U.S. public vehicle records

Bmw 525I transmission problems

27 complaint narratives mention transmission terms.

Key facts

437 owner complaints analyzed

16 distinct recall campaigns

90,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1989 to 2011 model years. Data updated: 2026-09-30 (September 30, 2026). 295 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Transmission and shifting evidence

27 of 437 complaints match this topic (6.2%). The keyword filter can include complaints that mention a transmission without reporting its failure. View matching rules.

Owner report 10081274 · 2004-07-17 (July 17, 2004)

WHILE SITTING IN MY 1991 BMW 525I THE SEAT SUDDENLY FELL BACKWARD,AND SIDEWAYS. AFTER REMOVING THE SEAT, AND ALMOST COMPLETELY DISSASSEMBLING IT SO I COULD TRY TO REALIGN THE THING LONG ENOGH TO MAKE IT HOME,I WAS ABLE TO THROUGH BRUTE FORCE PUT IT BACK IN PLACE. LATER AFTER SEVERAL SUBSEQUENT FAILURES I WAS ABLE TO PINPOINT THE PROBLEM.THE CABLES THAT GO BETWEEN THE ELECTRIC DRIVE MOTORS AND THE SEAT ADJUSTMENT GEARBOXES WERE SHEATHED IN A FAILURE-PRONE PLASTIC! THE PLASTIC THROUGH TIME WEARS AND STRETCHES UNTILL THE DRIVE CABLE SLIPS OUT OF G…

Owner-reported narrative. 108,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10081274 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 531400 · 1998-02-25 (February 25, 1998)

VEHICLE PARKED ON ON DOWN HILL GRADE. WHEN VEHICLE IS STARTED AND PUT IN REVERSE GEAR, THE TRANSMISSION DOES NOT ENGAGE IMMEDIATELY AND VEHICLE ROLLS FORWARD. INCREASED PRESSURE IS APPLIED TO THE ACCELERATOR AND SUDDENLY THE TRANSMISSION ENGAGES.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 531400 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10250678 · 2008-12-03 (December 3, 2008)

MY TRANSMISSION WENT OUT IN MY 1994 BMW 525I. THIS HAS BEEN REPORTEDLY HAPPENING TO MANY OF US. THE FAILURE WAS IN THE REVERSE GEAR FIRST, THEN THE FIRST TWO FORWARD GEARS. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10250678 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10116551 · 2005-04-07 (April 7, 2005)

TRANSMISSION SLIPPING. I HAVE A 1995 525 BMW WITH 112000 MILES. THE TRANSMISSION INSTANTLY ONE DAY SLIPPED AND THE INDICATOR LIGHT WENT ON TO SEE MY DEALER. I DID AND WAS TOLD THE TRANSMISSIONS ON BMW'S MUST BE REPLACED, THEY CANNOT BE FIXED OR REPAIRED. I CALLED BMW AND SPOKE TO A TIM IN CUSTOMER SERVICE. I ASKED FOR SOME TYPE OF WARRANTY, AND WAS GIVEN A POLITE ANSWER OF 'NO' WE DON'T GIVE WARRANTIES TO ANYONE WHOSE CAR IS OVER THE WARRANTY. I TOLD HIM I WORKED FOR FORD FOR 20 YEARS, AND THEY HAD A REP COME OUT AND LOOK INTO EACH PROBLEM, EVE…

Owner-reported narrative. 112,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10116551 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10031158 · 2003-08-09 (August 9, 2003)

I HAVE 2001 BMW 525I. I WENT TO DEALER SERVICE SO MANY TIMES TO FIX MY PROBLEM CONCERN. THEY WON'T FIX IT AND SAID THAT "NO CUSTOMERS COMPLAINT DUPLICATED" ALL THE TIMES. AFTER DONE MY FIRST 15000 MILES SERVICE AT DEALER, "EML" LIGHTS CAME UP AND I SENT MY CAR TO DEALER IMMIDIATELY. THEY CHANGED "TROTTLE BODY" BECAUSE THEY SAID, IT'S BURNED. AFTER THAT REPAIR, MY CAR HAS ALIGNMENT, TROTTLE, ACCELATION AND TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. ALSO THEY REPLACE THE FAN BY RECALL. NOW MY CAR CONDITIONS ARE POOR. I PRESS THE GAS PEDDAL FOR ACCELATION, RPM'S GOI…

Owner-reported narrative. 16,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10031158 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

