U.S. public vehicle records

Bmw 5 SERIES brakes problems

39 complaint narratives mention brakes terms.

Key facts

410 owner complaints analyzed

16 distinct recall campaigns

40,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1989 to 2023 model years. Data updated: 2026-09-30 (September 30, 2026). 362 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Braking behavior evidence

39 of 410 complaints match this topic (9.5%). The keyword filter can include complaints that mention a transmission without reporting its failure. View matching rules.

Owner report 10440842 · 2011-12-21 (December 21, 2011)

WHEN I WAS DRIVING IN MY SUBDIVISION IN A 25 MPH ZONE, THE CAR SUDDENLY GOT SELF ACCELERATED AND GOT BEYOND MY CONTROL. I TRIED TO PUSH THE BRAKE, THE BRAKE DID NOT WORK. THE CAR HIT ANOTHER CAR ON THE SIDE, AND WENT THROUGH FRONT YARDS OF TWO HOUSES AND THEN CROSSED THE ROAD AND HIT THE BRICK WALLS OF A /C CONDENSER UNIT OF ANOTHER HOUSE AT AN ELEVATION. THE CAR THEN STOPPED AFTER BREAKING THE UTILITY WALLS. I WAS THE DRIVER AND THERE WAS NO PASSENGER IN THE CAR. THE AIR BAG WAS NOT DEPLOYED (POPPED UP). THE CAR WAS TOTALED. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 180,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10440842 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10106020 · 2005-01-09 (January 9, 2005)

ABS CONTROLLER FAILURE. VERY HIGH FAILURE RATE DURING THIS PRODUCTION PERIOD. SOME REPORTS OF UNCONTROLLED APPLICATION OF BRAKES AT HIGH SPEEDS. BMWNA SALES OF THE ABS MODULATOR AND/OR REPAIR UNIT WILL REFLECT THIS CLAIM.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. 93,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10106020 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10128211 · 2005-07-09 (July 9, 2005)

I HAVE A 1999 BMW 528I WITH INTERMITTENT ABS CONTROLLER ISSUE, WHICH ACTIVATES AT LOW RATE OF SPEED. I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY REPLACED THE ABS SENSOR. THE NEXT DAY IT ACTIVATED AGAIN. I RETURNED TO THE DEALERSHIP, THEY DID A DIAGNOSTIC AND STATED THE ABS REPAIR KIT IS BAD. I ASKED WHAT IS THAT AND THEY STATED IT CONTROLS THE ABS SYSTEM ON MY CAR AND THE PART IS $1000. I AM A MEMBER OF ROADFLY.ORG, WHICH IS A NETWORK CONSISTING OF BMW OWNERS SHARING INFORMATION ABOUT ISSUES AND TIPS. MY CONCERN IS THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND ITS A KNOWN …

Owner-reported narrative. 82,200 miles reported. Look up ODI 10128211 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10568719 · 2014-03-12 (March 12, 2014)

I WAS DRIVING APPX 40MPH WHILE ON A LOCAL ROAD SLIGHTLY UPHILL, ENGINE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING, LOST POWER STEERING AND BRAKE ASSIST. LUCKILY NO CARS AROUND ME SO I WAS ABLE TO BARELY ROLL OVER TO THE ROADSIDE. CAR WOULD NOT START AGAIN, WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. REPLACED ECU FOR A TOTAL COST OF $2K. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 100,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10568719 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10062111 · 2004-03-13 (March 13, 2004)

BMW 545I SYSTEM FAILURE 1. BRAKING AND DYNAMIC-RESPONSE 2. PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. 6,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10062111 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

