2010 BMW 5 Series Problems & Owner Complaints

Engine 41 1 crash 2 fire

“RECALL CAMPAIGN NO.: 17V683: PCV VALVE HEATER ON JANUARY 22, 2018, WHILE TRAVELING WESTBOUND ON THE 10 FREEWAY, MY VEHICLE BEGAN TO SMELL OF BURNING PLASTIC. I PULLED OVER, TURNED MY CAR OFF, GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE TO FIND OUT WHAT IT WAS. I OPENED THE HOOD AND OBSERVED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHICH TURNED INTO FIRE BURNING THE ENTIRE FRONT END INTO THE SEATING AREA OF THE CAR. THE PCV VALVE HEATER MELTED CAUSING THE FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED WHO PUT THE FIRE OUT AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE TOW YARD. RECALL NOTICE WAS RECEIVED FROM BMW, HOWEVER, NO INSTRUCTIO…”
NHTSA complaint #11064540, 2018 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 550I GRAN TURISMO. THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE, BUT A REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AUXILIARY WATER PUMP FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 108,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10908207, 2016 · fire

“I have been having issues , not sure what the problem is but the car doesn’t seem like it’s getting proper gas , & it shakes when I drive . I had to park it in the garage after having it towed home due to an unknown issue .”
NHTSA complaint #11560998, 2023 · crash

Fuel/Propulsion System 37 2 crash 1 fire

“2010 BMW 535XI, CAUGHT FIRE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT RESULTING IN TOTAL LOSS OF VEHICLE. VEHICLE HAS ONLY BEEN MAINTAINED AT BMW DEALERSHIP, AND CURRENT ON ALL INSPECTIONS, REPAIRS, AND MAINTENANCE. FIRE OCCURRED IN DUNCAN DOUGHNUTS DRIVE THROUGH, SLIGHT SMELL OF SMOKE WHILE AT DRIVE THROUGH LINE. WHILE RECEIVING FOOD AT WINDOW LESS THAN A MINUTE OR TWO LATER, AND WHILE IN PARK. FLAMES SHOT THROUGH HOOD AT MIDDLE OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT BY WINDSHIELD AND REAR 1/3 OF THE MIDDLE OF THE HOOD WITH INTENSE SMOKE. IMMEDIATEL REACTION WAS TO PUT IN DRIVE AND MOVED FOREWORD TO GET AWAY FROM BUILDING TO…”
NHTSA complaint #10985883, 2017 · fire

“I have been having issues , not sure what the problem is but the car doesn’t seem like it’s getting proper gas , & it shakes when I drive . I had to park it in the garage after having it towed home due to an unknown issue .”
NHTSA complaint #11560998, 2023 · crash

“I was told by BMW that the high pressure fuel pump for these vehicles are under warranty for 100,000 miles or 10 years. I just purchased the vehicle to not only drive from new jersey to New York and shut down. Since then it caused an accident and the used dealer is just ignoring everything. I was also told there’s an electric water pump class action suit and also something with the trunk leaking. Now I do know that a vehicle is not supposed to be sold without recalls being stated and fixed. I’m already paid 10k for the car and then 1k for a starter . The vehicle is in the body shop having body…”
NHTSA complaint #11469497, 2022 · crash

Electrical System 33 3 crash 4 fire 2 injury

“WITHIN TWO WEEKS OF TAKING OWNERSHIP OF THIS CAR, I EXPERIENCED A SERIES OF FAULTS IN THE SYSTEM WHERE THE CAR FROZE UP AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS, THE CAR HAS EXPERIENCED A VARIETY OF MALFUNCTIONS IN THE ELECTRONIC WARNING SYSTEM. ON 5/22/12, UPON LEAVING MY RESIDENCE, I LOST MOMENTARY CONTROL OF THE CAR. THE CAR STOPPED, JERKED AND THEN I HIT A CURB AND WHEN I RIGHTED THE CAR, I PRESSED DOWN ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE CAR ACCELLERATED TO A HIGH SPEED. I TRAVELLED APPROXIMATELY 100' TO WHERE THERE WERE THREE CARS AND ONE MOTORCYCLE STOPPED AT A…”
NHTSA complaint #10474681, 2012 · crash · fire · 2 injury(ies)