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

67.5%Usable mileage295 / 437 records

95.7%Valid incident date418 / 437 records

100.0%Valid filing date437 / 437 records

95.4%Ordered incident and filing dates417 / 437 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	1998	1999	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011
Air Bags	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	313.6% ODI 10297204 I PURCHASED MY USED 2001 BMW E39 525I TWO YRS AGO WITH MANY ISSUES AS EXPECTED WHEN I LEARNED IT WAS A "LEASE", PRIOR OWNER NEVER MAINTAINED THE VEHICLE. I BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE FOR MONTHS "AIRBAG" LIGHT ON. PAID FOR MONTHS HAVING IT RESET, THEN I FINALLY I STARTED A SEARCH TO LOCATE A "RECALL FOR AIRBAG MODULE" FOR THIS MODEL. I CALLED BMW NORTH AMERICA IMMEDIATELY THAT I'M THE NEW OWNER (THEY HAD NO RECORD OF WHO WAS THE OWNER) I WAS GIVEN DIRECTION HOW TO HANDLE, VEHICLE TAKEN TO A SERVICE CENTER, REPAIRED MADE. TWO MONTHS LATE, AIRBAG LIGHT O… Look up ODI 10297204 at NHTSA ↗	621.4% ODI 10758752 · 189,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 525I. WHILE IN PARK AND ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 189,000. Look up ODI 10758752 at NHTSA ↗	1031.3% ODI 10263226 · 65,000 mi PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG SENSOR FAILURE, SENSOR IN SEAT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED OR AIR BAG WILL NOT FUNCTION. *TR Look up ODI 10263226 at NHTSA ↗	2732.1% ODI 10079804 FAULTY AIR BAG SYSTEM.MR THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER WHO INDICATED THAT THE FIRST AVAILABLE APPOINTMENT WA A MONTH FROM THAT DATE. NM Look up ODI 10079804 at NHTSA ↗	1851.4% ODI 10461375 · 64,000 mi I WAS LEAVING THE BOWING ALLEY AND NOTICED THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION LIGHT WAS ON AND IT WILL NOT GO OFF. I CALLED THE COMPANY IN REFERENCE TO A RECALL ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM, HOWEVER, THEY CLAIM THAT MY VIN # ISN'T COVERED UNDER THE RECALL ID # 73379 OR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 08V384000. IT IS VERY DISHEARTENING TO SAVE UP AND BUY YOUR DREAM CAR TO ONLY HAVE IT TO MALFUNCTION IN A MONTHS TIME. I DON' T HAVE ANY FAITH OR TRUST IN THE BMW COMPANY AND WILL NOT RECOMMEND THEM TO ANYONE. THEY ARE NOT LOYAL TO THEIR CUSTOMERS AND FAIL TO ST… Look up ODI 10461375 at NHTSA ↗	4254.5% ODI 10434292 I GOT A WARNING LIGHT ON MY DISPLAY PANEL PASS. RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAULT IN PASSENGER-RESTRAINT SYSTEM AFFECTING AIRBAG, BELT TENSIONER OR BELT-FORCE LIMITER. CONTINUE TO WEAR THE SEAT BELT. ALTHOUGH BMW HAS RECALLED CAR SAME YEAR AND MODEL FOR SIMILAR PROBLEMS, MY VIN IS NOT RECALLED. *TR Look up ODI 10434292 at NHTSA ↗	2534.7% ODI 10242537 ON SEPTEMBER 16,2009 I WAS INVOLVED IN AN AUTO COLLISION IN MY 2007 BMW 525I SERIES. I WAS STOPPED AT A FREEWAY EXIT OFF THE 405 S. WHERE SUDDENLY A VEHICLE THAT WAS DOING A SPEED OF NO LESS OF 50-60 MPH COLLIDED INTO THE BACK DRIVERS SIDE PASSENGER DOOR WHICH RESULTED ME TO BE PUSHED FORWARD AT LEAST 75-100 FEET. THE FORCE AND IMPACT OF THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS SO SEVERE, THAT IS CAUSED THE OTHER VEHICLE TO FLIP OVER MULTIPLE TIMES AND LAND ABOUT 100 YARDS AWAY FROM IMPACT. WITH SUCH AN IMPACT AND THE SPEED OF THE OTHER CAR WITHOUT HITTING THEIR … Look up ODI 10242537 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Electrical System	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	522.7% ODI 11047515 · 206,000 mi POSSIBLE BMW RECALL ISSUE (CAR SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT FIRE WHILE CAR OFF). CAR PURCHASED ON 11/8/17. ON 11/16/17, CAR WAS PARKED IN OUR DRIVEWAY WITH IGNITION OFF AFTER DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES. APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES LATER, DRIVER HEARD THE CAR ALARM GO OFF WHICH PROMPTED HIM TO GO OUTSIDE AND SAW FLAMES AND SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. DRIVER CALLED 911. CAR CONTINUED TO COMBUST SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE FIRE DEPT GOT TO OUR HOUSE. SEE PICTURES FOR DAMAGE. WE STILL HAVE THE BMW CAR IN QUESTION IN OUR DRIVEWAY. Look up ODI 11047515 at NHTSA ↗	517.9% ODI 10024731 · 21,000 mi WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING THE CONSUMER HAD TO DRIVE A CERTAIN SPEED IN ORDER FOR THE AJAR INDICATOR LIGHT OR THE ALARM SOUND TO COME ON, TO LET THE CONSUMER KNOW THE DOOR OR TRUNK WAS OPEN. THERE WAS ALSO NO WARNING CHIME TO LET THE DRIVER KNOW THAT OCCUPANTS IN THE VEHICLE RELEASED THE SEAT BELTS. *AK AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN DRIVE, IT WOULD TAKE ABOUT TWO VEHICLE LENGTHS BEFORE THE GONG SOUNDS, THE FUEL SENDING UNIT WAS INOPERATIVE AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL, AT THE TIME THE VEHICLE SHOWED A HALF A TANK, THERE WAS A LOUD… Look up ODI 10024731 at NHTSA ↗	618.8% ODI 10259104 · 45,000 mi I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND TURNED THE SEAT HEATER ON. AFTER ABOUT 5 MINUTES INTO MY DRIVE, I STARTED TO SMELL SMOKE AND THEN SAW SMOKE IN THE CAR. I PULLED OVER AND SAW THAT THE SEAT WAS CATCHING ON FIRE. I TURNED THE SEAT HEATER OFF AND DOUSED THE FIRE WITH WATER. *TR Look up ODI 10259104 at NHTSA ↗	1720.2% ODI 10278390 · 93,000 mi RADIO,NAVIGATION,CD,PHONE,NOT WORKING. I DRIVE IS BLINK. CAR HAS 93,000 MILES. *TR Look up ODI 10278390 at NHTSA ↗	411.4% ODI 10764978 · 135,000 mi ON APRIL 11, 2015. I WAS TAKING MY VEHICLE TO MY MECHANIC TO GET IT SERVICED AFTER SITTING ALL WINTER. AS I WAS DRIVING I NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. I PULLED OVER, COULD NOT LOCATE THE SOURCE. I CONTINUED TO MY MECHANIC. ONCE THERE WE OPENED THE TRUNK, WE NOTICED AND SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. WE TOOK OUT THE TIRE AND NOTICED WATER IN THE WHEEL WELL, WHICH MADE AN ELECTRICAL COMPONENT SPARKING, SMOKING AND ON FIRE. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO BMW. THEY STATED THE WATER DAMAGED THE MICRO POWER MODULE. BMW PAID FOR THE REPA… Look up ODI 10764978 at NHTSA ↗	79.1% ODI 10683212 · 139,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE MICRO POWER MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE TECHNICIAN DISCOVERED THAT THE MICRO POWER MODULE WIRES WERE MELTED AND BURNED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,000. Look up ODI 10683212 at NHTSA ↗	1318.1% ODI 10275030 TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 525I. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO SLIP. THERE WAS ALSO A VERY LOW POWER RESPONSE WHEN ACCELERATING. THE WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND THEY DETECTED FAILURE WITHIN THE COMPUTERIZED SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AGAIN. THE VIN WAS… Look up ODI 10275030 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	1100.0% ODI 11051020 · 123,000 mi WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE, SUDDENLY WE BEGAN TO SMELL 'SOMETHING' BURNING, AND THEN THE IDRIVE SYSTEM DISPLAYED A BATTERY ICON LIGHT FOLLOWED BY THE MESSAGE "CHARGING SYSTEM MALFUNCTION" AND CONTROL MESSAGES WARNING "YOUR BATTERY IS NOT BEING CHARGED". SECONDS AFTER THAT MESSAGE THE POWER IN THE VEHICLE BEGAN SURGING, AND ANOTHER MESSAGE DISPLAYED "4X4 SYSTEM AND DSC HAVE MALFUNCTIONED". AT THIS POINT WE WERE PULLING OVER, AND THE CAB OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN FILLING WITH SMOKE. THE 4 OF US EXITED THE VEHICLE AND WITNESSED FLAMES AND SMOKE … Look up ODI 11051020 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Seats	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	414.3% ODI 10235752 · 48,000 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 525I. THE DRIVER'S SEAT CONTROLS MAKE A SQUEAKING NOISE WHEN MOVING THE SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS SOMETHING IN THE SEAT TRACK, WHICH CAUSED THE NOISE. WHEN THE CONTACT LOCKS THE VEHICLE, THE ALARM SOUNDS, BUT THE HORN WOULD NOT. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE BATTERY TO FAIL WHEN THIS OCCURRED OVERNIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE SENSOR; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. IN ADDITION, THE KEYS DO NOT LOC… Look up ODI 10235752 at NHTSA ↗	39.4% ODI 10259104 · 45,000 mi I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND TURNED THE SEAT HEATER ON. AFTER ABOUT 5 MINUTES INTO MY DRIVE, I STARTED TO SMELL SMOKE AND THEN SAW SMOKE IN THE CAR. I PULLED OVER AND SAW THAT THE SEAT WAS CATCHING ON FIRE. I TURNED THE SEAT HEATER OFF AND DOUSED THE FIRE WITH WATER. *TR Look up ODI 10259104 at NHTSA ↗	1619.0% ODI 10294976 · 51,545 mi THE SEAT WARMER MALFUNCTIONED AND BURNED A HOLE IN MY DRIVER SEATS AND ALSO A HOLE IN MY PANTS. IF I HAD A PIECE OF PAPER OR SOMETHING IN MY BACK PAPER, IT WOULD HAVE SET IT ON FIRE. *TR Look up ODI 10294976 at NHTSA ↗	514.3% ODI 10326783 · 100,850 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 525I. WHILE IN THE IDLE POSITION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE ELECTRIC SEAT WAS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. HE CALLED THE DEALER AND WAS ADVISED THAT HE WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIR EXPENSES. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 101,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,850. Look up ODI 10326783 at NHTSA ↗	22.6% ODI 10649817 · 95,500 mi FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG IS DEACTIVATED DUE TO THE FRONT SEAT SENSOR MAT MALFUNCTION. ALARM LIGHTS UP ON INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AS WELL AS THE IDRIVE SERVICE SECTION. VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY. DEALERS ARE ASKING FOR $400 TO DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE. THEY CLAIM THE ISSUE IS COMMON BUT MY SPECIFIC VEHICLE IS NOT AFFECTED BY THE RECALL. BMW USA CANNOT HELP AS THEY WANT AN OFFICIAL DIAGNOSIS AND STANDS BY THEIR POSITION THAT MY CAR IS NOT AFFECTED BY THE RECALL OR WHAT EVER TERM THEY LIKE TO USE. *TR Look up ODI 10649817 at NHTSA ↗	68.3% ODI 10370464 · 60,000 mi FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WARNING LIGHT ACTIVATES WHEN SOMEONE IS SLOW GETTING INTO SEAT. *TR Look up ODI 10370464 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Seat Belts	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	27.1% ODI 10018733 TOOK MY 2002 BMW 525I TO HAVE ITS DRIVER SIDE RAILS REPLACED TO BMW OF PEORIA IN ILLINOIS ABOUT 2 WEEKS AGO. ABOUT 1 WEEK LATER (AROUND MAY 5) AT A STOP LIGHT A LARGE ALLEN TYPE BOLT FELL AND ROLLED TO MY FEET. THIS BOLT WAS TO MY LAP SEAT BELT WHICH I WAS NOW HOLDING IN MY HAND! THE BOLT WAS NEVER TIGHTENED PROPERLY AND I HAD BEEN DRIVING LIKE THIS FOR AROUND 1 WEEK ASSUMING MY SEAT BELT WOULD WORK WHEN NEEDED. BMW OF PEORIA WAS INFORMED OF THIS THE SAME DAY, IT WAS FIXED BY THE NEXT DAY. I WROTE TO BMW-USA ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND THE RESPONSE WA… Look up ODI 10018733 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	1315.5% ODI 10250687 · 35,600 mi AIRBAG AND SEAT BELT RESTRAINT ICONS REMAIN ON VEHICLE DISPLAY WHEN SEAT BELTS ARE ENGAGED/FASTENED. *TR Look up ODI 10250687 at NHTSA ↗	617.1% ODI 10461375 · 64,000 mi I WAS LEAVING THE BOWING ALLEY AND NOTICED THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION LIGHT WAS ON AND IT WILL NOT GO OFF. I CALLED THE COMPANY IN REFERENCE TO A RECALL ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM, HOWEVER, THEY CLAIM THAT MY VIN # ISN'T COVERED UNDER THE RECALL ID # 73379 OR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 08V384000. IT IS VERY DISHEARTENING TO SAVE UP AND BUY YOUR DREAM CAR TO ONLY HAVE IT TO MALFUNCTION IN A MONTHS TIME. I DON' T HAVE ANY FAITH OR TRUST IN THE BMW COMPANY AND WILL NOT RECOMMEND THEM TO ANYONE. THEY ARE NOT LOYAL TO THEIR CUSTOMERS AND FAIL TO ST… Look up ODI 10461375 at NHTSA ↗	67.8% ODI 10438944 · 99,500 mi AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON DASH AND SEAT BELT, WHEN I SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES WHEN A DOG RAN IN FRONT OF ME WHILE DRIVING. *TR Look up ODI 10438944 at NHTSA ↗	68.3% ODI 10423942 · 77,000 mi PASSENGER SEATBELT LIGHT IS ON AT ALL TIMES. ACCORDING TO DEALERSHIP IT IS THE SEAT MAT SENSOR. HARDLY ANYONE RIDES WITH ME IN THE CAR, THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE BROKEN AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED BY THE MANUFACTURER WARRANTY. DEALER PROVIDED AN ESTIMATE OF $1,265.34 TO REPLACE IT. A TOTAL SCAM. *TR Look up ODI 10423942 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	29.1% ODI 10366961 · 60,000 mi UPON ARRIVING HOME FROM 4 MILE ROUND TRIP LIGHT CITY TRAFFIC (25 MPH AVER SPEED), AND ENTERING BASE OF MY DRIVEWAY, MY WELL-SERVICED 2001 BMW 525I (60,000 MILES) SUDDENLY LOST POWER STEERING, ENGINE QUIT, BATTERY WARNING LIGHTING, AND "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT CAME ON, AND LOUD CLANGING NOISE CAME FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT. RESTARTED CAR TO PULL FROM STREET INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND SMOKE STARTING COMING OUT OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT. SHUT CAR OFF AND OPENED HOOD, SAW STEAM COMING OUT OF COOLING SYSTEM EXPANSION TANK WHICH HAD CRACKED. NO MORE THAN … Look up ODI 10366961 at NHTSA ↗	13.6% ODI 10277320 · 75,000 mi ENGINE OVERHEATING WARNING SOUNDED. LOOKED AT INDICATOR AND IT WAS ALL THE WAY IN THE RED. PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY. 30 SECONDS LATER THE RADIATOR BLEW WITH THE FORCE OF AN EXPLOSION, SHOOTING COOLANT ABOUT FIVE FEET ACROSS THE STREET EVEN THOUGH THE HOOD WAS DOWN. OPENED HOOD AND FOUND A HOLE IN TOP OF RADIATOR, MORE THAN AN INCH IN DIAMETER. I WOULD HAVE OPENED HOOD BEFORE IT BLEW SO I CAME WITHIN HALF A MINUTE OF BEING BADLY BURNED. MY MECHANIC SAID IT HAPPENS REGULARLY WITH BMW 525'S. HE SAID IT HAPPENS AROUND 80,000 MILES. MY CAR HA… Look up ODI 10277320 at NHTSA ↗	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.	