410 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

88.3%Usable mileage362 / 410 records

100.0%Valid incident date410 / 410 records

100.0%Valid filing date410 / 410 records

100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates410 / 410 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	2009	2010	2011	2012	2023
Air Bags	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	116.7% ODI 10370053 · 5,000 mi AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATES WITH ADULT PASSENGER FIRMLY BELTED INTO PASSENGER SEAT. LIGHT REMAINS ILLUMINATED FOR PERIODS WHICH VARY FROM 5 MINUTES TO 30 MINUTES. THERE IS NO WAY TO TELL IF THIS IS A DEFECTIVE LIGHT ONLY OR IF THE AIR BAG IS INOPERATIVE. AN ADDITIONAL SAFETY CONCERN IS THAT BMW DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES ARE NOT ABLE TO DETECT THIS FAILURE. BMW REFUSES TO CORRECT THE DEFECT. Look up ODI 10370053 at NHTSA ↗	11.2% ODI 10661924 · 50,400 mi INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. OTHER VEHICLE GOING SOUTHBOUND CROSSED OVER MEDIAN STRIP OF HIGHWAY, HIT THREE CARS GOING NORTHBOUND, MINE WAS THIRD CAR TO BE STRUCK. OFFENDING CAR DID A 360 IN FRONT OF ME, I SLOWED TO ABOUT 25 AND HE MOVED INTO ME. I STRUCK HIS REAR PASSENGER SIDE CORNER. I HAD FRONT END DAMAGE OVER $5K. NO AIRBAG, BUT DEFAULT MESSAGES AND AN AIRBAG ICON CAME ON THE VIDEO SCREEN AND THE FRONT INSTRUMENT PANEL. IT STATES "DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIRBAG OR RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION." *JS Look up ODI 10661924 at NHTSA ↗	110.0% ODI 10993684 TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 5-SERIES. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V020000 (AIR BAGS) AND 17V138000 (POWER TRAIN). THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE DEALER, BMW OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA, AND WAS INFORMED THAT PARTS WERE ORDERED FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V020000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, VIN TOOL CONFIRMS REMEDY NOT YET AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTUR… Look up ODI 10993684 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Electrical System	125.0% ODI 10402394 · 28,000 mi CURRENTLY HAVE A 2009 BMW 550I. VEHICLE HAS HAD AN ONGOING AND UNIDENTIFIABLE ELECTRICAL ISSUE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO OFTEN AND WITHOUT INITIAL NOTICE "LOOSE POWER" AND GO INTO A "SAFETY MODE" OPERATING AT A REDUCED POWER BY NOT GOING ABOVE 30MPH AND/OR 3000RPM'S. VEHICLE WITH OFTEN START "BOGGING" AND "SHUTTERING(SHAKING)" AND WILL OFTEN ATTEMPT TO "SURGE" FORWARD WHILE SITTING IN TRAFFIC OFTEN TRYING TO CAUSE A REAR END ACCIDENT WITH THE VEHICLE INFRONT. THE DRIVER OF THE BMW OFTEN HAS TO "STAND" ON THE BRAKES IN ORDER TO PREVENT THE VEHICL… Look up ODI 10402394 at NHTSA ↗	116.7% ODI 10370053 · 5,000 mi AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATES WITH ADULT PASSENGER FIRMLY BELTED INTO PASSENGER SEAT. LIGHT REMAINS ILLUMINATED FOR PERIODS WHICH VARY FROM 5 MINUTES TO 30 MINUTES. THERE IS NO WAY TO TELL IF THIS IS A DEFECTIVE LIGHT ONLY OR IF THE AIR BAG IS INOPERATIVE. AN ADDITIONAL SAFETY CONCERN IS THAT BMW DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES ARE NOT ABLE TO DETECT THIS FAILURE. BMW REFUSES TO CORRECT THE DEFECT. Look up ODI 10370053 at NHTSA ↗	67.4% ODI 10355492 · 6 mi I PURCHASED 2011 MODEL BMW 535I IN AUGUST 2010. THERE ARE 3 CIGARETTE LIGHTER POWER OUTLETS INSIDE THE CAR AND ELECTRICITY IS SUPPLYING ALL THE TIME REGARDLESS OF WHETHER VEHICLE IS BEING LOCKED OR NOT. IF I USE ACCESSORIES LIKE GPS, CHARGER, COFFER WARMER ETC. AND LEFT IN THE LOCKED VEHICLE UNDER SUMMER SUN COULD REALLY BE A FIRE HAZARD. I HAVE CONTACTED TO BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND LOCAL SERVICE ASKING TO REWIRE TO STOP POWER SUPPLY WHILE ENGINE IS STOPPED OR/AND VEHICLE IS LOCKED BUT THEY REFUSED TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I HAVE ANOTHER COM… Look up ODI 10355492 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Fuel System, Gasoline	250.0% ODI 10586316 · 83,000 mi THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. THE STALL IS RELATED TO THE CAMSHAFT SENSOR NOT PROPERLY WORKING AND THE FUEL SYSTEM NOT WORKING PROPERLY. I HAVE A 2009 BMW 528I. IN APRIL 2014 BMW DID A RECALL RELATED TO THE CAMSHAFT FOR 2010 - 2014 528 BMW'S. I CONTACTED MY LOCAL DEALER AND THE NATIONAL BMW DEALER TO LET THEM KNOW I WAS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH MY 2009 AND TO SEE IF THEY WERE GOING TO EXPAND THE RECALL TO INCLUDE THE 2009 MODELS. THEY TOLD ME NO AT THIS TIME THEY DIDN'T HAVE ANY INFORMATION REGARDING EXPANDING THE… Look up ODI 10586316 at NHTSA ↗	116.7% ODI 10415863 WHEN THE TEMPERATURE HITS 100 DEGREES AS IT DOES IN THE DESERT 5 MONTHS OR SO PER YEAR, THE INTERIOR CABIN FILLS UP WITH VERY HARMFUL GAS FUMES. WE OWNED A 2008 AND THE SAME SITUATION. AS A RESULT OF THIS AND PROBLEMS WITH THE FUEL PUMP ON THE 2008, THE DEALERSHIP BOUGHT THE CAR BACK. MY HUSBAND REALLY WANTED ANOTHER BMW AND WHEN HE WAS LOOKING AT BUYING THE 2010 HE WAS TOLD ALL THE PROBLEMS INCLUDING THE GAS FUMES HAD BEEN RESOLVED. NOT SO. THE CAR HAS BEEN BACK TO SERVICE TWICE FOR THE GAS FUMES AND NO ONE CAN SHED ANY LIGHT ON THE SITUA… Look up ODI 10415863 at NHTSA ↗	22.5% ODI 10353634 · 1,320 mi THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED, MY WIFE DROVE OUR 2011 BMW 535I TO WORK AND THE FUEL GAUGE WAS READING HALF TANK. IT'S ONLY APPROX. 20 MILES TO WORK ROUND TRIP TO OUR HOUSE BUT WHEN SHE CAME BACK HOME THE FUEL GAUGE WAS ALMOST EMPTY AND FLASHING WARNING LIGHT FUEL REFILL IS SHOWING. I DROVE THE CAR FOR THE PAST FEW DAYS AND I NOTICED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATOR SEEMED TO BE STAYING ALL THE TIME AT HALF TANK READING. I DROVE IT THIS MORNING TO OUR FAMILY PHYSICIAN AND TO THE MALL AND I STILL NOTICED THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATOR IS NOT MOVING AND WAS R… Look up ODI 10353634 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Tires	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	3037.0% ODI 10392446 · 200 mi SIDE WALL BUBBLES ON GOODYEAR EAGLE LS2 RUN ON FLATS SUPPLIED WITH 2011 BMW 550XI SPORT PACKAGE WHEN DRIVING OVER SMALL POTHOLES OR ROAD IMPERFECTIONS Look up ODI 10392446 at NHTSA ↗	220.0% ODI 10520720 · 11,000 mi THREE TIRE BUBBLES, FIRST AT 11,000 MILES, TWO MORE AT 12,000. ORIGINAL TIRES ON BMW 535XI SPORT. "GOODYEAR EAGLE LS-2 RUNONFLAT" 245/40R19 BMW QUICKLY REPLACED FOUR TIRES WITH MICHELIN, AT PRORATED COST, SO THEY KNOW THE PROBLEM. TIRES MUST BE RECALLED FOR SAFETY!!!!!!!!! *TR Look up ODI 10520720 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Steering	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	2024.7% ODI 10348375 · 100 mi EVER SINCE I'VE OWNED THIS VEHICLE, I NOTICED IT PULLS TO THE RIGHT. IT CONSTANTLY PULLS TO THE RIGHT AND THE DEALER HAS NO FIX YET. *TR Look up ODI 10348375 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Engine And Engine Cooling	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	116.7% ODI 10369896 · 10,000 mi THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM HAPPENED. THE FIRST TIME THE CAR LOST POWER WHEN REVS WENT UP ABOVE 3.5K RPM AND RECOVERED AS SOON AS REVS FELL BELOW THIS RANGE. THIS ALMOST RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT SINCE THE DRIVER BEHIND ME WAS TAKEN BY SURPRISE WITH THE ABRUPT REDUCTION IN SPEED. I TOOK THE CAR TO BMW FOR SERVICE AND THEY REPORTED IT HAD BEEN FIXED. THE SECOND INCIDENT OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING AT 60MPH ON THE LEFTMOST LANE OF A THREE