U.S. public vehicle records

2001 Bmw 1 SERIES: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

1 owner complaints analyzed

0 distinct recall campaigns

120,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2001 model year. Data updated: 2026-10-01 (October 1, 2026). 1 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

This selection has limited data. It remains available for lookup but is excluded from search indexing.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 1 of 1 complaints (100.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Braking behavior	1	100.0%
Steering behavior	1	100.0%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Electrical System

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Steering

Electrical System: 1; Service Brakes, Hydraulic: 1; Steering: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000

25,000 to 49,999

50,000 to 74,999

75,000 to 99,999

100,000 to 149,999

150,000 and above

Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 1; 150,000 and above: 0

100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (1). 0 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2011

2011: 1

Pattern summary

Electrical System leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 1 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10440872 · 2011-12-21 (December 21, 2011)

I WAS DRIVING VERY SLOWLY DOWN MY BLOCK (2001 BMW X5) AND I WAS MAKING A RIGHT TURN INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND I WAS INTENDING TO MAKE A 90 DEGREE TURN IN THE DIRECTION OF MY GARAGE. AS I WAS JUST INTO THE TURN THE CAR ACCELERATED FROM 1MPH TO ABOUT 30 MPH OR EVEN FASTER IN LESS THAN A SECOND- IT WAS OUT OF CONTROL. I WAS IN SHOCK NOT EXPECTING THIS SCENARIO- I TRULY THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO DIE OR CRASH. I WAS BRAKING ENTIRE TIME AND NO STOPPING WAS HAPPENING. I WAS HEADED FOR MY LIVING ROOM WINDOW. TRIED TO STEER IT AWAY AND ONCE I HIT THE LAWN M…

Owner-reported narrative. 120,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10440872 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

0 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

No recall campaigns are recorded in this snapshot.