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.	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.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	14.5% ODI 10089874 WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH AND MAKING LEFT TURNING CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION. UPON IMPACT, NEITHER THE SIDE OR FRONT DRIVER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. DRIVER SUSTAINED CHEST, SHOULDERS, AND ARM INJURIES FROM IMPACTING THE STEERING WHEEL. *AK Look up ODI 10089874 at NHTSA ↗	27.1% ODI 10249001 · 44,000 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 525I. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE CONTACT'S VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V384000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL). HE STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATES WHEN NO ONE IS SEATED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 44,000. Look up ODI 10249001 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	67.1% ODI 10255851 · 67,000 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR CONSISTENTLY ILLUMINATES ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL, WHICH INDICATES THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG IS INOPERATIVE. AS A CONSEQUENCE, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY EVENLY IN THE EVENT OF A SERIOUS CRASH. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V384000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL); THEREFORE, HE IS NOT ENTITLED TO A FREE REMEDY AS REFERENCED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE F… Look up ODI 10255851 at NHTSA ↗	514.3% ODI 10341877 · 80,000 mi TL*THE DRIVER OWNS A 2005 BMW 525I. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH THE SRS AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V384000, AIR BAGS FRONTAL; HOWEVER, HIS VIN WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000. Look up ODI 10341877 at NHTSA ↗	33.9% ODI 10462601 · 75,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 525. WHILE PARKED, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE SEAT OCCUPANCY DETECTION SENSOR MAT WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V384000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000. UPDATED 7/11/12 CN ADDED VIN. 07/12/12. JB Look up ODI 10462601 at NHTSA ↗	11.4% ODI 10480145 · 34,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE EXITING A PARKING SPACE, THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT MALFUNCTION WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT MAT SENSOR HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 10/31/12LJ UPDATED 12/13/12LJ THE SEAT MAT SENSOR WAS REPLACED FOR A SECOND TIME. UPDATED 12/13/12 Look up ODI 10480145 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Unknown Or Other	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	14.5% ODI 11632314 We arrived at church, and I remained behind finishing my makeup. My husband locked the car with the fob out of habit, and my foot was holding the passenger door open. Forgetting the door had been locked with the fob, I accidentally allowed the passenger door to close. I had no keys. Services began, not a soul in site outside. I began to panic when I could not get the door or any other to open. The alarm would not trigger, and the sunroof was cracked accidentally about an inch. It was July. I could not get anyone to hear me, and could not get an… Look up ODI 11632314 at NHTSA ↗	310.7% ODI 10024731 · 21,000 mi WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING THE CONSUMER HAD TO DRIVE A CERTAIN SPEED IN ORDER FOR THE AJAR INDICATOR LIGHT OR THE ALARM SOUND TO COME ON, TO LET THE CONSUMER KNOW THE DOOR OR TRUNK WAS OPEN. THERE WAS ALSO NO WARNING CHIME TO LET THE DRIVER KNOW THAT OCCUPANTS IN THE VEHICLE RELEASED THE SEAT BELTS. *AK AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN DRIVE, IT WOULD TAKE ABOUT TWO VEHICLE LENGTHS BEFORE THE GONG SOUNDS, THE FUEL SENDING UNIT WAS INOPERATIVE AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL, AT THE TIME THE VEHICLE SHOWED A HALF A TANK, THERE WAS A LOUD… Look up ODI 10024731 at NHTSA ↗	13.1% ODI 10125016 · 14,500 mi WHILE CHANGING THE TIRE ON MY 2003 BMW 525 CAR JACK SLIPPED OUT CAUSING CAR TO DROP ON MY ARM, BREAKING MY ARM. I BELIEVE THE CAR JACK FOR THIS CAR IS POORLY DESIGNED Look up ODI 10125016 at NHTSA ↗	33.6% ODI 10145972 THE I-DRIVE SOFTWARE OBVIOUSLY HAS A LOT OF "BUGS" THE LATEST INCIDENT OCCURRED ON 12/13/05, WHEN PRESSING THE STEERING WHEEL CONTROL BUTTONS, THE MODE (FM/AM/CD) WOULD NOT CHANGE; THIS IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM THAT HAS GONE ON FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. IN ADDITION, MOST TIMES WHEN I START THE CAR IN THE MORNINGS, THE RADIO STATION FREQUENCY DOES NOT APPEAR IN THE DISPLAY UNLESS I CHANGE THE STATION. PRESSING THE UP/DOWN STATION BUTTON DID NOT WORK EITHER. AS I WAS NEARBY MY DEALER, I STOPPED BY SO A SERVICE REP COULD DOCUMENT THE PROBLEM. HE DOCU… Look up ODI 10145972 at NHTSA ↗	38.6% ODI 10573218 · 157,258 mi I POPPED THE HOOD AND REMOVED THE ENCLOSURE CAP FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE DAYTIME RUNNING LAMP AND DISCOVERED THAT THE WIRING ON THE HARNESS TO THE LIGHT BULB WAS EXPOSED. THE COVERING AROUND THE WIRING HAD DISINTEGRATED IN SEVERAL PLACES. I ATTEMPTED TO REMOVE THE LIGHT BULB AND RECEIVED AN ELECTRIC SHOCK. I THEN PUT THE LIGHT BULB AND HARNESS BACK INSIDE THE LAMP HOUSING AND PUT THE CAP BACK ON. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN GLOBAL IMPORTS, AUTHORIZED BMW DEALER IN ATLANTA, GA ON MARCH 11, 2014. I WAS TOLD THAT THE CONDITION OF THE HARNESS WAS A POTE… Look up ODI 10573218 at NHTSA ↗	33.9% ODI 10560152 · 92,000 mi BOUGHT FROM MANAGER AT BMW SERVICE DEPARTMENT W/89,920 ON 10/25/13. 2 OVERHEATED BROKE DOWN ON 11/29/13 ON JANUARY 7 RARELY PARK IN DRIVEWAY, PULL UP ON DRIVEWAY WITH AN INCLINE AT MY HOME. CAR WAS PLACED IN PARK BUT SORTA DID NOT CATCH GEAR RIGHT, FELT A ROLLBACK SO I ENGAGED MY E-BRAKE. DID NOT WANT TO RELEASE KEY, SO I GET STUFF AT HOUSE AND RESUMED INSPECTION OF VEHICLE, CAR DID NOT START. SO I ATTEMPTED TO REMOVE OUT OF PARK, TO NO AVAIL, THEN AFTER OFF AND ON ATTEMPTS IT CHANGED GEARS. SCREEN SAID GEAR CHANGE WITHOUT BRAKE POSSIBLE. TOO… Look up ODI 10560152 at NHTSA ↗	68.3% ODI 10534273 · 73,000 mi TRANSMISSION JERKS WHEN VEHICLE IS ABOUT TO STOP, DOWNSHIFTING TRANSMISSION ISSUE FROM 2 TO 1 SPEED. *TR Look up ODI 10534273 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Steering	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	14.5% ODI 10366961 · 60,000 mi UPON ARRIVING HOME FROM 4 MILE ROUND TRIP LIGHT CITY TRAFFIC (25 MPH AVER SPEED), AND ENTERING BASE OF MY DRIVEWAY, MY WELL-SERVICED 2001 BMW 525I (60,000 MILES) SUDDENLY LOST POWER STEERING, ENGINE QUIT, BATTERY WARNING LIGHTING, AND "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT CAME ON, AND LOUD CLANGING NOISE CAME FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT. RESTARTED CAR TO PULL FROM STREET INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND SMOKE STARTING COMING OUT OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT. SHUT CAR OFF AND OPENED HOOD, SAW STEAM COMING OUT OF COOLING SYSTEM EXPANSION TANK WHICH HAD CRACKED. NO MORE THAN … Look up ODI 10366961 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	13.1% ODI 10249556 · 39,377 mi BEGAN TO HEAR A "CLICKING NOISE" UNDER FRONT END OF VEHICLE. UPON INVESTIGATION, BMW SERVICE DEPARTMENT DETERMINED RMFD HYDRO STEERING BOX DEFECTIVE AND REPLACED IT. SERVICE DEPARTMENT STATED NOISE WOULD GET WORSE IF NOT REPLACED BUT COULDN'T ADVISE ME AS TO SAFETY ISSUE. VEHICLE METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED WITH UNDER 40,000 MILES. CONTACTED BMW VIA EMAIL WITH NO RESPONSE. *TR Look up ODI 10249556 at NHTSA ↗	22.4% ODI 10410062 · 92,302 mi ACTIVE STEERING PROBLEM. *TR Look up ODI 10410062 at NHTSA ↗	12.9% ODI 10651946 · 141,000 mi ACTIVE STEERING FAULT. *TR Look up ODI 10651946 at NHTSA ↗	22.6% ODI 10692853 · 50,000 mi STEERING FAILURE LOCK LITE COME EVERY TIME YOU START CAR. *TR Look up ODI 10692853 at NHTSA ↗	1216.7% ODI 10356596 · 54,000 mi 2007 BMW 525 HAS A MESSAGE INDICATING THE STEERING LOCK IS ACTIVATED. MESSAGE WILL NOT GO AWAY. BMW INDICATES THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM BUT IS NOT COVERED OUT OF WARRANTY. *TR Look up ODI 10356596 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	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	64,000–119,500 mi	95,750 mi	106	ODI 10150229 · 90,000 mi THE AIR BAG CONTACT RING LOCKING TAB LOCATED IN THE STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY BROKE WITHOUT WARNING. IT WAS NOTICEABLE, A CLICK OR GRAB TYPE FEEL, WHEREVER THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED AND I IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE CAR TO MY BMW SHOP TO CORRECT. I AM NOT SURE WHAT WAS ACCOMPLISHED BUT THE CLICK WAS REMOVED. ON RECALLS FOR BMWS THIS FAULT WAS LIMITED TO THE 3 SERIES AND NOT A 5 SERIES WHICH I OWN. I HAD REPORTED THIS EARLIER BUT DIDN'T RECEIVE ANY RESPONSE FROM THE NTSB SO THEREFORE I AM RESUBMITTING. NM Look up ODI 10150229 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10653182 · 99,000 mi TL THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED CAUSING SEVERE BURNS. THE CONTACT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION FOR THE THIRD DEGREE BURNS TO HER FACE AND NECK. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE WAS 99,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. Look up ODI 10653182 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10758752 · 189,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 525I. WHILE IN PARK AND ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 189,000. Look up ODI 10758752 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	72,382–160,000 mi	112,000 mi	48	ODI 10481271 · 167,446 mi I PARKED MY CAR IN THE GARAGE AS USUAL. WHEN I WENT OUT TO LEAVE HOME THE STEERING WAS LOCKED. NOTHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY WAS DONE AFTER PARKING IT OR WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START IT. THE LIGHTS FOR THE RADIO CAME ON, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER WORKS, THE LIGHTS ON THE CONSOLE LIGHT UP, BUT THE STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKED AND THE KEY WILL NOT TURN MORE THAN A FEW CENTIMETERS. TR Look up ODI 10481271 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10652023 · 230,000 mi TL THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH THE REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE DOORS FAILED TO OPEN. AS A RESULT, THE REAR PASSENGERS WERE NOT ABLE TO ENTER OR EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 230,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. Look up ODI 10652023 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11047515 · 206,000 mi POSSIBLE BMW RECALL ISSUE (CAR SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT FIRE WHILE CAR OFF). CAR PURCHASED ON 11/8/17. ON 11/16/17, CAR WAS PARKED IN OUR DRIVEWAY WITH IGNITION OFF AFTER DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES. APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES LATER, DRIVER HEARD THE CAR ALARM GO OFF WHICH PROMPTED HIM TO GO OUTSIDE AND SAW FLAMES AND SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. DRIVER CALLED 911. CAR CONTINUED TO COMBUST SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE FIRE DEPT GOT TO OUR HOUSE. SEE PICTURES FOR DAMAGE. WE STILL HAVE THE BMW CAR IN QUESTION IN OUR DRIVEWAY. Look up ODI 11047515 at NHTSA ↗