“BLOWER MOTOR SHORTED AND CAUSED WIDESPREAD ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AFFECTING HEADLIGHTS AND THEIR CONTROL. A LARGE AMOUNT OF SMOKE BLEW OUT OF THE VENTS AS WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING MOVED FROM THE GARAGE TO THE PARKING LOT AT A 3RD PARTY SERVICE PROVIDER.”
NHTSA complaint #11043796, 2017 · fire

“I DROVE ACROSS TOWN TO MY PARENTS HOUSE AND WHEN I GOT THERE I TURNED THE CAR COMPLETELY OFF AND LOCKED IT. I VISITED WITH THEM FOR ROUGHLY 30 MINUTES BEFORE I HAD TO LEAVE AGAIN. I WAS APPROACHING MY CAR AND CLICKED THE UNLOCK BUTTON ON MY KEY FOB. ONCE THE CAR UNLOCKED I NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. I UNLOCKED TO HOOD TO RELEASE PRESSURE AND QUICKLY RAN TO GRAB A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. WHEN I CAME BACK TO THE CAR WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER I NOTICED FLAMES SHOOTING OUT THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR. I PUT THOSE FLAMES OUT BUT AFTER TWO MINUTES MY CAR WAS COMPLETELY ENGULFED BY FLAMES. THE FIRE DE…”
NHTSA complaint #11003663, 2017 · fire

Engine And Engine Cooling 23 3 fire

“The contact owns a 2010 BMW 528i. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, she smelled a burning odor and there was smoke coming from underneath the hood and through the vent. The (!) malfunction indicator warning light illuminated. The contact continued to drive the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle would jerk intermittently while driving. The contact received recall notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V683000 (Engine And Engine Cooling), which she associated with the failure. The dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceed…”
NHTSA complaint #11460753, 2022 · fire

“The contact owned a 2010 BMW 528i. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH the vehicle started to shake and vibrate, additionally smoke began to issue from under the hood. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to safely pull of the highway and shut off the vehicle, the smoke emission increased and the vehicle caught fire. The fire department arrived and extinguished the fire using water. The police were also on scene. The contact is not aware if any reports were written by police or fire department. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot due t…”
NHTSA complaint #11460031, 2020 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 528I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, SMOKE ENTERED THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE AIR VENTS. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER (TOWNE BMW, 8215 MAIN ST, WILLIAMSVILLE, NY 14221) THREE TIMES, BUT HAD NOT RECEIVED A RETURN CALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11104656, 2018 · fire

Fuel System 22

“The contact owns a 2010 BMW 528I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated and flashed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that fuel was leaking form the engine. The contact was unaware of what part needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”
NHTSA complaint #11580653, 2024

“The contact owns a 2010 BMW 550i Gran Turismo. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a fuel odor detected inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for a smog test but failed the smog test after the fuel odor was detected. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed as a fuel leak at the connection on the high line to injectors on bank 2. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer for diagnosis. The contact rel…”
NHTSA complaint #11432766, 2021

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 535I. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20-25 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER. THE CONTACT COASTED AND MANUALLY STEERED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO RALLYE BMW (1 BRUSH HOLLOW RD, WESTBURY, NY 11590, (516) 226-7947) WHO HAD REPLACED AN UNKNOWN PART HOWEVER, APPROXIMATELY A WEEK LATER THE FAILURE RECURRED WITH THE SAME WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO THE SAME DEALER AND THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED. THE…”
NHTSA complaint #11413933, 2021

Air Bags 20 1 crash 1 injury

“i was in a rear end crash accident my fault fast airbag didn’t deploy significant damage to my face car was totaled”
NHTSA complaint #11518174, 2022 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“There seems to be a common problem with these vehicles according to similar complaints being discussed in forums. My steering wheel is malfunctioning and creating a safety concern. While driving straight my horn and electrical controls do not function. If I turn the steering wheel to one side then the horn and electrical components work. I am also afraid that the airbag may not function properly because of this.”
NHTSA complaint #11551162, 2023

“FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR SYSTEM MALFUNCTION WARNING ILLUMINATED WHILE DRIVING ON 12/29/2019. LOOKS LIKE IT'S COVERED BY THIS SERVICE BULLENTIN HTTPS://STATIC.NHTSA.GOV/ODI/TSBS/2014/SB-10056703-9690.PDF HOWEVER, AFTER CONTACTING BMW, BMW REFUSED TO COVER. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE”
NHTSA complaint #11296863, 2019

Power Train 17 1 crash

“I have been having issues , not sure what the problem is but the car doesn’t seem like it’s getting proper gas , & it shakes when I drive . I had to park it in the garage after having it towed home due to an unknown issue .”
NHTSA complaint #11560998, 2023 · crash

“When driving any acceleration will cause the car to shift from Drive to Neutral. This can happen under normal driving conditions and at any speed.”
NHTSA complaint #11564873, 2023

“The "Secure from Rolling" alert pops up on screen and car is prevented from moving. Engine must be shut off and ignition turned back on to work. Gears/spring probably need replaced per error message.”
NHTSA complaint #11493363, 2022

Exterior Lighting 9 2 fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 535I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE FOG LIGHT WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE AND THE HOUSING FOR THE LIGHT HAD BECOME MELTED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER BUT THE DEFECT WAS NOT REMEDIED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT RECALLED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,100.”
NHTSA complaint #10553087, 2013 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 535I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND REAR TURN SIGNALS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE WIRES FOR THE BRAKES LIGHTS AND REAR TURN SIGNALS BURNED OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10497897, 2013 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 528I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHT WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED AND THE EXTERIOR LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED PER AN UNKNOWN RECALL; THEREFORE, THEY COULD NOT ASSIST. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11161172, 2018

Seat Belts 9

“FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR SYSTEM MALFUNCTION WARNING ILLUMINATED WHILE DRIVING ON 12/29/2019. LOOKS LIKE IT'S COVERED BY THIS SERVICE BULLENTIN HTTPS://STATIC.NHTSA.GOV/ODI/TSBS/2014/SB-10056703-9690.PDF HOWEVER, AFTER CONTACTING BMW, BMW REFUSED TO COVER. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE”
NHTSA complaint #11296863, 2019

“DRIVER RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION WARNING DISPLAYED”
NHTSA complaint #11209210, 2019

“ALL THE BMW HAVE RECALL ABOUT AIRBAG AND SEAT BELT ,WHY MY 535I BMW 2010 ITS NOT UNDER RECALL,.I HAVE MY LIGHT ON AND I'M SCARED DRIVING IT LOOKS LIKE I'M NOT SAFE,I WAS DRIVING TH CAR IN CITY AND I STOPPED TO DROP OFF MY WIFE SHE TAKE OUT SEAT BELT AND SHE STAND THE LIGHT COMING ON ,IT SAID RESTRAINED SYSTEM MUNFLUCTION .”
NHTSA complaint #11204069, 2019

Unknown Or Other 9 2 fire

“RECALL CAMPAIGN NO.: 17V683: PCV VALVE HEATER ON JANUARY 22, 2018, WHILE TRAVELING WESTBOUND ON THE 10 FREEWAY, MY VEHICLE BEGAN TO SMELL OF BURNING PLASTIC. I PULLED OVER, TURNED MY CAR OFF, GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE TO FIND OUT WHAT IT WAS. I OPENED THE HOOD AND OBSERVED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHICH TURNED INTO FIRE BURNING THE ENTIRE FRONT END INTO THE SEATING AREA OF THE CAR. THE PCV VALVE HEATER MELTED CAUSING THE FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED WHO PUT THE FIRE OUT AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE TOW YARD. RECALL NOTICE WAS RECEIVED FROM BMW, HOWEVER, NO INSTRUCTIO…”
NHTSA complaint #11064540, 2018 · fire

