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: Mar 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 325XIT. 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 dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manu... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 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 local dealer was 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 and confirmed remedy was no... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2022
Was driving on the freeway, not more than 60mph, no over bridges, no potholes, no people, and heard some exploded over my head. I pulled the car over and saw the sunroof was shattered. I didn’t see any heavy object flying. After reaching home, I searched online what could be the reasons and found there were 100s of cases like this already reports.
Incident date: Jun 5, 2022
RANGE extender intermittintly doesnt start when electric is low cause dangerous loss of complete power . exacerbated by the fact that it becomes nearly impossible for two people to push in neutral on level ground .
Incident date: Jun 5, 2022
RANGE extender intermittintly doesnt start when electric is low cause dangerous loss of complete power . exacerbated by the fact that it becomes nearly impossible for two people to push in neutral on level ground .
Incident date: Mar 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 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 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 tool confir... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2007 BMW X3. The contact stated that there was an abnormal odor of burning plastic inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the heater was inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. 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 c... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2022
The car has a faulty cup holder that allows fluid to leak. Below the cup holder is Crash Module, which controls the airbags and all the safety restraint system. I had a minor amount of fluid leak. This caused corrosion on the ASCM module. BMW is fighting me in paying for this. Based on my research there have been hundreds of incidents and a class action lawsuit. This is clearly a defect in design.... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 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 unavailable. 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. VIN tool conf... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine coolant warning light illuminate... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine coolant warning light illuminate... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2022
Brake vacuum pump brake pedal is too low
Incident date: Jun 2, 2021
The wiring in my headlight assembly is crumbling and the headlight is shorting out. The coating on the wiring is trash. I own a 08 Bmw550i. BMW should be ashamed. Thanks [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Incident date: Jun 2, 2021
The wiring in my headlight assembly is crumbling and the headlight is shorting out. The coating on the wiring is trash. I own a 08 Bmw550i. BMW should be ashamed. Thanks [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Incident date: Apr 26, 2022
Air bags deployed after collision, vehicle has been released from Falcon Towing 15600 S Main St, Gardena, CA 90248 to Automobile Club for inspection. Injuries sustained from airbag deploying include, but are not limited to, lacerations, abrasions, bruising as a broken rib and collapsed lung.
Crash
Incident date: Mar 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2022 BMW X5. The contact stated that his foot was caught on the mat and the vehicle accelerated. The contact had to engage the parking brake to stop the vehicle. There were no warning indicator lights illuminated. While the vehicle was idling in the driveway, the vehicle lunged forward, crashed into an unknown vehicle and the vehicle drove into the garage. There was no reported... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Mar 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2022 BMW X5. The contact stated that his foot was caught on the mat and the vehicle accelerated. The contact had to engage the parking brake to stop the vehicle. There were no warning indicator lights illuminated. While the vehicle was idling in the driveway, the vehicle lunged forward, crashed into an unknown vehicle and the vehicle drove into the garage. There was no reported... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 2, 2020
The contact's brother owns a 2006 BMW 330XI. The contact stated while his mother was driving approximately 30-40 MPH, she smelled a burning plastic odor and the vehicle started to overheat. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The coolant temperature warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. The... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 BMW 128i. 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 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 not ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
2013 BMW X3. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO VEHICLE SHUTTING DOWN ABRUPTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONSUMER STATED IT WAS DIFFICULT TO TOW THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE SHIFT LEVER WAS LOCKED INTO PLACE. THE DEALER STATED THE TIMING CHAIN MAY HAVE FAILED. THE ENGINE WOULD PROBABLY NEED TO BE REPLACED.
Incident date: Apr 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 BMW X5. 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 contacted. The contact stated while driving approximately 35-40 MPH, the vehicle started overheating and an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact veered to side of the road an... Read more
Incident date: May 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, there was an abnormal growling sound coming from the engine. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the abnormal sounds intensified while depressing the accelerator pedal and would stop when the vehicle was idling. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to stop driving the ve... Read more
Incident date: May 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, there was an abnormal growling sound coming from the engine. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the abnormal sounds intensified while depressing the accelerator pedal and would stop when the vehicle was idling. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to stop driving the ve... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2022
Keep getting the p0015 code changed all sensors that come with code and I keep getting a high pitched noise once car gets hot.
Incident date: Apr 2, 2022
Keep getting the p0015 code changed all sensors that come with code and I keep getting a high pitched noise once car gets hot.
Incident date: Apr 2, 2022
Keep getting the p0015 code changed all sensors that come with code and I keep getting a high pitched noise once car gets hot.
Incident date: May 28, 2022
The vehicle hasbeen over heating, my 18 year old son, uses this car for transportation to his school, we are very afraid something can hapen, at this point we need BMW to fix the problem. We are stressing about this problem, every day.
