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: Nov 19, 2021
I had been having problems with my seatbelt alarm coming on for a while with nothing in the seat of the passenger and then as I was trying to turn in to park I heard a click from my steering wheel as if it didn’t want to turn and the driver seat restraint malfunction error popped up . Now my horn will not work as well . I’m told that the dealership is the only place it can be repaired. I’m w... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2021
Headlight wiring loom insulation on both passenger and driver sides degrading heavily to the point of disintegration on touch. My driver side headlights have stopped working despite best attempts at isolating wires. I have received multiple headlight(low/DRL) warnings and errors because of this issue. It has been verified by countless independent mechanics and hobbyists on this generation of car w... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2021
Headlight wiring loom insulation on both passenger and driver sides degrading heavily to the point of disintegration on touch. My driver side headlights have stopped working despite best attempts at isolating wires. I have received multiple headlight(low/DRL) warnings and errors because of this issue. It has been verified by countless independent mechanics and hobbyists on this generation of car w... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2021
Headlight wiring loom insulation on both passenger and driver sides degrading heavily to the point of disintegration on touch. My driver side headlights have stopped working despite best attempts at isolating wires. I have received multiple headlight(low/DRL) warnings and errors because of this issue. It has been verified by countless independent mechanics and hobbyists on this generation of car w... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2021
BMW NA and its authorized dealership and self-funded arbitration program business practices and conducts are unfair, dishonest, and unlawful. I purchased my certified pre-owned car, a lease return with extremely low mileage, 25,922 miles covered under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle Warranty and the BMW Certified Pre-Owned warranty. My family's safety has been at significant risk by the willfu... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2021
BMW NA and its authorized dealership and self-funded arbitration program business practices and conducts are unfair, dishonest, and unlawful. I purchased my certified pre-owned car, a lease return with extremely low mileage, 25,922 miles covered under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle Warranty and the BMW Certified Pre-Owned warranty. My family's safety has been at significant risk by the willfu... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2021
BMW NA and its authorized dealership and self-funded arbitration program business practices and conducts are unfair, dishonest, and unlawful. I purchased my certified pre-owned car, a lease return with extremely low mileage, 25,922 miles covered under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle Warranty and the BMW Certified Pre-Owned warranty. My family's safety has been at significant risk by the willfu... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2021
The automatic emergency did not engage the brakes as described to by the dealer, BMW genius and the BMW website. The car was in a collision at low speed (under 35mph) with the car in front of me which put me at risk. BMW sent an engineer from N.J. to inspect the car. The is under warranty and it was in perfect working order. The engineer determined that the system did not engage because the accele... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 4, 2021
The automatic emergency did not engage the brakes as described to by the dealer, BMW genius and the BMW website. The car was in a collision at low speed (under 35mph) with the car in front of me which put me at risk. BMW sent an engineer from N.J. to inspect the car. The is under warranty and it was in perfect working order. The engineer determined that the system did not engage because the accele... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 4, 2021
The automatic emergency did not engage the brakes as described to by the dealer, BMW genius and the BMW website. The car was in a collision at low speed (under 35mph) with the car in front of me which put me at risk. BMW sent an engineer from N.J. to inspect the car. The is under warranty and it was in perfect working order. The engineer determined that the system did not engage because the accele... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 10, 2021
On 11/10/2021 while driving on US Rte 29 in Silver Spring, MD, the car stalled during stop & go rush hour traffic. The car would not move forward in drive but I had enough momentum to move partially in the shoulder lane. Next the car began to drift backwards so I kept my foot on the brakes until the tow truck arrived. I had the car towed to the BMW dealer and the next day I was informed that it ne... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2008 BMW 328i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V044000 (Electrical System) 17V676000 (Electrical System) and 17V683000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted bit did no... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2008 BMW 328i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V044000 (Electrical System) 17V676000 (Electrical System) and 17V683000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted bit did no... Read more
Incident date: Oct 12, 2021
Timing chain failed and caused the vehicle's engine to shut down. This failure occurred while driving at approximately 70 MPH on Rt. 90 in NY state. The car was traveling in the passing lane. The loss of engine power resulted in loss of steering and maneuverability placing the occupants of this vehicle and other vehicles in a very dangerous situation. Vehicle was towed to a BMW dealership in ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2021
The shade of panoramic sunroof is deflected, the adhesive is not strong enough as time goes, it can’t hold the shade in place which caused the shade falling from the original place, blocked the rear view sights. Is dangers while operating in conditions like this
Incident date: Oct 29, 2021
Battery charger trigger a fire. It's BMW genuine DELPHI which comes with car. after charging my car, I unplug it from my car and put on top of plastic ice box before left my garage. Once i'm back to home there was a fire inside of garage. Fire started from battery charger head and it melt plastic ice box and spread to upside of drywall & shelve of garage. there was no damage power cable & plug par... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Oct 29, 2021
Battery charger trigger a fire. It's BMW genuine DELPHI which comes with car. after charging my car, I unplug it from my car and put on top of plastic ice box before left my garage. Once i'm back to home there was a fire inside of garage. Fire started from battery charger head and it melt plastic ice box and spread to upside of drywall & shelve of garage. there was no damage power cable & plug par... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Sep 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2008 BMW 328I. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the radiator would overheat as the temperature gauge would indicate that the engine was hot. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where it was discovered that plastic parts inside the reservoir including the head gasket had melted and entered the radiator, which caused the failure. The contact also stated... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Sep 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2008 BMW 328I. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the radiator would overheat as the temperature gauge would indicate that the engine was hot. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where it was discovered that plastic parts inside the reservoir including the head gasket had melted and entered the radiator, which caused the failure. The contact also stated... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Nov 14, 2021
I was in an accident on the interstate 195 in New Bedford, MA. My car was pushed into the guardrail on the driver's side. The air bag in the the side of my seat deployed and ruptured releasing hot gases and burned me through my clothes. I received 1st and 2nd degree burns and was treated at a local hospital. The area that ruptured looked like it was where a patch and been sewn into the air bag. Th... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 16, 2021
I was merging onto the highway with no one in front of me. Then there was a loud pop sounding like a tire popped. I pulled over to assess the damage and discovered the sunroof had exploded/shattered.