“2010 BMW 535XI, CAUGHT FIRE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT RESULTING IN TOTAL LOSS OF VEHICLE. VEHICLE HAS ONLY BEEN MAINTAINED AT BMW DEALERSHIP, AND CURRENT ON ALL INSPECTIONS, REPAIRS, AND MAINTENANCE. FIRE OCCURRED IN DUNCAN DOUGHNUTS DRIVE THROUGH, SLIGHT SMELL OF SMOKE WHILE AT DRIVE THROUGH LINE. WHILE RECEIVING FOOD AT WINDOW LESS THAN A MINUTE OR TWO LATER, AND WHILE IN PARK. FLAMES SHOT THROUGH HOOD AT MIDDLE OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT BY WINDSHIELD AND REAR 1/3 OF THE MIDDLE OF THE HOOD WITH INTENSE SMOKE. IMMEDIATEL REACTION WAS TO PUT IN DRIVE AND MOVED FOREWORD TO GET AWAY FROM BUILDING TO…”
NHTSA complaint #10985883, 2017 · fire

“N/A Complaint is that no remedy is available 8 months after recall issued. Currently this particular car is still drivable, but suffers oil leaks from this lack of repair. No local dealer or repair shops can fix ahead of the recall because they cannot get the repair bolts either. Eight months is a ridiculous amount of time to wait for a manufacture repair.”
NHTSA complaint #11592868, 2024

Seats 4

“DRIVER RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION WARNING DISPLAYED”
NHTSA complaint #11209210, 2019

“ALL THE BMW HAVE RECALL ABOUT AIRBAG AND SEAT BELT ,WHY MY 535I BMW 2010 ITS NOT UNDER RECALL,.I HAVE MY LIGHT ON AND I'M SCARED DRIVING IT LOOKS LIKE I'M NOT SAFE,I WAS DRIVING TH CAR IN CITY AND I STOPPED TO DROP OFF MY WIFE SHE TAKE OUT SEAT BELT AND SHE STAND THE LIGHT COMING ON ,IT SAID RESTRAINED SYSTEM MUNFLUCTION .”
NHTSA complaint #11204069, 2019

“AIRBAG / SEATBELT SENSOR FAULTY PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION ERROR ON THE SYSTEM. BMW HAD A RECALL EARLIER FOR 2004-2006 VEHICLES WHERE BMW REPLACES THE SEAT MAT FREE OF COST. I CALLED THE DEALER FOR MY 2010 528I AND THEY ARE SAYING THERE IS NO RECALL; HOWEVER I SEE THOUSANDS OF USERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY ARE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE.”
NHTSA complaint #11181409, 2017

Service Brakes 4

“WHEN I'M AT A STOP MY CAR SUDDENLY JUMPS FORWARD WHEN I HAVE MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE THIS IS A ONGOING ISSUE. IT'S SCARY CAUSE I FEEL LIKE I'M GOING TO HIT SOMETHING OR SOMEONE IF I'M AT A STOP LIGHT AND SOMEONE IS CROSSING THE STREET MY CAR COULD JUMP AND HIT THEM. I DO NOT DRIVE THIS VEHICLE NO MORE CAUSE OF THIS. IT ALSO HAPPENS WHEN I'M DRIVING IT PICKS UP SPEED ON IT'S OWN. THIS HAPPENS WHEN EVER THE CAR IS DRIVEN ANYWHERE.”
NHTSA complaint #11398673, 2020

“MY BMW 2010 5 SERIES GT ( CAMPAIGN 10V446000 ) HAS HAD ISSUES PERTAINING TOO A CHECK VALVE OF THE BREAK VACUUM PUMP THAT LEAKS A SMALL AMOUNT OF LUBRICATING OIL. OVER TIME THIS HAS CONTAMINATED MY BRAKE BOOSTER, AND ALSO THERE HAS BEEN ISSUES WITH THE POWER ASSIT BRAKING PERFORMANCE THAT HAS LED TOO LOSS OF POWER ASSIST BRAKING WHICH I'VE DONE RESEARCH AND THAT COULD POTENTIALLY INCREASE A RISK OF AN ACCIDENT. MY FUEL GUAGE HAS ALSO DISPLAYED A LARGER AMOUNT OF FUEL THAN WAS ACTUALLY IN THE TANK, WHICH COULD ALSO INCREASE MY VEHICLE TOO STALL AND INCREASE A CHANCE OF ME BEING IN A ACCIDENT.”
NHTSA complaint #11309893, 2019