Seats	58,750–106,025 mi	84,390 mi	32	ODI 10235752 · 48,000 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 525I. THE DRIVER'S SEAT CONTROLS MAKE A SQUEAKING NOISE WHEN MOVING THE SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS SOMETHING IN THE SEAT TRACK, WHICH CAUSED THE NOISE. WHEN THE CONTACT LOCKS THE VEHICLE, THE ALARM SOUNDS, BUT THE HORN WOULD NOT. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE BATTERY TO FAIL WHEN THIS OCCURRED OVERNIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE SENSOR; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. IN ADDITION, THE KEYS DO NOT LOC… Look up ODI 10235752 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11047323 · 179,200 mi TAKATA RECALL THERE'S A AIRBAG SIGNALS ON DISPLAY SCREEN DOESN'T GO OUT OR CLEAR ANYTIME YOU START OR DRIVE THE CAR Look up ODI 11047323 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11399670 · 120,000 mi SEATS FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER ARE TWISTING WHEN ADJUSTED ALSO SEAT CONTINUOUSLY MOVES EVEN AFTER THE CONTROL IS LET OF Look up ODI 11399670 at NHTSA ↗
Seat Belts	53,750–111,750 mi	90,000 mi	28	ODI 10024731 · 21,000 mi WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING THE CONSUMER HAD TO DRIVE A CERTAIN SPEED IN ORDER FOR THE AJAR INDICATOR LIGHT OR THE ALARM SOUND TO COME ON, TO LET THE CONSUMER KNOW THE DOOR OR TRUNK WAS OPEN. THERE WAS ALSO NO WARNING CHIME TO LET THE DRIVER KNOW THAT OCCUPANTS IN THE VEHICLE RELEASED THE SEAT BELTS. AK AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN DRIVE, IT WOULD TAKE ABOUT TWO VEHICLE LENGTHS BEFORE THE GONG SOUNDS, THE FUEL SENDING UNIT WAS INOPERATIVE AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL, AT THE TIME THE VEHICLE SHOWED A HALF A TANK, THERE WAS A LOUD… Look up ODI 10024731 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10250687 · 35,600 mi AIRBAG AND SEAT BELT RESTRAINT ICONS REMAIN ON VEHICLE DISPLAY WHEN SEAT BELTS ARE ENGAGED/FASTENED. TR Look up ODI 10250687 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10278465 · 14,791 mi SINCE I HAVE PURCHASED THE CAR IN 2005 (WITH ONLY 14,000) I AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE PASSENGER AIR BAG AND SEAT BELT MAT SENSOR OF MY BMW 2004. I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE. IT WAS SERVICED. RIGHT AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRES WITH OVER 50,000 MILES, I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. I WENT ONLINE TO THE BMW OF NORTH AMERICA WEBSITE AND THERE'S A RECALL FOR CAR (SAME MODEL AND YEAR AS MINE) BUT, THEY SAID MINE IS NOT INCLUDED. I WENT TO THIS BMW FORUMS AND I REALIZED I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE SUFFERING THIS CONSEQUENCES. (GO TO GOOGLE AND TYPE E6… Look up ODI 10278465 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System	Too few reports for a range	108,500 mi	4 (sparse)	ODI 10153617 · 142,000 mi DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE ENGINE OVERHEATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS SEEN BY A DEALER. THE RADIATOR AND WATER PUMP WAS REPLACED. AFTERWARDS, THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO OVERHEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT DETERMINED THE ENGINE'S OVERALL COOLING SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. Look up ODI 10153617 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10366961 · 60,000 mi UPON ARRIVING HOME FROM 4 MILE ROUND TRIP LIGHT CITY TRAFFIC (25 MPH AVER SPEED), AND ENTERING BASE OF MY DRIVEWAY, MY WELL-SERVICED 2001 BMW 525I (60,000 MILES) SUDDENLY LOST POWER STEERING, ENGINE QUIT, BATTERY WARNING LIGHTING, AND "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT CAME ON, AND LOUD CLANGING NOISE CAME FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT. RESTARTED CAR TO PULL FROM STREET INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND SMOKE STARTING COMING OUT OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT. SHUT CAR OFF AND OPENED HOOD, SAW STEAM COMING OUT OF COOLING SYSTEM EXPANSION TANK WHICH HAD CRACKED. NO MORE THAN … Look up ODI 10366961 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10368126 · 166,000 mi TLTHE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 525I. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE. AFTER TWO HOURS, THE CONTACT TURNED THE VEHICLE ON AND TOOK IT TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE COOLING FAN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 166,000. UPDATED 01/14/11*LJ Look up ODI 10368126 at NHTSA ↗
Air Bags:Frontal	60,500–92,000 mi	71,000 mi	14	ODI 10127190 · 96,000 mi DT: VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN FRONTAL IMPACT THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, HOWEVER THE CONSUMER SUSTAINED 3RD DEGREE BURNS TO THE CHIN AREA, AND HAD TO HAVE ROOT CANAL WORK ON A TOOTH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THERE WAS A SMALL DEPLOYMENT AND IT WAS LIKE IT WAS FIRE, RED FLAMING AREA ON THE AIR BAG THAT ACTUALLY IGNITED. AK Look up ODI 10127190 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10249001 · 44,000 mi TLTHE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 525I. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE CONTACT'S VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V384000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL). HE STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATES WHEN NO ONE IS SEATED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 44,000. Look up ODI 10249001 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10255851 · 67,000 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR CONSISTENTLY ILLUMINATES ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL, WHICH INDICATES THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG IS INOPERATIVE. AS A CONSEQUENCE, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY EVENLY IN THE EVENT OF A SERIOUS CRASH. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V384000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL); THEREFORE, HE IS NOT ENTITLED TO A FREE REMEDY AS REFERENCED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE F… Look up ODI 10255851 at NHTSA ↗
Unknown Or Other	60,500–146,129 mi	92,000 mi	15	ODI 10024731 · 21,000 mi WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING THE CONSUMER HAD TO DRIVE A CERTAIN SPEED IN ORDER FOR THE AJAR INDICATOR LIGHT OR THE ALARM SOUND TO COME ON, TO LET THE CONSUMER KNOW THE DOOR OR TRUNK WAS OPEN. THERE WAS ALSO NO WARNING CHIME TO LET THE DRIVER KNOW THAT OCCUPANTS IN THE VEHICLE RELEASED THE SEAT BELTS. *AK AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN DRIVE, IT WOULD TAKE ABOUT TWO VEHICLE LENGTHS BEFORE THE GONG SOUNDS, THE FUEL SENDING UNIT WAS INOPERATIVE AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL, AT THE TIME THE VEHICLE SHOWED A HALF A TANK, THERE WAS A LOUD… Look up ODI 10024731 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11034600 · 169,367 mi IT STARTED TO SMELL ELECTRICAL WHEN I WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND WHEN I STOPPED THE CAR PUT IT IN PARK AND TRYED TO TURN THE CAR OFF THE IGNITION WOULDNT TURN OFF AND MY ENTIRE CAR CAUGHT FIRE ..I SAW IT START ON THE PASSENGER SIDE UNDER THE HOOD I THREW WATER ON IT IT WOUNDNT GO OUT AND I CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. IT HAPPENED IN PLACERVILLE WHEN I WAS VISITING FAMILY. Look up ODI 11034600 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11047323 · 179,200 mi TAKATA RECALL THERE'S A AIRBAG SIGNALS ON DISPLAY SCREEN DOESN'T GO OUT OR CLEAR ANYTIME YOU START OR DRIVE THE CAR Look up ODI 11047323 at NHTSA ↗
Steering	49,500–90,538 mi	65,500 mi	16	ODI 10481271 · 167,446 mi I PARKED MY CAR IN THE GARAGE AS USUAL. WHEN I WENT OUT TO LEAVE HOME THE STEERING WAS LOCKED. NOTHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY WAS DONE AFTER PARKING IT OR WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START IT. THE LIGHTS FOR THE RADIO CAME ON, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER WORKS, THE LIGHTS ON THE CONSOLE LIGHT UP, BUT THE STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKED AND THE KEY WILL NOT TURN MORE THAN A FEW CENTIMETERS. TR Look up ODI 10481271 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10366961 · 60,000 mi UPON ARRIVING HOME FROM 4 MILE ROUND TRIP LIGHT CITY TRAFFIC (25 MPH AVER SPEED), AND ENTERING BASE OF MY DRIVEWAY, MY WELL-SERVICED 2001 BMW 525I (60,000 MILES) SUDDENLY LOST POWER STEERING, ENGINE QUIT, BATTERY WARNING LIGHTING, AND "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT CAME ON, AND LOUD CLANGING NOISE CAME FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT. RESTARTED CAR TO PULL FROM STREET INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND SMOKE STARTING COMING OUT OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT. SHUT CAR OFF AND OPENED HOOD, SAW STEAM COMING OUT OF COOLING SYSTEM EXPANSION TANK WHICH HAD CRACKED. NO MORE THAN … Look up ODI 10366961 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10249556 · 39,377 mi BEGAN TO HEAR A "CLICKING NOISE" UNDER FRONT END OF VEHICLE. UPON INVESTIGATION, BMW SERVICE DEPARTMENT DETERMINED RMFD HYDRO STEERING BOX DEFECTIVE AND REPLACED IT. SERVICE DEPARTMENT STATED NOISE WOULD GET WORSE IF NOT REPLACED BUT COULDN'T ADVISE ME AS TO SAFETY ISSUE. VEHICLE METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED WITH UNDER 40,000 MILES. CONTACTED BMW VIA EMAIL WITH NO RESPONSE. TR Look up ODI 10249556 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	1	None	ODI 11621558 I am encountering persistent issues with my 2005 BMW 525i. Despite having replaced several critical components, including the ignition coils, spark plugs, mass air flow sensor, and throttle body sensors, the vehicle continues to experience performance problems, specifically failing to advance beyond the fourth cylinder when driving uphill. After conducting numerous diagnostic tests, I have concluded that there may be an air leak in the intake manifold. Additionally, after prolonged use under these conditions, the positive battery cable from t… Look up ODI 11621558 at NHTSA ↗
2024-11	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	1	None	ODI 11632314 We arrived at church, and I remained behind finishing my makeup. My husband locked the car with the fob out of habit, and my foot was holding the passenger door open. Forgetting the door had been locked with the fob, I accidentally allowed the passenger door to close. I had no keys. Services began, not a soul in site outside. I began to panic when I could not get the door or any other to open. The alarm would not trigger, and the sunroof was cracked accidentally about an inch. It was July. I could not get anyone to hear me, and could not get an… Look up ODI 11632314 at NHTSA ↗
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	1	None	ODI 11676992 Unknown, the car shut down on me two time in a month. Look up ODI 11676992 at NHTSA ↗
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	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
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	1	None	ODI 11721730 The contact owns a 2002 BMW 525I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS); and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were contacted. Look up ODI 11721730 at NHTSA ↗
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