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

1 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

100.0%Usable mileage1 / 1 records

100.0%Valid incident date1 / 1 records

100.0%Valid filing date1 / 1 records

100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates1 / 1 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	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012
Air Bags	1100.0% ODI 11024100 · 120,000 mi TIENE PROBLEMAS CON LAS BOLSAS DE AIRE Y TAMBIEN CON LA STABILIDAD Look up ODI 11024100 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	1100.0% ODI 10881622 TAKATA RECALL: RECALL NO: 15V-318 HI THERE, I RECEIVED A NOTICE IN JULY 2015 REGARDING THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT AIRBAG I CONTACTED MY LOCAL DEALER: BOB SMITH BMW 24500 CALABASAS RD, CALABASAS, CA 91302-2509 THEY KEEP TELLING ME THAT THEY DO NOT HAVE THE PARTS FOR THEM TO MAKE THE REPAIR. THIS HAS BEEN 1 YEAR SINCE WE RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE. YOURS SINCERELY..........[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR Look up ODI 10881622 at NHTSA ↗	133.3% ODI 10596583 · 60,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 5301. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER RESET THE AIR BAG SYSTEM HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 08V384000 (AIR BAGS). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 61,000. Look up ODI 10596583 at NHTSA ↗	3100.0% ODI 10661712 LETTER FROM SENATOR NELSON ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT SEEKING HELP TO REPLACE HER AIRBAGS IN HER 2005 BMW 3001C FROM ANOTHER COMPANY OTHER THAN TAKATA (SEND DIRECT RESPONSE TO THE SENATORS OFFICE AND REFERENCE CONSTITUENT). *SMD Look up ODI 10661712 at NHTSA ↗	120.0% ODI 10971375 NTSB: 2006-2015 BMW DEFECT WHICH RELATES TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY EXISTS IN CERTAIN MODEL YEARS. BF THE CONTACT HAS COMPLAINED DEFECTIVE AIR BAGS. AS Look up ODI 10971375 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	633.3% ODI 10692580 · 118,000 mi MY CAR WARNING MESSAGE STATED FAULT IN PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG/BELT TENSIONER, SERVICE ASAP, CONTINUE TO WEAR SAFETY BELT (OR SOMETHING SIMILAR). TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, DIAGNOSED WITH PASSENGER SEAT MAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR FAILURE. QUOTED $2600.00 FOR REPAIR. THIS HAS BEEN IN THE PAST AND CURRENTLY A RECALL PROBLEM THAT HAS AFFECTED OVER 200,000 VEHICLES DUE TO A FAULTY/POORLY DESIGNED PART. DEALER AND BMW OF NA STATE THAT MY VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN INCLUDED IN RECALL. THIS IS AN EXTREME SAFETY ISSUE, IT SHOULD NOT TAKE MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS, INJURI… Look up ODI 10692580 at NHTSA ↗	738.9% ODI 10683388 · 46,100 mi ON NOVEMBER 28, 2014, MY WIFE AND I PURCHASED A 2009 BMW 1-SERIES CONVERTIBLE FROM A LOCAL CHRYSLER DEALER. WE ALSO PURCHASED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY CONTRACT THROUGH THE DEALER. A FEW WEEKS LATER, MY WIFE NOTICED THE AIR BAG ICON ON THE DASHBOARD WAS LIT AND A AIR BAG "OFF " LIGHT LOCATED ABOVE THE REAR VIEW MIRROR STAYED ON. WE CONTACTED THE DEALER TO HAVE IT CHECKED BUT THE DEALER COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM SINCE THEY DID HAVE THE DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT TO DO SO.THEY SUGGESTED THAT WE TAKE TO A REPAIR SHOP THAT HAD THE EQUIPMENT TO TEST IT. A… Look up ODI 10683388 at NHTSA ↗	450.0% ODI 10917243 TAKATA RECALL Look up ODI 10917243 at NHTSA ↗	1545.5% ODI 10846501 TAKATA RECALL , I LIVE IN SOUTH FLORIDA JUST SAW MY VIN IN FEBRUARY UPDATE.I HAVE JUST PARKED THE CAR, AS YOU THE HUMIDITY IN THE SUMER HEAR IS VERY HIGH. DEALER COGGINS BMW FORT PIERCE SAYS THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHEN PARTS TO FIX WILL BE AVAILABLE.PLEASE HELP. Look up ODI 10846501 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Electrical System	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	1100.0% ODI 10440872 · 120,000 mi I WAS DRIVING VERY SLOWLY DOWN MY BLOCK (2001 BMW X5) AND I WAS MAKING A RIGHT TURN INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND I WAS INTENDING TO MAKE A 90 DEGREE TURN IN THE DIRECTION OF MY GARAGE. AS I WAS JUST INTO THE TURN THE CAR ACCELERATED FROM 1MPH TO ABOUT 30 MPH OR EVEN FASTER IN LESS THAN A SECOND- IT WAS OUT OF CONTROL. I WAS IN SHOCK NOT EXPECTING THIS SCENARIO- I TRULY THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO DIE OR CRASH. I WAS BRAKING ENTIRE TIME AND NO STOPPING WAS HAPPENING. I WAS HEADED FOR MY LIVING ROOM WINDOW. TRIED TO STEER IT AWAY AND ONCE I HIT THE LAWN M… Look up ODI 10440872 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.	120.0% ODI 10888965 · 200,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 1 SERIES. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS FLASHED AND THE DOOR CHIME ACTIVATED ON ITS OWN. THE CONTACT DROVE HOME, LOOKED IN THE TRUNK, AND NOTICED THAT THE ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS FILLED WITH WATER. THE SUN ROOF LEAKED WATER ONTO THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC, BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000. Look up ODI 10888965 at NHTSA ↗	233.3% ODI 10465781 · 42,500 mi THE INCIDENT LISTED PERTAINS TO THE REMOTE CONTROL THAT FAILED TO FUNCTION IN ENTIRETY. I COULD NOT OPEN ANY OF THE DOORS FROM THE OUTSIDE. AFTER ENTERING THE CAR WITH THE KEY, NOTHING IN THE CAR WOULD FUNCTION. I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALER WHICH WAS CLOSED. TOWING A BMW IS A FORMIDABLE TASK. THE DEALER COULD NOT ASCERTAIN THE CAUSE BUT CHANGING AN ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE WAS RECOMMENDED AND THAT SEEMINGLY FIXED THE PROBLEM. HOWEVER, ON 7/14,2012, THE REMOTE WOULD NOT OPEN ANY OF THE DOORS FROM EITHER THE INSIDE OR OUT. ONLY TH… Look up ODI 10465781 at NHTSA ↗	211.1% ODI 10626667 · 44,000 mi ELECTRIC WATER PUMP FAILED WITH NO WARNING, SENDING THE CAR INTO "LIMP MODE" WITH DRAMATICALLY REDUCED POWER. NEARLY CAUSED A CRASH AS THIS WAS ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY BRIDGE WITH NO SHOULDERS. *TR Look up ODI 10626667 at NHTSA ↗	422.2% ODI 10683388 · 46,100 mi ON NOVEMBER 28, 2014, MY WIFE AND I PURCHASED A 2009 BMW 1-SERIES CONVERTIBLE FROM A LOCAL CHRYSLER DEALER. WE ALSO PURCHASED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY CONTRACT THROUGH THE DEALER. A FEW WEEKS LATER, MY WIFE NOTICED THE AIR BAG ICON ON THE DASHBOARD WAS LIT AND A AIR BAG "OFF " LIGHT LOCATED ABOVE THE REAR VIEW MIRROR STAYED ON. WE CONTACTED THE DEALER TO HAVE IT CHECKED BUT THE DEALER COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM SINCE THEY DID HAVE THE DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT TO DO SO.THEY SUGGESTED THAT WE TAKE TO A REPAIR SHOP THAT HAD THE EQUIPMENT TO TEST IT. A… Look up ODI 10683388 at NHTSA ↗	112.5% ODI 10650047 RADIO NOT ALWAYS GOING ON WHEN TURNED ON OR TURNING OFF BY ITSELF OR CHANGING STATIONS. ONGOING PROBLEM. BROUGHT TO DEALER WHO HAD ME WAIT FOR OVER 5 HRS. FOR THE "CONTROLLER" TO BE CHANGED. PROBLEM CONTINUED ALONG WITH ONE OCCASION OF LOUD BUZZING COMING FROM REAR OF VEHICLE. BROUGHT TO ATTENTION OF DEALER SEVERAL TIMES WHEN IN FOR SERVICING BUT WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. DISCOVERED ONLY TOO LATE THAT I WAS BEYOND THE TIME OF FILING A COMPLAINT UNDER THE LEMON LAW. BROUGHT VEHICLE IT TO DEALER FOR APPRAISAL AND POSSIBLE "BUY BACK" BUT WAS… Look up ODI 10650047 at NHTSA ↗	721.2% ODI 10464836 · 15,000 mi I OWN A 2011 BMW 128I. ON 