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: Sep 17, 2021
225 40R 19 89Y I was traveling at 50 MPH and hit a man cover in the road and several days after I noticed that the tire was separated. I have sent an email to the manufacture and was told to take the car to one of the tire distributor, I did and have the tire inspected. I am having problem with the manufacture having warranty the tire. I had less that 6000 miles on the tire.
Incident date: Oct 2, 2021
The vehicle front passenger seat sensor MAT (SRS) failure. This is a safety-related issue. The same item was recalled for prior years' models. A recall should issued be for this model and and year.
Incident date: Oct 2, 2021
The vehicle front passenger seat sensor MAT (SRS) failure. This is a safety-related issue. The same item was recalled for prior years' models. A recall should issued be for this model and and year.
Incident date: Feb 17, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 BMW 328D. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. An unknown warning light illuminated the instrument panel. The contact veered to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the high-pressure pump had exploded, and the explosion had damaged other parts of the vehicle. The conta... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2021
High Pressure Fuel Pump started going out on 15 April 2021 while under manufacturer warranty. Took to Moss Motors BMW in Lafayette LA. BMW found High Pressure Fuel pump issue, replaced fuel rail and sensors. Check Engine Light came back on 21 May 2021. Took to BMW of Mobile for inspection. BMW could find no issues and returned car on 5 June 2021. Check Engine Light came back on 5 June 2021 ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2021
I have been trying since 2016 to get Vista BMW in Broward County Florida to replace or remove the DEFECTICE AND DANGEROUS Takata airbags in my car, and I have the paperwork to prove that this was never done. Reeves BMW in Tampa, Florida, said that Vista BMW falsely reported that the airbags were replaced with non-Takata bags and refused to install the correct ones with desiccant. I have proof that... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2021
The Electric Top Malfunctions because of fault design Behind the driver seat is a hydraulic cylinder that sits in a cabin. Water leaks into the cabin causing the hydraulics to go out. The cabin fills up with water, and submerges the pump. This is a major design flaw. It is common with all Z4 models 2003 - 2008. I have a roadster rental business, comprised specifically of the Z4 model. I can give... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2021
My car is giving engine overheat warning when I am driving . I understand that this issue is with cooling system . Presently there is a open recall for this issue for the 2012 bmw x5. NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V248000 . But my car is not covered under this recall.
Incident date: Jun 24, 2021
This vehicle malfunctioned 6x; 2 drivers; by where the car would lunge forward on it's own after coming to a complete stop. 1 incident almost resulted in an accident. This was reported to BMW NA after 5-6 weeks in Stevenscreek BMW for service and issues apparently could not be duplicated after Regional and National Technicians were called in to further investigate. BMW refused to buy-back the ve... Read more
Incident date: Sep 28, 2021
Brought a New 2021BMW M440 only 5 months ago, garage kept, has less than 4,000 miles. I woke up with a 10” crack across windshield @ 6:30 am on 9/28/2021with popping sounds. Windshield was shown on camera the night prior with no damage and shows no apparent evidence of ever getting hit. No scratches or chips. On 9/29/21 @ 7am car had more popping sounds and now crack has reached 15” - increase... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2021
CAR HAS ONLY 37,777 MILES AND THE MOTOR/ENGINE IS LOUD KNOCKING. ALWAYS ON TIME THE MAINTENANCE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY THE BMW DEALER SINCE CAR WAS NEW. I HEARD THAT THIS PROBLEM IS AFFECTING SIMILAR VEHICLES. CAR IS NOW OUT OF WARRANTY.
