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: Dec 27, 2021
Vehicle is equipped with soft closing doors. Passenger door actuator malfunctioned which prevented the passenger door from locking. That malfunction short circuited the entire vehicle locking system. It created a unsafe driving condition which locked the driver side door from the inside and outside of the vehicle. Basically locking the driver inside the car. The only way for the driver to exit the... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2021
Vehicle is equipped with soft closing doors. Passenger door actuator malfunctioned which prevented the passenger door from locking. That malfunction short circuited the entire vehicle locking system. It created a unsafe driving condition which locked the driver side door from the inside and outside of the vehicle. Basically locking the driver inside the car. The only way for the driver to exit the... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2000 BMW 323I. The contact stated that while driving at highway speeds, an abnormal rattling noise would emit from the rear end of the vehicle without warning. Upon inspection, the contact discovered part of the rear driver’s side subframe had detached from the undercarriage of the vehicle. The contact called the dealer about the failure and they offered no assistance. The man... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2021
Failure of High Pressure Fuel pump. My vehicle has low mileage, and BMW has had issues with High pressure fuel pump with same engine as my vehicle. I feel this defect is extended to more vehicles than was stated BMW.
Incident date: Jan 26, 2018
Electric water pump failed. While driving, engine overheated and warning light illuminated. I immediately pulled over and my car was towed in for repairs. Why wasn't the N54 engine not included in the recall campaign#11V-521? Also, my fuel line was found to be leaking when this car was towed in for the electric water pump repairs. I did smell fuel on days prior to this incident, but I mistakenly... Read more
Incident date: Jan 26, 2018
Electric water pump failed. While driving, engine overheated and warning light illuminated. I immediately pulled over and my car was towed in for repairs. Why wasn't the N54 engine not included in the recall campaign#11V-521? Also, my fuel line was found to be leaking when this car was towed in for the electric water pump repairs. I did smell fuel on days prior to this incident, but I mistakenly... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2022
The hatch will randomly auto-close either immediately after opening, or sometimes 15+ seconds after opening where you think it's safe to load items in or out. Sometimes it doesn't do it at all. Others report the issue: https://f48.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1392539 I had it in for other repairs and they quoted me at around $700 for repairs. Since it's intermittent, I'm not confident t... Read more
BMW
K 1600 GTL
(2013) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Jan 3, 2022
Incident date: Dec 28, 2021
On December 26, 2021, I purchased a used BMW K1600 GTL from a private party near Houston, TX. I then proceeded to drive the motorcycle to my home located just north of Dallas, TX. The motorcycle exhibited no issues and ran perfectly. Two days later as I was driving it to get the title and registration put into my name, I began to notice the smell of fuel. At first I thought it might have been ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 17, 2021
We have a warning that says "Secure Vehicle Against Rolling when stopped. Consult service center." I learned online that this warning is common and that it occurs due to the malfunction of an $8 spring but BMW charges $3,000 to $4,000 to replace it. BMW should issue a recall if this is a common safety issue.
Incident date: Dec 29, 2021
While I was driving approximately 35 mph the vehicle shut off. Then a check engine light came on. When a code reader was placed on the vehicle a code p0335 for the crankshaft position sensor. Thankfully I was able to coast the car safely to the shoulder of the roadway. Had I been on an interstate highway who knows what the outcome would have been.
Incident date: Dec 29, 2021
"BMW Motorrad no longer offers repair manuals for our motorcycles" BMW Motorrad has stopped offering Motorcycle service Data to consumers/end users. This lack of service data creates a significant safety hazard to those that perform their own repairs & maintenance! From: Customer Service BMW Motorcycles Sent: Thursday, December 30, 2021 9:15 AM To: ME Subject: Your Motorrad Correspondence Dear X,... Read more
Incident date: Dec 24, 2021
Ever since the rain starter my aux water pump don't work and brake light too. And it seems like something has been draining my battery because battery discharge comes up. And I think the idle idle pulley issue affects almost most of that year bmw X5 because my serpentine belt only installed 10,000 miles ago and already see threads being worn out. Unless that's how long they last. I had to bring th... Read more
Incident date: Dec 24, 2021
Ever since the rain starter my aux water pump don't work and brake light too. And it seems like something has been draining my battery because battery discharge comes up. And I think the idle idle pulley issue affects almost most of that year bmw X5 because my serpentine belt only installed 10,000 miles ago and already see threads being worn out. Unless that's how long they last. I had to bring th... Read more
Incident date: Dec 30, 2021
Driver passenger door would not open when the car is locked from inside. Typically the driver can double pull the door handle which unlocks the car. When attempting to unlock, the pin goes up but comes back down. There are several documented complaints on BMW forums with many owners experiencing this safety issue. If a driver gets into an accident or if the battery dies, the door may fail to open ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 16, 2021
Passenger brake light harness keeps melting. This is my second Bmw and both had the same problem. The car keeps having loss of power while driving on the freeway. Probably something to do with fuel pump.