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 528I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10845770, 2016

Steering 4

“The "Secure from Rolling" alert pops up on screen and car is prevented from moving. Engine must be shut off and ignition turned back on to work. Gears/spring probably need replaced per error message.”
NHTSA complaint #11493363, 2022

“HORN, AIR BAG AND ALL STEERING WHEEL ELECTRONICS PERMANENTLY SEASED WORKING AFTER A SNAP NOISE FROMTHE STEERING COLUMN HAPPEN, DRIVER SYSTEM RESTRAIN ERROR LIGHT CAME ON. WHILE GOING IN REVERSE TO GET OUT OF PARKING SPOT THE STEERING WAS TURNED FAR LEFT TO GET INTO THE STREET. WHILE TURNING THE STEERING A NOISE THAT RESEMBLES PLASTICS BREAKING CAME FROM THE STEERING COLUMN COMPARTMENT AND CLICKING SOUND THAT STILL OCCURS TODAY WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL IS NOTICEABLE AND CONCERNING IF STEERING IS RELIABLE AND SAFE. WHEN THE ORIGINAL CRACKING NOISE OCCURRED THE COMPUTER WENT OFF WITH…”
NHTSA complaint #10992369, 2017

“MY WIFE WAS DRIVING BMW 535 XI 2010 MODEL AND VIN NUMBER IS [XXX] ON HIGHWAY SUDDENLY "BATTERY MALFUNCTION" SHOWED; SHE WANT TO TAKES CAR ON SHOULDER BUT STEERING STOPPED WORKING. FINALLY SHE WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR IN ONE OF REPAIR SHOP. REPAIR SHOP TOLD THE BELT TIED WITH STEERING WAS JAMMED AND IN BROKEN CONDITION. IT WAS LIFE THREAT AND THERE IS NO SIGNAL ON THIS. BOUGHT THIS KIND OF EXPENSIVE CAR AND THERE IS NO SAFETY. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10948369, 2017

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 3 1 crash 1 fire 2 injury

“WITHIN TWO WEEKS OF TAKING OWNERSHIP OF THIS CAR, I EXPERIENCED A SERIES OF FAULTS IN THE SYSTEM WHERE THE CAR FROZE UP AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS, THE CAR HAS EXPERIENCED A VARIETY OF MALFUNCTIONS IN THE ELECTRONIC WARNING SYSTEM. ON 5/22/12, UPON LEAVING MY RESIDENCE, I LOST MOMENTARY CONTROL OF THE CAR. THE CAR STOPPED, JERKED AND THEN I HIT A CURB AND WHEN I RIGHTED THE CAR, I PRESSED DOWN ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE CAR ACCELLERATED TO A HIGH SPEED. I TRAVELLED APPROXIMATELY 100' TO WHERE THERE WERE THREE CARS AND ONE MOTORCYCLE STOPPED AT A…”
NHTSA complaint #10474681, 2012 · crash · fire · 2 injury(ies)

“MY VEHICLE SUDDENLY STOPS. I'VE ALREADY REPLACE THE SPARKPLUGS, COILS, & FUEL FILTER, BUT THE PROBLEM DOES NOT GO AWAY. THE SUDDEN STOPPING HAPPENS WHEN I'M DRIVING OR WHEN I'M IDLE AT EITHER A STOP SIGN OR A LIGHT. THE VEHICLE SPUTTERS UNTIL IT COMPLETELY TURNS OFF FROM I'M IDLE AND THERE IS NO WARNING FOR WHEN I'M ACTUALLY DRIVING, IT JUST STOPS.”
NHTSA complaint #11053532, 2017

