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: Nov 9, 2021
Limpmode: Life Threatening failure of vehicle shutting down accelerating in heavy traffic in speeds over 70 mph. On 9 Nov 22 I was driving on interstate to take my wife to her radiation appointment. Within 1 mile of exit, traveling in far-right lane in 4 lanes of heavy traffic with an additional two lanes of heavy traffic merging in from the right, I had to get over into the merging oncoming tra... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2022
Faulty Check valve connected to brake booster leaks oil into brake booster causing contamination and loss of power braking. Recall issued for roughly 30,000 BMW X5 vehicles produced from 2007-2010 for a similar issue but none issued for this vehicle.
Incident date: Nov 24, 2021
SUV's lift gate has opened on its own twice. Once in the garage resulting garage door damage as well as $798.00 in lift gate damage. The second time the vehicle was outside unattended.
Incident date: Nov 24, 2021
SUV's lift gate has opened on its own twice. Once in the garage resulting garage door damage as well as $798.00 in lift gate damage. The second time the vehicle was outside unattended.
Incident date: Feb 24, 2022
While driving the BMW X540I on the highway, went to change lanes for an obstacle/debris on the vehicle shut the power of the engine for some seconds and I almost got on a crash due to the vehicle not accelerating. Then the vehicle display a message on the screen “drivetrain malfunction- possible to drive moderately” I pull over on the next exit and shut the vehicle off at the gas station. Onc... Read more
Incident date: Feb 22, 2019
The horn doesn’t work. A common problem for this vehicle. And certainly a safety issue.
Incident date: Mar 30, 2020
The high pressure fuel pump went out causing rail pressure issues. I kept driving it, but it got progressively worse until my mechanic changed the HPFP, which I was not aware at the time had an extended warranty. BMW refuses to pay for the part because they did not do the installation.
Incident date: Aug 2, 2021
Sudden catastrophic engine shutdown After 3weeks of investigation came back as bad crank posisition sensor
BMW
328D
(2014) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)
Feb 23, 2022
Incident date: Feb 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 328D. The contact stated that while driving and exceeding 60 MPH, the vehicle was shaking. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the warning remained illuminated on the instrument panel for over a month. The contact drove the vehicle home safely. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the dealer was contacted ... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2021
High pressure fuel pump failure at 96k miles Cost over 2k to replace No symptoms just sudden catastrophic failure of cp4.2
Incident date: Oct 11, 2020
Turbo failure Car lost power on busy highway and defaulted to 15mph. Atlanta BMW evaluated problem and said it would be one week and over $8000 in parts and labor. No warning, all maintained up to date just sudden failure
Incident date: Feb 18, 2022
While stopped at light car will shut off. You have to restart
Incident date: Jan 15, 2022
High pressure fuel pump failure. I need to ask to get the old part(s) back. BMW had a recall on other years of this model, but not this particular year and month. When it fails, it fails abruptly and prevents the car from being driven. This has been a widespread problem on all diesel BMWs for many years. This may be the second pump to fail on this car (I bought it used from a BMW dealer). There... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 BMW 328XI. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH on the highway, the engine failed. The contact pulled over to the emergency lane. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact restarted the vehicle and drove home safely. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the failure code was not able to be generated and another appointment was made for further testi... Read more
Incident date: Jan 11, 2021
Clear Coat on car is peeling everywhere. Car manufactured in 2015 and purchased from Carmax in Doral, Miami.
