No warnings. The car started smoking while driving down the interstate. Lost electrical and brakes at around 30 mph while trying to stop. My daughter had to roll out of the car while moving because my brakes wouldn’t stop. Finally slammed in park. Car was totaled.
Fire
Incident date: Sep 9, 2020
My car one day just turned on all lights inside including emergency break and the engine started smoking out....
Incident date: Sep 9, 2020
My car one day just turned on all lights inside including emergency break and the engine started smoking out....
Incident date: Sep 9, 2020
My car one day just turned on all lights inside including emergency break and the engine started smoking out....
Incident date: Mar 2, 2022
No warnings just went dead in traffic had it towed to a mechanic and his diagnosis is fuel pump is bad. A B160416 fuel pump was a recall and replaced thru BMW Chattanooga, TN on 12/08/18.
Incident date: Feb 11, 2022
I recently acquired a 2019 BMW X5. When I requested seat belt extenders as your web site suggests, "If you need a roomier belt, contact your vehicle manufacturer to obtain seat belt extenders." my dealer told me that they "cannot get them." I contacted BMW corporate customer services and while the gentleman I have been dealing with is trying and is very courteous, he can't seem to find any infor... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 BMW 328i. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH and making a right turn into a parking lot, the turn signals, interior lights, and instrument panel lights became inoperable. Additionally, the side-view mirrors no longer operated as needed. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to the dealer where the vehicle was d... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 BMW 328i. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH and making a right turn into a parking lot, the turn signals, interior lights, and instrument panel lights became inoperable. Additionally, the side-view mirrors no longer operated as needed. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to the dealer where the vehicle was d... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2022
Recall for PCV valve (NHTSA 17V683) has been outstanding since Oct 2017. I received a letter July 2021 from BMW saying I needed to urgently have this repaired and could lead to a fire. It said parts and remedy are available. Went to BMW dealer 3/8/22 and the dealership is telling me that the system tells them there is no fix available for this recall. (Service agent: Yordano Rios Reyes, and Serv... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2022
Since 12v battery is down towing truck driver tried to jump start the car, there is no way to move the car, he failed to start car so move manually for towing to BMW service center. they reported EME(controller computer) Board damage, and BMW guessed jump start could damage, so insurance appraiser came to review and rejected this because BMW said there is no way to prove this, and then they charge... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 BMW 328D. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V907000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer had been notified and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the r... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 BMW R 1200. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V060000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the fuel pump failed and leaked fuel all over the motorcycle and onto the contact. The contact was able pull the motorcycle off the highway and with the assis... Read more
Incident date: Feb 22, 2022
I was returning home from work and the engine started to sputter/vibrate. I was right next to a gas station and as I was pulling into the gas station, the engine died and would not restart. I had the car towed and then I proceeded to troubleshoot the problem. I did a fuel pressure test and found that there was no fuel pressure. I tested the fuel pump relay and found it to be operational. I accesse... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2022
Car was parked and when I came out of Walmart it was on fire coming from the steering box. I tried to put it out with my jacket but yellow fire was too much. Fire department came on scene as well as police. By stander had large thermos of coffee and extinguished the fire before fire truck arrived.
Fire
Incident date: Jan 26, 2022
My drive belt got worn out and when it snapped it got sucked in to the engine and warped around my timing chain I started looking into it and this has happened to a lot of people who have a BMW X3 and the shop told me that because they have had other BMW X3 but my was the worst that they have seen they have now change there policy for dealing with a BMW X3 when it comes in
Incident date: Jan 26, 2022
My drive belt got worn out and when it snapped it got sucked in to the engine and warped around my timing chain I started looking into it and this has happened to a lot of people who have a BMW X3 and the shop told me that because they have had other BMW X3 but my was the worst that they have seen they have now change there policy for dealing with a BMW X3 when it comes in