Incident date: Oct 25, 2021
My car died in an intersection unexpectedly as if my battery had died. My infant was in the backseat. This was suck a busy intersection that police dept had to park behind me to keep me from being hit. The car could not be put in neutral to move it out of the way. After over an hour we were able to restart the car and excessive battery discharge message displayed. This is on top of me taking it to... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2021
My car died in an intersection unexpectedly as if my battery had died. My infant was in the backseat. This was suck a busy intersection that police dept had to park behind me to keep me from being hit. The car could not be put in neutral to move it out of the way. After over an hour we were able to restart the car and excessive battery discharge message displayed. This is on top of me taking it to... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2021
My car died in an intersection unexpectedly as if my battery had died. My infant was in the backseat. This was suck a busy intersection that police dept had to park behind me to keep me from being hit. The car could not be put in neutral to move it out of the way. After over an hour we were able to restart the car and excessive battery discharge message displayed. This is on top of me taking it to... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2021
Timing chain snapped and blew the engine, no warning at all. more than 60+ miles from home
Incident date: Nov 12, 2021
The door locks have become ‘sticky’. This means that when pulling on the interior door release handle, the lock is moving to a stuck position that is not permitting egress. While the solution of pushing the central unlock button is currently viable, it would not work in a total electrical failure, or a situation of a vehicle submersion in water. This is a dangerous situation, potentially lea... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2021
The door locks have become ‘sticky’. This means that when pulling on the interior door release handle, the lock is moving to a stuck position that is not permitting egress. While the solution of pushing the central unlock button is currently viable, it would not work in a total electrical failure, or a situation of a vehicle submersion in water. This is a dangerous situation, potentially lea... Read more
Incident date: Nov 16, 2021
Due to a phasing out of the 3G network by cellular carriers, BMW ConnectedDrive/BMW Assist services, such as BMW Assist eCall, Advanced Real-Time Traffic information, Remote Services, and BMW Online will no longer be supported starting February 2022 for select vehicles. The decision to phase out 3G network technology was made at the discretion of the respective cellular carriers and lies beyond th... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2021
I was rear ended. My airbag did not deploy. I do not think my seatbelt restrained me because I was not sore in that area, but do not remember. My head hit the stearing wheel. I spent 3 months in a neuro-recovery program and still deal with post-concussive syndrome. The car is available for whomever would like to see it. I incurred a closed head injury with significant effects. No one has tried... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 2, 2021
I was rear ended. My airbag did not deploy. I do not think my seatbelt restrained me because I was not sore in that area, but do not remember. My head hit the stearing wheel. I spent 3 months in a neuro-recovery program and still deal with post-concussive syndrome. The car is available for whomever would like to see it. I incurred a closed head injury with significant effects. No one has tried... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2021 BMW X3. The contact stated that the tailgate would fall on the contact without warning upon use. On one occasion, the tailgate had fallen on her left arm and the contact had to wrestle her arm out of the vehicle as the tailgate sensor failed to recognize her arm. Once her arm was released, the tailgate locked her purse inside the vehicle. The contact did not suffer any inju... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2021
Passenger side door lock stopped working at the mileage of 71,269. The door lock tab is in down position while door is unlocked. One can open the door while the car is unlocked. Security alarm does not get kicked in. I originally reported the problem of locks sticking when lock/unlock the car at the mileage of 45775 (under warranty). Dealer said that although they are sticking but still work. They... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2021
The Steering wheel gets Hard, looks like power steering gets disabled automatically while driving, making it almost impossible to steer. This has started to happen after hot weather had started few months back. I have tried to reproduce this issue several times, but it happens randomly and Not all the time. I don't drive the car much. But this is definitely a serious issue, I checked the BMW commu... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2016
Power windows Power windows broke on 3 windows. Sometimes the glass has shattered. Sometimes the glass just slides down and becomes non operational. Glass shattering has been scary and dangerous. This has occurred while driving. I live in a state with lots of weather. Thunderstorms. Has occurred with child in car seat during a thunderstorm. At highway speed. I have had them repaired at dealership... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2016
Power windows Power windows broke on 3 windows. Sometimes the glass has shattered. Sometimes the glass just slides down and becomes non operational. Glass shattering has been scary and dangerous. This has occurred while driving. I live in a state with lots of weather. Thunderstorms. Has occurred with child in car seat during a thunderstorm. At highway speed. I have had them repaired at dealership... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2021