LANE HIGHWAY. THE CAR COMPLETELY LOST POWER AND A WARNING WAS DISPLAYED INDICATING: "ENGINE MALF… Look up ODI 10369896 at NHTSA ↗	44.9% ODI 10356826 · 1,969 mi I TOOK DELIVERY OF A NEW 2011 535I ON 7/11/10. THE CAR WAS BUILT ON 6/1/10. ON 9/5/10 (ODOMETER READING LESS THAN 2000 MILES), I WAS DRIVING ON LOCAL STREETS AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH WHEN THE CAR REPORTED AN ENGINE MALFUNCTION ERROR AND THE CAR SHUTDOWN. I PUSHED THE GAS PEDAL AND THERE WAS NO RESPONSE AND STEERING LOCKED UP. THE CAR WAS PUSHED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THEN TOWED TO THE BMW DEALERSHIP. INITIAL ANALYSIS FROM THE BMW DEALERSHIP WAS THAT THE ERROR RECORDED (FAULT STORED FOR VALVETRONIC SYSTEM. DEVIATION TOO GREAT. FREQUENCY 1 L… Look up ODI 10356826 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Air Bags:Frontal	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Engine	125.0% ODI 10586316 · 83,000 mi THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. THE STALL IS RELATED TO THE CAMSHAFT SENSOR NOT PROPERLY WORKING AND THE FUEL SYSTEM NOT WORKING PROPERLY. I HAVE A 2009 BMW 528I. IN APRIL 2014 BMW DID A RECALL RELATED TO THE CAMSHAFT FOR 2010 - 2014 528 BMW'S. I CONTACTED MY LOCAL DEALER AND THE NATIONAL BMW DEALER TO LET THEM KNOW I WAS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH MY 2009 AND TO SEE IF THEY WERE GOING TO EXPAND THE RECALL TO INCLUDE THE 2009 MODELS. THEY TOLD ME NO AT THIS TIME THEY DIDN'T HAVE ANY INFORMATION REGARDING EXPANDING THE… Look up ODI 10586316 at NHTSA ↗	116.7% ODI 11056120 · 130,000 mi ON SUNDAY 12/03 I SUDDENLY HEARD A KNOCKING NOISE WHILE ACCELERATING AND IMMEDIATELY REACHED THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE CAR CHECKED. THE DIAGNOSIS I RECEIVED IS THAT THERE HAS BEEN A FATAL FAILURE OF BEARING THAT CAUSE THE ENGINE TO GET DAMAGED AND IN NEED TO BE REPLACED. I LOOKED UP ON THE WEB AND FOUND OUT THAT IN 2014 BMW HAD A WORLDWIDE RECALL OF 2010 5 SERIES MODELS FOR A DEFECT IN THE ENGINE WHICH WOULD HAVE GENERATED THE SAME FAILURE I HAVE EXPERIENCE, SUDDENLY, ON SUNDAY. MY CAR WAS NEVER RECALLED, BUT THE FAILURE MODE AND THE YEAR OF… Look up ODI 11056120 at NHTSA ↗	33.7% ODI 10938827 · 48,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 5-SERIES. WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V746000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000. Look up ODI 10938827 at NHTSA ↗	330.0% ODI 10895472 · 58,700 mi I WAS DRIVING AT ABOUT 65 MPH ON A HIGHWAY UPHILL, ENGINE COMPLETELY STALLED, NO POWER, GOT A MESSAGE "DRIVE-TRAIN MALFUNCTION, NO MAXIMUM OUTPUT, DRIVE MODERATELY". I WAS SURROUNDED BY CARS/SEMI TRUCKS, VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. MANAGED TO PULL OVER ON THE SHOULD. COULD NOT RESTART CAR, GOT A MESSAGE "AUTOMATIC START/STOP DEACTIVATED: ENGINE WILL NOT START AUTOMATICALLY. PRESS THE START/STOP BUTTON TO START THE ENGINE." ABOUT 30 MINS AFTER ENGINE STALLED, I FINALLY RESTARTED THE CAR. CONTINUED TO DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAY FOR ABOUT 10 MILES @ 60-65… Look up ODI 10895472 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
Air Bags	59,500–89,500 mi	74,200 mi	59	ODI 10440842 · 180,000 mi WHEN I WAS DRIVING IN MY SUBDIVISION IN A 25 MPH ZONE, THE CAR SUDDENLY GOT SELF ACCELERATED AND GOT BEYOND MY CONTROL. I TRIED TO PUSH THE BRAKE, THE BRAKE DID NOT WORK. THE CAR HIT ANOTHER CAR ON THE SIDE, AND WENT THROUGH FRONT YARDS OF TWO HOUSES AND THEN CROSSED THE ROAD AND HIT THE BRICK WALLS OF A /C CONDENSER UNIT OF ANOTHER HOUSE AT AN ELEVATION. THE CAR THEN STOPPED AFTER BREAKING THE UTILITY WALLS. I WAS THE DRIVER AND THERE WAS NO PASSENGER IN THE CAR. THE AIR BAG WAS NOT DEPLOYED (POPPED UP). THE CAR WAS TOTALED. TR Look up ODI 10440842 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10649096 · 158,000 mi WHILE STARTING THE CAR THE DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. TR Look up ODI 10649096 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10062111 · 6,000 mi BMW 545I SYSTEM FAILURE 1. BRAKING AND DYNAMIC-RESPONSE 2. PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM. *AK Look up ODI 10062111 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	28,000–89,741 mi	52,500 mi	52	ODI 10294367 · 36,000 mi FAILURE OF THE INFORMATION CLUSTER, MISSING PIXELS)....MILEAGE AND OTHER INFORMATION CAN NOT BE READ.TR Look up ODI 10294367 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10358224 · 90,000 mi INTERMITTENT ENGINE SHUT-DOWN. ENGINE SHUTS OFF WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AT ANY SPEED. "ENGINE FAILSAFE" WARNING LIGHT COMES ON. VEHICLE MUST BE STOPPED, KEY TURNED OFF AND RE-STARTED. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE THAT BMW IS AWARE OF AND HAS ISSUED A RELATED TSB. $2000 PLUS REPAIR BILL FOR A NEW "ENGINE WIRING HARNESS". BMW SHOULD BE RECALLING THESE VEHICLES. TR Look up ODI 10358224 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10453159 · 108,000 mi CAR SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING APPX 35MPH WITHOUT WARNING, NEARLY CRASH DUE TO LOSS OF STEERING ASSIST AND INSTRUMENT. DEALER REPLACED BOTH DME AND BATTERY WHICH WAS SUSPICIOUS SINCE TWO UNRELATED COMPONENT FAILED AT SAME TIME? EXTREMELY DANGEROUS WHEN IT HAPPENED IN TRAFFIC, ENDANGERING BOTH MY PASSENGERS AND OTHER DRIVERS NEARBY. RECALL TO THE DME AND BATTERY SHOULD BE ISSUED. REPAIR COST $2500. *TR Look up ODI 10453159 at NHTSA ↗
Fuel System, Gasoline	11,203–34,000 mi	22,000 mi	41	ODI 10242300 · 8,000 mi ADDED EXXONMOBIL GAS 9/2/2008. CAR DEAD BY 9/7/2008, AFTER DRIVING APPROX. 50 MILES. THE FUEL PUMP ON THIS VERY NEW CAR HAS FAILED. THE DEALER CLAIMS THE GAS WAS BAD (SAYS ALCOHOL LEVEL TESTED TO 15%), WHILE EXXONMOBIL INSISTS THE FUEL WAS FINE AT 10% ALCOHOL, FROM THE ETHANOL. I BELIEVE THE REAL PROBLEM IS THAT THE 2008 BMW 535XI'S CAN'T HANDLE EVEN 10% ETHANOL, SO THE FUEL PUMPS ARE FAILING. TR Look up ODI 10242300 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10243620 · 1,059 mi I BOUGHT A BRAND NEW BMW 525I M SPORT WHICH HAS DONE 1000 MILES. IT IS JUST 6 WEEKS OLD AND THE HIGH PRESSURE PUMP (HPP) WENT BUST. I JUST CAN'T BELIEVE IT. I BUY A CAR WITH MY HARD EARNED MONEY AND THIS HAPPENS. BMW SHOULD REALIZE THE IMPACT IT HAS ON SOMEONE WHO EXPECTS A LOT FROM HIS CAR SINCE HE IS PAYING OUT OF HIS NOSE. TR Look up ODI 10243620 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10247795 · 5,000 mi 2008 BMW 535XI WAGON. ENGINE MISFIRING/LOSING POWER AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. DEALER FIRST RESET COMPUTER..HAPPENED AGAIN. DEALER REPLACED FUEL PUMP..HAPPENED AGAIN. DEALER REPLACED A CYLINDER INJECTOR....GOOD SO FAR. *TR Look up ODI 10247795 at NHTSA ↗
Tires	2,000–10,809 mi	5,750 mi	34	ODI 10369417 · 83,000 mi INSTALLED TWO NEW BRIDGESTONE POTENZA POLE POSITION RE 960AS IN JULY 2010(PURCHASED FROM THETIRE RACK),ON MY 2003 BMW 540I(AT BRIDGESTONE TIRE DEALER).REAR,275R1835.TWO MONTHS LATER WHILE DRIVING 40MPH ON A VERY WELL MAINTAINED ROAD(LAKE SHORE DRIVE,IN CHICAGO),LOUD BANG WAS HERD FROM THE BACK AND GOT FLAT WITHOUT RUNNING OVER ANY DEBRIS ON THE ROAD.CLAIMED THROUGH THE SELLER(THE TIRERACK),THE TIRE WAS SENT TO THE MANUFACTURER FOR INSPECTION(SINCE THE CUT AND THE DISINTEGRATION SEEMED CONSISTENT WITH MATERIAL DETECT) BUT RECEIVED A COLD SHOULDE… Look up ODI 10369417 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10133463 · 20,687 mi 2004 BMW 530I DEVELOPED PROBLEMS WITH THE TIRE EQUIPMENT.MR THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED THE RIGHT REAR TIRE WAS FLAT AND IT WAS ALSO WORN DOWN TO THE STEEL BELTS ON THE INSIDE OF THE TIRE. THE FRONT TIRES ALSO SHOWED SIGNS OF WEAR ON THE INSIDE.JB Look up ODI 10133463 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10224544 · 30,380 mi I OWN A 2006 BMW 530I WITH 37,000 MILES ON ORIGINAL SET OF BRIDGESTONE RFT TIRES 275/40 R1893Y. THESE ARE LOW PROFILE TIRES AND ON NOV 16, 07 < BROUGHT MY CAR IN FOR A TIRE CHECK AT THE DEALER. THEY DETERMINED THAT THE RT REAR WHEEL WAS CRACKED AND HAS DAMAGED THE TIRE. THIS THEY SAID WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AS THEY SAY THAT IT WAS DAMAGED FROM A POT HOLE. I SAID THAT I HAVE BEEN DRIVING CARS LIKE CADILLAC, MERCEDES, CORVETTE AND NEVER BROKE A WHEEL. THEY WOULD NOT COVER IT AND IT COST ME $900. NOW ON APRIL 11, 2008, I WENT TO MY T… Look up ODI 10224544 at NHTSA ↗