7/5, MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE WHEN IT SUFFERED A TOTAL ELECTRONIC FAILURE. SHE WAS UNABLE TO SEE HOW FAST SHE WAS TRAVELING DUE TO THE FACT, THE SPEEDOMETER FAILED. WHEN SHE RETURNED HOME, ALL OF THE WARNING LIGHTS WERE ON. THE CAR WOULD REV WITHOUT TOUCHING THE GAS. I SPOKE TO D-[XXX] THE BMW DEALER. THEY HAD ME TOW THE CAR INTO THEIR SHOP. 7/9, I RECEIVED A CALL FROM [XXX] AT BMW DEALER. HE ADVISED ME THAT SOME WATER FROM A JUG I CARRY IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY LEAKED AND GOT ONTO THE ELECTRONICS IN THE … Look up ODI 10464836 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Exterior Lighting	1100.0% ODI 11024100 · 120,000 mi TIENE PROBLEMAS CON LAS BOLSAS DE AIRE Y TAMBIEN CON LA STABILIDAD Look up ODI 11024100 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	1100.0% ODI 10439302 I UNDERSTAND THAT BMW WILL REMEDY THE DEFECT PRESENTLY, HOWEVER 10/7/09 I PAID $271.78 AND 7/28/10 I PAID $294.25 FOR REPAIRS TO THE IDENTICAL PROBLEM. WILL I BE REIMBURSED FOR THOSE REPAIRS DONE AT MY LOCAL AUTO SERVICE COMPANY, SINCE I WAS UNAWARE AND NOT INFORMED BY BMW THAT IT WAS DUE TO DEFECTIVE PARTS? I DO HAVE THE BILLS FOR THOSE REPAIRS AS PROOF OF THE WORK DONE TO THE SPECIFIC PARTS RECALLED. *TR Look up ODI 10439302 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.	116.7% ODI 10670022 · 115,000 mi ACTUALLY, AFTER THE LIGHT SIGNAL BECAME GREEN LIGHT THEN I MOVED AND EVERY CAR MOVING NORMALLY I TOOK THE LEFT LANE THEN SUDDENLY I SAW A LAND CRUISER STOPPED ON MY LANE , I DON'T HAVE ANY OPTION SO I TREADED THE BRAKE ONE LONG TREAD , BUT UNFORTUNATELY, IT'S DIDN'T HELP BECAUSE MY CAR SLIPPED UNDER THE LAND CRUISER !! *TR Look up ODI 10670022 at NHTSA ↗	527.8% ODI 10322804 · 20,000 mi "3RD BRAKELIGHT" LENS CONTINUES TO BREAK. I PURCHASED THE CAR IN JUNE OF 2008 AND IT IS ON ITS 3RD REPLACEMENT LENS UNDER WARRANTY. THIS IS A VERY EXPENSIVE PART AND I'M CONCERNED ABOUT OTHERS BEING ABLE TO SEE ME WHEN I APPLY THE BRAKES! Look up ODI 10322804 at NHTSA ↗	527.8% ODI 10360184 2009 BMW SERIES 1 - TAIL LIGHTS DON'T WORK - REPLACED ONCE AND FAILED AGAIN. BMW KNOWS THERE'S A PROBLEM AND STATED THAT IT MIGHT TAKE SEVERAL WEEKS TO SEVERAL MONTHS TO GET REPLACEMENT LIGHTS. *TR Look up ODI 10360184 at NHTSA ↗	112.5% ODI 10430050 · 10,000 mi THE TAIL LIGHTS AND 3RD BRAKE LIGHT FAIL. THERE IS NO INDICATOR ON DASH THAT NOTIFIES OF SUCH FAILURE, CREATES A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. *TR Look up ODI 10430050 at NHTSA ↗	13.0% ODI 10560143 · 14,500 mi BMW "THIRD STOP LAMP" (THE BREAK LIGHT) DOES NOT FIT THE 1SERIES CORRECTLY. THEY FALL OFF, CRACK, AND DISAPPEAR FREQUENTLY. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH ALL 1 SERIES BMW'S. AS THIS IS A BRAKE LIGHT, IT IS CONCERNING. I BELIEVE THE PART NUMBER FOR THIS ITEM IS (63 25 7164978). HERE IS A LINK TO THE PART WITH A PICTURE {HTTP://BMWETK.INFO/PARTS-CATALOG/PRD/BMW/VT/P/E82/COU/135I%20N54/USA/L/N/2009/06/50622/63/63_1055} THOUSANDS OF INDIVIDUALS ARE COMPLAINING OF THIS PROBLEM. *TR Look up ODI 10560143 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Fuel/Propulsion System	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.	133.3% ODI 10872407 · 124,000 mi GAS TANK IS NOT REGISTERING PROPERLY. GAUGE SHOWS NEEDING FUEL BUT GAS COMES OUT WHEN YOU ARE PUMPING SIGNIFYING THAT IT IS FULL. ALSO, PUMP TO WINDSHIELD WIPER FLUID IS NOT WORKING. DEALER REFUSED TO FIX. Look up ODI 10872407 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.	