Incident date: Nov 16, 2021
Passenger brake light harness keeps melting. This is my second Bmw and both had the same problem. The car keeps having loss of power while driving on the freeway. Probably something to do with fuel pump.
Incident date: Nov 16, 2021
Passenger brake light harness keeps melting. This is my second Bmw and both had the same problem. The car keeps having loss of power while driving on the freeway. Probably something to do with fuel pump.
Incident date: Dec 20, 2021
Possible Class Action Law Suit knowingly neglect, mislead, purposely avoiding known recall & obvious risks of possible LIFE / PROPERTY LOST 08/2012, NYS Bear Mt Parks Camp ground Unknown reason Low battery resulted locked steering, stranded tow $450 /park+$450 tow truck to Shop E141st Bronx Friend a Westchester BMW dealer mechanic 1988~2019 (Will testify): official instruction to replace Steering... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2021
Possible Class Action Law Suit knowingly neglect, mislead, purposely avoiding known recall & obvious risks of possible LIFE / PROPERTY LOST 08/2012, NYS Bear Mt Parks Camp ground Unknown reason Low battery resulted locked steering, stranded tow $450 /park+$450 tow truck to Shop E141st Bronx Friend a Westchester BMW dealer mechanic 1988~2019 (Will testify): official instruction to replace Steering... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2021
Possible Class Action Law Suit knowingly neglect, mislead, purposely avoiding known recall & obvious risks of possible LIFE / PROPERTY LOST 08/2012, NYS Bear Mt Parks Camp ground Unknown reason Low battery resulted locked steering, stranded tow $450 /park+$450 tow truck to Shop E141st Bronx Friend a Westchester BMW dealer mechanic 1988~2019 (Will testify): official instruction to replace Steering... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2021
After stopping for a red light for a right turn vehicle does not accelerate in hybrid mode when commanded to do so. No alarms are present. Car is shown to be in Drive. After numerous attempts to switch transmission gears and restart the engine, switched to gas (sport) mode and was able to accelerate the car. Occurred on at least 3 occasions. A dangerous event because drivers behind the car could a... Read more
Incident date: Dec 29, 2021
The EGR Cooler has gone bad and I have been driving around with carbon monoxide in my car causing extreme headaches and nausea. I did not know that was the problem and it took 2 visits to the dealer to figure it out. The EGR cooler was dirty and blocked before we purchased the vehicle and there have been a couple other indicators that this was an issue. Also the car did NOT have an engine light on... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2021
Car has broken down five times, each after having been driven several hours. Car suddenly looses power and dies. Will not restart- requires tow. All repair attempts have been made at BMW dealers. We have been placed in dangerous situations, including once with my six year old grandson in a highway construction zone with no shoulder. Please see attached correspondence with manufacturer.... Read more
Incident date: Dec 24, 2021
Vehicle was taken to the dealer for repair. The dealer mechanics diagnosed a failed engine mount bolt. Vehicle mileage is 66965. This vehicle is driven lightly and this failure seems to be premature.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2021
It appears that a component in the gear selector has failed to properly detect the gear selector position, specifically when it is in park. Even though the gear selector is in park and the parking brake is applied as indicated by lights and physically attempting to move the vehicle, there is a warning message to secure a vehicle with parking brake to prevent it from rolling. Therefore the function... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2021
I hit a mild pothole in June and got a sidewalk bubble. Had the tire replaced. Now I’m noticing another bubble in the replaced tire, and in the other from driver side tire. After researching I’ve discovered thousands of forums where this particular brand and tire is known for this issue. These tires are over $500 apiece.
Incident date: Dec 25, 2021
UNKNOWN CAR STARTED SHAKING ON THE HIGHWAY AND SUDDENLY LOST POWER. SHOWN ERROR 'POWER TRAIN MAILFUNCTION'
Incident date: Dec 13, 2021
In Buford GA at the corner of Elm Tree Terrace and Buford Dam road, I was waiting for the light to turn on a decline. It is important to note that the car was driving in all-electric mode on a full charge. Once the light turned green I stepped on the accelerator to go and the car stalled. I believe the transmission slipped. The gears caught at high torque and jolted the car involuntarily forward. ... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 13, 2021
In Buford GA at the corner of Elm Tree Terrace and Buford Dam road, I was waiting for the light to turn on a decline. It is important to note that the car was driving in all-electric mode on a full charge. Once the light turned green I stepped on the accelerator to go and the car stalled. I believe the transmission slipped. The gears caught at high torque and jolted the car involuntarily forward. ... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 13, 2021
In Buford GA at the corner of Elm Tree Terrace and Buford Dam road, I was waiting for the light to turn on a decline. It is important to note that the car was driving in all-electric mode on a full charge. Once the light turned green I stepped on the accelerator to go and the car stalled. I believe the transmission slipped. The gears caught at high torque and jolted the car involuntarily forward. ... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 9, 2021
On September 7, 2021, the tailgate of my 2019 BMW X3 opened on its own in my garage. The car had been turned off for approximately 20-25 minutes. My key was inside the house, nowhere near the garage. No one had touched the car after it was turned off. My husband was in the garage, standing approximately 6-10 feet away from the car when the tailgate opened on its own. I believe this is both a Safe... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2021
Error msg indicating “secure vehicle against rolling” appeared. Also, “Transmission: Secure vehicle with parking brake when stopped. Consult service center.” Apparently from many comments from other BMW owners and mechanics the issue is common and is related to an inexpensive spring that has broken in the shifter box. It seems the broken spring prevents the electronic system from receivin... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2021
I’m having an issue with the warning light saying “Secure Vehicle from Rolling“. Many other owners reporting same issue in online discussion groups and forums. Expensive fix for a recurring issue that should be subject to a recall.