have a 2017 BMW X1, and have an issue with the back hatch closing on its own ( Auto Hatch Closing Feature). It can close on it's own when i walk behind it, sometimes when i am sitting on the back changing my golf shoes...I have to get out of the way before it hits me in the head. I have even tried to push up on the hatch after it starts closing and it will continue to close. It could easily clo... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2021
I believe manufacturers are suppossed to provide replacement parts for 10 years. It appears BMW is circumventing this law by makinig it harder and more expensive to get replacement parts before ten years has passed by making owners purchase unnecessary parts as an assembly. First case with my BWM X1- The inside door handle has a snap-in plastic cover coated with a rubber/plastic compound that dete... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2021
The contact owns a 2001 BMW 325XI equipped with Primewell Tires, Tire Line: Valera Touring II, Tire Size: 205/50/R17, DOT Number: (Not Available). The contact stated that while inflating the passenger’s side front tire, air was leaking from cracks on the sidewall of the tire. The tire was not replaced. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failu... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 BMW M3. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 25 MPH, there was an abnormal banging sound coming from the vehicle. In addition, the vehicle failed to operate as designed, without warning. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the driveshaft was fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 BMW M6. The contact stated that while driving at 80 MPH, the vehicle stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and was towed to the contact's residence. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact f... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2021
The contact owns a 2008 BMW 328i. The contact stated that he had parked and turned off the vehicle, but about 20 minutes later he saw smoke coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The contact stated that as he opened the hood of the vehicle he saw flames of fire and was able to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher. The contact stated that he removed the battery from the vehicle. Th... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jun 27, 2021
The component that fails is called the Fuel Strip (BMW part number 16147697815) and is used for measuring the amount of fuel in the fuel tank. This component is historically known to fail often and this problem is well known by BMW motorcycle dealers and motorcyclists that use this fuel strip. The failure of these Fuel Strips is a safety issue because it can cause loss of power, by running out o... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2019
My husband was driving 20-25 mph and heard a loud "boom" - then his engine compartment began smoking. We had the vehicle towed to the BMW dealership. A rod was thrown through the engine compartment and the engine needed to be replaced. We are the original owners of the vehicle and service it regularly. There were no leaks, noises, lights, nor any other indications of trouble prior to the engine b... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2021
Involved in a frontal collision and air bag did not deploy. Airbag could've prevented more serious injuries suffered. I contacted the service center at BMW Roseville and left a message for the service manager, no return call. The vehicle has been inspected by an insurance authorized collision center and is considered totaled. There were no warning there was a problem and didn't appear until the co... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 6, 2021
Unintended acceleration with loss of braking effectiveness. We hit a tree head on going at least 50 by the time we struck it. The vehicle was inspected before we bought it and we only bought it 3 days before the accident occurred. The check engine light came on that afternoon and we were going to get it checked out on Monday.
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Nov 6, 2021
Unintended acceleration with loss of braking effectiveness. We hit a tree head on going at least 50 by the time we struck it. The vehicle was inspected before we bought it and we only bought it 3 days before the accident occurred. The check engine light came on that afternoon and we were going to get it checked out on Monday.
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Nov 8, 2021
After having 'repaired' the instrument panel relay which was causing the display to intermittently blank out, I am now experiencing the following dangerous events: 1) instrument panel will still occasionally blank out, with no consistent causal reason. 2) on occasion, firm acceleration has preceded an instrument panel glitch, but I cannot get a consistent result from this cause/effect. 3) on occas... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2021
I bought 4 new tires. They were balanced at Sam's Club when I purchased them. Then i went to get the alignment done the next day and they said my tie-rods were shot. Just the front...not the back. I have not had an accident or incident yet but I am concerned. My car has 83,000 miles.
Incident date: Nov 5, 2021
After hearing a very loud bang. I noticed a very bad vibration during normal operation of the vehicle. Today I was able to find the problem. The 4 bolts that hold the motor mount bracket to the engine block were sheared off. After just a little research on this issue. It seems this a very common incident on all newer bmw vehicles. In the course of this damage, I now need several thousand dollars w... Read more