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: Mar 4, 2022
Bought car from third party with rebuilt title 333,000 miles currently and has been recertified by state patrol in 2015. Control cluster says taillight failure, and has issues with not starting. When jump started the car has reduced power with transmission limp mode light. Sometimes light comes on with limp mode, other time no limp mode at all. Have replaced taillights, battery and alternator wit... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2022
Bought car from third party with rebuilt title 333,000 miles currently and has been recertified by state patrol in 2015. Control cluster says taillight failure, and has issues with not starting. When jump started the car has reduced power with transmission limp mode light. Sometimes light comes on with limp mode, other time no limp mode at all. Have replaced taillights, battery and alternator wit... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2022
Bought car from third party with rebuilt title 333,000 miles currently and has been recertified by state patrol in 2015. Control cluster says taillight failure, and has issues with not starting. When jump started the car has reduced power with transmission limp mode light. Sometimes light comes on with limp mode, other time no limp mode at all. Have replaced taillights, battery and alternator wit... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2022
2022 BMW X4. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE BRAKES. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE LUNGES, ROCKS, AND JERKS WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE VEHICLE WAS ROAD TESTED THE LUNGES WERE AKNOWLEDGED, BUT THE DEALER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THE VEHICLE OPERATED AS DESIGNED.
Incident date: May 1, 2021
ROUGH IDLE UPON START UP. OCCURS DAILY. WEATHER IS NOT A FACTOR. CONFIRMED WITH COLLISION CENTER.
Incident date: May 1, 2021
ROUGH IDLE UPON START UP. OCCURS DAILY. WEATHER IS NOT A FACTOR. CONFIRMED WITH COLLISION CENTER.
Incident date: Feb 27, 2022
My wife was driving the car (her main, work car) with our 13 year old. She called me upset and told me that the car would barely move. This was disturbing. She was in heavy traffic. Also the car has been mostly reliable and we only have above 120k on the vehicle after almost 10 years. My wife slowly made it down busy Stocton Blvd. A few hundred feet and safely made it to a business parking lot. I ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 2022
My wife was driving the car (her main, work car) with our 13 year old. She called me upset and told me that the car would barely move. This was disturbing. She was in heavy traffic. Also the car has been mostly reliable and we only have above 120k on the vehicle after almost 10 years. My wife slowly made it down busy Stocton Blvd. A few hundred feet and safely made it to a business parking lot. I ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 2022
My wife was driving the car (her main, work car) with our 13 year old. She called me upset and told me that the car would barely move. This was disturbing. She was in heavy traffic. Also the car has been mostly reliable and we only have above 120k on the vehicle after almost 10 years. My wife slowly made it down busy Stocton Blvd. A few hundred feet and safely made it to a business parking lot. I ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2022
Vehicle engine RPM will arbitrarily increase from 500-600 RPM to 1200-1500 RPM while idling in drive and at operating temperature, such as at a stoplight or in a drive-through. The vehicle also makes a distinct clunking sound under normal stop-and-go driving conditions.
Incident date: Feb 24, 2022
“Secure vehicle against rolling” is the code, it comes on everytime I enter the vehicle or exit the vehicle when it is off, I dot not want my vehicle to roll and hit somebody or something all because a faulty spring within the gear shifter mechanism fails. This happens I’m all associated drivetrains whether it be the BMW X1 or mini coopers. This should be a recall and repaired by dealerships... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 528i. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, an 18-wheel semi-truck approached the vehicle closely and the contact attempted to honk the horn however, the horn failed to function. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the roadway. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where it was diagnosed that the driver's side air... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 528i. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, an 18-wheel semi-truck approached the vehicle closely and the contact attempted to honk the horn however, the horn failed to function. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the roadway. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where it was diagnosed that the driver's side air... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2022
I purchased 4 new Pirelli P zero tires a year and half ago since then I’ve replaced 5 tires where the sidewalls have blown out in that year and half time frame. I’ve only kept two of the tires and I’m not sure if the other tire has a different DOT # but it is the same brand and size. I gave the dot from the most recent tire. Pirelli has a road hazard warranty but will not honor it and swears... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2022