2010: 0 complaints · 2011: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2010	0	0	0
2011	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
2010	0	0	0
2011	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	Seats	Seat Belts	Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System	Air Bags:Frontal	Unknown Or Other	Steering
Air Bags	—	4 ODI 10501318 · 50,000 mi THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT IS ON AND WILL NOT TURN OFF. I HAVE CALLED THE BMW DEALERSHIP AND THEY STATED THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO RUN A DIAGNOSTICS TEST WHICH WILL COST OVER $100 JUST TO FIND OUT WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT. THEY STATED THAT MY VIN NUMBER WAS ONE OF THE CARS THAT WAS FIXED IN A PREVIOUS RECALL FOR THE SAME ISSUE. I TOLD THEM I DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO PAY TO SEE WHAT IS WRONG IT. WHAT IF THE PASSENGER AIRBAG FAILS AND SOMEONE IS ACTUALLY INJURED DO TO THIS ISSUE. THE WARNING NOTIFICATION ON THE DASH HAS BEEN ON FOR TWO Y… Look up ODI 10501318 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10970386 · 140,000 mi FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR HAS FAILED. REAR LEFT HAND BRAKE/BACKUP LIGHT IS PROBLEMATIC AND INTERMITTENTLY WORKS, USUALLY ONLY SHOWS UP ON CAR'S DASHBOARD WHILE IN REVERSE, BUT SOMETIMES WILL STAY ON-SCREEN DURING DRIVING. FRONT ASHTRAY OUTLET/CIGARETTE LIGHTER DOESN'T WORK. Look up ODI 10970386 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11078903 · 105,000 mi MY BMW APPEARS TO THE HAVE AN ISSUE WITH THE PASSENGER AIR BAG SENSOR, BUT THE VIN ISN'T INCLUDE IN THE RECALL LIST. KINDLY REQUEST RECALL, AS THE VEHICLE HASN'T BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT, BUT PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINS ON. Look up ODI 11078903 at NHTSA ↗	12 ODI 11047323 · 179,200 mi TAKATA RECALL THERE'S A AIRBAG SIGNALS ON DISPLAY SCREEN DOESN'T GO OUT OR CLEAR ANYTIME YOU START OR DRIVE THE CAR Look up ODI 11047323 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10554625 THE RESTRAINT LIGHT CAME ON IN MY CAR AND FOR SOME UNKNOWN REASON THE LIGHT WILL NOT RESET. I KNOW FOR A FACT THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT COVER OR SOMETHING WHILE UNDER WARRANTY, BUT THIS STARTED AROUND 2010 OR 2011 NOT SURE. BUT JUST A FEW DAYS AGO I WAS TOLD IT MAY BE UNDER A RECALL STATUS AS WELL BECAUSE THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS SERVICED. AND THE LIGHT SAYS PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAULT IN PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM AFFECTING AIRBAG,BELT TENSIONER, OR BELT FORCE LIMITER. CONTINUE TO WEAR SAFETY BELT. BUT MY WIFE AND I A… Look up ODI 10554625 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10563165 · 40,000 mi THERE IS A FAULTY RESTRAINT MALFUNCTION ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT. REGARDLESS OF WHETHER OR NOT A PASSENGER IS IN THE SEAT AT ALL THE AIRBAG SIGN INDICATES THAT IT IS OFF. I AM AWARE THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND A MALFUNCTION IN OTHER BMW 5 SERIES AND THE DEALER SHIPS THAT I'VE WENT TO REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS EVEN THOUGH BMW HEADQUARTERS RELEASED A RECALL FOR SOME A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO. TR Look up ODI 10563165 at NHTSA ↗	27 ODI 10250687 · 35,600 mi AIRBAG AND SEAT BELT RESTRAINT ICONS REMAIN ON VEHICLE DISPLAY WHEN SEAT BELTS ARE ENGAGED/FASTENED. *TR Look up ODI 10250687 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10278465 · 14,791 mi SINCE I HAVE PURCHASED THE CAR IN 2005 (WITH ONLY 14,000) I AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE PASSENGER AIR BAG AND SEAT BELT MAT SENSOR OF MY BMW 2004. I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE. IT WAS SERVICED. RIGHT AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRES WITH OVER 50,000 MILES, I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. I WENT ONLINE TO THE BMW OF NORTH AMERICA WEBSITE AND THERE'S A RECALL FOR CAR (SAME MODEL AND YEAR AS MINE) BUT, THEY SAID MINE IS NOT INCLUDED. I WENT TO THIS BMW FORUMS AND I REALIZED I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE SUFFERING THIS CONSEQUENCES. (GO TO GOOGLE AND TYPE E6… Look up ODI 10278465 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10501318 · 50,000 mi THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT IS ON AND WILL NOT TURN OFF. I HAVE CALLED THE BMW DEALERSHIP AND THEY STATED THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO RUN A DIAGNOSTICS TEST WHICH WILL COST OVER $100 JUST TO FIND OUT WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT. THEY STATED THAT MY VIN NUMBER WAS ONE OF THE CARS THAT WAS FIXED IN A PREVIOUS RECALL FOR THE SAME ISSUE. I TOLD THEM I DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO PAY TO SEE WHAT IS WRONG IT. WHAT IF THE PASSENGER AIRBAG FAILS AND SOMEONE IS ACTUALLY INJURED DO TO THIS ISSUE. THE WARNING NOTIFICATION ON THE DASH HAS BEEN ON FOR TWO Y… Look up ODI 10501318 at NHTSA ↗	0	5 ODI 10433728 · 100,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V384000 (AIR BAG: FRONTAL). THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 11/22/11LJ UPDATED 02/03/12 Look up ODI 10433728 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10461375 · 64,000 mi I WAS LEAVING THE BOWING ALLEY AND NOTICED THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION LIGHT WAS ON AND IT WILL NOT GO OFF. I CALLED THE COMPANY IN REFERENCE TO A RECALL ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM, HOWEVER, THEY CLAIM THAT MY VIN # ISN'T COVERED UNDER THE RECALL ID # 73379 OR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 08V384000. IT IS VERY DISHEARTENING TO SAVE UP AND BUY YOUR DREAM CAR TO ONLY HAVE IT TO MALFUNCTION IN A MONTHS TIME. I DON' T HAVE ANY FAITH OR TRUST IN THE BMW COMPANY AND WILL NOT RECOMMEND THEM TO ANYONE. THEY ARE NOT LOYAL TO THEIR CUSTOMERS AND FAIL TO ST… Look up ODI 10461375 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10478370 · 110,000 mi TL THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED HE NEEDED A NEW SENSOR IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED OF THE RECALL FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V384000 ( AIR BAGS:FRONTAL) BUT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 110,000. UPDATED 11/28/12*LJ UPDATED 12/03/12 Look up ODI 10478370 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 11047323 · 179,200 mi TAKATA RECALL THERE'S A AIRBAG SIGNALS ON DISPLAY SCREEN DOESN'T GO OUT OR CLEAR ANYTIME YOU START OR DRIVE THE CAR Look up ODI 11047323 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11005486 · 158,000 mi PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM WARNING APPEARS EACH TIME WE GET INTO THE VEHICLE AND START THE IGNITION. AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT RED ICON CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THE CAR DOES NOT COOL OR GET COLD UNTIL THE CAR IS IN MOTION. WE HAD A MECHANIC WHO WE PURCHASED THE CAR FROM 3 YEARS AGO TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM BUT IT STILL CONTINUES TO NOT COOL PROPERLY. Look up ODI 11005486 at NHTSA ↗	0
Electrical System	4 ODI 10501318 · 50,000 mi THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT IS ON AND WILL NOT TURN OFF. I HAVE CALLED THE BMW DEALERSHIP AND THEY STATED THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO RUN A DIAGNOSTICS TEST WHICH WILL COST OVER $100 JUST TO FIND OUT WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT. THEY STATED THAT MY VIN NUMBER WAS ONE OF THE CARS THAT WAS FIXED IN A PREVIOUS RECALL FOR THE SAME ISSUE. I TOLD THEM I DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO PAY TO SEE WHAT IS WRONG IT. WHAT IF THE PASSENGER AIRBAG FAILS AND SOMEONE IS ACTUALLY INJURED DO TO THIS ISSUE. THE WARNING NOTIFICATION ON THE DASH HAS BEEN ON FOR TWO Y… Look up ODI 10501318 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10970386 · 140,000 mi FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR HAS FAILED. REAR LEFT HAND BRAKE/BACKUP LIGHT IS PROBLEMATIC AND INTERMITTENTLY WORKS, USUALLY ONLY SHOWS UP ON CAR'S DASHBOARD WHILE IN REVERSE, BUT SOMETIMES WILL STAY ON-SCREEN DURING DRIVING. FRONT ASHTRAY OUTLET/CIGARETTE LIGHTER DOESN'T WORK. Look up ODI 10970386 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11078903 · 105,000 mi MY BMW APPEARS TO THE HAVE AN ISSUE WITH THE PASSENGER AIR BAG SENSOR, BUT THE VIN ISN'T INCLUDE IN THE RECALL LIST. KINDLY REQUEST RECALL, AS THE VEHICLE HASN'T BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT, BUT PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINS ON. Look up ODI 11078903 at NHTSA ↗	—	7 ODI 10235752 · 48,000 mi TLTHE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 525I. THE DRIVER'S SEAT CONTROLS MAKE A SQUEAKING NOISE WHEN MOVING THE SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS SOMETHING IN THE SEAT TRACK, WHICH CAUSED THE NOISE. WHEN THE CONTACT LOCKS THE VEHICLE, THE ALARM SOUNDS, BUT THE HORN WOULD NOT. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE BATTERY TO FAIL WHEN THIS OCCURRED OVERNIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE SENSOR; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. IN ADDITION, THE KEYS DO NOT LOC… Look up ODI 10235752 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10259104 · 45,000 mi I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND TURNED THE SEAT HEATER ON. AFTER ABOUT 5 MINUTES INTO MY DRIVE, I STARTED TO SMELL SMOKE AND THEN SAW SMOKE IN THE CAR. I PULLED OVER AND SAW THAT THE SEAT WAS CATCHING ON FIRE. I TURNED THE SEAT HEATER OFF AND DOUSED THE FIRE WITH WATER. TR Look up ODI 10259104 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10289698 · 72,690 mi UPON TURNING ON THE MANUFACTURER INSTALLED DRIVERS SEAT HEATER, THE DRIVERS SEAT HEATER SHORTED OUT CAUSING EXTREME HEAT AND SMOKE TO RISE FROM THE LEFT SIDE OF THE SEAT. ALTHOUGH THIS DID NOT CAUSE A FIRE, IT WAS EXTREMELY CLOSE TO CAUSING A FIRE. THE HEATER WAS TURNED OFF, AND THE SMOKE AND HEAT SUBSIDED. THERE WAS A SIGNIFICANT ELECTRICAL BURNING SMELL. CONTACTED A BMW MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON OCCURRENCE AND A KNOWN ISSUE WITH BMW. HE CITED A CASE WHICH CAUSED A CUSTOMERS LEATHER SEAT TO BURN AND ALSO BURNED HIS SPORTS… Look up ODI 10289698 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 10024731 · 21,000 mi WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING THE CONSUMER HAD TO DRIVE A CERTAIN SPEED IN ORDER FOR THE AJAR INDICATOR LIGHT OR THE ALARM SOUND TO COME ON, TO LET THE CONSUMER KNOW THE DOOR OR TRUNK WAS OPEN. THERE WAS ALSO NO WARNING CHIME TO LET THE DRIVER KNOW THAT OCCUPANTS IN THE VEHICLE RELEASED THE SEAT BELTS. *AK AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN DRIVE, IT WOULD TAKE ABOUT TWO VEHICLE LENGTHS BEFORE THE GONG SOUNDS, THE FUEL SENDING UNIT WAS INOPERATIVE AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL, AT THE TIME THE VEHICLE SHOWED A HALF A TANK, THERE WAS A LOUD… Look up ODI 10024731 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10501318 · 50,000 mi THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT IS ON AND WILL NOT TURN OFF. I HAVE CALLED THE BMW DEALERSHIP AND THEY STATED THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO RUN A DIAGNOSTICS TEST WHICH WILL COST OVER $100 JUST TO FIND OUT WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT. THEY STATED THAT MY VIN NUMBER WAS ONE OF THE CARS THAT WAS FIXED IN A PREVIOUS RECALL FOR THE SAME ISSUE. I TOLD THEM I DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO PAY TO SEE WHAT IS WRONG IT. WHAT IF THE PASSENGER AIRBAG FAILS AND SOMEONE IS ACTUALLY INJURED DO TO THIS ISSUE. THE WARNING NOTIFICATION ON THE DASH HAS BEEN ON FOR TWO Y… Look up ODI 10501318 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	7 ODI 11498676 RECAL 94V219000: Double-lock Feature GCM Revised. "The double-lock feature can engage with occupants and the door/ignition key inside of the vehicle. The occupants of the vehicle would be unable to exit either from the doors or from the windows of the vehicle." NOTE: IF YOUR VEHICLE IS PRESENTED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND THE REMEDY IS NOT PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME OR THE REMEDY DOES NOT CORRECT THE DEFECT, CONTACT BMW AND THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY H… Look up ODI 11498676 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11632314 We arrived at church, and I remained behind finishing my makeup. My husband locked the car with the fob out of habit, and my foot was holding the passenger door open. Forgetting the door had been locked with the fob, I accidentally allowed the passenger door to close. I had no keys. Services began, not a soul in site outside. I began to panic when I could not get the door or any other to open. The alarm would not trigger, and the sunroof was cracked accidentally about an inch. It was July. I could not get anyone to hear me, and could not get an… Look up ODI 11632314 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10024731 · 21,000 mi WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING THE CONSUMER HAD TO DRIVE A CERTAIN SPEED IN ORDER FOR THE AJAR INDICATOR LIGHT OR THE ALARM SOUND TO COME ON, TO LET THE CONSUMER KNOW THE DOOR OR TRUNK WAS OPEN. THERE WAS ALSO NO WARNING CHIME TO LET THE DRIVER KNOW THAT OCCUPANTS IN THE VEHICLE RELEASED THE SEAT BELTS. *AK AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN DRIVE, IT WOULD TAKE ABOUT TWO VEHICLE LENGTHS BEFORE THE GONG SOUNDS, THE FUEL SENDING UNIT WAS INOPERATIVE AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL, AT THE TIME THE VEHICLE SHOWED A HALF A TANK, THERE WAS A LOUD… Look up ODI 10024731 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 10481271 · 167,446 mi I PARKED MY CAR IN THE GARAGE AS USUAL. WHEN I WENT OUT TO LEAVE HOME THE STEERING WAS LOCKED. NOTHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY WAS DONE AFTER PARKING IT OR WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START IT. THE LIGHTS FOR THE RADIO CAME ON, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER WORKS, THE LIGHTS ON THE CONSOLE LIGHT UP, BUT THE STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKED AND THE KEY WILL NOT TURN MORE THAN A FEW CENTIMETERS. *TR Look up ODI 10481271 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10789115 · 40,000 mi WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A STREET ROAD MY STIRRING WHEEL GOT STUCK AND I LOST CONTROL OF MY CAR SWERVED INTO OTHER LANE AND NEARLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. I PUSHED THE WHEEL BACK HARD AND BOUGHT MY CAR ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD . A MECHANIC FOUND THAT NEARLY TWO INCHES OF WATER HAD ACCUMULATED IN THE TRUNK OF MY CAR, THE WATER DAMAGE CAUSED ELECTRICAL FAILURE MAKING THE CAR TO BECOME INOPERABLE. BY SHODDY CONSTRUCTION. THE MODULES, ARE INSTALLED IN THE SPARE TIRE WELL AND INSUFFICIENTLY PROTECTED FROM MOISTURE, MAKING THEM ESPECIALLY PRONE TO … Look up ODI 10789115 at NHTSA ↗
Seats	12 ODI 11047323 · 179,200 mi TAKATA RECALL THERE'S A AIRBAG SIGNALS ON DISPLAY SCREEN DOESN'T GO OUT OR CLEAR ANYTIME YOU START OR DRIVE THE CAR Look up ODI 11047323 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10554625 THE RESTRAINT LIGHT CAME ON IN MY CAR AND FOR SOME UNKNOWN REASON THE LIGHT WILL NOT RESET. I KNOW FOR A FACT THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT COVER OR SOMETHING WHILE UNDER WARRANTY, BUT THIS STARTED AROUND 2010 OR 2011 NOT SURE. BUT JUST A FEW DAYS AGO I WAS TOLD IT MAY BE UNDER A RECALL STATUS AS WELL BECAUSE THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS SERVICED. AND THE LIGHT SAYS PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAULT IN PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM AFFECTING AIRBAG,BELT TENSIONER, OR BELT FORCE LIMITER. CONTINUE TO WEAR SAFETY BELT. BUT MY WIFE AND I A… Look up ODI 10554625 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10563165 · 40,000 mi THERE IS A FAULTY RESTRAINT MALFUNCTION ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT. REGARDLESS OF WHETHER OR NOT A PASSENGER IS IN THE SEAT AT ALL THE AIRBAG SIGN INDICATES THAT IT IS OFF. I AM AWARE THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND A MALFUNCTION IN OTHER BMW 5 SERIES AND THE DEALER SHIPS THAT I'VE WENT TO REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS EVEN THOUGH BMW HEADQUARTERS RELEASED A RECALL FOR SOME A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO. TR Look up ODI 10563165 at NHTSA ↗	7 ODI 10235752 · 48,000 mi TLTHE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 525I. THE DRIVER'S SEAT CONTROLS MAKE A SQUEAKING NOISE WHEN MOVING THE SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS SOMETHING IN THE SEAT TRACK, WHICH CAUSED THE NOISE. WHEN THE CONTACT LOCKS THE VEHICLE, THE ALARM SOUNDS, BUT THE HORN WOULD NOT. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE BATTERY TO FAIL WHEN THIS OCCURRED OVERNIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE SENSOR; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. IN ADDITION, THE KEYS DO NOT LOC… Look up ODI 10235752 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10259104 · 45,000 mi I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND TURNED THE SEAT HEATER ON. AFTER ABOUT 5 MINUTES INTO MY DRIVE, I STARTED TO SMELL SMOKE AND THEN SAW SMOKE IN THE CAR. I PULLED OVER AND SAW THAT THE SEAT WAS CATCHING ON FIRE. I TURNED THE SEAT HEATER OFF AND DOUSED THE FIRE WITH WATER. TR Look up ODI 10259104 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10289698 · 72,690 mi UPON TURNING ON THE MANUFACTURER INSTALLED DRIVERS SEAT HEATER, THE DRIVERS SEAT HEATER SHORTED OUT CAUSING EXTREME HEAT AND SMOKE TO RISE FROM THE LEFT SIDE OF THE SEAT. ALTHOUGH THIS DID NOT CAUSE A FIRE, IT WAS EXTREMELY CLOSE TO CAUSING A FIRE. THE HEATER WAS TURNED OFF, AND THE SMOKE AND HEAT SUBSIDED. THERE WAS A SIGNIFICANT ELECTRICAL BURNING SMELL. CONTACTED A BMW MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON OCCURRENCE AND A KNOWN ISSUE WITH BMW. HE CITED A CASE WHICH CAUSED A CUSTOMERS LEATHER SEAT TO BURN AND ALSO BURNED HIS SPORTS… Look up ODI 10289698 at NHTSA ↗	—	7 ODI 10554625 THE RESTRAINT LIGHT CAME ON IN MY CAR AND FOR SOME UNKNOWN REASON THE LIGHT WILL NOT RESET. I KNOW FOR A FACT THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT COVER OR SOMETHING WHILE UNDER WARRANTY, BUT THIS STARTED AROUND 2010 OR 2011 NOT SURE. BUT JUST A FEW DAYS AGO I WAS TOLD IT MAY BE UNDER A RECALL STATUS AS WELL BECAUSE THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS SERVICED. AND THE LIGHT SAYS PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAULT IN PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM AFFECTING AIRBAG,BELT TENSIONER, OR BELT FORCE LIMITER. CONTINUE TO WEAR SAFETY BELT. BUT MY WIFE AND I A… Look up ODI 10554625 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10563165 · 40,000 mi THERE IS A FAULTY RESTRAINT MALFUNCTION ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT. REGARDLESS OF WHETHER OR NOT A PASSENGER IS IN THE SEAT AT ALL THE AIRBAG SIGN INDICATES THAT IT IS OFF. I AM AWARE THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND A MALFUNCTION IN OTHER BMW 5 SERIES AND THE DEALER SHIPS THAT I'VE WENT TO REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS EVEN THOUGH BMW HEADQUARTERS RELEASED A RECALL FOR SOME A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO. TR Look up ODI 10563165 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10577829 · 55,000 mi I WAS DRIVING IN TRAFFIC WHEN SMELL AND SMOKE CAME FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY CAR, I PARK THE CAR AND CHECK, MY SEAT WAS BURN, I TURN OFF THE HEATING AND I'M NOT BE ABLE TO USED AGAIN THE DEALER ON PARK AVE IN SOUTH HACKENSACK NJ DON'T GET BACK TO ME. PLUS NOW LAST WEEK MAY 31 THE PASSENGER SAFETY LIGHT CAME ON WE ARE THINKING THE CAR IS CURS.EVERY REPAIR IS VERY EXPENSIVE. Look up ODI 10577829 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 515007 LOCK IN STEERING WHEEL BROKE. Look up ODI 515007 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 515859 IGNITION SWITCH MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING KEY TO JAM. Look up ODI 515859 at NHTSA ↗	0	2 ODI 11047323 · 179,200 mi TAKATA RECALL THERE'S A AIRBAG SIGNALS ON DISPLAY SCREEN DOESN'T GO OUT OR CLEAR ANYTIME YOU START OR DRIVE THE CAR Look up ODI 11047323 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10703920 · 75,000 mi BOUGHT THE CAR IN AUG STARTED USING THE SEAT WARMER ABOUT DECEMBER OF 2014. HERE AND THERE UPON USING I'D SMELL SOMETHING BURNING SO I WOULD TURN IT OFF! BUT NOT ALL THE TIME WHEN USING THE WARMER DID I SMELL BURNING! LATE MARCH MY HUSBAND NOTICED A BURN HOLE ON MY DRIERS SEAT, I INSTANTLY REMEMBERED THE BURNING SMELL WHEN SOMETIMES USING THE SEAT HEATER! I'M LUCKY I WAS NOT BURNED BUT MY DRIVER SEAT IS RUINED AND I'M NOW AFRAID TO USE THE HEATERS, EVER! *TR Look up ODI 10703920 at NHTSA ↗	0
Seat Belts	27 ODI 10250687 · 35,600 mi AIRBAG AND SEAT BELT RESTRAINT ICONS REMAIN ON VEHICLE DISPLAY WHEN SEAT BELTS ARE ENGAGED/FASTENED. *TR Look up ODI 10250687 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10278465 · 14,791 mi SINCE I HAVE PURCHASED THE CAR IN 2005 (WITH ONLY 14,000) I AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE PASSENGER AIR BAG AND SEAT BELT MAT SENSOR OF MY BMW 2004. I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE. IT WAS SERVICED. RIGHT AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRES WITH OVER 50,000 MILES, I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. I WENT ONLINE TO THE BMW OF NORTH AMERICA WEBSITE AND THERE'S A RECALL FOR CAR (SAME MODEL AND YEAR AS MINE) BUT, THEY SAID MINE IS NOT INCLUDED. I WENT TO THIS BMW FORUMS AND I REALIZED I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE SUFFERING THIS CONSEQUENCES. (GO TO GOOGLE AND TYPE E6… Look up ODI 10278465 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10501318 · 50,000 mi THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT IS ON AND WILL NOT TURN OFF. I HAVE CALLED THE BMW DEALERSHIP AND THEY STATED THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO RUN A DIAGNOSTICS TEST WHICH WILL COST OVER $100 JUST TO FIND OUT WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT. THEY STATED THAT MY VIN NUMBER WAS ONE OF THE CARS THAT WAS FIXED IN A PREVIOUS RECALL FOR THE SAME ISSUE. I TOLD THEM I DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO PAY TO SEE WHAT IS WRONG IT. WHAT IF THE PASSENGER AIRBAG FAILS AND SOMEONE IS ACTUALLY INJURED DO TO THIS ISSUE. THE WARNING NOTIFICATION ON THE DASH HAS BEEN ON FOR TWO Y… Look up ODI 10501318 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 10024731 · 21,000 mi WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING THE CONSUMER HAD TO DRIVE A CERTAIN SPEED IN ORDER FOR THE AJAR INDICATOR LIGHT OR THE ALARM SOUND TO COME ON, TO LET THE CONSUMER KNOW THE DOOR OR TRUNK WAS OPEN. THERE WAS ALSO NO WARNING CHIME TO LET THE DRIVER KNOW THAT OCCUPANTS IN THE VEHICLE RELEASED THE SEAT BELTS. *AK AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN DRIVE, IT WOULD TAKE ABOUT TWO VEHICLE LENGTHS BEFORE THE GONG SOUNDS, THE FUEL SENDING UNIT WAS INOPERATIVE AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL, AT THE TIME THE VEHICLE SHOWED A HALF A TANK, THERE WAS A LOUD… Look up ODI 10024731 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10501318 · 50,000 mi THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT IS ON AND WILL NOT TURN OFF. I HAVE CALLED THE BMW DEALERSHIP AND THEY STATED THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO RUN A DIAGNOSTICS TEST WHICH WILL COST OVER $100 JUST TO FIND OUT WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT. THEY STATED THAT MY VIN NUMBER WAS ONE OF THE CARS THAT WAS FIXED IN A PREVIOUS RECALL FOR THE SAME ISSUE. I TOLD THEM I DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO PAY TO SEE WHAT IS WRONG IT. WHAT IF THE PASSENGER AIRBAG FAILS AND SOMEONE IS ACTUALLY INJURED DO TO THIS ISSUE. THE WARNING NOTIFICATION ON THE DASH HAS BEEN ON FOR TWO Y… Look up ODI 10501318 at NHTSA ↗	7 ODI 10554625 THE RESTRAINT LIGHT CAME ON IN MY CAR AND FOR SOME UNKNOWN REASON THE LIGHT WILL NOT RESET. I KNOW FOR A FACT THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT COVER OR SOMETHING WHILE UNDER WARRANTY, BUT THIS STARTED AROUND 2010 OR 2011 NOT SURE. BUT JUST A FEW DAYS AGO I WAS TOLD IT MAY BE UNDER A RECALL STATUS AS WELL BECAUSE THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS SERVICED. AND THE LIGHT SAYS PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAULT IN PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM AFFECTING AIRBAG,BELT TENSIONER, OR BELT FORCE LIMITER. CONTINUE TO WEAR SAFETY BELT. BUT MY WIFE AND I A… Look up ODI 10554625 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10563165 · 40,000 mi THERE IS A FAULTY RESTRAINT MALFUNCTION ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT. REGARDLESS OF WHETHER OR NOT A PASSENGER IS IN THE SEAT AT ALL THE AIRBAG SIGN INDICATES THAT IT IS OFF. I AM AWARE THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND A MALFUNCTION IN OTHER BMW 5 SERIES AND THE DEALER SHIPS THAT I'VE WENT TO REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS EVEN THOUGH BMW HEADQUARTERS RELEASED A RECALL FOR SOME A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO. TR Look up ODI 10563165 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10577829 · 55,000 mi I WAS DRIVING IN TRAFFIC WHEN SMELL AND SMOKE CAME FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY CAR, I PARK THE CAR AND CHECK, MY SEAT WAS BURN, I TURN OFF THE HEATING AND I'M NOT BE ABLE TO USED AGAIN THE DEALER ON PARK AVE IN SOUTH HACKENSACK NJ DON'T GET BACK TO ME. PLUS NOW LAST WEEK MAY 31 THE PASSENGER SAFETY LIGHT CAME ON WE ARE THINKING THE CAR IS CURS.EVERY REPAIR IS VERY EXPENSIVE. Look up ODI 10577829 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	1 ODI 10461375 · 64,000 mi I WAS LEAVING THE BOWING ALLEY AND NOTICED THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION LIGHT WAS ON AND IT WILL NOT GO OFF. I CALLED THE COMPANY IN REFERENCE TO A RECALL ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM, HOWEVER, THEY CLAIM THAT MY VIN # ISN'T COVERED UNDER THE RECALL ID # 73379 OR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 08V384000. IT IS VERY DISHEARTENING TO SAVE UP AND BUY YOUR DREAM CAR TO ONLY HAVE IT TO MALFUNCTION IN A MONTHS TIME. I DON' T HAVE ANY FAITH OR TRUST IN THE BMW COMPANY AND WILL NOT RECOMMEND THEM TO ANYONE. THEY ARE NOT LOYAL TO THEIR CUSTOMERS AND FAIL TO ST… Look up ODI 10461375 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 10024731 · 21,000 mi WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING THE CONSUMER HAD TO DRIVE A CERTAIN SPEED IN ORDER FOR THE AJAR INDICATOR LIGHT OR THE ALARM SOUND TO COME ON, TO LET THE CONSUMER KNOW THE DOOR OR TRUNK WAS OPEN. THERE WAS ALSO NO WARNING CHIME TO LET THE DRIVER KNOW THAT OCCUPANTS IN THE VEHICLE RELEASED THE SEAT BELTS. *AK AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN DRIVE, IT WOULD TAKE ABOUT TWO VEHICLE LENGTHS BEFORE THE GONG SOUNDS, THE FUEL SENDING UNIT WAS INOPERATIVE AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL, AT THE TIME THE VEHICLE SHOWED A HALF A TANK, THERE WAS A LOUD… Look up ODI 10024731 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11005486 · 158,000 mi PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM WARNING APPEARS EACH TIME WE GET INTO THE VEHICLE AND START THE IGNITION. AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT RED ICON CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THE CAR DOES NOT COOL OR GET COLD UNTIL THE CAR IS IN MOTION. WE HAD A MECHANIC WHO WE PURCHASED THE CAR FROM 3 YEARS AGO TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM BUT IT STILL CONTINUES TO NOT COOL PROPERLY. Look up ODI 11005486 at NHTSA ↗	0
