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: 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: 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: 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 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: 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, 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
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: 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: Nov 26, 2021
Car stop completely on main st / took car to dealer and they said it’s the fuel pump ( defective ) / cost to replace about 2000. Lucky no lots of cars behind us at the time ( 2012 / 328 i BMW )
Incident date: Nov 26, 2021
Car stop completely on main st / took car to dealer and they said it’s the fuel pump ( defective ) / cost to replace about 2000. Lucky no lots of cars behind us at the time ( 2012 / 328 i BMW )
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
The contact owns a 2020 BMW 430i. The contact stated while his wife was driving below 10 MPH and depressing on the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to stop as needed. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The driver parked the vehicle and then had the vehicle towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the brake booster replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manuf... 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
Incident date: Jan 12, 2022
Driver side Seat mysteriously burned. Not sure how. Seat warmers were not on at the time.
Fire
Incident date: Jan 12, 2022
"Secure vehicle against rolling" warning effecting my vehicle. Looking online, I can not believe how many others have this very same error. Bmw should do a fix recall because they want to charge 3000 dollars for a 5 dollar spring replacement.
Incident date: Jan 12, 2022
"Secure vehicle against rolling" warning effecting my vehicle. Looking online, I can not believe how many others have this very same error. Bmw should do a fix recall because they want to charge 3000 dollars for a 5 dollar spring replacement.
Incident date: Dec 11, 2021
engine overheating, passenger safety belt, failed speed control (difficulty accelerating) Due to these issues and malfunctions; it causes injury to the driver as the airbags/seat belts are not stable. If the car suddenly stops it can injure the driver. The vehicle shuts off unexpectedly, vehicle loses power/ says to drive moderately or stop driving/ the car drives slow does not past 35 mph, the c... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2021
engine overheating, passenger safety belt, failed speed control (difficulty accelerating) Due to these issues and malfunctions; it causes injury to the driver as the airbags/seat belts are not stable. If the car suddenly stops it can injure the driver. The vehicle shuts off unexpectedly, vehicle loses power/ says to drive moderately or stop driving/ the car drives slow does not past 35 mph, the c... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2021
engine overheating, passenger safety belt, failed speed control (difficulty accelerating) Due to these issues and malfunctions; it causes injury to the driver as the airbags/seat belts are not stable. If the car suddenly stops it can injure the driver. The vehicle shuts off unexpectedly, vehicle loses power/ says to drive moderately or stop driving/ the car drives slow does not past 35 mph, the c... Read more
Incident date: Dec 30, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 328D. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving approximately 50-55 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled in the middle of the highway. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact's daughter was unable to veer to the side of the road due to oncoming traffic. The police arrived on the scene and stopped the traffic before assisting the contact's da... Read more
Incident date: Dec 30, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 328D. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving approximately 50-55 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled in the middle of the highway. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact's daughter was unable to veer to the side of the road due to oncoming traffic. The police arrived on the scene and stopped the traffic before assisting the contact's da... Read more
Incident date: Jan 11, 2022
No emergency lights detecting any problems but the ebreak does not Work
Incident date: Jan 7, 2022
Car spontaneously caught fire
Fire
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
The windows keep getting stuck. Not just one but both. We have replaced the windows 3 times. The window regulator keeps getting wound up in the gear. The motor in the window has to keep getting replaced. This is causing the window to get stuck or tight. Which ever you choose to call it. when it gets this way it causes the window to pop the crack or break. This has happened twice. my BMW is still i... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 BMW 740LI Sedan. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 mph when the vehicle backfired which resulted in the vehicle exploding. The drive train malfunction warning light was illuminated. There was black smoking coming from the rear passenger side of the vehicle and caught fire. The contact was able to jump out of the vehicle and sustained a sprained ankle and men... Read more
Fire
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 4, 2022
The xenon projector bowls in the headlight assembly on both sides of the vehicle have slowly been burning. The bowl is made of plastic and with the heat of the xenons burns the plastic creating not only a fire hazard but also greatly reduces the effectiveness of the headlight beam, rendering it almost useless. This is specific to the OEM manufacture of the headlight assembly, ZKW. This has also be... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2022
The vehicle keeps stalling on the highways and on the streets. We have taken the car in and have towed the car in to the bmw dealership costing us hundreds of dollars on what they think the problem is and it does not fix the issue. They perform a diagnosis and can’t find an issue but the car keeps stalling. The car first starting stalling last year around February.
Incident date: Jan 5, 2022
The vehicle keeps stalling on the highways and on the streets. We have taken the car in and have towed the car in to the bmw dealership costing us hundreds of dollars on what they think the problem is and it does not fix the issue. They perform a diagnosis and can’t find an issue but the car keeps stalling. The car first starting stalling last year around February.
Incident date: Jan 7, 2022
On January 7, 2022 I was driving in the neighborhood and applied the brake to stop. As the car was slowing down, the engine revved to 3,000 RPM making stopping difficult. I came to a full stop and the engine continued to rev. I quickly lifted my foot off the brake pedal and re-applied the brake pedal and the RPM returned to idle. On the same day about an hour later, I experienced the same issu... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2021
The contact owns the 2020 BMW X3. The contact purchased the vehicle in March of 2021 and then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V601000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the vehicle had been at the dealer since December of 2021 unrepaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable am... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2022
The incident that happened to us was the shattered front panel sunroof while driving in a cold temperature on the highway. We don't believe this was caused by a rock because it should have cracked the whole panel but instead, it shattered.
Incident date: Jan 5, 2022
The car came to a complete stop due to the Drivetrain Malfunction. The surprising part was that I noticed the error after 45 mins of buying the car.
Incident date: Jan 5, 2022
The car came to a complete stop due to the Drivetrain Malfunction. The surprising part was that I noticed the error after 45 mins of buying the car.