316.7% ODI 10507276 · 1,300 mi BMW HFPF FAILURE, HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE ALONG WITH VARIOUS SOFTWARE UPDATES. NOW IT APPEARS TO BE HAVING ISSUES AGAIN. *TR Look up ODI 10507276 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	112.5% ODI 10785902 · 40,000 mi MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HER CAR ON THE FREE WAY AT NIGHT BY HER SELF AND IT WENT FROM 65 MILES TO HOUR TO 25 MILES AN HOUR AND THEN IT STOPPED. I HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO MY HOME AND MY WIFE WAS VERY SCARED. I THEN HAD THE CAR TOWED TO MAG BMW IN DUBLIN OHIO. ONCE THERE I WAS TOLD THAT IT HAD A GAS LEAK IN THE INSIDE OF THE FUEL TANK THAT IS CAUSING THE CAR TO LOOSE POWER AND THAT IS WHY IT STOPPED. I WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE PERSON THAT IT WOULD COST ME $3000 TO GET IT REPAIRED. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT BMW DOES NOT USE THAT FUEL TANK ANYMORE S… Look up ODI 10785902 at NHTSA ↗	412.1% ODI 10788317 · 24,974 mi THIS VEHICLE HAS THE SAME N54 ENGINE AND SAME FUEL PUMP THAT WAS COVERED UNDER RECALL FOR FAILING FUEL PUMPS ON THE 2007-2010 BMW CARS. IT WAS THE ONLY BMW VEHICLE THAT USED THIS MOTOR IN 2011 AND SUCH WAS LEFT OUT OF THE ORIGINAL RECALL. THERE WERE ONLY ABOUT 600 OF THE VEHICLES MADE FOR THE USA SO I SUPPOSE THAT MIGHT ALSO BE WHY THEY WERE OMITTED. BMW HAS INFORMED US THAT THEY CANNOT COVER IT UNDER THE RECALL SINCE IT WAS NOT INCLUDED EVEN THOUGH IT HAS THE SAME MOTOR AND FUEL PUMP THAT WAS RECALLED IN PREVIOUS YEARS. THIS CAR HAS EXPERI… Look up ODI 10788317 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Engine	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.	133.3% ODI 11062271 · 125,000 mi THE '04 BWM 545I HAS BEEN LEAKING MOTOR OIL THROUGHOUT THE MOTOR GASKET AND HOLES. THE POWER STEERING IS LEAKING HOLES CONNECTING TO THE TRANSMISSION IS LEAKING AND THE RESERVOIR STAYS LOW ON FUILD DUE TO THE ISSUE I HAD TO PARK THE CAR IN GARAGE, IS CURRENTLY NOT BEING USED BECAUSE ALL OF THESE ISSUES NOT DRIVEABLE Look up ODI 11062271 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.	211.1% ODI 10556499 · 100,000 mi WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AND ENGINE LOST ALL POWER. *TR Look up ODI 10556499 at NHTSA ↗	15.6% ODI 10781451 I BROUGHT THE CAR IN FOR A ELECTRICAL RECALL. DEALER DID A RECOMMENDED SERVICE CHECK. LISTED 3 MAJOR ISSUES THAT SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING WITH A CAR THAT HAS 61,452. 1. REPLACE OIL PAN GASKET 2. REPLACE OIL FILTER HOUSING GASKETS 3. REPLACE VALVE COVER GASKET. ALL OF THESE ISSUES DUE TO OIL LEAKS. HOW IS IT THAT A CAR BUILT TO LAST CAN HAVE MAJOR FLAWS LIKE THIS. THIS CAR IS NOT DRIVEN ON A RACETRACK NOR DRIVEN IN EXTREME CLIMATES FOR THIS TO HAPPEN. THE COST TO REPLACE THESE IS OVER 2700 PLUS TAX. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THIS ISSUE … Look up ODI 10781451 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	412.1% ODI 10725065 · 80 mi THE CAR HAS STALLED OVER 600 TIMES IN 4 YEARS. THE CAR HAS FAILED TO START 4 TIMES. BMW FAILED TO REPLACE THE BATTERY CABLE FOR 2 YEARS -- EVEN AFTER THE BATTERY CAUGHT ON FIRE AT A GAS STATION PUMP. THE CAR CAN ONLY BE MOVED WITH WHEEL TROLLIES, SINCE YOU CANNOT PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL OR EVEN OPEN THE TRUNK (BATTERY IN TRUNK) DUE TO NO MANUALLY KEY OVERRIDE TUMBLE FOR EITHER. BMW HAS CHARGED ME FOR LABOR AND TWO BATTERIES, EVEN THOUGH THEY ADMIT TO FAILING TO HONOR THE RECALL AND PERFORMING SAID REPAIRS. THE CAR IS DANGEROUS, AND MY WIFE … Look up ODI 10725065 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Steering	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	1100.0% ODI 10440872 · 120,000 mi I WAS DRIVING VERY SLOWLY DOWN MY BLOCK (2001 BMW X5) AND I WAS MAKING A RIGHT TURN INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND I WAS INTENDING TO MAKE A 90 DEGREE TURN IN THE DIRECTION OF MY GARAGE. AS I WAS JUST INTO THE TURN THE CAR ACCELERATED FROM 1MPH TO ABOUT 30 MPH OR EVEN FASTER IN LESS THAN A SECOND- IT WAS OUT OF CONTROL. I WAS IN SHOCK NOT EXPECTING THIS SCENARIO- I