Incident date: May 10, 2018
About three years ago, we filed a complaint with BMW North America. A problem with the front passenger seat. There was smoke As a result, a hole burned through. after that an error message about the airbag came on. We also didn't know that there was a recall about this problem. we made several calls to the dealership and at the end, they offered to help with only 50% Quote to repair the seat wa... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2018
About three years ago, we filed a complaint with BMW North America. A problem with the front passenger seat. There was smoke As a result, a hole burned through. after that an error message about the airbag came on. We also didn't know that there was a recall about this problem. we made several calls to the dealership and at the end, they offered to help with only 50% Quote to repair the seat wa... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2021
Previously reported that the BMW X5e, Plug in hybrid, shuts itself off once the driver's door is opened leaving anybody in the car at risk of serious health problems or even death! A menu selection option should disable this unsafe practice but it does not work. As if there is a software glitch. Other models, the X3e stays on when the driver's door is opened. I've previously reported this item bu... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 27, 2021
Previously reported that the BMW X5e, Plug in hybrid, shuts itself off once the driver's door is opened leaving anybody in the car at risk of serious health problems or even death! A menu selection option should disable this unsafe practice but it does not work. As if there is a software glitch. Other models, the X3e stays on when the driver's door is opened. I've previously reported this item bu... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 27, 2021
Previously reported that the BMW X5e, Plug in hybrid, shuts itself off once the driver's door is opened leaving anybody in the car at risk of serious health problems or even death! A menu selection option should disable this unsafe practice but it does not work. As if there is a software glitch. Other models, the X3e stays on when the driver's door is opened. I've previously reported this item bu... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: May 1, 2016
The contact owns a 2005 BMW R 1200 RT. The contact stated while starting the motorcycle and it began to stall. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The motorcycle was not drivable. The motorcycle was towed to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The motorcycle was repaired. The contact stated that on 7/2021, he noticed fuel ... Read more
BMW
K 1600 GTL
(2013) — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Sep 28, 2021
Incident date: Jun 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 BMW K1600 GTL. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V060000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) 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 contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact had not e... Read more
Incident date: Sep 28, 2021
I have been trying since 2016 to get Vista BMW in Broward County Florida to replace or remove the Takata airbags in my car, and I have the paperwork to prove that this was never done. Reeves BMW in Tampa, Florida, said that Vista BMW falsely reported that the airbags were replaced with non-Takata bags and refused to install the correct ones with desiccant. I have proof that shows that the airbags ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 28, 2021
The high voltage battery recall has been open for 1 year, which any reasonable person would agree is far in excess of a reasonable amount of time as the issue is one that could lead to a fire / death.
Incident date: Sep 28, 2021
The high voltage battery recall has been open for 1 year, which any reasonable person would agree is far in excess of a reasonable amount of time as the issue is one that could lead to a fire / death.
Incident date: Sep 16, 2021
The contact owned a 2005 BMW 330XI. The contact received a recall notification letter for NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V018000 ( air bags) which they took the vehicle to a local dealer who performed the recall repair on the vehicle. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed the contact was making a U-turn when another driver t- bone and crashed into the rear passenger side door. The air... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Sep 3, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 BMW X5-Diesel. The contact received notification of 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 contact spoke with a dealer, and the dealer confirmed that part was not yet available. The cont... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 BMW 528i. The contact stated while at a standstill the vehicle stalled randomly. The contact stated that drive train failure warning message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and was awaiting diagnostic testing. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V627000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the VIN was not inc... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2021
I can't even get comfortable in the seats in this car they are twisting cause a very uncomfortable drive /ride for us! Evrryone i hear of that owns a bmw has this issue
Incident date: Sep 12, 2021
Under normal driving conditions on city roads the universal joint literally shattered. There is no aftermarket upgrades and no unlicensed work done the vehicle. I had just got it back from the dealership and they checked over it and it checked out good. This is outlandish I don’t understand why my vehicle is not within the recall.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2010 BMW X5. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at 55 mph, the engine temperature warning light was illuminated. The contact's wife pulled over to a service station to let the engine cool off before restarting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed as a water pump failure. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 8, 2021
MC 120 / 70R 17W While riding, i noticed a shake in the front of my motorcycle. Upon stopping I noticed a bulge in the center of the tread that was approximately 1.5" higher than the rest of the tread in an area that was about 1/3 the circumference of the tire. I attempted to ride the four miles to my house, but the tire started losing air at a fast rate.
Incident date: Sep 22, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact pulled over but was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired and was towed to the residence. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2021
My 2020 X5 is equipped with Rear Cross Traffic Warning however it does not warn when traffic is crossing. The car will be in reverse, i can be very close to either a car or a person and there are no audible or visual warnings until the object stops moving or is within inches of the vehicle. I have taken it to my dealership several times however they are stating its in full working function even ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2021
My 2020 X5 is equipped with Rear Cross Traffic Warning however it does not warn when traffic is crossing. The car will be in reverse, i can be very close to either a car or a person and there are no audible or visual warnings until the object stops moving or is within inches of the vehicle. I have taken it to my dealership several times however they are stating its in full working function even ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2021
When reversing out of driveway/parking space, the rear cross traffic warning alert doesn't give any warning until my vehicle is inches from another vehicle. The system isn't sensitive enough.
