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 4, 2021
The engine control unit is activating "Limp Mode" operation (reduced power/low rpm) forcing the operator to navigate traffic with minimal power. First events (4~5 times) occurred in May 2020 at odometer reading of 18000~18200. The engine control unit (ECU) had stored fault codes, 21F961 & 21F971 "Throttle Valve #1 Out of Range". The Dealership consulted with BMW and was directed to update the E... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2017
930A1B Permanent Front passenger seat occupancy detection malfunction 930A1C Permanent Front passenger seat occupancy detection malfunction 930AC9 Intermittent Front passenger seat occupancy detection malfunction Theres a recall out for it but my vehicles vin wasn't included. Its been killing people Yes problem was diagnosed by vehicle tech at an auto repair shop No it has not but I am tryin... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2021
Fuel system has failed twice resulting in the vehicle shutting down while driving. My safety was put at risk because the vehicle unexpectedly shut down while driving without any warning in the midst of traffic. The problem has been confirmed by the dealer both times and the fuel system replaced each time. There were no warnings or signs prior to each failure. The first failure occurred on 10/10/20... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2021
I had just turned on the car a few minutes prior to the incident and I was approaching an intersection to turn left onto a 2-lane highway. As I made the left turn, the steering felt wrong like the car was over then under steering. I was able to straighten out, and I felt like the power steering had failed. A quarter mile down the road, I turned left into a gas station, and I could feel the heav... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2021
The fuel tank has some kind of leak, not specified where by the dealership, but I suspect it is on the top of the tank. When I first had this vehicle serviced in 2019, I mentioned a small of diesel. The service advisor told me it was a diesel "feature". Having recently acquired another diesel vehicle that does not smell, I requested a proper check be made this year. I now believe the tank was lea... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2021
Earlier this year I was notified by BMW that as of Feb 2022 my car would lose all networking capability due to the phase out of 3G cell towers. The "ConnectedDrive" package would become inoperative, and importantly, would no longer be able to route my travel according to traffic. My heads-up display is currently very well integrated with the navigation system, adaptive cruise control, and safety w... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2021
Earlier this year I was notified by BMW that as of Feb 2022 my car would lose all networking capability due to the phase out of 3G cell towers. The "ConnectedDrive" package would become inoperative, and importantly, would no longer be able to route my travel according to traffic. My heads-up display is currently very well integrated with the navigation system, adaptive cruise control, and safety w... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2021
Fuel pump stopped working almost died on highway after car stalled and wouldnt let me drive while it turned off . I cant believe a fuel pump is bad at 107 k miles . Ive read multiple forums on same issue w other x6 this needs immediate attention someone could die .
Incident date: Jul 29, 2021
Fuel pump stopped working almost died on highway after car stalled and wouldnt let me drive while it turned off . I cant believe a fuel pump is bad at 107 k miles . Ive read multiple forums on same issue w other x6 this needs immediate attention someone could die .
Incident date: Aug 23, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 BMW X6. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, there was an abnormal grinding noise detected. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed with a fractured front axle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The failure ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2021
Faulty transmission torsion spring. My shift shaft torsion spring found within the transmission broke, which made the gear shifting difficult and even impossible. BMW Engineers without looking at the transmission denied the warranty issue. My motorcycle has been in the dealership service department for almost a month. The BMW mechanic "believes this to be the issue " but is not allowed to open t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2021
Faulty transmission torsion spring. My shift shaft torsion spring found within the transmission broke, which made the gear shifting difficult and even impossible. BMW Engineers without looking at the transmission denied the warranty issue. My motorcycle has been in the dealership service department for almost a month. The BMW mechanic "believes this to be the issue " but is not allowed to open t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2021
The shift shaft torsion spring found within the transmission broke, which made gear shifting difficult or even impossible for me. This presents an important safety hazard as it place the me in a dangerous situation I found myself unable to change gears altogether—definitely In While trying to figure out what went wrong I almost lose control of the motorcycle. I took it in to the BMW Motorrad ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2021
The shift shaft torsion spring found within the transmission broke, which made gear shifting difficult or even impossible for me. This presents an important safety hazard as it place the me in a dangerous situation I found myself unable to change gears altogether—definitely In While trying to figure out what went wrong I almost lose control of the motorcycle. I took it in to the BMW Motorrad ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 2021
Whenever the temperature Is above 80 degrees the steering becomes very stiff with no power assist due to a design defeat within the steering column. The vehicle because very dangerous to drive due to the lack of steering control. This problem effects all BMW Z4s from 2003 to 2006. BMW wants the owners to have the dealer replace the steering column for $6,000. Please assist us in having BMW issue a... Read more
Incident date: May 27, 2021
The contact owned a 2015 BMW 428i. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle drove over a pot and the air pressure monitoring system warning had displayed. After stopping the vehicle, flames and smoke were present coming from the front driver side wheel well. The fire department was called to the scene but the vehicle was completely engulfed in flames and was destroye... Read more
Fire
Incident date: May 27, 2021
The contact owned a 2015 BMW 428i. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle drove over a pot and the air pressure monitoring system warning had displayed. After stopping the vehicle, flames and smoke were present coming from the front driver side wheel well. The fire department was called to the scene but the vehicle was completely engulfed in flames and was destroye... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Aug 30, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact was alerted by his daughter, who was in another vehicle, that there was smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The contact attempted to notify the dealer but was not able to speak to someone regarding the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2021
My BMW X5 has Pirelli Scorpion Verde run flat tires. 255/50/R 19. For the second time in three months a tire blew and caused extensive damage to my car. Both incidents have taken place on the interstate going 80 MPH. No tire warning light came on until the tire had already blown each time. The car has been regularly serviced at BMW dealerships. The first time my two kids were along and they ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2021
Car failed to start due fuel pump wires malfunction.