TRULY THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO DIE OR CRASH. I WAS BRAKING ENTIRE TIME AND NO STOPPING WAS HAPPENING. I WAS HEADED FOR MY LIVING ROOM WINDOW. TRIED TO STEER IT AWAY AND ONCE I HIT THE LAWN M… Look up ODI 10440872 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	133.3% ODI 11062271 · 125,000 mi THE '04 BWM 545I HAS BEEN LEAKING MOTOR OIL THROUGHOUT THE MOTOR GASKET AND HOLES. THE POWER STEERING IS LEAKING HOLES CONNECTING TO THE TRANSMISSION IS LEAKING AND THE RESERVOIR STAYS LOW ON FUILD DUE TO THE ISSUE I HAD TO PARK THE CAR IN GARAGE, IS CURRENTLY NOT BEING USED BECAUSE ALL OF THESE ISSUES NOT DRIVEABLE Look up ODI 11062271 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	240.0% ODI 10423206 · 50,000 mi A RELATIVE OF MINE OWNS A 2006, BMW, X5, 3.0I. I WAS THINKING ABOUT PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE. I WAS TOLD ABOUT, WHAT I BELIEVE TO BE, A CATASTROPHIC MECHANICAL FAILURE. I WAS TOLD THAT MY RELATIVE ENTERED THE VEHICLE, STARTED IT, TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL, BUT THE TIRES DID NOT TURN. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO A BMW DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR (THE CAR WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY). THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED MY RELATIVE THAT A "BOLT" HAD BROKEN IN THE STEERING MECHANISM; THIS PREVENTED THE WHEELS FROM TURNING. MY RELATIVE TOLD ME THAT THE DEALERSHIP FIXED T… Look up ODI 10423206 at NHTSA ↗	116.7% ODI 10677096 · 146,000 mi THE CAR DIED ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION, LEAVING ME STRANDED. THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS AND NOTHING ELSE OCCURS. THE CAR IS COMPLETELY DEAD. I HAVE SMALL CHILDREN AND DURING THESE WINTER MONTHS IS A SAFETY CONCERN NOT ONLY FOR MY OWN CHILDREN'S SAFETY BUT ALSO MINE. THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT, THE SAME OCCURRED BEFORE, BUT I DIDN'T KNOW A COMPLAINT COULD BE FILED. THEREFORE, I WOULD LIKE TO REQUEST FOR IT TO BE INVESTIGATED PERHAPS NEEDS TO BE IDENTIFIED AS A "RECALL". I THANK YOU IN ADVANCE. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO… Look up ODI 10677096 at NHTSA ↗	15.6% ODI 10807613 · 52,640 mi STEERING WHEEL COMPLETELY LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING, GOT STUCK IN A TURN AND CAUSED A MINOR ACCIDENT. Look up ODI 10807613 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.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Seats	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.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	316.7% ODI 10692580 · 118,000 mi MY CAR WARNING MESSAGE STATED FAULT IN PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG/BELT TENSIONER, SERVICE ASAP, CONTINUE TO WEAR SAFETY BELT (OR SOMETHING SIMILAR). TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, DIAGNOSED WITH PASSENGER SEAT MAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR FAILURE. QUOTED $2600.00 FOR REPAIR. THIS HAS BEEN IN THE PAST AND CURRENTLY A RECALL PROBLEM THAT HAS AFFECTED OVER 200,000 VEHICLES DUE TO A FAULTY/POORLY DESIGNED PART. DEALER AND BMW OF NA STATE THAT MY VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN INCLUDED IN RECALL. THIS IS AN EXTREME SAFETY ISSUE, IT SHOULD NOT TAKE MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS, INJURI… Look up ODI 10692580 at NHTSA ↗	15.6% ODI 10683388 · 46,100 mi ON NOVEMBER 28, 2014, MY WIFE AND I PURCHASED A 2009 BMW 1-SERIES CONVERTIBLE FROM A LOCAL CHRYSLER DEALER. WE ALSO PURCHASED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY CONTRACT THROUGH THE DEALER. A FEW WEEKS LATER, MY WIFE NOTICED THE AIR BAG ICON ON THE DASHBOARD WAS LIT AND A AIR BAG "OFF " LIGHT LOCATED ABOVE THE REAR VIEW MIRROR STAYED ON. WE CONTACTED