Steering	50–82,000 mi	950 mi	29	ODI 10363887 · 68,500 mi THE 2003 BMW 540I POWER STEERING PUMP SPOOL VALVE WAS FOUND (DISASSEMBLED AND JUDGED BY BMW TECHNICIAN) TO JAM AT LOWER RPM THUS CAUSING COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST, ESPECIALLY IN REDUCED RPM TURNS OFF HIGHWAYS. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS I NEARLY CRASHED INTO THE MEDIAN-WALL BECAUSE OF IT. I SENT A LETTER TO BMW BUT ALL THEY TOLD ME IS THAT IT WOULD BE FORWARDED BUT THAT I WOULD NEVER HEAR BACK FROM THEM AGAIN. I CONSIDER THIS A MATERIAL/PART FLAW THAT BMW HAS TO CONSIDER AS SERIOUS AND OFFER SOME FORM OF REPAIR/REPLACE PLAN OR CUSTOMER-D… Look up ODI 10363887 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10568719 · 100,000 mi I WAS DRIVING APPX 40MPH WHILE ON A LOCAL ROAD SLIGHTLY UPHILL, ENGINE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING, LOST POWER STEERING AND BRAKE ASSIST. LUCKILY NO CARS AROUND ME SO I WAS ABLE TO BARELY ROLL OVER TO THE ROADSIDE. CAR WOULD NOT START AGAIN, WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. REPLACED ECU FOR A TOTAL COST OF $2K. TR Look up ODI 10568719 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10367336 · 82,000 mi BMW 2004 545I ACTIVE STEERING PROBLEM. MY STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY SHIFTED TO THE RIGHT. THE ACTIVE STEERING LIGHT WENT ON. NOW THE CAR DRIVES STRAIGHT WITH THE STEERING WHEEL TILTED TO THE RIGHT. THIS IS CAUSED BY THE BATTERY VOLTAGE DROP. CAR STARTS TO SHUT DOWN MAJOR COMPONENTS ACTIVE STEERING, TRANSMISSION, NAVIGATION, AND I-DRIVE SYSTEM WHICH CONTROLS THE WHOLE CARS ELECTRONICS. SCARY WHEN YOU HAVE A 8 MONTH OLD KID IN A CAR. TR Look up ODI 10367336 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling	14,425–53,515 mi	28,350 mi	24	ODI 10358224 · 90,000 mi INTERMITTENT ENGINE SHUT-DOWN. ENGINE SHUTS OFF WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AT ANY SPEED. "ENGINE FAILSAFE" WARNING LIGHT COMES ON. VEHICLE MUST BE STOPPED, KEY TURNED OFF AND RE-STARTED. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE THAT BMW IS AWARE OF AND HAS ISSUED A RELATED TSB. $2000 PLUS REPAIR BILL FOR A NEW "ENGINE WIRING HARNESS". BMW SHOULD BE RECALLING THESE VEHICLES. TR Look up ODI 10358224 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10253754 · 44,000 mi ENGINE TAPPING/KNOCKING ON FIRST DRIVE OF DAY. 8 SERVICE VISITS. SERVICE BY BMW CONFIRMED "NOISE IS NOT NORMAL." ESCALATED TO BMW NA 3 TIMES. FIRST SERVICED UNDER BMW ORIGINAL WARRANTY. BMW CLAIMS JUST A NOISY ENGINE BY DESIGN. EVEN THOUGH BMW CLAIMED IT WAS NORMAL, BMW COULD NOT TELL ME WHAT IT WAS OR COMING FROM. BMW IS NOT COMPLIANT IN PERFORMING UNDER THE NEW CAR WARRANTY. TR Look up ODI 10253754 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10180889 · 3,500 mi SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE (10/12/2005) THE VEHICLE ALERTS US THAT THE OIL LEVEL IS LOW - DO NOT CONTINUE TO OPERATE VEHICLE. THE CAR WAS SERVICED EACH TIME THE PROBLEM OCCURRED BY SOUTH BAY BMW. REPROGRAMMING, SENSORS AND OIL CONSUMPTION TESTS HAVE BEEN DONE; HOWEVER, WHATEVER REPAIRS ARE DONE, THE PROBLEM RECURS. *JB Look up ODI 10180889 at NHTSA ↗
Air Bags:Frontal	60,664–90,250 mi	78,000 mi	20	ODI 10266328 · 73,000 mi I OWN A 2004 BMW 545I SEDAN AND THE PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON FOR A WHILE ALREADY, AND I READ ABOUT THE RECALL ON YOUR WEBSITE AND CALLED BMW NA AND THEY TOLD ME THAT MY CAR WAS NOT UNDER THE RECALL. AND TOLD ME TO BRING IT TO ONE OF THE BMW DEALERS TO GET IT FIX WHICH I WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR. I CHECKED AT ONE OF THE BMW DEALERSHIPS AND THEY TOLD ME IT WILL COST ME MORE THAN $1000.00 TO FIX THE PASSENGER\'S SEAT AIRBAG SENSOR. I JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY MY CAR IS NOT UNDER THEIR RECALL LIST WHEN MY CAR MATCHES THE EXACT DESCRIPTION OF THE … Look up ODI 10266328 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10269485 · 46,000 mi TLTHE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 525. THE CONTACT STATED THAT TWO AIR BAG LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON MAY 18, 2009. THE LIGHTS INDICATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG FAILED AS WELL AS THE RESTRAINT FOR THE AIR BAG. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V384000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL), ALTHOUGH THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL. THE VEHICLE WILL BE TAKEN IN FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 46,000. Look up ODI 10269485 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10368359 · 91,000 mi TLTHE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 545I (NA). THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE MALFUNCTION CONTINUED UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS SHUT OFF. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY INFORMED THAT THE AIR BAG SENOR WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 91,000. Look up ODI 10368359 at NHTSA ↗
Engine	61,500–101,500 mi	72,000 mi	19	ODI 11181196 · 160,000 mi I HAVE A 2002 525I WHICH I DROVE TO WORK ON JANUARY 15, 2019. AFTER BEING IN WORK FOR 15 MINUTES, I WAS NOTIFIED THAT THE ENTIRE FRONT END OF MY CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE TOP OF THE HOOD, UNDER THE HOOD, AND UNDER THE FRONT END OF MY CAR WAS COMPLETELY ON FIRE. I HAVE READ ABOUT THE PVC RECALL FOR 2007-2011, BUT I ALSO READ "BMW HAD LOOKED INTO HEAT DAMAGE INVOLVING THE HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEM AS EARLY AS 2007 BUT STEPPED UP ITS ANALYSIS WORK IN SEPTEMBER." THAT WAS FROM A CHRONOLOGY REPORT PROVIDED BY BMW TO NHTSA, AND QUOTED FROM… Look up ODI 11181196 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10568719 · 100,000 mi I WAS DRIVING APPX 40MPH WHILE ON A LOCAL ROAD SLIGHTLY UPHILL, ENGINE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING, LOST POWER STEERING AND BRAKE ASSIST. LUCKILY NO CARS AROUND ME SO I WAS ABLE TO BARELY ROLL OVER TO THE ROADSIDE. CAR WOULD NOT START AGAIN, WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. REPLACED ECU FOR A TOTAL COST OF $2K. *TR Look up ODI 10568719 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10573900 · 68,000 mi I BOUGHT A USED BMW FROM LONG ISLAND AUTO FIND. BEFORE PICKING IT UP I TOLD NICK CERTAIN THINGS NEEDED TO BE DONE THERE WAS A DRAFTY SOUND COMING FROM THE MOON ROOF THE CENTER RIMS WERE CORRODED, BOLTS WERE MISSING FROM THE VALVE COVER. I WAS CALLED THREE DAYS IN A ROW BY NICK WHO CLAIMED EVERYTHING WAS DONE AND THE CAR WAS READY TO BE PICKED UP. WHEN I GOT THE RE NOT ONLY WAS THE BATTERY DEAD, NOTHING ON MY LIST WAS DONE! I HAVE SINCE HAD THE CAR 5 MONTH AND I HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 5 WEEKS SO FAR. PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG MALFUNCTIONED AND NEE… Look up ODI 10573900 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