Fire
Incident date: Aug 27, 2021
Serious crash from sudden unintended acceleration occurred yesterday where throttle seemed to be stuck in all gears and brakes didn’t work
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 27, 2021
Serious crash from sudden unintended acceleration occurred yesterday where throttle seemed to be stuck in all gears and brakes didn’t work
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 27, 2021
Serious crash from sudden unintended acceleration occurred yesterday where throttle seemed to be stuck in all gears and brakes didn’t work
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 20, 2021
The contact's mother owned a 2013 BMW 328i. The contact stated while driving 5 mph and approaching a traffic light when another vehicle impacted the rear driver side door.The air bags did not deploy. The contact stated she sustained a mild concussion, has neck, back, and shoulder pains, and stated she had numbness on the left leg and left arm. The contact was taken by an ambulance to the emergency... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2011 BMW R 1200 RT. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V471000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The dealer was contacted and informed that the parts were not available. The contact called back the same dealer on two separate occasions and was informed that parts were still unavailable. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact stated that the man... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2012 BMW 535i. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact waited approximately 5-10 minutes before restarting the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure persisted soon after the initial failure. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer for assistance. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. Upon invest... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2021
The car is burning oil badly and making an annoying squeaking noise due to a valve cover gasket failure. I took the car to the BMW dealership for diagnosis and I’ve been told it’s a common problem with ALL BMW once they reach 50k miles and up. The mechanic said it’s because the part is made with a cheap plastic and it’s get worn easily by the heat . It’s cost up to 2000 dollars to fix, ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 2, 2021
My forth vehicle with throttle body cams that are cracked and broken on both sides. No symptoms or warning lights of a problem that could have lead to a catastrophic failure, total engine propulsion failure, breakdown. My safety and others were in danger of injury or death. Dealer has confirmed and repaired all vehicles.
Incident date: Jul 7, 2021
Throttle body cams broken, no symtoms, could have caused crash from complete power loss to the engine, could have crashed or been hit. Dealer replaced.
Incident date: Aug 21, 2021
I was driving on the highway and took my exit and the car suddenly stopped with the message "Drivetrain malfunction. Drive moderately." After this, the car would not move even with the engine on. It was as if the it was stuck in one gear and wouldn't move to "Drive". I turned the car off and back again. At this time, the car started to sputter after it started. Then, I let it stopped the eng... Read more
Incident date: Aug 21, 2021
I was driving on the highway and took my exit and the car suddenly stopped with the message "Drivetrain malfunction. Drive moderately." After this, the car would not move even with the engine on. It was as if the it was stuck in one gear and wouldn't move to "Drive". I turned the car off and back again. At this time, the car started to sputter after it started. Then, I let it stopped the eng... Read more
Incident date: Aug 21, 2021
The rear hatch constantly closes on it's own when putting things in or pulling things out of the trunk. I've had my head hit by the lid or had to scramble to prevent it from hurting someone else. This is a safety hazard that BMW refuses to fix.
Incident date: Aug 23, 2021
The air conditioning in the car after changing the air filters has a nasty vinegar smell. Hundreds of others on BMW forums complain about the same thing.