THE DEALER TO HAVE IT CHECKED BUT THE DEALER COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM SINCE THEY DID HAVE THE DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT TO DO SO.THEY SUGGESTED THAT WE TAKE TO A REPAIR SHOP THAT HAD THE EQUIPMENT TO TEST IT. A… Look up ODI 10683388 at NHTSA ↗	112.5% ODI 11052350 · 93,000 mi FAILED PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR. DOES NOT DETECT PASSENGER. "AIRBAG OFF" IS ILLUMINATED WHEN PASSENGER IS PRESENT. Look up ODI 11052350 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% 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.	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.	120.0% ODI 10547898 · 75,000 mi AUTO LOCKS FAIL. SEVERE DANGER. LOCKED INSIDE OF CAR. *TR Look up ODI 10547898 at NHTSA ↗	233.3% ODI 11074447 · 136,500 mi THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR LATCH FAILS TO FULLY ENGAGE. Look up ODI 11074447 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.	26.1% ODI 11161297 · 92,000 mi THE CAR WAS MOVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED WITH AC RUNNING. SMOKE PLUMED FROM VENTS AND UNDER FRONT PASSENGER FOOTWELL. ELECTRICAL FIRE STEMMING FROM BLOWER MOTOR FINAL STAGE UNIT AND WIRING HARNESS. Look up ODI 11161297 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
Electrical System	Too few reports for a range	120,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10440872 · 120,000 mi I WAS DRIVING VERY SLOWLY DOWN MY BLOCK (2001 BMW X5) AND I WAS MAKING A RIGHT TURN INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND I WAS INTENDING TO MAKE A 90 DEGREE TURN IN THE DIRECTION OF MY GARAGE. AS I WAS JUST INTO THE TURN THE CAR ACCELERATED FROM 1MPH TO ABOUT 30 MPH OR EVEN FASTER IN LESS THAN A SECOND- IT WAS OUT OF CONTROL. I WAS IN SHOCK NOT EXPECTING THIS SCENARIO- I TRULY THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO DIE OR CRASH. I WAS BRAKING ENTIRE TIME AND NO STOPPING WAS HAPPENING. I WAS HEADED FOR MY LIVING ROOM WINDOW. TRIED TO STEER IT AWAY AND ONCE I HIT THE LAWN M… Look up ODI 10440872 at NHTSA ↗
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	Too few reports for a range	120,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10440872 · 120,000 mi I WAS DRIVING VERY SLOWLY DOWN MY BLOCK (2001 BMW X5) AND I WAS MAKING A RIGHT TURN INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND I WAS INTENDING TO MAKE A 90 DEGREE TURN IN THE DIRECTION OF MY GARAGE. AS I WAS JUST INTO THE TURN THE CAR ACCELERATED FROM 1MPH TO ABOUT 30 MPH OR EVEN FASTER IN LESS THAN A SECOND- IT WAS OUT OF CONTROL. I WAS IN SHOCK NOT EXPECTING THIS SCENARIO- I TRULY THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO DIE OR CRASH. I WAS BRAKING ENTIRE TIME AND NO STOPPING WAS HAPPENING. I WAS HEADED FOR MY LIVING ROOM WINDOW. TRIED TO STEER IT AWAY AND ONCE I HIT THE LAWN M… Look up ODI 10440872 at NHTSA ↗
Steering	Too few reports for a range	120,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10440872 · 120,000 mi I WAS DRIVING VERY SLOWLY DOWN MY BLOCK (2001 BMW X5) AND I WAS MAKING A RIGHT TURN INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND I WAS INTENDING TO MAKE A 90 DEGREE TURN IN THE DIRECTION OF MY GARAGE. AS I WAS JUST INTO THE TURN THE CAR ACCELERATED FROM 1MPH TO ABOUT 30 MPH OR EVEN FASTER IN LESS THAN A SECOND- IT WAS OUT OF CONTROL. I WAS IN SHOCK NOT EXPECTING THIS SCENARIO- I TRULY THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO DIE OR CRASH. I WAS BRAKING ENTIRE TIME AND NO STOPPING WAS HAPPENING. I WAS HEADED FOR MY LIVING ROOM WINDOW. TRIED TO STEER IT AWAY AND ONCE I HIT THE LAWN M… Look up ODI 10440872 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	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-10 (partial)	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