ComponentPeriod

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples

Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month	Complaints	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-10	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-11	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	1	None	ODI 11697553 My vehicle had a faulty PCV valve that was under "Stop Drive," order. I received no correspondence from the NHTSA nor from BMW of North America in regards to this. My BMW X-5 had significant issues that are directly associated with this issue. After contacting BMW of North America directly because I could not reach anyone at my nearest BMW Service Department, it was escalated twice to attempt to arrange for my vehicle that I unknowingly continued to drive. My vehicle has sat undriven since May of 2024. It was finally picked up, towed to the … Look up ODI 11697553 at NHTSA ↗
2025-12	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09 (partial)	0	None	No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

2012: 5 complaints · 2023: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2012	1	3	5
2023	0	0	0

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2012	10	0	0
2023	0	0	0

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
Component	Air Bags	Electrical System	Fuel System, Gasoline	Tires	Steering	Engine And Engine Cooling	Air Bags:Frontal	Engine
Air Bags	—	7 ODI 10248637 · 54,000 mi TLTHE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 5 SERIES. THE CONTACT NOTICED A BURNING SMELL AND FELT SOMETHING BURNING HER LEG. SHE SUSTAINED BURNS TO HER THIGH AND BUTTOCKS AREA DUE TO THE SEAT WARMER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS UNABLE TO ASSIST. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO LOCATE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V384000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL) FOR THE SAME YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL VEHICLE. SHE ALSO STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WAS INOPERABLE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED HER TO EXPECT A RECALL ON THE AIR BAG; HOWEVER, WITHOUT A RECALL, THEY COULD NOT ASSIST. THE MANUF… Look up ODI 10248637 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10629275 · 85,000 mi BMW RECALLED 2004 BMW 525I AND OTHERS FOR THE SEAT MAT SENSOR. I HAD CALLED THEM (2012-13) AND THEY TOLD ME THAT MY VEHICLE (BASED ON VIN) WASN'T PART OF THE RECALL. I INFORMED THEM THAT MY VEHICLE'S MAT SENSOR WAS ALSO DEFECTIVE AND SHOULD BE REPLACED BY THEM. THEY, BMW USA TOLD ME THAT MINE WAS NOT DEFECTIVE. I STILL CANT UNDERSTAND IF THE REST ARE DEFECTIVE, HOW COME MINE IS CONSIDERED NOT DEFECTIVE WHEN ITS INOPERATIVE AND SAME PROBLEM AS THOUSANDS OF OTHER 2004 525I. TR Look up ODI 10629275 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10525709 SAME ISSUE AS EVERY OTHER 2005 530I OWNER HAS HAD. MY BATTERY WAS LOW AND NEEDED REPLACED AND AFTER A NEW BATTERY WAS PURCHASED AND INSTALLED THE FAULT LIGHT CAME ON THE I-DRIVE SYSTEM FOR THE AIRBAG. BMW DEALER REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT AS MY VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY WHEN THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON A FAULTY SYSTEM WHY THIS SHOULD NOT BE REPAIRED, OBVIOUSLY THEY KNOW THAT THE ISSUE IS THERE BUT DO NOT WANT TO SPEND THE MONEY TO FIX THEIR ISSUE. SO MUCH FOR THE GERMAN ENGINEERED ULTIMATE DRIVING … Look up ODI 10525709 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0	2 ODI 10440042 · 75,000 mi BMW REFUSED TO FIX THE NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: EA08001 AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 08V384000 FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG WARNING. *TR Look up ODI 10440042 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10487726 · 92,000 mi THE PASSENGER SIDE OCCUPANCY SEAT MAT FOR THE AIRBAG FAILED. BMW HAS BULLETIN SIB 65 75 06, AIRBAG WARNING LAMP FOR OC3 SEAT MAT FAULT, THAT COVERS MY CARS BUILD DATE, BUT BMW STATES MY VIN IS NOT COVERED. THERE IS ALSO A CURRENT RECALL, NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V-384, BUT BMW STATES MY CAR IS NOT COVERED AND REFUSES TO HONOR THE 10 YEAR EXTENDED WARRANTY. MY CAR IS EXPERIENCING THIS SAME ISSUE, AS DIAGNOSED BY A LOCAL BMW DEALERS, BUT THEY HAVE FAILED TO COVER IT. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE THAT IS AFFECTING MANY CARS OUTSIDE OF THE RECALL.… Look up ODI 10487726 at NHTSA ↗	3 ODI 10573900 · 68,000 mi I BOUGHT A USED BMW FROM LONG ISLAND AUTO FIND. BEFORE PICKING IT UP I TOLD NICK CERTAIN THINGS NEEDED TO BE DONE THERE WAS A DRAFTY SOUND COMING FROM THE MOON ROOF THE CENTER RIMS WERE CORRODED, BOLTS WERE MISSING FROM THE VALVE COVER. I WAS CALLED THREE DAYS IN A ROW BY NICK WHO CLAIMED EVERYTHING WAS DONE AND THE CAR WAS READY TO BE PICKED UP. WHEN I GOT THE RE NOT ONLY WAS THE BATTERY DEAD, NOTHING ON MY LIST WAS DONE! I HAVE SINCE HAD THE CAR 5 MONTH AND I HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 5 WEEKS SO FAR. PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG MALFUNCTIONED AND NEE… Look up ODI 10573900 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10585739 · 69,000 mi I BOUGHT THE CAR IT HAD AN OIL LEAK, RADIATOR LEAK, DEVELOPED AN AIR BAG MALFUNCTION, THE ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING, TAR IS ACCUMULATING ON TOP OF THE SUNROOF EVERY TIME I OPEN IT, THE HEATER FAN MAKES NOISE, THE TRANSMISSION MAKES NOISE AFTER FOUR ATTEMPTS IT IS STILL LEAKING OIL. ALL OF MY FRIENDS WHO OWN BMW'S HAVE ALSO HAD AIR BAG MALFUNCTIONS. NONE WERE PART OF THE RECALL, ALL PAID $1,300.00 TO HAVE IT FIXED. BMW SHOULD HAVE RECALLED ALL OF THEM. THE PURPOSE OF RECALLING SOME IS TO AVOID A TOTAL RECALL. THEY ARE BUILDING THEIR CARS WITH I… Look up ODI 10585739 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10939903 · 69,000 mi THE PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG MALFUNCTIONED CASING THE SEAT TO HAVE TO BE REMOVED AND SENSOR REPLACED. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS BUT MY CAR, AND 2 OF MY FRIENDS CARS WERE NOT INCLUDED ON THE RECALL, MY FRIENDS WERE CHARGED BY THE DEALERSHIP. MY ENGINE LEAKS OIL ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD CAUSING SMOKE IN THE CAB AND POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD. ON EVERY BM I HAVE EVER OWNED THE RADIATOR LEAKS FLUID WHICH IS ENVIRONMENTALLY HAZARDOUS AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED. Look up ODI 10939903 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	7 ODI 10248637 · 54,000 mi TLTHE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 5 SERIES. THE CONTACT NOTICED A BURNING SMELL AND FELT SOMETHING BURNING HER LEG. SHE SUSTAINED BURNS TO HER THIGH AND BUTTOCKS AREA DUE TO THE SEAT WARMER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS UNABLE TO ASSIST. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO LOCATE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V384000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL) FOR THE SAME YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL VEHICLE. SHE ALSO STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WAS INOPERABLE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED HER TO EXPECT A RECALL ON THE AIR BAG; HOWEVER, WITHOUT A RECALL, THEY COULD NOT ASSIST. THE MANUF… Look up ODI 10248637 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10629275 · 85,000 mi BMW RECALLED 2004 BMW 525I AND OTHERS FOR THE SEAT MAT SENSOR. I HAD CALLED THEM (2012-13) AND THEY TOLD ME THAT MY VEHICLE (BASED ON VIN) WASN'T PART OF THE RECALL. I INFORMED THEM THAT MY VEHICLE'S MAT SENSOR WAS ALSO DEFECTIVE AND SHOULD BE REPLACED BY THEM. THEY, BMW USA TOLD ME THAT MINE WAS NOT DEFECTIVE. I STILL CANT UNDERSTAND IF THE REST ARE DEFECTIVE, HOW COME MINE IS CONSIDERED NOT DEFECTIVE WHEN ITS INOPERATIVE AND SAME PROBLEM AS THOUSANDS OF OTHER 2004 525I. TR Look up ODI 10629275 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10525709 SAME ISSUE AS EVERY OTHER 2005 530I OWNER HAS HAD. MY BATTERY WAS LOW AND NEEDED REPLACED AND AFTER A NEW BATTERY WAS PURCHASED AND INSTALLED THE FAULT LIGHT CAME ON THE I-DRIVE SYSTEM FOR THE AIRBAG. BMW DEALER REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT AS MY VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY WHEN THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON A FAULTY SYSTEM WHY THIS SHOULD NOT BE REPAIRED, OBVIOUSLY THEY KNOW THAT THE ISSUE IS THERE BUT DO NOT WANT TO SPEND THE MONEY TO FIX THEIR ISSUE. SO MUCH FOR THE GERMAN ENGINEERED ULTIMATE DRIVING … Look up ODI 10525709 at NHTSA ↗	—	2 ODI 10257520 · 15,500 mi 1. ROUGH RIDING - LOSS OF POWER ON HIGHWAY 2. DOZENS OF TIMES OVER THE LAST FEW MONTHS. CAR HAS BEEN IN SHOP FOR TWO MONTHS OUT OF LAST 12 FOR THE SAME ISSUE. 3. BMW KEEPS TRYING DIFFERENT THINGS BUT NO FINAL FIXES AS YET. TR Look up ODI 10257520 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10347519 · 28,300 mi HAVE HAD 3 SEPARATE INSTANCES IN THE PAST 9 MONTHS WHERE MY CAR STALLED OR SPUTTERED WITH LOSS OF POWER , AND ONCE I HAD NO STEERING OR BRAKING ABILITY. DANGEROUS SITUATION IN FREEWAY TRAFFIC. TR Look up ODI 10347519 at NHTSA ↗	0	3 ODI 10265617 · 7,000 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 5 SERIES. AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE ONE MORNING, ALL OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW SZL MODULE, WHICH CONTROLLED MOST OF THE COMPUTER FUNCTIONS IN THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER DID NOT HAVE THE PART AVAILABLE, BUT ASSURED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SAFE TO DRIVE. THREE WEEKS AFTER THE INCIDENT, WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE STEERING AND BRAKES FAILED. THE FAILURE LASTED LESS THAN A MINUTE, BUT DURING THIS TIME HE WAS UNABLE TO STOP OR STEER THE VEH… Look up ODI 10265617 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10744822 · 100,000 mi STEERING WHEEL MALFUNCTION LOCKS PREVENTING THE VEHICLE TO START STEERING WHEEL LOCKS WHILE DRIVING Look up ODI 10744822 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10355492 · 6 mi I PURCHASED 2011 MODEL BMW 535I IN AUGUST 2010. THERE ARE 3 CIGARETTE LIGHTER POWER OUTLETS INSIDE THE CAR AND ELECTRICITY IS SUPPLYING ALL THE TIME REGARDLESS OF WHETHER VEHICLE IS BEING LOCKED OR NOT. IF I USE ACCESSORIES LIKE GPS, CHARGER, COFFER WARMER ETC. AND LEFT IN THE LOCKED VEHICLE UNDER SUMMER SUN COULD REALLY BE A FIRE HAZARD. I HAVE CONTACTED TO BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND LOCAL SERVICE ASKING TO REWIRE TO STOP POWER SUPPLY WHILE ENGINE IS STOPPED OR/AND VEHICLE IS LOCKED BUT THEY REFUSED TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I HAVE ANOTHER COM… Look up ODI 10355492 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 10358224 · 90,000 mi INTERMITTENT ENGINE SHUT-DOWN. ENGINE SHUTS OFF WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AT ANY SPEED. "ENGINE FAILSAFE" WARNING LIGHT COMES ON. VEHICLE MUST BE STOPPED, KEY TURNED OFF AND RE-STARTED. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE THAT BMW IS AWARE OF AND HAS ISSUED A RELATED TSB. $2000 PLUS REPAIR BILL FOR A NEW "ENGINE WIRING HARNESS". BMW SHOULD BE RECALLING THESE VEHICLES. TR Look up ODI 10358224 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10263349 2008 BMW 535I HAS AN ENGINE MALFUNCTION AND A PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL VALVES. NJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE ENGINE HAD VERY LITTLE POWER. TWO MONTHS LATER, THE CONSUMER HAD TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER DUE TO THE SAME PROBLEM PREVIOUSLY. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER AGAIN IT WAS THE FUEL VALVES. THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED THE PROBLEM FOR A THIRD TIME, IN HE LOST VIRTUALLY ALL POWER IN THE ENGINE. SO FAR, THE DEALER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. *JB Look up ODI 10263349 at NHTSA ↗	0	1 ODI 10744826 · 103,000 mi AIR CONDITIONING STOP WORK CAUSING MOTOR TO HEAT Look up ODI 10744826 at NHTSA ↗