“AFTER HITTING A BUMP WHEN ENTERING A DRIVEWAY, WATER SPILLED IN THE REAR CARGO AREA OF THE STATION WAGON, WATER DRAINED INTO SPARE TIRE WHEEL WELL WHERE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES RESIDE SHORTING OUT MOST MAJOR CONTROLS-ANTI LOCK BRAKES, LOAD LEVELING, TRANSMISSION, TRACTION CONTROL, ETC. IT IS THE LOWEST POINT OF THE CAR'S INTERIOR. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10567488, 2013

Structure 3 1 crash

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 528I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WAS SO LOW TO THE GROUND THAT IT CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE BUMPER. THE CONTACT ALSO CRASHED INTO A CURB THAT DAMAGED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAD THE BUMPER FIXED TWICE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT SPOKEN WITH THE DEALER AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 7,200. UPDATED 05/13/10 *BF UPDATED 05/14/10.*JB”
NHTSA complaint #10329952, 2010 · crash

“I WAS TRAVELING ON FREEWAY TO THE AIRPORT WHEN MY WIFE AND I HEARD A LOUD BOOM AND SUDDENLY HEARD LOUD AIRFLOW. I PULLED OFF TO SIDE OF ROAD AND INSPECTED CAR. THE SUNROOF HAD EXPLODED AND SHATTERED. THE CAR TRAVELING BEHIND ME ALSO STOPPED TO INSPECT HIS VEHICLE BECAUSE OF FLYING GLASS. THE CABIN DOOR TO THE SUNROOF HAD LUCKILY HAD BEEN CLOSED SO AS MY WIFE AND I AVOIDED THE FLYING GLASS. WHEN WE RETURNED FROM OUR TRIP I TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRANTY. THE DEALER SAID THIS PART WAS NOT COVERED AND WOULD COST $3600 TO REPAIR. WE GOGGLED BMW5 SERIES EXPLODING SUNROOFS AN…”
NHTSA complaint #10617626, 2014

“DESCRIPTION: THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR ACTUATOR WENT BAD. AS A RESULT, DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK WHEN HANDLE IS DOUBLE-PULLED. THE MAIN PROBLEM IS, THE DOOR IS DESIGNED SUCH THAT, IT CANNOT BE UNLOCKED MANUALLY BY PULLING THE LOCK STUD UP... THE ONLY WAY TO UNLOCK THE DOOR IS TO PULL THE HANDLE TWICE. THEREFORE, WHEN THE ACTUATOR MALFUNCTIONS, THE ONLY WAY TO UNLOCK THE DOOR AND GET OUT OF THE CAR IS BY PRESSING THE UNLOCK BUTTON WHICH IS ON THE MAIN CONTROL PANEL. RISK: IF I AM IN AN ACCIDENT WITH A PASSENGER SITTING IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, SHE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR AND GET…”
NHTSA complaint #10561208, 2014

Visibility 3

“2010 BMW 528 XI. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR ASSEMBLY AND WIPER RELAY FAILURE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE HAPPENED ONCE OR TWICE IN THE PAST, BUT LASTED ONLY A FEW MINUTES. THE CONSUMER HAD TO DRIVE 100 BLOCK IN THE RAIN, WITH NO WORKING WINDSHIELD WIPERS. THE COST TO REPLACE BOTH COMPONENTS WAS $1878.07. *JB”
NHTSA complaint #10947194, 2016

“I WAS TRAVELING ON FREEWAY TO THE AIRPORT WHEN MY WIFE AND I HEARD A LOUD BOOM AND SUDDENLY HEARD LOUD AIRFLOW. I PULLED OFF TO SIDE OF ROAD AND INSPECTED CAR. THE SUNROOF HAD EXPLODED AND SHATTERED. THE CAR TRAVELING BEHIND ME ALSO STOPPED TO INSPECT HIS VEHICLE BECAUSE OF FLYING GLASS. THE CABIN DOOR TO THE SUNROOF HAD LUCKILY HAD BEEN CLOSED SO AS MY WIFE AND I AVOIDED THE FLYING GLASS. WHEN WE RETURNED FROM OUR TRIP I TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRANTY. THE DEALER SAID THIS PART WAS NOT COVERED AND WOULD COST $3600 TO REPAIR. WE GOGGLED BMW5 SERIES EXPLODING SUNROOFS AN…”
NHTSA complaint #10617626, 2014