Incident date: Aug 20, 2021
Vehicle reported engine fault and cut engine power while on freeway (commonly known as "limp mode"). It was extremely dangerous trying to find somewhere to pull over with very little engine power. It has happened several times now. Vehicle is now longer safe for freeway use. It also happened once mid corner which upsets the chassis and is quite dangerous on a motorcycle. Dealer performed a s... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2015
I am filing to write about the timing chain system that's used on the specific engine model the BMW N20. There is a flaw in the design of the system where the plastic timing chain guides break apart and make its way into the engine causing a catastrophic failure to the engine. This happens randomly and without warning. There is nothing the owner can do to prevent it from happening. It's just a ma... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 BMW K 1600 GT. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V060000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the dealer informed the contact that the part for 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 not notified of the issue. The ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2021
Sunroof shattered randomly
Incident date: Aug 5, 2021
More frequent drive train errors and loss of power. Cause defective timing chain guide. This seems to be very common on this year and model of BMW speaking with other BMW owners of the same car. Luckily we were not in heavy traffic and could drive to repair shop.
Incident date: Aug 5, 2021
More frequent drive train errors and loss of power. Cause defective timing chain guide. This seems to be very common on this year and model of BMW speaking with other BMW owners of the same car. Luckily we were not in heavy traffic and could drive to repair shop.
Incident date: Jun 30, 2021
Seat belt my driver restraint light has come on on my car there is a known safety recall on BMW takeda airbags second issue my horn has suddenly stopped working is this related to my airbag as they are in the same area of components basically I don't know if my airbag will work in a collision and I am no longer able to honk my horn
Incident date: Jun 30, 2021
Seat belt my driver restraint light has come on on my car there is a known safety recall on BMW takeda airbags second issue my horn has suddenly stopped working is this related to my airbag as they are in the same area of components basically I don't know if my airbag will work in a collision and I am no longer able to honk my horn
Incident date: Aug 18, 2021
SRS (airbag system) unit that is located underneath center console cupholder can be damaged by a small amount of liquid. Once SRS is damaged, a restraint system failure notification is alerted and the vehicle becomes immobile. Similar recall was issued in the past : Recall Number 96V107000 Manufacturer stated that neither the cupholder nor SRS unit is not watersealed. As the SRS unit seats direc... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2021
Rear brake light failure due to faulty wiring. Identical to the details located in this article (https://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/01/bmw-recalling-241-000-3-series-models-over-faulty-tail-lights/) for which the NHTSA had issued a recall for older BMW models in the past. This issue is common and wide-spread amongst bmw models produced between 2014 - mid 2016. After which BMW modified the wiring har... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2021
Rear brake light failure due to faulty wiring. Identical to the details located in this article (https://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/01/bmw-recalling-241-000-3-series-models-over-faulty-tail-lights/) for which the NHTSA had issued a recall for older BMW models in the past. This issue is common and wide-spread amongst bmw models produced between 2014 - mid 2016. After which BMW modified the wiring har... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2021
On July 30, 2021, my 2017 BMW X5 35d, which had only about 49,000 miles on it and which had been serviced only six weeks before, died without warning. My son and I could have been killed. The car went into Park and had to be towed on a flatbed to the dealer. After 5 days of no word, the dealer falsely accused me of putting gasoline in my diesel vehicle. The dealer eventually determined that the... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2021
Lost all of the pressure when depressing rear brakes. The bike is 1 year and 5 months old. Rear brakes do not slow motorcycle when depressing the entire travel of the pedal. Service manager at BMW stated they have seen this problem on other similar model motorcycles. No warning lamps.
Incident date: Aug 9, 2021
Damaged heat exchanger from debris/rocks getting through grill of car. Now A/C SYSTEM IS BLOWING WARM AIR, IT WILL BLOW COOL FOR A VERY SHORT PERIOD AND THEN GET VERY HOT and car overheats. BMW dealer says the radiator needs replaced and will cost $1600. BMWs after 2017 are now manufactured with a mesh grill covering/rock guard to prevent these issues. This should be covered under my warranty and... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2011
Flame erupted out the top of Passenger seat, sitting cushion. Moms butted blistered, used personal health insurance for medical care. I do have pics in other phone. I will resubmit claim
Fire
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 17, 2011
Flame erupted out the top of Passenger seat, sitting cushion. Moms butted blistered, used personal health insurance for medical care. I do have pics in other phone. I will resubmit claim
Fire
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 17, 2011
Flame erupted out the top of Passenger seat, sitting cushion. Moms butted blistered, used personal health insurance for medical care. I do have pics in other phone. I will resubmit claim
Fire
1 injured