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 2007 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: Oct 12, 2021
My Moonroof shade gets stuck when I try to open and close it. This has been a huge problem among other BMW X1s and it is over $2,000 to fix! This has caused a lot of issues in my car. Thousands of other drivers have also reported this issue. It is not safe having my shade stuck since people can see into my car, and the sun shines which will eventually ruin my leather.
Incident date: May 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 535i. The contact stated that after receiving the vehicle back from the dealer after a collision repair, the steering wheel seized while driving. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that a faulty oil gasket damaged the serpentine belt, causing an oil leak. The dealer informed the contact that the serpentine belt and drive belt needed to be re... Read more
Incident date: Dec 29, 2021
- Engine timing bolts loosened and sheered off. - Car stalled while running. - Other Vehicles (BMW 328i 2010) have recalls on bolts, mine VIN was not selected for recall. - manufacturer checked and flagged previous recall from 2014. - Vehicle performance effected.
Incident date: Feb 24, 2022
The contact's wife owns a 2008 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving at 40-45 MPH, he saw smoke coming out from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The contact was unsure whether there were warning lights illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact then opened the hood of the vehicle and saw flames. The contact was able to extinguish the flames with the assistance of th... Read more
Fire
Incident date: May 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2007 BMW X5. The contact stated while he was cleaning the vehicle, he noticed an oil leak on the valve and an unknown odor around the location. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The contact re... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and slightly turning the steering wheel, the vehicle would emit abnormal grinding sounds. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was also taken to a local dealer which diagnosed the ... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and slightly turning the steering wheel, the vehicle would emit abnormal grinding sounds. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was also taken to a local dealer which diagnosed the ... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and slightly turning the steering wheel, the vehicle would emit abnormal grinding sounds. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was also taken to a local dealer which diagnosed the ... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2022
The doors locked and does not open even from the inside trapping passengers inside the car. Door locks click into place and the doors can't be opened from the inside. Pull the handle and the lock will pop up, but the door won't open. Release the handle and the lock snaps back down into its "locked" state (it drops back down as if it has a spring on it). trapping people inside is extremely dangerou... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 BMW X5. 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not expe... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2022
After pulling into a parking space and stopping, the braking system became unresponsive. While stopped with the foot on the brakes, attempts to place the car in park failed. After pumping the brakes, the car rolled forward as the car idled and the brakes were unresponsive as it rolled through a corrugated metal wall and the car only stopped after pressing the ignition button to turn off the car, ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 4, 2022
After pulling into a parking space and stopping, the braking system became unresponsive. While stopped with the foot on the brakes, attempts to place the car in park failed. After pumping the brakes, the car rolled forward as the car idled and the brakes were unresponsive as it rolled through a corrugated metal wall and the car only stopped after pressing the ignition button to turn off the car, ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 4, 2022
After pulling into a parking space and stopping, the braking system became unresponsive. While stopped with the foot on the brakes, attempts to place the car in park failed. After pumping the brakes, the car rolled forward as the car idled and the brakes were unresponsive as it rolled through a corrugated metal wall and the car only stopped after pressing the ignition button to turn off the car, ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 5, 2022
While driving heard a loud noise and oil start pouring out the bottom of the car.. After getting my Vehicle looked at BMW dealership informed me that the drive shaft had broken and fell in the engine and caused a hole in the engine and damaging the oil pan also
Incident date: Apr 5, 2022
While driving heard a loud noise and oil start pouring out the bottom of the car.. After getting my Vehicle looked at BMW dealership informed me that the drive shaft had broken and fell in the engine and caused a hole in the engine and damaging the oil pan also
Incident date: Jul 10, 2021
During very warm days in the summer the steering wheel tends to stick during turns. It requires extra force to continue to turn the wheel which becomes problematic during a tight turn or on highway on-ramps.
Incident date: May 2, 2022
Auxiliary cooling fan failed but engine light did not turn on causing EME fault. Cooling fan had to be replaced and overheated my engine.
Incident date: May 2, 2022
Auxiliary cooling fan failed but engine light did not turn on causing EME fault. Cooling fan had to be replaced and overheated my engine.
Incident date: Apr 20, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V341000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure an... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 BMW X5. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the parking brake warning light illuminated continuously. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the parking brake needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided the contact with a case number. The approximate failure mileage was... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2021
When a passenger sits in the front passenger seat, the passenger side airbag seat sensor triggers and illuminates the airbag light, deactivating the passenger airbag. After it is triggered, the light stays illuminated, along with the seat belt light, for several drive cycles, without a passenger present, before resetting. This is a sporadic issue, but rather frequent. It began, very occasionally,... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 BMW 428i. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The message; Electrical Malfunction. Contact Service Center was displayed. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road using physical strength to steer the vehicle. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle regained power steering assist function... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2022
2006 BMW 5 SERIES. CONSUMER WITES SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR VEHICLE REPAIRS RELATED TO SAFTEY RECALL 22V-119.
