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: Dec 26, 2021
In May 2021 I purchased a 2018 Certified Pre-owned BMW 330e Plug-in Hybrid with 20K miles from the BMW dealership at Glendale, CA. My car is under original manufacture warranty to this day but I also have paid for an extra warranty and maintenance program. On December 26th, 2021, as I was driving back from Las Vegas on highway 15, about 40 miles into the trip, my car dash displayed an error mess... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2021
In May 2021 I purchased a 2018 Certified Pre-owned BMW 330e Plug-in Hybrid with 20K miles from the BMW dealership at Glendale, CA. My car is under original manufacture warranty to this day but I also have paid for an extra warranty and maintenance program. On December 26th, 2021, as I was driving back from Las Vegas on highway 15, about 40 miles into the trip, my car dash displayed an error mess... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2019
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 535D. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V586000 (Fuel System, Diesel) and 21V907000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and it was confirmed that parts were not yet available after several appointments were scheduled. The contact stated that the manuf... Read more
Incident date: Jan 24, 2022
There is a light sensor in the digital instrument cluster that dims the brightness during the day that it makes the instrument cluster un-readable.
Incident date: Jan 24, 2022
The airbag light and seatbelt light came on randomly. The airbag sensor is off, and the “passenger airbag off” light is illuminated even when there’s somebody sitting in the car. This is a major safety issue, as the vehicle doesn’t recognize when somebody is sitting in the passenger seat and wont deploy airbags when there’s a wreck.
Incident date: Jan 24, 2022
The airbag light and seatbelt light came on randomly. The airbag sensor is off, and the “passenger airbag off” light is illuminated even when there’s somebody sitting in the car. This is a major safety issue, as the vehicle doesn’t recognize when somebody is sitting in the passenger seat and wont deploy airbags when there’s a wreck.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2019
The contact owns a 2015 BMW X3. The contact stated that the check engine warning lights was illuminated. The contact stated that the gear shifter was slipping. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V907000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed the transfer pump needed... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2019
The contact owns a 2015 BMW X3. The contact stated that the check engine warning lights was illuminated. The contact stated that the gear shifter was slipping. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V907000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed the transfer pump needed... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2019
The contact owns a 2015 BMW X3. The contact stated that the check engine warning lights was illuminated. The contact stated that the gear shifter was slipping. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V907000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed the transfer pump needed... Read more
Incident date: Jan 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 BMW X5. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V586000 (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 manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts dis... Read more
Incident date: Dec 24, 2021
The thermostat is not closing so the engine stays cold. I checked with my mechanic and he says it is a faulty thermostat. BMW owners retort this issue a lot. Only 75k miles on my car
Incident date: Jan 22, 2022
Car engine stalled. Needed to be jumped. The battery was brand new, was changed a few days ago.
Incident date: Jan 22, 2022
On January 22, 20222, I was traveling down highway 400 in Sandy Springs, Georgia and my left (driver's side) // rear tire EXPLODED and I almost lost control of the vehicle. The main part of the tread completely separated from the rest of the tire, but I was able to recover it from down in the woods. I have not taken it to a mechanic or tire shop yet, so I still have the rim that has the remnan... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2022
In January of 2020 the car stopped running while driving down the highway without warning. Upon restart the check engine light and chassis stabilization warning lights came on. I had the car towed to BMW. I was given an estimate of $18,000 to replace the entire fuel system. The problem was a faulty fuel pump that put metal shavings into the pump and fuel system. This is a known BMW problem. In fac... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2022
The side seat rail plastic covers are easily detached from both driver and passenger side of front seats. On one occasion, the driver seat cover detached and slid forward near pedals while driving creating a potentially serious accident.