Incident date: May 11, 2022
About a year ago, coffee began leaking from below from a paper cup in the plastic cupholder of my x5. I immediately noticed it and cleaned it up. Approximately 1-2 ounces of liquid leaked into the plastic cupholder. On May 11, 2022, the Passenger Restraint System faulted and the light came on. The vehicle was inspected by BMW of Austin and stated that liquid seeped onto the Airbag Control Modu... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2022
Transmission secure vehicle with parking break when stationary. The vehicle jumps from park to neural by its self randomly and pops up with the transmission warning. Heard it's a common problem should be recalled
BMW
750LI
(2014) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)
May 27, 2022
Incident date: Jan 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 750LI. The contact stated while the vehicle was receiving a routine oil change, the check engine warning light illuminated. The failure was diagnosed by an independent mechanic as a PCV valve failure that need to be replaced and properly sealed. The contact stated that the hoses were brittle and fuel was leaking. The contact stated that the independent mechanic also rec... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2021
The contact owns a 2022 BMW R 1250 RT. The contact stated while riding 35 MPH, the motorcycle made a whistling sound. The motorcycle was taken to the dealer, and the dealer replaced the windscreen; however, the failure recurred. The motorcycle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 5.
Incident date: Apr 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 530i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V273000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact stated that air bag and seat belt warni... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 530i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V273000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact stated that air bag and seat belt warni... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 530i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V273000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact stated that air bag and seat belt warni... Read more
Incident date: May 27, 2022
The contact's daughter owns a 2008 BMW X3. The contact's daughter 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, a burning odor was detected. The contact pulled over and waited until the vehicle cooled down, then restarted the vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2022
Since purchasing the vehicle (prior to the March 2022) recall, I have smelled a burning smell coming from the engine. I have spent thousands of dollars attempting to get rid of the smell. Come to find out it is due to the PCV valve. I have contacted BMW who informed me that there is a "RUMOR" that the remedy is in the works. A rumor? A neighbor who also owns/owned a BMW had their vehicle blow... Read more
Incident date: May 25, 2022
While driving on the highway, without warning, there was an explosion from the roof of the car which startled me and almost caused me to lose control of the vehicle. I pulled over and found that the panoramic sunroof had exploded. Luckily, we had the sunroof shade closed underneath it, so the glass did not rain down on us. However, cars and a motorcycle behind us swerved to avoid the glass flying... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, she smelled a strong burning plastic odor coming through the A/C vents. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2022
I own a 2019 BMW x3 that I leased in December 2018 and then purchased in Dec 2021 at the end of the lease. It has about 22k miles on it. A few weeks ago, a warning light came on, telling me that my rear brakes needed to be inspected. I took it in and the dealer told me that rear brake PADS and ROTORS had to be replaced. They should not have to be replaced so soon especially since I am not a teenag... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2022
The timing chain malfunctioned and blew out the electronic fuel pump which cause a catastrophic failure of the vehicle. It went in to low power mode came top a stop with a "drivetrain malfunction" warning. Once the car locked in park it was inoperable. I am being quoted by BMW repair $48,000 for a new engine and a new fuel system. This is a well known issue over many years with BMW. There have bee... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2022
The timing chain malfunctioned and blew out the electronic fuel pump which cause a catastrophic failure of the vehicle. It went in to low power mode came top a stop with a "drivetrain malfunction" warning. Once the car locked in park it was inoperable. I am being quoted by BMW repair $48,000 for a new engine and a new fuel system. This is a well known issue over many years with BMW. There have bee... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2022
The timing chain malfunctioned and blew out the electronic fuel pump which cause a catastrophic failure of the vehicle. It went in to low power mode came top a stop with a "drivetrain malfunction" warning. Once the car locked in park it was inoperable. I am being quoted by BMW repair $48,000 for a new engine and a new fuel system. This is a well known issue over many years with BMW. There have bee... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 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 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. VIN tool co... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 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 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. The VIN was in... Read more
Incident date: May 25, 2020
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 328i. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, she saw smoke coming out from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The check engine warning light, the brake warning light, and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that upon turning on the air conditioner, smoke would come inside the vehicle through the vents. The vehicle wa... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 BMW G 650 GS. The contact stated while riding at approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled at approximately 2,000 RPM. The contact coasted safely to the side of the road and restarted the motorcycle. The contact had to maintain a high RPM to keep the motorcycle running. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the motorcycle t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 128i. The contact stated while driving at 30 MPH, she smelled a strong burning odor. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred several times while driving. The contact stated that the strong burning odor caused her to collapse once. The contact sought medical assistance and was informed that her brain was not getting enough o... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 25, 2021
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 530i. The contact stated upon coming to a complete stop, the vehicle would shudder significantly. Additionally, the contact stated that the engine was misfiring while driving. The transmission warning light and another unknown warning light illuminated. The contact stated that upon parking the vehicle in the driveway, he smelled a strong burning plastic odor. The conta... Read more
Incident date: May 24, 2022
There is a small plastic cam on the throttle body that gets pulled by the throttle cable to control the butterfly valve. They break easily and cause a loss of power and engine control. I have seen many others posting on line with same issue
Incident date: May 24, 2022
There is a small plastic cam on the throttle body that gets pulled by the throttle cable to control the butterfly valve. They break easily and cause a loss of power and engine control. I have seen many others posting on line with same issue