Fuel System, Gasoline	0	2 ODI 10257520 · 15,500 mi 1. ROUGH RIDING - LOSS OF POWER ON HIGHWAY 2. DOZENS OF TIMES OVER THE LAST FEW MONTHS. CAR HAS BEEN IN SHOP FOR TWO MONTHS OUT OF LAST 12 FOR THE SAME ISSUE. 3. BMW KEEPS TRYING DIFFERENT THINGS BUT NO FINAL FIXES AS YET. TR Look up ODI 10257520 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10347519 · 28,300 mi HAVE HAD 3 SEPARATE INSTANCES IN THE PAST 9 MONTHS WHERE MY CAR STALLED OR SPUTTERED WITH LOSS OF POWER , AND ONCE I HAD NO STEERING OR BRAKING ABILITY. DANGEROUS SITUATION IN FREEWAY TRAFFIC. TR Look up ODI 10347519 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	0	6 ODI 10345043 · 55,000 mi CAR LOSES POWER 2008 BMW.535I WE HAD JUST GOTTEN IT OUT OF THE SHOP (NEW PLUGS AND NEW BRAKES ,CHANGED THE OIL AIR FILTER FULL SERVICE) AND THE NEXT DAY WE HAD GONE OUT FOR SUPPER WHEN THE CAR WOULD BARRLY RUN IT WAS LIKE IT HAD 2 CYCLINDERS. HAD THE BMW PLACE PICK UP AND THEY SAID IT WAS LOW FUEL PUMP AND THEY HAD TO ORDER. WHEN THEY GOT THAT IN IT DID NOT FIX IT SO THE PUT ANOTHER SET OF PLUGS AND NEW COILS AND HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP IN ALSO. THEY ENDED UP COVERING THE WHOLE BILL. BUT IT SEEMS NOT TO RUN LIKE IT USE TO. NOT AS MUCH POWER… Look up ODI 10345043 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10345222 · 53,020 mi REDUCED POWER FROM ENGINE. PRESSED ACCELERATOR AND ENGINE DID NOT RESPOND WITH REGULAR POWER. REDUCED POWER IN TRAFFIC AT 40MPH. PULLED OVER SHUT OFF ENGINE AND RESTARTED WITH FULL RETURN OF POWER. ONE REPEAT OF PROBLEM 3 MONTHS LATER WITH SIMILAR RESULTS. DEALER REPLACED FUEL INJECTION AUXILIARY PARTS. TOO SOON TO KNOW IF PROBLEM WILL RECUR. TR Look up ODI 10345222 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10362520 · 60,800 mi 2008 BMW 535I. ENGINE START-UP TAKES LONGER THAN NORMAL. THE ENGINE IDLES ROUGH AND HESITANT TO ACCELERATE AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. BMW CLAIMS TO HAVE FIXED THE PROBLEM UNDER A RECALL, BUT THE PROBLEM CAME BACK AGAIN 3 DAYS LATER. *TR Look up ODI 10362520 at NHTSA ↗	0	1 ODI 10586316 · 83,000 mi THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. THE STALL IS RELATED TO THE CAMSHAFT SENSOR NOT PROPERLY WORKING AND THE FUEL SYSTEM NOT WORKING PROPERLY. I HAVE A 2009 BMW 528I. IN APRIL 2014 BMW DID A RECALL RELATED TO THE CAMSHAFT FOR 2010 - 2014 528 BMW'S. I CONTACTED MY LOCAL DEALER AND THE NATIONAL BMW DEALER TO LET THEM KNOW I WAS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH MY 2009 AND TO SEE IF THEY WERE GOING TO EXPAND THE RECALL TO INCLUDE THE 2009 MODELS. THEY TOLD ME NO AT THIS TIME THEY DIDN'T HAVE ANY INFORMATION REGARDING EXPANDING THE… Look up ODI 10586316 at NHTSA ↗
Tires	0	0	0	—	0	0	0	0
Steering	0	3 ODI 10265617 · 7,000 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 5 SERIES. AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE ONE MORNING, ALL OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW SZL MODULE, WHICH CONTROLLED MOST OF THE COMPUTER FUNCTIONS IN THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER DID NOT HAVE THE PART AVAILABLE, BUT ASSURED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SAFE TO DRIVE. THREE WEEKS AFTER THE INCIDENT, WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE STEERING AND BRAKES FAILED. THE FAILURE LASTED LESS THAN A MINUTE, BUT DURING THIS TIME HE WAS UNABLE TO STOP OR STEER THE VEH… Look up ODI 10265617 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10744822 · 100,000 mi STEERING WHEEL MALFUNCTION LOCKS PREVENTING THE VEHICLE TO START STEERING WHEEL LOCKS WHILE DRIVING Look up ODI 10744822 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10355492 · 6 mi I PURCHASED 2011 MODEL BMW 535I IN AUGUST 2010. THERE ARE 3 CIGARETTE LIGHTER POWER OUTLETS INSIDE THE CAR AND ELECTRICITY IS SUPPLYING ALL THE TIME REGARDLESS OF WHETHER VEHICLE IS BEING LOCKED OR NOT. IF I USE ACCESSORIES LIKE GPS, CHARGER, COFFER WARMER ETC. AND LEFT IN THE LOCKED VEHICLE UNDER SUMMER SUN COULD REALLY BE A FIRE HAZARD. I HAVE CONTACTED TO BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND LOCAL SERVICE ASKING TO REWIRE TO STOP POWER SUPPLY WHILE ENGINE IS STOPPED OR/AND VEHICLE IS LOCKED BUT THEY REFUSED TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I HAVE ANOTHER COM… Look up ODI 10355492 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	—	0	0	2 ODI 10568719 · 100,000 mi I WAS DRIVING APPX 40MPH WHILE ON A LOCAL ROAD SLIGHTLY UPHILL, ENGINE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING, LOST POWER STEERING AND BRAKE ASSIST. LUCKILY NO CARS AROUND ME SO I WAS ABLE TO BARELY ROLL OVER TO THE ROADSIDE. CAR WOULD NOT START AGAIN, WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. REPLACED ECU FOR A TOTAL COST OF $2K. *TR Look up ODI 10568719 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11155399 · 89,000 mi WHILE MAKE TURNS WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AXEL MAKES POPPING NOISE AND STEERING WHEEL JERKS VIOLENTLY. TOOK TO SHOP THEY SAID NOTHING FOUND WRONG WITH CAR. CV AXEL REPLACED ON BOTH SIDES PROBLEM STILL PERSISTS.ALSO NOT EVEN 10K MILES THE CAR WENT THRU 2 BELT TENSIONER CAUSING THE DRIVE BELT TO SNAP/TEAR. Look up ODI 11155399 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling	0	2 ODI 10358224 · 90,000 mi INTERMITTENT ENGINE SHUT-DOWN. ENGINE SHUTS OFF WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AT ANY SPEED. "ENGINE FAILSAFE" WARNING LIGHT COMES ON. VEHICLE MUST BE STOPPED, KEY TURNED OFF AND RE-STARTED. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE THAT BMW IS AWARE OF AND HAS ISSUED A RELATED TSB. $2000 PLUS REPAIR BILL FOR A NEW "ENGINE WIRING HARNESS". BMW SHOULD BE RECALLING THESE VEHICLES. TR Look up ODI 10358224 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10263349 2008 BMW 535I HAS AN ENGINE MALFUNCTION AND A PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL VALVES. NJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE ENGINE HAD VERY LITTLE POWER. TWO MONTHS LATER, THE CONSUMER HAD TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER DUE TO THE SAME PROBLEM PREVIOUSLY. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER AGAIN IT WAS THE FUEL VALVES. THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED THE PROBLEM FOR A THIRD TIME, IN HE LOST VIRTUALLY ALL POWER IN THE ENGINE. SO FAR, THE DEALER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. *JB Look up ODI 10263349 at NHTSA ↗	6 ODI 10345043 · 55,000 mi CAR LOSES POWER 2008 BMW.535I WE HAD JUST GOTTEN IT OUT OF THE SHOP (NEW PLUGS AND NEW BRAKES ,CHANGED THE OIL AIR FILTER FULL SERVICE) AND THE NEXT DAY WE HAD GONE OUT FOR SUPPER WHEN THE CAR WOULD BARRLY RUN IT WAS LIKE IT HAD 2 CYCLINDERS. HAD THE BMW PLACE PICK UP AND THEY SAID IT WAS LOW FUEL PUMP AND THEY HAD TO ORDER. WHEN THEY GOT THAT IN IT DID NOT FIX IT SO THE PUT ANOTHER SET OF PLUGS AND NEW COILS AND HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP IN ALSO. THEY ENDED UP COVERING THE WHOLE BILL. BUT IT SEEMS NOT TO RUN LIKE IT USE TO. NOT AS MUCH POWER… Look up ODI 10345043 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10345222 · 53,020 mi REDUCED POWER FROM ENGINE. PRESSED ACCELERATOR AND ENGINE DID NOT RESPOND WITH REGULAR POWER. REDUCED POWER IN TRAFFIC AT 40MPH. PULLED OVER SHUT OFF ENGINE AND RESTARTED WITH FULL RETURN OF POWER. ONE REPEAT OF PROBLEM 3 MONTHS LATER WITH SIMILAR RESULTS. DEALER REPLACED FUEL INJECTION AUXILIARY PARTS. TOO SOON TO KNOW IF PROBLEM WILL RECUR. TR Look up ODI 10345222 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10362520 · 60,800 mi 2008 BMW 535I. ENGINE START-UP TAKES LONGER THAN NORMAL. THE ENGINE IDLES ROUGH AND HESITANT TO ACCELERATE AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. BMW CLAIMS TO HAVE FIXED THE PROBLEM UNDER A RECALL, BUT THE PROBLEM CAME BACK AGAIN 3 DAYS LATER. *TR Look up ODI 10362520 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	—	0	0
Air Bags:Frontal	2 ODI 10440042 · 75,000 mi BMW REFUSED TO FIX THE NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: EA08001 AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 08V384000 FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG WARNING. *TR Look up ODI 10440042 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10487726 · 92,000 mi THE PASSENGER SIDE OCCUPANCY SEAT MAT FOR THE AIRBAG FAILED. BMW HAS BULLETIN SIB 65 75 06, AIRBAG WARNING LAMP FOR OC3 SEAT MAT FAULT, THAT COVERS MY CARS BUILD DATE, BUT BMW STATES MY VIN IS NOT COVERED. THERE IS ALSO A CURRENT RECALL, NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V-384, BUT BMW STATES MY CAR IS NOT COVERED AND REFUSES TO HONOR THE 10 YEAR EXTENDED WARRANTY. MY CAR IS EXPERIENCING THIS SAME ISSUE, AS DIAGNOSED BY A LOCAL BMW DEALERS, BUT THEY HAVE FAILED TO COVER IT. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE THAT IS AFFECTING MANY CARS OUTSIDE OF THE RECALL.… Look up ODI 10487726 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0	0	—	0
Engine	3 ODI 10573900 · 68,000 mi I BOUGHT A USED BMW FROM LONG ISLAND AUTO FIND. BEFORE PICKING IT UP I TOLD NICK CERTAIN THINGS NEEDED TO BE DONE THERE WAS A DRAFTY SOUND COMING FROM THE MOON ROOF THE CENTER RIMS WERE CORRODED, BOLTS WERE MISSING FROM THE VALVE COVER. I WAS CALLED THREE DAYS IN A ROW BY NICK WHO CLAIMED EVERYTHING WAS DONE AND THE CAR WAS READY TO BE PICKED UP. WHEN I GOT THE RE NOT ONLY WAS THE BATTERY DEAD, NOTHING ON MY LIST WAS DONE! I HAVE SINCE HAD THE CAR 5 MONTH AND I HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 5 WEEKS SO FAR. PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG MALFUNCTIONED AND NEE… Look up ODI 10573900 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10585739 · 69,000 mi I BOUGHT THE CAR IT HAD AN OIL LEAK, RADIATOR LEAK, DEVELOPED AN AIR BAG MALFUNCTION, THE ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING, TAR IS ACCUMULATING ON TOP OF THE SUNROOF EVERY TIME I OPEN IT, THE HEATER FAN MAKES NOISE, THE TRANSMISSION MAKES NOISE AFTER FOUR ATTEMPTS IT IS STILL LEAKING OIL. ALL OF MY FRIENDS WHO OWN BMW'S HAVE ALSO HAD AIR BAG MALFUNCTIONS. NONE WERE PART OF THE RECALL, ALL PAID $1,300.00 TO HAVE IT FIXED. BMW SHOULD HAVE RECALLED ALL OF THEM. THE PURPOSE OF RECALLING SOME IS TO AVOID A TOTAL RECALL. THEY ARE BUILDING THEIR CARS WITH I… Look up ODI 10585739 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10939903 · 69,000 mi THE PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG MALFUNCTIONED CASING THE SEAT TO HAVE TO BE REMOVED AND SENSOR REPLACED. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS BUT MY CAR, AND 2 OF MY FRIENDS CARS WERE NOT INCLUDED ON THE RECALL, MY FRIENDS WERE CHARGED BY THE DEALERSHIP. MY ENGINE LEAKS OIL ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD CAUSING SMOKE IN THE CAB AND POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD. ON EVERY BM I HAVE EVER OWNED THE RADIATOR LEAKS FLUID WHICH IS ENVIRONMENTALLY HAZARDOUS AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED. Look up ODI 10939903 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10744826 · 103,000 mi AIR CONDITIONING STOP WORK CAUSING MOTOR TO HEAT Look up ODI 10744826 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10586316 · 83,000 mi THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. THE STALL IS RELATED TO THE CAMSHAFT SENSOR NOT PROPERLY WORKING AND THE FUEL SYSTEM NOT WORKING PROPERLY. I HAVE A 2009 BMW 528I. IN APRIL 2014 BMW DID A RECALL RELATED TO THE CAMSHAFT FOR 2010 - 2014 528 BMW'S. I CONTACTED MY LOCAL DEALER AND THE NATIONAL BMW DEALER TO LET THEM KNOW I WAS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH MY 2009 AND TO SEE IF THEY WERE GOING TO EXPAND THE RECALL TO INCLUDE THE 2009 MODELS. THEY TOLD ME NO AT THIS TIME THEY DIDN'T HAVE ANY INFORMATION REGARDING EXPANDING THE… Look up ODI 10586316 at NHTSA ↗	0	2 ODI 10568719 · 100,000 mi I WAS DRIVING APPX 40MPH WHILE ON A LOCAL ROAD SLIGHTLY UPHILL, ENGINE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING, LOST POWER STEERING AND BRAKE ASSIST. LUCKILY NO CARS AROUND ME SO I WAS ABLE TO BARELY ROLL OVER TO THE ROADSIDE. CAR WOULD NOT START AGAIN, WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. REPLACED ECU FOR A TOTAL COST OF $2K. *TR Look up ODI 10568719 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11155399 · 89,000 mi WHILE MAKE TURNS WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AXEL MAKES POPPING NOISE AND STEERING WHEEL JERKS VIOLENTLY. TOOK TO SHOP THEY SAID NOTHING FOUND WRONG WITH CAR. CV AXEL REPLACED ON BOTH SIDES PROBLEM STILL PERSISTS.ALSO NOT EVEN 10K MILES THE CAR WENT THRU 2 BELT TENSIONER CAUSING THE DRIVE BELT TO SNAP/TEAR. Look up ODI 11155399 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