Incident date: Jan 9, 2022
Driving as normal, and came to stoplight at intersection of busy highway. Stopped for red light, and call stalled, and couldn't be restarted. Just as the car shut off, I got a Drivetrain Malfunction warning. Had to have a tow company tow vehicle to my BMW dealer 50+ miles away. Being at a busy intersection at night, and not being able to move the car (couldn't get it out of park), it put the d... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 BMW X5. The contact stated while his wife was reversing the vehicle into the main road when shifting gears into drive, the vehicle began to reverse independently while still depressing on the brake pedal. The contact stated the vehicle ran into two different trees and slashed the front driver's side tire. The contact stated the Park Distance Control (PDC) malfunction warnin... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 BMW X5. The contact stated while his wife was reversing the vehicle into the main road when shifting gears into drive, the vehicle began to reverse independently while still depressing on the brake pedal. The contact stated the vehicle ran into two different trees and slashed the front driver's side tire. The contact stated the Park Distance Control (PDC) malfunction warnin... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 3, 2022
“Secure car against rolling” Message caused by failing spring that bmw appears to want >$4000 to fix while the part is only 5-6$. Appears to be a very common problem for this vehicle that needs to be addressed by bmw. Thanks
Incident date: Jan 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 535D. The contact received a recall notification for 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 manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN too... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2022
Shock busted completely though the shock mount.
Incident date: Jan 20, 2022
2007 BMW 650I. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG. THE CONSUMER STATED THE OUTLINE OF THE AIRBAG WAS VISIBLE THROUGH THE DASHBOARD. THIS WAS CREATING MOISTURE AND A CRACK WAS FORMING. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED, BUT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
Unknown
Incident date: Nov 24, 2021
My front axle support has extensively rusted, even though the vehicle is only approximately nine (9) years old. During installation of my Winter tires, a dealership technician found this component rusted through on the passenger side of the vehicle. The technician described this as severe damage to the suspension system, that is not repaired, could result in an accident. I have had the componen... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2022
car had 1,645 miles rear left axle broke. Car would not move. Had this occurred on a highway I easily could have been rear ended. Part must have been defective, Dealer replaced the part left rear CV joint but not the right, nor did the dealer confirm both rear axles were not from the same batch. The failure was catastrophic and sudden with no warnings.
Incident date: Oct 26, 2021
I suffered a breakdown in my 2014 BMW 328d on 26 Oct 21 with a drive train malfunction warning. Vehicle stalled and was unable to be restarted. Vehicle was towed to local repair shop, International Auto Specialist, located in Fredericksburg, VA, and diagnosed as a high pressure fuel pump failure and calling for the entire replacement of the vehicles fuel system. At the recommendation of my local... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2022
Our M235I has a transmission leak "thru the wall of the case" (i.e. THROUGH THE METAL CASE) as determined by a local BMW Dealer. They are not able to provide any Technical Service Bulletins or etc. from BMW for this "leaky case" issue. But they are saying this is a KNOWN problem with the transmission cases. They are advising a new transmission for $10K. Only alternative is to install used transmis... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 BMW X5. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V586000 (Fuel System, Diesel). The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The part was not available for repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Incident date: Jan 16, 2022
I was driving a car with family and all of a sudden we all started smelling a burning smell but we thought it must be from outside. However, in just few seconds the vents started throwing vapors so I stopped the car hoping it may stop if some minor damage. However, the hood started throwing oranges color fumes and by the time we all left the vehicle the entire front hood/engine area started burnin... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jan 16, 2022
I was driving a car with family and all of a sudden we all started smelling a burning smell but we thought it must be from outside. However, in just few seconds the vents started throwing vapors so I stopped the car hoping it may stop if some minor damage. However, the hood started throwing oranges color fumes and by the time we all left the vehicle the entire front hood/engine area started burnin... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jan 18, 2022
While approaching a stop light I noticed that it was much harder to stop than expected. As I let up on the brake a little I started accelerating towards the car in front of me. I reapplied the brakes much hard and was able to stop the vehicle but I could tell that I was fighting the engine. I put the car into park and the engine raced up to about 4.5k. I then just hit the off button and put my haz... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2022
While approaching a stop light I noticed that it was much harder to stop than expected. As I let up on the brake a little I started accelerating towards the car in front of me. I reapplied the brakes much hard and was able to stop the vehicle but I could tell that I was fighting the engine. I put the car into park and the engine raced up to about 4.5k. I then just hit the off button and put my haz... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2022