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 535I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WATER LEAKED INTO THE VEHICLE FROM THE SUN ROOF. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED, SHUT OFF, AND ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. FURTHERMORE, THE CONTACT'S WIFE SMELLED A FUEL ODOR EMITTING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V746000(FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO BMW OF MACON (4785 RIVERSIDE DR, MACON, GA 31210, 478-757-7000). THE DEALER PROVIDED A COST ESTIMATE OF $6,000 TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE, WHICH DID NOT INCLUDE THE RECALL. THE MAN…”
NHTSA complaint #11267371, 2010

Wheels 3

“WHEEL CRACKED - RUN FLAT TIRES WOULD NOT HOLD AIR DUE TO UNEXPLAINED CRACK IN WHEEL”
NHTSA complaint #11074714, 2015

“THIS IS A 2010 BMW 550I GT WITH THE SPORT PACKAGE. IT HAS THE STAR SPOKE WHEELS AND RUN FLAT TIRES. THE TIRES AND WHEELS ARE ORIGINAL FROM THE FACTORY. THE LOW TIRE INDICATOR CAME ON SO WE TOOK THE TIRE IN TO HAVE IT REPAIRED. THE RIGHT REAR TIRE HAD AN INDUSTRIAL STAPLE IN THE MIDDLE THE TREAD. BMW WOULD NOT REPAIR THE TIRE BECAUSE THEY WILL NOT PATCH A RUN FLAT TIRE. WE WERE THEREFORE FORCED TO PURCHASE A NEW TIRE. THE TIRE HAD 17K MILES ON IT AND STILL HAD A LOT OF TREAD. BMW ORDERED A NEW TIRE AND PUT IT ON. WHEN WE CAME TO PICK UP THE CAR THE TIRE WAS FLAT. BMW TOOK IT BACK AND…”
NHTSA complaint #10461901, 2012

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 550GT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING INDICATOR ALERTED LOW TIRE PRESSURE. THE CONTACT MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND THEN RESUMED OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A TIRE CENTER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL EXHIBITED TWO HAIRLINE CRACKS ON THE INNER PORTION. THE WHEEL WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,120.”
NHTSA complaint #10460229, 2012

Equipment 2 1 crash

“I EXPERIENCED A FAILURE OF MY PDC(PARKING DISTANCE CONTROL) SYSTEM. THE SYSTEM FAILED TO OPERATE AND I SCRAPED A WOODEN POLE AS A RESULT OF THIS FAILURE. I WAS LOOKING BEHIND ME, AS I WAS BACKING UP, THE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO GO ON WHEN REVERSE GEAR IS ON, BUT IT FAILED TO EMPLOY. MY VEHICLE IS A BMW 2010 528I. THIS IS MY FIFTH BMW 5 SERIES AND SINCE THE I-DRIVE THERE HAVE BEEN VARIOUS PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR ;HOWEVER THE PDC SYSTEM IN MY PREVIOUS BMW 2007 OPERATED CONSISTENTLY AS INTENDED EVERY TIME. THE SYSTEM IN MY CURRENT VEHICLE OPERATED CONSISTENTLY UNTIL MARCH 30TH , WHEN IT FAILED TO EMP…”
NHTSA complaint #10328082, 2010 · crash

“FUEL PUMP ON BMW 535I-2010 HAS FAILED TWICE IN 60 DAYS ON LOW MILEAGE CAR. SAFETY ISSUE OCCURS BECAUSE CAR IMMEDIATELY LOSES POWER WITH NO WARNING. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED WE WERE IN A SHOPPING CENTER GARAGE SO WE WERE GOING SLOWLY. SECOND TIME IT HAPPENED WE WERE ON THE 101 HEADING EAST AT HIGH SPEED ON AN INCLINE. LOST POWER AND LUCKILY WERE ABLE TO MOVE OVER TO THE SHOULDER WITH NO INCIDENT. WE WERE INFORMED BY DEALER THAT THIS HAS BEEN A CONTINUING PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL. THEY HAVE REPLACED IT TWICE. THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID THEY HAVE REDESIGNED THE FUEL PUMP AND HOPEFULLY THIS…”
NHTSA complaint #10316350, 2010