Search patterns

8 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

40 mentions · 9.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 28,300 mi (37 usable records).

ODI 10009981

THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL.*JB

Look up ODI 10009981 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10010736

CAR HAS HESITATED WHILE BEING DRIVEN AT OR ABOVE 50 MPH. CAR HAS STALLED COMPLETELY WHILE ACCELERATING OUT OF A PARKING LOT AND WHILE BEING DRIVEN AT 40 MPH. *NLM

Look up ODI 10010736 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10358224 · 90,000 mi

INTERMITTENT ENGINE SHUT-DOWN. ENGINE SHUTS OFF WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AT ANY SPEED. "ENGINE FAILSAFE" WARNING LIGHT COMES ON. VEHICLE MUST BE STOPPED, KEY TURNED OFF AND RE-STARTED. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE THAT BMW IS AWARE OF AND HAS ISSUED A RELATED TSB. $2000 PLUS REPAIR BILL FOR A NEW "ENGINE WIRING HARNESS". BMW SHOULD BE RECALLING THESE VEHICLES. *TR

Look up ODI 10358224 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

37 mentions · 9.0% of complaints

Median mileage: 60,800 mi (35 usable records).

ODI 10358224 · 90,000 mi

Look up ODI 10358224 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10134838 · 23,281 mi

DT: 2004 BMW 530 I. THE CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT SEVERAL ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, SUCH AS AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT COMING ON/WINDOWS ROLLING DOWN AND THEN MALFUNCTIONING/TRUNK OPENING, AND HALO LIGHTS STAYING ON. THE ONSTAR OR SOS SYSTEMS WAS NOT WORKING. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE MANUFACTURER CONSIDERED THIS VEHICLE A LEMON. THE DEALERSHIP AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT COMPLYING WITH THE LEMON LAW. THIS PROCESS WAS TO BUY BACK THE VEHICLE. THEY WERE TAKING TOO LONG TO RESOLVE THIS MATTER. *AK

Look up ODI 10134838 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10368359 · 91,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 545I (NA). THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE MALFUNCTION CONTINUED UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS SHUT OFF. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY INFORMED THAT THE AIR BAG SENOR WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 91,000.

Look up ODI 10368359 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Hard or delayed shifting

15 mentions · 3.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 45,000 mi (13 usable records).