BMW notified me that the connected drive services would not function on my 2016 BMW X5 after Feb 2022. BMW’s failure to assure the functionality of its safety options beyond 5 years of use is inexcusable and unbelievable as is the claim that there is no technical fix. I am almost 80 years old and the features that I will lose are even more important to me now than they were when I purchased the... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2022
The passenger side weight sensor that indicates whether it is safe for the airbag to fire is failing, giving a repeat error. It has put individuals sitting in the passenger side in potential harm's way if we were to get in an accident. It is available for inspection upon request. The problem has been reproduced by the dealer. They want an exorbitant amount of money to fix it. Prior models had the... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2022
The passenger side weight sensor that indicates whether it is safe for the airbag to fire is failing, giving a repeat error. It has put individuals sitting in the passenger side in potential harm's way if we were to get in an accident. It is available for inspection upon request. The problem has been reproduced by the dealer. They want an exorbitant amount of money to fix it. Prior models had the... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2020
The contact owns a 2008 BMW X5. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the driver’s air bag replacement and the fuel pump replacement recall; however, after the recall repairs, the vehicle stalled inadvertently while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who replaced the fuel pump twice. The contact stated that the failure recurred while at the stop light in the m... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2021
The electric drivetrain, electric engine and the gasoline malfunctioned while the car was driving at speed from 40-50 miles. The car was build with two engine, the electric motor and a twin turbo gasoline engine. The Electronic drivetrain system was designed for first off start the electric engine will drive car until the battery is depleted then the gasoline engine will take over or some time in... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2021
The electric drivetrain, electric engine and the gasoline malfunctioned while the car was driving at speed from 40-50 miles. The car was build with two engine, the electric motor and a twin turbo gasoline engine. The Electronic drivetrain system was designed for first off start the electric engine will drive car until the battery is depleted then the gasoline engine will take over or some time in... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2021
The electric drivetrain, electric engine and the gasoline malfunctioned while the car was driving at speed from 40-50 miles. The car was build with two engine, the electric motor and a twin turbo gasoline engine. The Electronic drivetrain system was designed for first off start the electric engine will drive car until the battery is depleted then the gasoline engine will take over or some time in... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2021
Inside door latches frequently do not open the locked doors - must use power door unlock first. This creates an unsafe situation if door needs to be unlocked quickly, under restricted mobility or if power is out following an accident or sustained sitting in car that is not running and cannot be re-started. There are two existing complaints about this issue related to this exact model and widely ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2022
Instrument panel went blank. No visual indication of how fast I was traveling. Also frontal collision stop working.
Incident date: Jan 14, 2022
Instrument panel went blank. No visual indication of how fast I was traveling. Also frontal collision stop working.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2021
Fuel system leaks when full. It emits a strong odor both in the car and in the garage. Visible fuel leak on exterior of tank. This poses health, environmental, and safety concerns. This is, after internet searching, a fairly common issue.
Incident date: Jan 13, 2022
Vehicle smells like gas. Drivetrain malfunction light comes on, car sputters and shakes, goes off after a couple of days and then comes back on and shakes 4 months or more later. Loses power or won’t accelerate while traveling more than 50 mph
Incident date: Jan 13, 2022
Vehicle smells like gas. Drivetrain malfunction light comes on, car sputters and shakes, goes off after a couple of days and then comes back on and shakes 4 months or more later. Loses power or won’t accelerate while traveling more than 50 mph
Incident date: Oct 4, 2021
During operation in DRIVE, the vehicle would shift to PARK, without the control lever being operated. This occurred intermittently, but with greater frequency over time. The safety concern is that it occurred while in traffic and even occurred on an Interstate highway, while at momentary stop. When reported to BMW, the failure was isolated to the mechatronics, the components including electron... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2021
I got a notice in the mail for an airbag recall. I called the number (877-225-0472) in early December. I was told to call Fremont BMW (510-360-5902) The first question they asked was: Did you buy your vehicle from us? I told them that the car is not currently registered. They told me to schedule a tow on my mobile phone. I don't have a mobile phone. The notice said that some of the dealers h... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2021
While driving with my children, the u-joint on my BMW 528xi failed, causing the driveshaft to break. There was no warning lights or other system indicators. Because the car was moving, the driveshaft continued to spin, smashing the oil and pan and other components in the car. Thankfully I was driving on a side street and not on a Highway, because I would imagine there could have been injury i... Read more