Tires 2

“THIS IS A 2010 BMW 550I GT WITH THE SPORT PACKAGE. IT HAS THE STAR SPOKE WHEELS AND RUN FLAT TIRES. THE TIRES AND WHEELS ARE ORIGINAL FROM THE FACTORY. THE LOW TIRE INDICATOR CAME ON SO WE TOOK THE TIRE IN TO HAVE IT REPAIRED. THE RIGHT REAR TIRE HAD AN INDUSTRIAL STAPLE IN THE MIDDLE THE TREAD. BMW WOULD NOT REPAIR THE TIRE BECAUSE THEY WILL NOT PATCH A RUN FLAT TIRE. WE WERE THEREFORE FORCED TO PURCHASE A NEW TIRE. THE TIRE HAD 17K MILES ON IT AND STILL HAD A LOT OF TREAD. BMW ORDERED A NEW TIRE AND PUT IT ON. WHEN WE CAME TO PICK UP THE CAR THE TIRE WAS FLAT. BMW TOOK IT BACK AND…”
NHTSA complaint #10461901, 2012

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 535I (NA) EQUIPPED WITH GOOD YEAR EAGLE LS-2 TIRES, TIRE SIZE 245/45/18. THE CONTACT NOTICED A BUBBLE ON THE SIDE WALL OF THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE TIRE WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,800. THE DOT NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN.”
NHTSA complaint #10399616, 2011

Vehicle Speed Control 2

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 528I. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE BRAKE PEDAL HAD TO BE DEPRESSED TO STOP THE VEHICLE FROM MOVING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE OVER 30 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V176000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10915352, 2016

“I WAS ACCELERATING UP A HILL ON THE HIGHWAY AND MY CAR JUST LOST POWER. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10368176, 2010

Child Seat 1

“THE KEYFIT 30 BASE DOES NOT STAY SECURED TO THE BACKSEAT. THE LOCK APPEARS SPRUNG PER THE INSTALLER'S OPINION. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME I'VE HAD THEM OUT TO TIGHTEN THE BASE AND FINALLY RESORTING TO USE A LOCKING CLIP. THIS IS HIGHLY DANGEROUS AND I CAN PROVIDE PICTURES IF REQUESTED. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10475995, 2012

Suspension 1

“I HAD THE CAR SERVICED BY A MECHANIC BECAUSE I HAD CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FAULTS. WATER PUMP AND THERMOSTAT WAS REPLACED. SPARK PLUGS AND COPS WERE REPLACED. SOME OF THE FUEL INJECTORS WERE ALSO REPLACED. MECHANIC ASKED ME TO DRIVE THE CAR FOR 100 MILES TO SEE IF ANY CHECK ENGINE ISSUES WILL REAPPEAR. THE VEHICLE FIRST BEGAN STATING IT HAD LOW OIL PRESSURE AND WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO CHECK THE OIL LEVEL, IT WOULD CONTINUE TO JUST STOP AT 15%. I THEN RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE INDICATOR WENT AWAY FOR THE LOW OIL PRESSURE. I DROVE ABOUT 10 MORE MILES AND DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION APPEARED AND I…”
NHTSA complaint #11331245, 2020

Visibility/Wiper 1

“THE PASSENGER MIRROR WILL MOVE OUT OF POSITION ON ITS OWN WITHOUT TOUCHING ANY CONTROLS. THIS WILL ALSO OCCUR WHEN THE CAR IS TURNED OFF. AFTER REVIEWING VARIOUS INTERNET POSTINGS OTHER BMW OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AS IT CAN ADVERSELY IMPACT THE DRIVER'S REAR VISION. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10660958, 2014