2011: 5 complaints · 2012: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2011	1	3	5
2012	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
2011	29	0	4
2012	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	Electrical System	Service Brakes, Hydraulic	Steering
Electrical System	—	1 ODI 10440872 · 120,000 mi I WAS DRIVING VERY SLOWLY DOWN MY BLOCK (2001 BMW X5) AND I WAS MAKING A RIGHT TURN INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND I WAS INTENDING TO MAKE A 90 DEGREE TURN IN THE DIRECTION OF MY GARAGE. AS I WAS JUST INTO THE TURN THE CAR ACCELERATED FROM 1MPH TO ABOUT 30 MPH OR EVEN FASTER IN LESS THAN A SECOND- IT WAS OUT OF CONTROL. I WAS IN SHOCK NOT EXPECTING THIS SCENARIO- I TRULY THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO DIE OR CRASH. I WAS BRAKING ENTIRE TIME AND NO STOPPING WAS HAPPENING. I WAS HEADED FOR MY LIVING ROOM WINDOW. TRIED TO STEER IT AWAY AND ONCE I HIT THE LAWN M… Look up ODI 10440872 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10440872 · 120,000 mi I WAS DRIVING VERY SLOWLY DOWN MY BLOCK (2001 BMW X5) AND I WAS MAKING A RIGHT TURN INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND I WAS INTENDING TO MAKE A 90 DEGREE TURN IN THE DIRECTION OF MY GARAGE. AS I WAS JUST INTO THE TURN THE CAR ACCELERATED FROM 1MPH TO ABOUT 30 MPH OR EVEN FASTER IN LESS THAN A SECOND- IT WAS OUT OF CONTROL. I WAS IN SHOCK NOT EXPECTING THIS SCENARIO- I TRULY THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO DIE OR CRASH. I WAS BRAKING ENTIRE TIME AND NO STOPPING WAS HAPPENING. I WAS HEADED FOR MY LIVING ROOM WINDOW. TRIED TO STEER IT AWAY AND ONCE I HIT THE LAWN M… Look up ODI 10440872 at NHTSA ↗
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	1 ODI 10440872 · 120,000 mi I WAS DRIVING VERY SLOWLY DOWN MY BLOCK (2001 BMW X5) AND I WAS MAKING A RIGHT TURN INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND I WAS INTENDING TO MAKE A 90 DEGREE TURN IN THE DIRECTION OF MY GARAGE. AS I WAS JUST INTO THE TURN THE CAR ACCELERATED FROM 1MPH TO ABOUT 30 MPH OR EVEN FASTER IN LESS THAN A SECOND- IT WAS OUT OF CONTROL. I WAS IN SHOCK NOT EXPECTING THIS SCENARIO- I TRULY THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO DIE OR CRASH. I WAS BRAKING ENTIRE TIME AND NO STOPPING WAS HAPPENING. I WAS HEADED FOR MY LIVING ROOM WINDOW. TRIED TO STEER IT AWAY AND ONCE I HIT THE LAWN M… Look up ODI 10440872 at NHTSA ↗	—	1 ODI 10440872 · 120,000 mi I WAS DRIVING VERY SLOWLY DOWN MY BLOCK (2001 BMW X5) AND I WAS MAKING A RIGHT TURN INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND I WAS INTENDING TO MAKE A 90 DEGREE TURN IN THE DIRECTION OF MY GARAGE. AS I WAS JUST INTO THE TURN THE CAR ACCELERATED FROM 1MPH TO ABOUT 30 MPH OR EVEN FASTER IN LESS THAN A SECOND- IT WAS OUT OF CONTROL. I WAS IN SHOCK NOT EXPECTING THIS SCENARIO- I TRULY THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO DIE OR CRASH. I WAS BRAKING ENTIRE TIME AND NO STOPPING WAS HAPPENING. I WAS HEADED FOR MY LIVING ROOM WINDOW. TRIED TO STEER IT AWAY AND ONCE I HIT THE LAWN M… Look up ODI 10440872 at NHTSA ↗
Steering	1 ODI 10440872 · 120,000 mi I WAS DRIVING VERY SLOWLY DOWN MY BLOCK (2001 BMW X5) AND I WAS MAKING A RIGHT TURN INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND I WAS INTENDING TO MAKE A 90 DEGREE TURN IN THE DIRECTION OF MY GARAGE. AS I WAS JUST INTO THE TURN THE CAR ACCELERATED FROM 1MPH TO ABOUT 30 MPH OR EVEN FASTER IN LESS THAN A SECOND- IT WAS OUT OF CONTROL. I WAS IN SHOCK NOT EXPECTING THIS SCENARIO- I TRULY THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO DIE OR CRASH. I WAS BRAKING ENTIRE TIME AND NO STOPPING WAS HAPPENING. I WAS HEADED FOR MY LIVING ROOM WINDOW. TRIED TO STEER IT AWAY AND ONCE I HIT THE LAWN M… Look up ODI 10440872 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10440872 · 120,000 mi I WAS DRIVING VERY SLOWLY DOWN MY BLOCK (2001 BMW X5) AND I WAS MAKING A RIGHT TURN INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND I WAS INTENDING TO MAKE A 90 DEGREE TURN IN THE DIRECTION OF MY GARAGE. AS I WAS JUST INTO THE TURN THE CAR ACCELERATED FROM 1MPH TO ABOUT 30 MPH OR EVEN FASTER IN LESS THAN A SECOND- IT WAS OUT OF CONTROL. I WAS IN SHOCK NOT EXPECTING THIS SCENARIO- I TRULY THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO DIE OR CRASH. I WAS BRAKING ENTIRE TIME AND NO STOPPING WAS HAPPENING. I WAS HEADED FOR MY LIVING ROOM WINDOW. TRIED TO STEER IT AWAY AND ONCE I HIT THE LAWN M… Look up ODI 10440872 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

0 patterns with matching reports.

No narratives match the published patterns.