Incident date: Feb 5, 2022
On February 5, 2022 while driving on 70 mph on I64 my vehicle shut down due to the recall causing the the high-pressure fuel pump to shut down causing the engine to stall and a message that there was a powertrain malfunction and the vehicle would not start back or go into gear. The interstate was very busy and I could have been hit by a tractor trailer or another vehicle at high speed. I received ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2022
On February 5, 2022 while driving on 70 mph on I64 my vehicle shut down due to the recall causing the the high-pressure fuel pump to shut down causing the engine to stall and a message that there was a powertrain malfunction and the vehicle would not start back or go into gear. The interstate was very busy and I could have been hit by a tractor trailer or another vehicle at high speed. I received ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2022
On February 5, 2022 while driving on 70 mph on I64 my vehicle shut down due to the recall causing the the high-pressure fuel pump to shut down causing the engine to stall and a message that there was a powertrain malfunction and the vehicle would not start back or go into gear. The interstate was very busy and I could have been hit by a tractor trailer or another vehicle at high speed. I received ... Read more
BMW
X1
(2014) - SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Feb 22, 2022
Incident date: Jan 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 BMW X1. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH and attempting to slow the vehicle, the braking system suddenly failed and the brake pedal extended to the floor. The driver was able to pull over and stop the vehicle but the braking distance was extended when depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that a hose le... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2020
This vehicle presents a oil consumption problem is supposed be corrected for bmw with a costumer care package bmw just do partial or incomplete repairs a have all the documentation the most important never performed whem a contact different dealership no one provide a valid explanation a avoid performance the correct service car don’t have 50k since they performed service and the oil consumption... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2021
We were notified in March 2021 that our a fuel pump could start a fuel leak. This could catch on fire causing damage to the motorcycle not to mention my wife and I could be severely burned. They continue to say that they do not have the part and as of September 2021 still do not have the part and as of today they still do not have the part to put in. This is very inconvenient and that I cannot rid... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2021
We were notified in March 2021 that our a fuel pump could start a fuel leak. This could catch on fire causing damage to the motorcycle not to mention my wife and I could be severely burned. They continue to say that they do not have the part and as of September 2021 still do not have the part and as of today they still do not have the part to put in. This is very inconvenient and that I cannot rid... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2020
Car was purchased in July of 2017. Extended warranty was purchased. Dealership says they do not have that in their records. A letter was sent to our address regarding extended coverage, but had another person's name on it. Regardless, the engine developed excessive oil leaks, and led to complete engine failure. Dealer says it would be several thousand dollars to look at it. Research indicat... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2020
Car was purchased in July of 2017. Extended warranty was purchased. Dealership says they do not have that in their records. A letter was sent to our address regarding extended coverage, but had another person's name on it. Regardless, the engine developed excessive oil leaks, and led to complete engine failure. Dealer says it would be several thousand dollars to look at it. Research indicat... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2020
Car was purchased in July of 2017. Extended warranty was purchased. Dealership says they do not have that in their records. A letter was sent to our address regarding extended coverage, but had another person's name on it. Regardless, the engine developed excessive oil leaks, and led to complete engine failure. Dealer says it would be several thousand dollars to look at it. Research indicat... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 BMW 528i Sedan. The contact stated while driving approximately 35mph when the vehicle began to produce smoke from the engine compartment alongside an odor of burning plastic. The contact was able to pull over and have the vehicle towed to their residence, but was not taken to a local dealer. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with, NHTSA Campaign Number:... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Nov 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2021 BMW X5. The contact stated an unknown recall notice was received in regards to a recalled battery. The contact called the dealer and it was informed that the parts for the recall repair were not available. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue or contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure. No further information was available.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
Engine Wiring is made of Soy products with attracts Rodents to feed and destroy the wiring. When this occurs it puts the driver ad passengers in danger because certain functions such as brake light, Headlights and windshield wipers may not work properly. This is becasue when the wiring is compromised , circuits are broken which causes the vehicle's systems connected to that circuit to partially o... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
Engine Wiring is made of Soy products with attracts Rodents to feed and destroy the wiring. When this occurs it puts the driver ad passengers in danger because certain functions such as brake light, Headlights and windshield wipers may not work properly. This is becasue when the wiring is compromised , circuits are broken which causes the vehicle's systems connected to that circuit to partially o... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
Engine Wiring is made of Soy products with attracts Rodents to feed and destroy the wiring. When this occurs it puts the driver ad passengers in danger because certain functions such as brake light, Headlights and windshield wipers may not work properly. This is becasue when the wiring is compromised , circuits are broken which causes the vehicle's systems connected to that circuit to partially o... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2022
UNKNOWN since I have bought my 2008 bmw 328i I had one recalled fixed on my dash I have the air bag light and the brake light tire light service engine soon light on my door locks would work some times and then I had to open my car from the driver side manually then my drivers side window won't roll all the way up only half way then my car just wouldn't start out of the blue replace the starter ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2022
UNKNOWN since I have bought my 2008 bmw 328i I had one recalled fixed on my dash I have the air bag light and the brake light tire light service engine soon light on my door locks would work some times and then I had to open my car from the driver side manually then my drivers side window won't roll all the way up only half way then my car just wouldn't start out of the blue replace the starter ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2021
My car is losing power and the instrument panel tends to flicker on and off at times. I had to replace the battery cables, due to water entering the battery compartment and corroded the cables. Once that was repaired it was determined that the the positive battery cable at the front power distribution box may be damaged by vehicle vibrations or something which cause no power going to the distribut... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 BMW X3. The contact stated that the check engine and coolant warning lights were illuminated. 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 and it was confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was diagnosed and the... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 BMW X3. The contact stated that the check engine and coolant warning lights were illuminated. 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 and it was confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was diagnosed and the... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2022
Sunshade panel is not retracting properly and this situation creates a sagging panel that impedes visibility when driving (looking to the rear view mirror)
Incident date: Dec 15, 2021
Vehicle reports to the driver, erroneously, that the vehicle is not in park and is in danger of rolling, when it is in fact in park. Many drivers are reporting this problem which stems from a defective part deep in the shifter assembly.