BMW
325CI
(2006) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)
May 20, 2022
Incident date: Feb 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 325CI. The contact stated while stopped at a traffic light, she became aware of smoke coming from under the hood and the odor of something on fire. The vehicle had overheated on several occasions. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer who diagnosed the vehicle with PCV valve heater failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufact... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 328D. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the coolant warning light illuminated. The contact refilled the coolant reservoir however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) was replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that he could smell a strong diesel and coolant odor inside the cabin... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2022
The panoramic sunroof shade blind has become detached due to failing adhesive. The consequence of this failure renders the vehicle difficult to drive and impacts safety of occupants and non occupants. To illustrate this issue, it is easier to quote the incident. On driving the vehicle the sunroof shade became unattached from its rail (right side). A natural thing to do is attempt to open the shade... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2022
The panoramic sunroof shade blind has become detached due to failing adhesive. The consequence of this failure renders the vehicle difficult to drive and impacts safety of occupants and non occupants. To illustrate this issue, it is easier to quote the incident. On driving the vehicle the sunroof shade became unattached from its rail (right side). A natural thing to do is attempt to open the shade... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2022
Driver side rear air spring failure.
Incident date: Apr 14, 2022
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? What I am certain is that the car suddenly shutted down in the middle of the highway. After a deep inspection, the authorized dealer inspection states that there is a problem with the Electrical Motor Electronics (EME). They are telling me that the estimate for the repair is approximately $17,000. ... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2022
In approximately 2014 the passenger seatbelt sensor randomly started dinging while driving and the seat was NOT occupied. I solved the issue by clipping the seat belt. This issue continued randomly for years and was always solved by clipping the seatbelt. Just this week May 2022, I had a passenger who while getting into the car once the seat belt was disengaged, the sensor immediatly started ding... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2022
In approximately 2014 the passenger seatbelt sensor randomly started dinging while driving and the seat was NOT occupied. I solved the issue by clipping the seat belt. This issue continued randomly for years and was always solved by clipping the seatbelt. Just this week May 2022, I had a passenger who while getting into the car once the seat belt was disengaged, the sensor immediatly started ding... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2007 BMW 328i. The contact stated that the passenger restraint system message had appeared on the instrument panel indicating an air bag failure. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer had been notified of the recall. The contact stated that the ... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2007 BMW 328i. The contact stated that the passenger restraint system message had appeared on the instrument panel indicating an air bag failure. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer had been notified of the recall. The contact stated that the ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 BMW 328i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V1190000 (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. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manuf... Read more
Incident date: Mar 16, 2022
The drivetrain malfunction light came on and my car stopped on the main highway while I was driving out and it wouldn’t start back so a wrecker tow it then maybe 5 days later it just crank again but then it started to do it again. There was a recall for this but it had expired before I bought the car
Incident date: Mar 16, 2022
The drivetrain malfunction light came on and my car stopped on the main highway while I was driving out and it wouldn’t start back so a wrecker tow it then maybe 5 days later it just crank again but then it started to do it again. There was a recall for this but it had expired before I bought the car
Incident date: May 18, 2022
Selector lever failed causing a warning message to appear on the screen. Dealership is reviewing the damage and the cost is not under the warranty.
Incident date: May 13, 2022
My BMW 2016 is displaying a message “Secure Vehicle against rolling”. It just started one day last week. We brought it to our mechanic who said it was a known issue with this make and model car and there are other complaints on other forums and here as well. This is an extreme safety issue - the vehicle could roll and injure or kill someone. This car has less that 40000 miles on it and should ... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 325i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V676000 (Electrical System) 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. Parts distributio... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2022
The contact's husband owned a 2006 BMW 325i. The contact stated that while her niece was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from underneath the hood. The contact's niece pulled over, and she and her boyfriend safely exited the vehicle before it caught fire. No injuries were sustained and no medical attention was received. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. A ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jan 5, 2022
2011 BMW 335i Sedan: Please attempt to get my car included in the current recall. I have contacted BMW USA and my local dealership. Both said that my car does not qualify for repair. On a weekly basis, the car produces large amounts of smoke from the engine compartment and enters the passenger compartment through the vents. BMW has stated that there is a fire risk for this year, make, and model ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2022
2011 BMW 335i Sedan: Please attempt to get my car included in the current recall. I have contacted BMW USA and my local dealership. Both said that my car does not qualify for repair. On a weekly basis, the car produces large amounts of smoke from the engine compartment and enters the passenger compartment through the vents. BMW has stated that there is a fire risk for this year, make, and model ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2022
The passenger seat occupancy sensor has failed. As a result, the airbags will not deploy on the passenger side, if a passenger is present, in an accident. The error is displayed as soon as the passenger sits. Warning lights go out after restarting the car and if the passenger seat is unoccupied.
Incident date: May 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 BMW 528i. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The drivetrain malfunction warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with a defective oil pump. The vehicle was repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number 14V176000 (Engine and Engine Co... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 BMW 528i. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The drivetrain malfunction warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with a defective oil pump. The vehicle was repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number 14V176000 (Engine and Engine Co... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving approximately 30-70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light and an unknown warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that no issues were found. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where the air shaft suspension and the cylinder were re... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving approximately 30-70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light and an unknown warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that no issues were found. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where the air shaft suspension and the cylinder were re... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving approximately 30-70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light and an unknown warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that no issues were found. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where the air shaft suspension and the cylinder were re... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2022
When moisture gets into the cupholders of a BMW 2021 X7, it leaks into the electrical system for the airbag sensors and seatbelt sensors. This makes them USELESS in an accident. BMW currently has a lawsuit pending against this VERY ISSUE. A small amount of soda spilled in the cupholders by my daughter. It was quickly cleaned and dried- but this caused a leak and lead to the restraint system failur... Read more