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System	0	0	2 ODI 515007 LOCK IN STEERING WHEEL BROKE. Look up ODI 515007 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 515859 IGNITION SWITCH MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING KEY TO JAM. Look up ODI 515859 at NHTSA ↗	0	—	0	0	1 ODI 10366961 · 60,000 mi UPON ARRIVING HOME FROM 4 MILE ROUND TRIP LIGHT CITY TRAFFIC (25 MPH AVER SPEED), AND ENTERING BASE OF MY DRIVEWAY, MY WELL-SERVICED 2001 BMW 525I (60,000 MILES) SUDDENLY LOST POWER STEERING, ENGINE QUIT, BATTERY WARNING LIGHTING, AND "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT CAME ON, AND LOUD CLANGING NOISE CAME FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT. RESTARTED CAR TO PULL FROM STREET INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND SMOKE STARTING COMING OUT OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT. SHUT CAR OFF AND OPENED HOOD, SAW STEAM COMING OUT OF COOLING SYSTEM EXPANSION TANK WHICH HAD CRACKED. NO MORE THAN … Look up ODI 10366961 at NHTSA ↗
Air Bags:Frontal	5 ODI 10433728 · 100,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V384000 (AIR BAG: FRONTAL). THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 11/22/11LJ UPDATED 02/03/12 Look up ODI 10433728 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10461375 · 64,000 mi I WAS LEAVING THE BOWING ALLEY AND NOTICED THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION LIGHT WAS ON AND IT WILL NOT GO OFF. I CALLED THE COMPANY IN REFERENCE TO A RECALL ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM, HOWEVER, THEY CLAIM THAT MY VIN # ISN'T COVERED UNDER THE RECALL ID # 73379 OR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 08V384000. IT IS VERY DISHEARTENING TO SAVE UP AND BUY YOUR DREAM CAR TO ONLY HAVE IT TO MALFUNCTION IN A MONTHS TIME. I DON' T HAVE ANY FAITH OR TRUST IN THE BMW COMPANY AND WILL NOT RECOMMEND THEM TO ANYONE. THEY ARE NOT LOYAL TO THEIR CUSTOMERS AND FAIL TO ST… Look up ODI 10461375 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10478370 · 110,000 mi TL THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED HE NEEDED A NEW SENSOR IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED OF THE RECALL FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V384000 ( AIR BAGS:FRONTAL) BUT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 110,000. UPDATED 11/28/12*LJ UPDATED 12/03/12 Look up ODI 10478370 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	1 ODI 10461375 · 64,000 mi I WAS LEAVING THE BOWING ALLEY AND NOTICED THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION LIGHT WAS ON AND IT WILL NOT GO OFF. I CALLED THE COMPANY IN REFERENCE TO A RECALL ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM, HOWEVER, THEY CLAIM THAT MY VIN # ISN'T COVERED UNDER THE RECALL ID # 73379 OR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 08V384000. IT IS VERY DISHEARTENING TO SAVE UP AND BUY YOUR DREAM CAR TO ONLY HAVE IT TO MALFUNCTION IN A MONTHS TIME. I DON' T HAVE ANY FAITH OR TRUST IN THE BMW COMPANY AND WILL NOT RECOMMEND THEM TO ANYONE. THEY ARE NOT LOYAL TO THEIR CUSTOMERS AND FAIL TO ST… Look up ODI 10461375 at NHTSA ↗	0	—	0	0
Unknown Or Other	2 ODI 11047323 · 179,200 mi TAKATA RECALL THERE'S A AIRBAG SIGNALS ON DISPLAY SCREEN DOESN'T GO OUT OR CLEAR ANYTIME YOU START OR DRIVE THE CAR Look up ODI 11047323 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11005486 · 158,000 mi PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM WARNING APPEARS EACH TIME WE GET INTO THE VEHICLE AND START THE IGNITION. AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT RED ICON CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THE CAR DOES NOT COOL OR GET COLD UNTIL THE CAR IS IN MOTION. WE HAD A MECHANIC WHO WE PURCHASED THE CAR FROM 3 YEARS AGO TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM BUT IT STILL CONTINUES TO NOT COOL PROPERLY. Look up ODI 11005486 at NHTSA ↗	7 ODI 11498676 RECAL 94V219000: Double-lock Feature GCM Revised. "The double-lock feature can engage with occupants and the door/ignition key inside of the vehicle. The occupants of the vehicle would be unable to exit either from the doors or from the windows of the vehicle." NOTE: IF YOUR VEHICLE IS PRESENTED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND THE REMEDY IS NOT PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME OR THE REMEDY DOES NOT CORRECT THE DEFECT, CONTACT BMW AND THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY H… Look up ODI 11498676 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11632314 We arrived at church, and I remained behind finishing my makeup. My husband locked the car with the fob out of habit, and my foot was holding the passenger door open. Forgetting the door had been locked with the fob, I accidentally allowed the passenger door to close. I had no keys. Services began, not a soul in site outside. I began to panic when I could not get the door or any other to open. The alarm would not trigger, and the sunroof was cracked accidentally about an inch. It was July. I could not get anyone to hear me, and could not get an… Look up ODI 11632314 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10024731 · 21,000 mi WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING THE CONSUMER HAD TO DRIVE A CERTAIN SPEED IN ORDER FOR THE AJAR INDICATOR LIGHT OR THE ALARM SOUND TO COME ON, TO LET THE CONSUMER KNOW THE DOOR OR TRUNK WAS OPEN. THERE WAS ALSO NO WARNING CHIME TO LET THE DRIVER KNOW THAT OCCUPANTS IN THE VEHICLE RELEASED THE SEAT BELTS. *AK AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN DRIVE, IT WOULD TAKE ABOUT TWO VEHICLE LENGTHS BEFORE THE GONG SOUNDS, THE FUEL SENDING UNIT WAS INOPERATIVE AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL, AT THE TIME THE VEHICLE SHOWED A HALF A TANK, THERE WAS A LOUD… Look up ODI 10024731 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 11047323 · 179,200 mi TAKATA RECALL THERE'S A AIRBAG SIGNALS ON DISPLAY SCREEN DOESN'T GO OUT OR CLEAR ANYTIME YOU START OR DRIVE THE CAR Look up ODI 11047323 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10703920 · 75,000 mi BOUGHT THE CAR IN AUG STARTED USING THE SEAT WARMER ABOUT DECEMBER OF 2014. HERE AND THERE UPON USING I'D SMELL SOMETHING BURNING SO I WOULD TURN IT OFF! BUT NOT ALL THE TIME WHEN USING THE WARMER DID I SMELL BURNING! LATE MARCH MY HUSBAND NOTICED A BURN HOLE ON MY DRIERS SEAT, I INSTANTLY REMEMBERED THE BURNING SMELL WHEN SOMETIMES USING THE SEAT HEATER! I'M LUCKY I WAS NOT BURNED BUT MY DRIVER SEAT IS RUINED AND I'M NOW AFRAID TO USE THE HEATERS, EVER! *TR Look up ODI 10703920 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 10024731 · 21,000 mi WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING THE CONSUMER HAD TO DRIVE A CERTAIN SPEED IN ORDER FOR THE AJAR INDICATOR LIGHT OR THE ALARM SOUND TO COME ON, TO LET THE CONSUMER KNOW THE DOOR OR TRUNK WAS OPEN. THERE WAS ALSO NO WARNING CHIME TO LET THE DRIVER KNOW THAT OCCUPANTS IN THE VEHICLE RELEASED THE SEAT BELTS. *AK AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN DRIVE, IT WOULD TAKE ABOUT TWO VEHICLE LENGTHS BEFORE THE GONG SOUNDS, THE FUEL SENDING UNIT WAS INOPERATIVE AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL, AT THE TIME THE VEHICLE SHOWED A HALF A TANK, THERE WAS A LOUD… Look up ODI 10024731 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11005486 · 158,000 mi PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM WARNING APPEARS EACH TIME WE GET INTO THE VEHICLE AND START THE IGNITION. AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT RED ICON CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THE CAR DOES NOT COOL OR GET COLD UNTIL THE CAR IS IN MOTION. WE HAD A MECHANIC WHO WE PURCHASED THE CAR FROM 3 YEARS AGO TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM BUT IT STILL CONTINUES TO NOT COOL PROPERLY. Look up ODI 11005486 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	—	1 ODI 10716489 · 71,000 mi I HAVE A BMW 525I 2007, WHICH WAS A CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED VEHICLE BOUGHT FROM EAST BAY BMW. AROUND 71,000 MILES, THE 'STEERING WHEEL LOCK MALFUNCTION' LIGHT CAME ON (RED COLOR). THE CAR IS DRIVABLE, AND WORKS FINE, HOWEVER, THE LIGHT IS STILL ON WITH A WARNING THAT THE ENGINE MAY NOT START. I ASKED BMW OF MOUNTAIN VIEW FOR A QUOTE. THEY SAY THAT THE ELV LOCK (STEERING WHEEL LOCK) AND SCREWS NEED TO BE REPLACED FOR $1521.49!! THAT'S INSANE. I SEE MANY MANY OTHER BMW OWNERS COMPLAINT ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL. MANY O… Look up ODI 10716489 at NHTSA ↗
Steering	0	2 ODI 10481271 · 167,446 mi I PARKED MY CAR IN THE GARAGE AS USUAL. WHEN I WENT OUT TO LEAVE HOME THE STEERING WAS LOCKED. NOTHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY WAS DONE AFTER PARKING IT OR WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START IT. THE LIGHTS FOR THE RADIO CAME ON, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER WORKS, THE LIGHTS ON THE CONSOLE LIGHT UP, BUT THE STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKED AND THE KEY WILL NOT TURN MORE THAN A FEW CENTIMETERS. *TR Look up ODI 10481271 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10789115 · 40,000 mi WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A STREET ROAD MY STIRRING WHEEL GOT STUCK AND I LOST CONTROL OF MY CAR SWERVED INTO OTHER LANE AND NEARLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. I PUSHED THE WHEEL BACK HARD AND BOUGHT MY CAR ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD . A MECHANIC FOUND THAT NEARLY TWO INCHES OF WATER HAD ACCUMULATED IN THE TRUNK OF MY CAR, THE WATER DAMAGE CAUSED ELECTRICAL FAILURE MAKING THE CAR TO BECOME INOPERABLE. BY SHODDY CONSTRUCTION. THE MODULES, ARE INSTALLED IN THE SPARE TIRE WELL AND INSUFFICIENTLY PROTECTED FROM MOISTURE, MAKING THEM ESPECIALLY PRONE TO … Look up ODI 10789115 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	1 ODI 10366961 · 60,000 mi UPON ARRIVING HOME FROM 4 MILE ROUND TRIP LIGHT CITY TRAFFIC (25 MPH AVER SPEED), AND ENTERING BASE OF MY DRIVEWAY, MY WELL-SERVICED 2001 BMW 525I (60,000 MILES) SUDDENLY LOST POWER STEERING, ENGINE QUIT, BATTERY WARNING LIGHTING, AND "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT CAME ON, AND LOUD CLANGING NOISE CAME FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT. RESTARTED CAR TO PULL FROM STREET INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND SMOKE STARTING COMING OUT OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT. SHUT CAR OFF AND OPENED HOOD, SAW STEAM COMING OUT OF COOLING SYSTEM EXPANSION TANK WHICH HAD CRACKED. NO MORE THAN … Look up ODI 10366961 at NHTSA ↗	0	1 ODI 10716489 · 71,000 mi I HAVE A BMW 525I 2007, WHICH WAS A CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED VEHICLE BOUGHT FROM EAST BAY BMW. AROUND 71,000 MILES, THE 'STEERING WHEEL LOCK MALFUNCTION' LIGHT CAME ON (RED COLOR). THE CAR IS DRIVABLE, AND WORKS FINE, HOWEVER, THE LIGHT IS STILL ON WITH A WARNING THAT THE ENGINE MAY NOT START. I ASKED BMW OF MOUNTAIN VIEW FOR A QUOTE. THEY SAY THAT THE ELV LOCK (STEERING WHEEL LOCK) AND SCREWS NEED TO BE REPLACED FOR $1521.49!! THAT'S INSANE. I SEE MANY MANY OTHER BMW OWNERS COMPLAINT ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL. MANY O… Look up ODI 10716489 at NHTSA ↗	—