Incident date: Sep 22, 2021
My BMW suddenly started making a weird sound. I took it to BMW and they could not tell me exactly what happened. However they told me that a new engine was needed. I contacted headquarters and they referred me back to the local BMW. The Local BMW said that there's no way for them to know what caused the engine problem but they were recommending a new engine. I had no choice but to purchase a new e... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2021
My BMW suddenly started making a weird sound. I took it to BMW and they could not tell me exactly what happened. However they told me that a new engine was needed. I contacted headquarters and they referred me back to the local BMW. The Local BMW said that there's no way for them to know what caused the engine problem but they were recommending a new engine. I had no choice but to purchase a new e... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2021
The motorcycle (BMW K1600 Grand America) goes into "Limp Mode" with the engine warning light where the motorcycle has no power until stopped, shutdown, and restarted. This happened to my motorcycle 4 times. Each time the BMW service cannot find any indication stored in the onboard computer. Also, there have been many reported issues of this in the BMW motorcycle forums. This issue is extremely... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2020
Car begin to stall on traffic, drivetrain malfunction light appeared..Took it to BMW DEALER My Fuel Pump replace with new EKP module- Which is the same recall that BMW issued in 2017 which included the Model/year vehicle that i have.
Incident date: Jul 29, 2020
Car begin to stall on traffic, drivetrain malfunction light appeared..Took it to BMW DEALER My Fuel Pump replace with new EKP module- Which is the same recall that BMW issued in 2017 which included the Model/year vehicle that i have.
Incident date: Jul 28, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 BMW X1. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake sensor warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic who diagnosed that no issues were found, however, the brake sensor system was reset. The contact stated the failure reoccurred while driving and coming to a stop. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechani... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 28, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 BMW X1. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake sensor warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic who diagnosed that no issues were found, however, the brake sensor system was reset. The contact stated the failure reoccurred while driving and coming to a stop. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechani... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 25, 2012
The fuel strip located inside the tank which sends an electronic signal to the dash gauge indicating the amount of fuel available until the low fuel warning light comes on malfunctions and eventually fails. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. On three separate occasions (two on 55 mph + roads with two + lanes of traffic and once on a local 35 mph one lane road) I was driving and ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2012
The fuel strip located inside the tank which sends an electronic signal to the dash gauge indicating the amount of fuel available until the low fuel warning light comes on malfunctions and eventually fails. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. On three separate occasions (two on 55 mph + roads with two + lanes of traffic and once on a local 35 mph one lane road) I was driving and ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2012
The fuel strip located inside the tank which sends an electronic signal to the dash gauge indicating the amount of fuel available until the low fuel warning light comes on malfunctions and eventually fails. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. On three separate occasions (two on 55 mph + roads with two + lanes of traffic and once on a local 35 mph one lane road) I was driving and ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 2, 2021
We were in a small fender bender and the air bag in this BMW F30 deployed - with some kind of powder and material coming out and BURNING the driver. Burns all over legs and on sensitive areas, burned all the way through his pants. The driver was lucky to have escaped with their life. These were confirmed to be Takata air bags and we found out today 9/21/21 about a recall on the same air bags. The... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 15, 2021
The Panoramic Sunroof Shade Blind is sagging for no reason and I am concerned that it would suddenly fall off completely due to the wind or other conditions during driving, which could block my line of sight or lead to accidents. This has been confirmed by the dealer which recommended to replace the shade, that is not covered under CPO warranty and would cost around $1,900. There were no warning l... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2021
The passenger seat mat sensor stopped working and that disabled the airbag. I called BMW and they told me this part has already been replaced once in 2016 on my car during a recall, which happened before I purchased the car. I asked them to replace it again since this is a safety issue and they told me BMW would only replace this part for cars with less than 15 years, which in my case expired on J... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2019 BMW 540I. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the contact pressed the button on the gear shifter and the vehicle inadvertently shifted into NEUTRAL. The contact then shifted back into DRIVE. The contact continued driving with no further issues. However, the contact concern was that there should be no reason for the gear shifter to change gear with little to no pressure... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2021
Design of acceleration pedal and seat are causing me leg pain and causing my leg to fall asleep while driving. This is dangerous. There is too much resistance of pedal and lots of force needed to accelerate car.
Incident date: Sep 17, 2021
While driving car at speeds <30 mph, on hitting a minor bump on the road, car engine suddenly stopped with a "Drivetrain malfunction" error. The car lost all power within a few seconds, including power steering. The instrument cluster was off except for error message. Transmission shifted to Neutral automatically which I believe is by design. On somehow maneuvering in traffic and coasting to a sto... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2021
I car hit me from behind and pushed me into the car in front of me and my steering wheel came off and my air bag on steering wheel did not deploy. As a result the wheel pushed in my chest.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 25, 2021
I car hit me from behind and pushed me into the car in front of me and my steering wheel came off and my air bag on steering wheel did not deploy. As a result the wheel pushed in my chest.
Crash
1 injured