Incident date: Dec 17, 2021
The contact owns a 2021 BMW X1. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 mph, another vehicle crashed into the front passenger side of the vehicle. The contact mentioned the air bags failed to deploy from the intensity of the vehicle. A police report was filed. The contact stated that the driver sustained a broken right hand that needed medical attention and was unaware of the oth... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 20, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 BMW X1. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in PARK, the "Secure Vehicle with Parking Brake" warning message was displayed. The vehicle was diagnosed by the contact's friend, an independent mechanic, with gear selector failure. The gear selector needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mil... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 BMW X5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V586000 ( FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL ) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 mph when attempt... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2021
Since tires installed on 9/2021, I have been having a worsening vibration noise. I took it to the installer who checked the balance of the wheels and tires and said there were no issues. The vibration continued. I took the car to an independent mechanic who inspected the vehicle. He said it's either the wheel bearings or the tires. The wheel bearings were replaced and I continued to have issues. T... Read more
Incident date: Dec 4, 2021
Engine stalled at low speed. Was able to restart engine. Check engine light was on so was able to drive it to dealer. Dealer determined it was hpfp failure, with metal shards in fuel line, so entire fuel system replaced (injectors, lines, hpfp, etc). Hpfp was replaced with the same model that failed, just a new one. A while later, engine stalled again at low speed. No check engine light but was ab... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2021
New 2022 BMW X5M with a little over 200 miles on it. Received a message stating, "driver assistance support reduced". This driver assistance package controls many of the safety features listed above, and then some (could only select 3 from the list above, but affects more). Sad part is, after minor research, I find this has been an ongoing problem with BMW for years, and has not been addressed as ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2021
New 2022 BMW X5M with a little over 200 miles on it. Received a message stating, "driver assistance support reduced". This driver assistance package controls many of the safety features listed above, and then some (could only select 3 from the list above, but affects more). Sad part is, after minor research, I find this has been an ongoing problem with BMW for years, and has not been addressed as ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2021
New 2022 BMW X5M with a little over 200 miles on it. Received a message stating, "driver assistance support reduced". This driver assistance package controls many of the safety features listed above, and then some (could only select 3 from the list above, but affects more). Sad part is, after minor research, I find this has been an ongoing problem with BMW for years, and has not been addressed as ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2021
The positive battery terminal connection on the thickest cable in the trunk of the car (this wire leads from the battery in the trunk to the fuse box behind the glove box of the car) was loose due to either natural loosening over time (i.e. loss of torque on the fastener) or improperly applied torque by various BMW service shops (battery was changed by independent BMW service shop in 2018 and chec... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2021
I am experiencing a know issue others have complained about related to the high pressure fuel injector failure in my vehicle. There have been previous recalls for this and my vehicle should fall within the recall dates and is showing all of the symptoms of this failure yet is it some how not part of the recall. What is happening is on cold starts or even idle the car is shaking and has a very appa... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2021
I am experiencing a know issue others have complained about related to the high pressure fuel injector failure in my vehicle. There have been previous recalls for this and my vehicle should fall within the recall dates and is showing all of the symptoms of this failure yet is it some how not part of the recall. What is happening is on cold starts or even idle the car is shaking and has a very appa... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 BMW X5. 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 exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2021
My vehicle was part of a recall No. 21V-586. I was told I have metal shavings in the fuel system coming from the high pressure fuel pump and given a price to repair of $17,200.00. I first looked on line and found my make, model and year was part of a recall for this exact same issue I informed the dealership of the recall. The contacted BMW and they stated they would not cover the repairs because ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2021
2011 BMW x6m 115k miles the car system was burning smell coming. Smell like electrical problem the system of the car shuts down no power just enough power to pull over off the road. Turned it off and back on it went away. Check engine light and reduced of power keeps coming on. We look into the truck water is leaking into the electrical. Trunk electrical broken. Comfort access not working. This ca... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2021
2011 BMW x6m 115k miles the car system was burning smell coming. Smell like electrical problem the system of the car shuts down no power just enough power to pull over off the road. Turned it off and back on it went away. Check engine light and reduced of power keeps coming on. We look into the truck water is leaking into the electrical. Trunk electrical broken. Comfort access not working. This ca... Read more