Incident date: Feb 16, 2022
Brakes are squeaking and vehicle is shaking when attempting to use brakes. Takes an excessively long time to brake and I fear for the safety of my family when using vehicle with faulty brakes. Vehicle paperwork shows that the vehicle is overdue for new front/rear brakes, yet BMW doesn't want to replace them since they key reader isn't indicating that they need to be replaced.
Incident date: Nov 26, 2021
Failure of high pressure fuel pump.
Incident date: May 3, 2020
I owned a 2011 BMW 328i vin number [XXX]. My car first began having problems with the coils, which I had repaired. Then, my engine light came on at least 7 different times and had to return to the the dealership for repair. Sometimes I was not even out of the driveway of the dealership before I had to return the car. They eventually repaired the systemic problem as well as recall notices. On May ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Sep 14, 2021
Casually picking up from a stop light when my car just randomly decided to turn off on the middle of the road and go into neutral. I lost power steering and brakes. I was able to manage to pull over and restart the car and I was welcomed with a bunch of check engine lights and many other malfunctions. Got the car towed and comes out that the timing chain has failed as well as the oil pump and resu... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2021
Casually picking up from a stop light when my car just randomly decided to turn off on the middle of the road and go into neutral. I lost power steering and brakes. I was able to manage to pull over and restart the car and I was welcomed with a bunch of check engine lights and many other malfunctions. Got the car towed and comes out that the timing chain has failed as well as the oil pump and resu... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2022
My car stops every once in a blue moon randomly while I am driving. The engine suddenly shuts off and a warning light that says "Drivetrain Malfunction: Drive moderately. Maximum drive output not available." shows up. It is extremely dangerous for me and others, it has stopped 3 times in the middle of the freeway & 6 times on normal street. When I got my car towed the first few times to random aut... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2022
Passenger external front and rear door handle assembly caught on fire and melted the rubber grommet. BMW said it was the comfort sensor fuse that should have blown but it did not. The rubber grommet holding the door handle melted. I had to buy two door handles that cost $250 each to replace the ones that burnt out.
Fire
Incident date: Jan 5, 2022
Passenger external front and rear door handle assembly caught on fire and melted the rubber grommet. BMW said it was the comfort sensor fuse that should have blown but it did not. The rubber grommet holding the door handle melted. I had to buy two door handles that cost $250 each to replace the ones that burnt out.
Fire
Incident date: Feb 11, 2022
The Drive Shaft was replaced as part of a recall in 2017 and the damage from that drive shaft has caused an issue in the transfer case resulting in humming and other periodic noises and vibrations. The dealer asked for $5300 to replace the Transfer Case and I have stopped driving it as it could lead to an accident. Mechanics have said this is VERY COMMON in those cars with this recall. https://sta... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2022
The Drive Shaft was replaced as part of a recall in 2017 and the damage from that drive shaft has caused an issue in the transfer case resulting in humming and other periodic noises and vibrations. The dealer asked for $5300 to replace the Transfer Case and I have stopped driving it as it could lead to an accident. Mechanics have said this is VERY COMMON in those cars with this recall. https://sta... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2022
I was driving down the street and the drive shaft broke and when that broke it hit my exhaust and broke my transmission cooler
Incident date: Dec 1, 2013
Driver side seat gets so hot that the seat warmer cannot be kept on, even at the lowest setting, for longer than a few minutes.
Incident date: Jan 28, 2022
wHILE DRIVING ON A MICHIGAN EXPRESSWAY 1/28/22 THE SUNROOF EXPLODED NOTHING HIT MY VEHICLE THE SUNROOF CAME CRASHING DOWN IN SMALL PICES AND COULD OF CUT A CHILD OR GOT IN ANYONES EYES PLUSH THE SHOCK OF THE EXPLODING GLASS I CONYACTED THE BME DEALER THEY DID NOT HELP PLUS ACTED LIKED THIS VEVER EVER HAPPEND i CONTACTED BMW USA AND THEY ADVISED HARD TO PROVE IT WAS A DEFECT AND IT MUST OF BEEN OUT... Read more