The driveshaft connection to the differntial has unusual movement that causes a clunking noise when changing low gears. This means the internal differential parts are subject to fail in the long term and can cause injuries to the driver if not fixed and vehicle gets out of control
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION COMES ON DASH, DUE TO TIMING CHAIN BEING OUT OF "TIME" MEANING THAT THE CRANSHAFT AND CHAIN HAS MOVE OUT OF PLACE, THIS REPAIR IS ESTIMATED TO COST ABOUT 10K, OTHER VEHICLES OF THE THIS TYPE ARE ALSO INCLUDED, THE RECALL FROM BMW IS CALL THE "N63 CUSTOMER SERVICE PACKET", N63 IS THE KIND OF ENGINE THAT THIS CAR AND OTHER IN SIMILAR SERIES AND YEARS ARE KNOWN AND INNEVIDATABL... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION COMES ON DASH, DUE TO TIMING CHAIN BEING OUT OF "TIME" MEANING THAT THE CRANSHAFT AND CHAIN HAS MOVE OUT OF PLACE, THIS REPAIR IS ESTIMATED TO COST ABOUT 10K, OTHER VEHICLES OF THE THIS TYPE ARE ALSO INCLUDED, THE RECALL FROM BMW IS CALL THE "N63 CUSTOMER SERVICE PACKET", N63 IS THE KIND OF ENGINE THAT THIS CAR AND OTHER IN SIMILAR SERIES AND YEARS ARE KNOWN AND INNEVIDATABL... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION COMES ON DASH, DUE TO TIMING CHAIN BEING OUT OF "TIME" MEANING THAT THE CRANSHAFT AND CHAIN HAS MOVE OUT OF PLACE, THIS REPAIR IS ESTIMATED TO COST ABOUT 10K, OTHER VEHICLES OF THE THIS TYPE ARE ALSO INCLUDED, THE RECALL FROM BMW IS CALL THE "N63 CUSTOMER SERVICE PACKET", N63 IS THE KIND OF ENGINE THAT THIS CAR AND OTHER IN SIMILAR SERIES AND YEARS ARE KNOWN AND INNEVIDATABL... Read more
Incident date: Nov 19, 2021
NHTSA Recall Number21V907 has been in recall incomplete status since November. Holding up my vehicle for months.
Incident date: Feb 7, 2022
Warning light - Secure Vehicle from rolling Car is in Park and Brake is applied but warning light comes up
Incident date: Feb 24, 2022
I am getting a warning when I turn on the car to secure vehicle against rolling.
Incident date: Nov 9, 2021
Limpmode: Life Threatening failure of vehicle shutting down accelerating in heavy traffic in speeds over 70 mph. On 9 Nov 22 I was driving on interstate to take my wife to her radiation appointment. Within 1 mile of exit, traveling in far-right lane in 4 lanes of heavy traffic with an additional two lanes of heavy traffic merging in from the right, I had to get over into the merging oncoming tra... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2021
Limpmode: Life Threatening failure of vehicle shutting down accelerating in heavy traffic in speeds over 70 mph. On 9 Nov 22 I was driving on interstate to take my wife to her radiation appointment. Within 1 mile of exit, traveling in far-right lane in 4 lanes of heavy traffic with an additional two lanes of heavy traffic merging in from the right, I had to get over into the merging oncoming tra... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2021
Limpmode: Life Threatening failure of vehicle shutting down accelerating in heavy traffic in speeds over 70 mph. On 9 Nov 22 I was driving on interstate to take my wife to her radiation appointment. Within 1 mile of exit, traveling in far-right lane in 4 lanes of heavy traffic with an additional two lanes of heavy traffic merging in from the right, I had to get over into the merging oncoming tra... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2022
Faulty Check valve connected to brake booster leaks oil into brake booster causing contamination and loss of power braking. Recall issued for roughly 30,000 BMW X5 vehicles produced from 2007-2010 for a similar issue but none issued for this vehicle.
Incident date: Feb 22, 2019
The horn doesn’t work. A common problem for this vehicle. And certainly a safety issue.
Incident date: Nov 24, 2021
SUV's lift gate has opened on its own twice. Once in the garage resulting garage door damage as well as $798.00 in lift gate damage. The second time the vehicle was outside unattended.
Incident date: Nov 24, 2021
SUV's lift gate has opened on its own twice. Once in the garage resulting garage door damage as well as $798.00 in lift gate damage. The second time the vehicle was outside unattended.
Incident date: Feb 24, 2022
While driving the BMW X540I on the highway, went to change lanes for an obstacle/debris on the vehicle shut the power of the engine for some seconds and I almost got on a crash due to the vehicle not accelerating. Then the vehicle display a message on the screen “drivetrain malfunction- possible to drive moderately” I pull over on the next exit and shut the vehicle off at the gas station. Onc... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2021
High pressure fuel pump failure at 96k miles Cost over 2k to replace No symptoms just sudden catastrophic failure of cp4.2
Incident date: Oct 11, 2020
Turbo failure Car lost power on busy highway and defaulted to 15mph. Atlanta BMW evaluated problem and said it would be one week and over $8000 in parts and labor. No warning, all maintained up to date just sudden failure
Incident date: Aug 2, 2021
Sudden catastrophic engine shutdown After 3weeks of investigation came back as bad crank posisition sensor
Incident date: Mar 30, 2020
The high pressure fuel pump went out causing rail pressure issues. I kept driving it, but it got progressively worse until my mechanic changed the HPFP, which I was not aware at the time had an extended warranty. BMW refuses to pay for the part because they did not do the installation.