ODI 10607249 · 96,000 mi

DRIVING AT 50 MPH I WAS BEING HARASSED BY ANOTHER MOTORIST BECAUSE I WAS DRIVING THE SPEED LIMIT. I DECIDED TO LET HIM PASS BUT FIRST I HAD TO SPEED UP TO 58 MPH INORDER TO COMPLETELY OVERTAKE A PASSENGER CAR TO MY RIGHT (PASSENGER SIDE) I GAVE THE THROTTLE SOME GAS AND THE CAR WENT NOWHERE. THE NEEDLE WENT ALL THE WAY INTO THE RED ZONE ON THE TACHOMETER. THE DRIVER BEHIND ME (ANOTHER BMW 3 SERIES),TAILGATED ME. IT SCARED ME SO BAD, THAT I DID NOT SEE A DEEP POT HOLE IN THE ROAD SURFACE. I HIT IT SO HARD, THAT I SPUN AROUND AND ALL OF MY WHEELS…

Look up ODI 10607249 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10345984 · 78,250 mi

HAD MY CAR 2004 545I (78,250 MILES) SERVICED AT BMW DEALERSHIP IN LONG ISLAND FOR A DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION PAN LEAKING AT FLUID. DEALERSHIP REPLACED AND TEST DROVE BEFORE I PICKED IT UP BUT ALSO DENOTED THAT THERE WAS AN OIL LEAK ATTRIBUTED TO VACUUM PUMP/VANOS SEALS WHICH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED SOON. AS I WAS DRIVING IT BACK TO NJ FROM LONG ISLAND DEALERSHIP I NOTICED A TRANSMISSION 'KICK/JERK/SURGE' AS CAR DECELERATED SEVERAL TIMES. DROVE THE CAR TO THE MARKET ON SUNDAY (7/25/2010) AND ON THE WAY BACK WARNING ENGINE MALFUNCTION STATING 'ENG…

Look up ODI 10345984 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10418216 · 79,000 mi

VEHICLE LUNGES FORWARD AT LOW SPEEDS SUCH AS PARKING; 4 TIMES IN THE LAST MONTH, WHEN I AM PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE HAS LUNGED FORWARD. 2 OF THOSE 4 TIMES, I ALMOST HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. I HAD SHIFTED FROM REVERSE, TO DRIVE, AND JUST TAKEN MY FOOT OFF OF THE BRAKE, AND THE VEHICLE JUMPED FORWARD. THE DEALER HAS CONTINUED TO SAY THAT THINGS ARE OK AND NORMAL. THEY ARE NOT NORMAL. ADDITIONALLY, I HAVE OTHER SHIFTING ISSUES BELOW: --35MPH (5TH TO 6TH HESITATION) 5-6 HARD SHIFT (SPORT MODE GOING 45-55 MPH) …

Look up ODI 10418216 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Steering assistance concerns

9 mentions · 2.2% of complaints

Median mileage: 100,000 mi (9 usable records).

ODI 10363887 · 68,500 mi

THE 2003 BMW 540I POWER STEERING PUMP SPOOL VALVE WAS FOUND (DISASSEMBLED AND JUDGED BY BMW TECHNICIAN) TO JAM AT LOWER RPM THUS CAUSING COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST, ESPECIALLY IN REDUCED RPM TURNS OFF HIGHWAYS. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS I NEARLY CRASHED INTO THE MEDIAN-WALL BECAUSE OF IT. I SENT A LETTER TO BMW BUT ALL THEY TOLD ME IS THAT IT WOULD BE FORWARDED BUT THAT I WOULD NEVER HEAR BACK FROM THEM AGAIN. I CONSIDER THIS A MATERIAL/PART FLAW THAT BMW HAS TO CONSIDER AS SERIOUS AND OFFER SOME FORM OF REPAIR/REPLACE PLAN OR CUSTOMER-D…

Look up ODI 10363887 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10453159 · 108,000 mi

CAR SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING APPX 35MPH WITHOUT WARNING, NEARLY CRASH DUE TO LOSS OF STEERING ASSIST AND INSTRUMENT. DEALER REPLACED BOTH DME AND BATTERY WHICH WAS SUSPICIOUS SINCE TWO UNRELATED COMPONENT FAILED AT SAME TIME? EXTREMELY DANGEROUS WHEN IT HAPPENED IN TRAFFIC, ENDANGERING BOTH MY PASSENGERS AND OTHER DRIVERS NEARBY. RECALL TO THE DME AND BATTERY SHOULD BE ISSUED. REPAIR COST $2500. *TR

Look up ODI 10453159 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10568719 · 100,000 mi

Look up ODI 10568719 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b

Brake response concerns

7 mentions · 1.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 60,000 mi (7 usable records).

ODI 10339901 · 60,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 45 MPH AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE BRAKES WOULD NOT FULLY ENGAGE. THE VEHICLE DECREASED IN SPEED BUT WOULD NOT STOP. SHE WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE VEHICLE FROM THE HIGHWAY AND ENGAGED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. MECHANIC ADVISED THE BRAKE BOOSTER AND VACUUM HAD FAILED. MILEAGE 60,000. *TR

Look up ODI 10339901 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10265617 · 7,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 5 SERIES. AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE ONE MORNING, ALL OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW SZL MODULE, WHICH CONTROLLED MOST OF THE COMPUTER FUNCTIONS IN THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER DID NOT HAVE THE PART AVAILABLE, BUT ASSURED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SAFE TO DRIVE. THREE WEEKS AFTER THE INCIDENT, WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE STEERING AND BRAKES FAILED. THE FAILURE LASTED LESS THAN A MINUTE, BUT DURING THIS TIME HE WAS UNABLE TO STOP OR STEER THE VEH…

Look up ODI 10265617 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10562749 · 122,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 528XI. THE CONTACT THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND TO DECELERATION ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED AND DIAGNOSED BY A PRIVATE MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,000.

Look up ODI 10562749 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Battery drain and no-start mentions

3 mentions · 0.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 85,000 mi (3 usable records).

ODI 10568719 · 100,000 mi

Look up ODI 10568719 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10378205 · 12,925 mi

MY BMW 535XI STARTED HAVING FUEL PUMP ISSUES STARTING AROUND 14 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE, AT 12,000 MILES. THE FIRST TIME IT WENT INTO SAFETY MODE, CASING IT TO SLOW DOWN TO A SNAILS PACE. A NEW FUEL PUMP WAS INSTALLED. THE SECOND TIME IT WOULD NOT START IN A PARKING LOT AFTER TURNING IT OFF FOR 10 MINUTES AFTER A 20 MINUTE DRIVE. I CALLED ROAD SIDE ASSIST AND THEY SENT A TECHNICIAN WHO WAS ABLE TO GET IT STARTED. HE TOLD ME TO TAKE TO THE DEALER BUT IT SHOULD BE FINE TO DRIVE HOME. I LEFT THE LOT AND WITHIN 3 MINUTES IT COMPLETELY SEIZE…

Look up ODI 10378205 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10607925 · 85,000 mi

ON OR ABOUT MAY 2013 I WAS TRAVELING AT 60MPH ON THE FREEWAY WHEN SUDDENLY I HEARD A LOUD BANG SOUND AND MY VEHICLE CAME TO AN AUTOMATIC STOP. SCARED AS VEHICLE BEHIND ME SCREECHED AND TURN AWAY AVOIDING ME. I REMAINED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD FOR APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES BEFORE THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AND I TRAVELED FEARFULLY TO COMPLETE MY ASSIGNMENT. SAME DAY ON MY RETURN HOME VEHICLE STOPPED ABOUT 3 TIMES BUT I DROVE STRAIGHT TO DEALERSHIP. WITHOUT INSPECTING MY VEHICLE I WAS TOLD MY ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY WAS GONE. I WAS QUOTED VERY HIGH A…

Look up ODI 10607925 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Fuel smell or leak mentions

2 mentions · 0.5% of complaints

Median mileage: 59,000 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10353821 · 35,000 mi

2008 BMW 535I - CAR HAS HAD 3 FUEL PUMPS, 3 SEPARATE VISITS FOR PLUGS / INJECTORS, LAST VISIT FOR REPLACED FUEL PUMP CREATED LARGE FUEL LEAK IN CAR WHICH RESULTED IN TOW TO DEALER. ENGINE MALFUNCTION LIGHT PROBLEM. HPFP, REPEATED ENGINE PROGRAM. *TR

Look up ODI 10353821 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10586316 · 83,000 mi

THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. THE STALL IS RELATED TO THE CAMSHAFT SENSOR NOT PROPERLY WORKING AND THE FUEL SYSTEM NOT WORKING PROPERLY. I HAVE A 2009 BMW 528I. IN APRIL 2014 BMW DID A RECALL RELATED TO THE CAMSHAFT FOR 2010 - 2014 528 BMW'S. I CONTACTED MY LOCAL DEALER AND THE NATIONAL BMW DEALER TO LET THEM KNOW I WAS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH MY 2009 AND TO SEE IF THEY WERE GOING TO EXPAND THE RECALL TO INCLUDE THE 2009 MODELS. THEY TOLD ME NO AT THIS TIME THEY DIDN'T HAVE ANY INFORMATION REGARDING EXPANDING THE…

Look up ODI 10586316 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b

Oil consumption or dilution

1 mentions · 0.2% of complaints

Median mileage: 3,500 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10180889 · 3,500 mi

SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE (10/12/2005) THE VEHICLE ALERTS US THAT THE OIL LEVEL IS LOW - DO NOT CONTINUE TO OPERATE VEHICLE. THE CAR WAS SERVICED EACH TIME THE PROBLEM OCCURRED BY SOUTH BAY BMW. REPROGRAMMING, SENSORS AND OIL CONSUMPTION TESTS HAVE BEEN DONE; HOWEVER, WHATEVER REPAIRS ARE DONE, THE PROBLEM RECURS. *JB

Look up ODI 10180889 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(oil consumption|burn\w* oil|consum\w* oil|oil dilution|gas(?:oline)? in (?:the )?oil)\b