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

7 patterns with matching reports.

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

61 mentions · 14.0% of complaints

Median mileage: 85,500 mi (56 usable records).

ODI 565570

WHILE DRIVING, COOLANT LEVEL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND CONSUMER NOTICED WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, CONSUMER FOUND THAT WATER WAS IN THE OIL DUE TO A CRACKED HEAD, CONSUMER LATER RECEIVED RECALL 98V178. *SLC

Look up ODI 565570 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10366961 · 60,000 mi

UPON ARRIVING HOME FROM 4 MILE ROUND TRIP LIGHT CITY TRAFFIC (25 MPH AVER SPEED), AND ENTERING BASE OF MY DRIVEWAY, MY WELL-SERVICED 2001 BMW 525I (60,000 MILES) SUDDENLY LOST POWER STEERING, ENGINE QUIT, BATTERY WARNING LIGHTING, AND "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT CAME ON, AND LOUD CLANGING NOISE CAME FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT. RESTARTED CAR TO PULL FROM STREET INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND SMOKE STARTING COMING OUT OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT. SHUT CAR OFF AND OPENED HOOD, SAW STEAM COMING OUT OF COOLING SYSTEM EXPANSION TANK WHICH HAD CRACKED. NO MORE THAN …

Look up ODI 10366961 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10368126 · 166,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 525I. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE. AFTER TWO HOURS, THE CONTACT TURNED THE VEHICLE ON AND TOOK IT TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE COOLING FAN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 166,000. UPDATED 01/14/11*LJ

Look up ODI 10368126 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Brake response concerns

11 mentions · 2.5% of complaints

Median mileage: 120,000 mi (9 usable records).

ODI 746975

ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WE TRIED DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, TURNING OFF THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH, AND FINALLY EVEN TURNING OFF THE IGNITION FOR SEVERAL SECONDS. THE CRUISE CONTROL MAINTAINED THE PRESET SPEED OF 70 MPH. BRAKE PEDAL PRESSURE AND BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS ALLOWED THE CAR TO BE SLOWED AND STOPPED. NO OTHER SYMPTOMS OR INSTANCES HAVE OCCURRED.*AK

Look up ODI 746975 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10246850 · 74,900 mi

WHEN APPLYING BRAKES WHEN WET, BRAKE PEDAL BECOMES VERY HARD TO PUSH. A SQUISHING SOUND CAN BE HEARD AS THE BRAKE IS APPLIED AND PEDAL MOVES TO THE FLOOR BOARD. ONLY HAPPENS WHEN BRAKE IS VERY WET (COMING OUT OF CARWASH, ALSO HAPPENED A NUMBER OF TIMES DURING A HARD RAIN.) TOOK A GREAT DEAL OF EFFORT TO PUSH DOWN ON BRAKE PEDAL AND BRING CAR TO A STOP. *TR

Look up ODI 10246850 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10579404 · 132,746 mi

OUR CARS BRAKES FAILED AND IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO STOP WE REPLACED THE BRAKE PADS AND SENSORS AND TESTED THE CAR AND IT DID NOT MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE AS THE OLD PADS WERE STILL OVER 60%.WE TOOK THE CAR TO BMW OF ARLINGTON TEXAS FOR REPAIRS. THE DEALERSHIP TOOK THE VEHICLE IN AND TOLD US THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED,THEY ORDERED THE MASTER CYLINDER AND AT THAT TIME THE QUOTE WAS A LITTLE OVER $1000.THEY CALLED US BACK AND SAID THAT WHEN THEY TOOK OUT THE MASTER CYLINDER THEY NOTICED THE BRAKE BOOSTER SERVO HAD OIL IN IT AND THE DI…

Look up ODI 10579404 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Steering assistance concerns

9 mentions · 2.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 65,500 mi (8 usable records).

ODI 10366961 · 60,000 mi

Look up ODI 10366961 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10437210 · 175,200 mi

WENT TO START CAR AFTER A 5 MINUTE DRIVE. STEERING WHEEL LOCKED, NO SOUND, IGNITION NOT WORKING. HAD TO HAVE CAR TOWED. BMW IS SAYING IT NEEDS A NEW STEERING COLUMN, IGNITION SWITCH, TO THE TUNE OF $3300! THE CAR IS A 2004 BMW 525I. SOUNDS LIKE THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. *TR

Look up ODI 10437210 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10356596 · 54,000 mi

2007 BMW 525 HAS A MESSAGE INDICATING THE STEERING LOCK IS ACTIVATED. MESSAGE WILL NOT GO AWAY. BMW INDICATES THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM BUT IS NOT COVERED OUT OF WARRANTY. *TR

Look up ODI 10356596 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Hard or delayed shifting

6 mentions · 1.4% of complaints

Median mileage: 78,500 mi (4 usable records).

ODI 750161

CAR WILL SPORADICLY JERK OUT OF FIRST GEAR WITH NO WARNING OR REASON. WHEN SITUATION OCCURS, AUTO WILL MOVE A FEW FEET AND THEN JERK OUT OF FIRST GEAR LEAVING THE CAR IN DANGEROUS SITUATION. DRIVER MUST REENGAGE CLUTCH, REPLACE IN FIRST GEAR AND PROCEED. VEHICLES BEHIND YOU MUST HIT BRAKE AS YOU UNEXPECTANTLY STOP AS THEY ARE GAINING MOMENTUM AND ARE NOT EXPECTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF THEM TO BE STOPPING ABRUPTLY. IF PROBLEM HAPPENS WHEN CROSSING TRAFFIC, THE ONCOMING CARS MUST BRAKE HARD OR SWERVE BECAUSE MY CAR WILL POP OUT OF GEAR (ONLY H…

Look up ODI 750161 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10024731 · 21,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING THE CONSUMER HAD TO DRIVE A CERTAIN SPEED IN ORDER FOR THE AJAR INDICATOR LIGHT OR THE ALARM SOUND TO COME ON, TO LET THE CONSUMER KNOW THE DOOR OR TRUNK WAS OPEN. THERE WAS ALSO NO WARNING CHIME TO LET THE DRIVER KNOW THAT OCCUPANTS IN THE VEHICLE RELEASED THE SEAT BELTS. *AK AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN DRIVE, IT WOULD TAKE ABOUT TWO VEHICLE LENGTHS BEFORE THE GONG SOUNDS, THE FUEL SENDING UNIT WAS INOPERATIVE AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL, AT THE TIME THE VEHICLE SHOWED A HALF A TANK, THERE WAS A LOUD…

Look up ODI 10024731 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11621558

I am encountering persistent issues with my 2005 BMW 525i. Despite having replaced several critical components, including the ignition coils, spark plugs, mass air flow sensor, and throttle body sensors, the vehicle continues to experience performance problems, specifically failing to advance beyond the fourth cylinder when driving uphill. After conducting numerous diagnostic tests, I have concluded that there may be an air leak in the intake manifold. Additionally, after prolonged use under these conditions, the positive battery cable from t…

Look up ODI 11621558 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Stalling or loss of power

6 mentions · 1.4% of complaints

Median mileage: 80,413 mi (6 usable records).

ODI 10366961 · 60,000 mi

Look up ODI 10366961 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10024731 · 21,000 mi

Look up ODI 10024731 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10430075 · 100,825 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE CHECK TRANSMISSION FAILSAFE MESSAGE ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION BECAME STUCK IN THIRD GEAR AND DECELERATED UNTIL IT STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO ADVISED THAT THEY WOULD CONTACT HIM AT A LATER DATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,825.

Look up ODI 10430075 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Battery drain and no-start mentions

4 mentions · 0.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 77,500 mi (3 usable records).

ODI 10241640

ON A HOT AFTERNOON IN SACRAMENTO, WE STOPPED IN A PARKING LOT AND SHUT OFF THE CAR PREPARING TO EXIT. THE WINDOWS OF THE BMW WERE UP AND WE WERE NOT ABLE TO OPEN THE DOORS. THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START AND WE WERE TRAPPED IN THE HOT CAR. FORTUNATELY WE HAD A CAR PHONE AND CALLED 911 FOR HELP. AFTER A FRIGHTENING HALF HOUR TRAPPED IN THE HOT LOCKED CAR WE WERE EXTRICATED. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO A GARAGE. *TR

Look up ODI 10241640 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10311630 · 153,537 mi

OWNER OF 1995 BMW 525 WAS UNABLE TO EXIT CAR .WINDOWS WOULD NOT OPEN WITH KEY ON NOR DID SUNROOF OPEN. THE CAR WOULD NOT START. SOUTH BAY DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO HONOR RECALL NUMBER 94V219000 AS SO DID BMW HEADQUARTERS. *TR

Look up ODI 10311630 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10620916 · 77,500 mi

ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS MY VEHICLE FAILED TO START BECAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED ACCORDING TO THE INDICATOR ON THE DASH. THE INDICATOR HAD THE LETTERS ELV WITH A PICTURE OF A STEERING WHEEL WITH A LOCK. IT STATED THAT FOR SAFETY REASONS THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START AND IN ORDER TO START IT RECOMMENDED THAT I MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL IN ORDER TO START THE VEHICLE. THE WARNING WAS IN YELLOW AND SEVERAL TIMES IN RED. I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE WHILE RUNNING ERRANDS FOR THE FEAR THAT I WILL BECOME STRANDED IF THE VEHICLE WON'T START. *T…

Look up ODI 10620916 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Fuel smell or leak mentions

1 mentions · 0.2% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 11151790

MY CAR HAS A GAS SMELL EVEN IN THE INSIDE SMELLS LIKE GAS

Look up ODI 11151790 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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