BMW
328D
(2014) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)
Feb 23, 2022
Incident date: Feb 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 328D. The contact stated that while driving and exceeding 60 MPH, the vehicle was shaking. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the warning remained illuminated on the instrument panel for over a month. The contact drove the vehicle home safely. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the dealer was contacted ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2022
While stopped at light car will shut off. You have to restart
Incident date: Jan 15, 2022
High pressure fuel pump failure. I need to ask to get the old part(s) back. BMW had a recall on other years of this model, but not this particular year and month. When it fails, it fails abruptly and prevents the car from being driven. This has been a widespread problem on all diesel BMWs for many years. This may be the second pump to fail on this car (I bought it used from a BMW dealer). There... Read more
Incident date: Jan 11, 2021
Clear Coat on car is peeling everywhere. Car manufactured in 2015 and purchased from Carmax in Doral, Miami.
BMW
X1
(2014) — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Feb 22, 2022
Incident date: Jan 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 BMW X1. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH and attempting to slow the vehicle, the braking system suddenly failed and the brake pedal extended to the floor. The driver was able to pull over and stop the vehicle but the braking distance was extended when depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that a hose le... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 BMW 328XI. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH on the highway, the engine failed. The contact pulled over to the emergency lane. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact restarted the vehicle and drove home safely. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the failure code was not able to be generated and another appointment was made for further testi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2022
On February 5, 2022 while driving on 70 mph on I64 my vehicle shut down due to the recall causing the the high-pressure fuel pump to shut down causing the engine to stall and a message that there was a powertrain malfunction and the vehicle would not start back or go into gear. The interstate was very busy and I could have been hit by a tractor trailer or another vehicle at high speed. I received ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2022
On February 5, 2022 while driving on 70 mph on I64 my vehicle shut down due to the recall causing the the high-pressure fuel pump to shut down causing the engine to stall and a message that there was a powertrain malfunction and the vehicle would not start back or go into gear. The interstate was very busy and I could have been hit by a tractor trailer or another vehicle at high speed. I received ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2022
On February 5, 2022 while driving on 70 mph on I64 my vehicle shut down due to the recall causing the the high-pressure fuel pump to shut down causing the engine to stall and a message that there was a powertrain malfunction and the vehicle would not start back or go into gear. The interstate was very busy and I could have been hit by a tractor trailer or another vehicle at high speed. I received ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2020
This vehicle presents a oil consumption problem is supposed be corrected for bmw with a costumer care package bmw just do partial or incomplete repairs a have all the documentation the most important never performed whem a contact different dealership no one provide a valid explanation a avoid performance the correct service car don’t have 50k since they performed service and the oil consumption... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2021
We were notified in March 2021 that our a fuel pump could start a fuel leak. This could catch on fire causing damage to the motorcycle not to mention my wife and I could be severely burned. They continue to say that they do not have the part and as of September 2021 still do not have the part and as of today they still do not have the part to put in. This is very inconvenient and that I cannot rid... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2021
We were notified in March 2021 that our a fuel pump could start a fuel leak. This could catch on fire causing damage to the motorcycle not to mention my wife and I could be severely burned. They continue to say that they do not have the part and as of September 2021 still do not have the part and as of today they still do not have the part to put in. This is very inconvenient and that I cannot rid... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2020
Car was purchased in July of 2017. Extended warranty was purchased. Dealership says they do not have that in their records. A letter was sent to our address regarding extended coverage, but had another person's name on it. Regardless, the engine developed excessive oil leaks, and led to complete engine failure. Dealer says it would be several thousand dollars to look at it. Research indicat... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2020
Car was purchased in July of 2017. Extended warranty was purchased. Dealership says they do not have that in their records. A letter was sent to our address regarding extended coverage, but had another person's name on it. Regardless, the engine developed excessive oil leaks, and led to complete engine failure. Dealer says it would be several thousand dollars to look at it. Research indicat... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2020
Car was purchased in July of 2017. Extended warranty was purchased. Dealership says they do not have that in their records. A letter was sent to our address regarding extended coverage, but had another person's name on it. Regardless, the engine developed excessive oil leaks, and led to complete engine failure. Dealer says it would be several thousand dollars to look at it. Research indicat... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2021 BMW X5. The contact stated an unknown recall notice was received in regards to a recalled battery. The contact called the dealer and it was informed that the parts for the recall repair were not available. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue or contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure. No further information was available.
Incident date: Feb 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 BMW 528i Sedan. The contact stated while driving approximately 35mph when the vehicle began to produce smoke from the engine compartment alongside an odor of burning plastic. The contact was able to pull over and have the vehicle towed to their residence, but was not taken to a local dealer. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with, NHTSA Campaign Number:... Read more
Fire