Owners have filed 125 complaints
about the 2006 BMW 5 Series with NHTSA between 2006 and 2019.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 9 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the BMW 5 Series. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 78
15.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 42
25% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Frontal
1344.8%
Automatic Transmission
620.7%
Sensor/Control Module
310.3%
RIM
26.9%
Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
26.9%
Software
13.4%
Pressure Monitoring AND Regulating Systems
13.4%
Instrument Cluster/Panel
13.4%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
10.8%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
1311.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
108.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2016.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
3529.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2016.9%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1613.6%
150,000+ miles
32.5%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 2006peak 10May 2019
NHTSA investigations into the 2006 BMW 5 Series
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA08001Opened 4 Jan 2008Closed 31 Dec 2008AIR BAGS
BMW AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATION
BMW IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN ON APPROXIMATELY 200,000 MY04 THROUGH MY06 SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 11/30/05 TO CORRECT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT. THE SPECIFIC VEHICLES INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AREMY04- 06/ 5-SERIES WITH STANDARD AND SPORT SEATS, MY04-06/ X3-SERIES AND MY06/ 3-SERIES WITH SPORT SEATS. IN ADDITION, BMW WILL EXTEND THE WARRANTY COVERAGE OF THE PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT TO 10-YEAR/UNLIMITED MILEAGE ON APPROXIMATELY 120,000 REMAINING MY04-06 SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 11/30/05. THE SPECIFIC VEHICLES INCLUDED IN T...
PE07045Opened 4 Sep 2007Closed 4 Jan 2008AIR BAGS
BMW AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATION
IN CERTAIN MY 2005 THROUGH MY 2006 BMW VEHICLES, THE OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) FOR THE PASSENGER FRONTAL AIRBAG MAY MALFUNCTION AND RENDER THE PASSENGER AIRBAG INOPERATIVE.IN JUNE 2006, BMW ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (SI B 72 02 06) REGARDING THE ILLUMINATION OF THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT AND THE PASSENGER AIRBAG STATUS LAMP.ILLUMINATION OF THESE LIGHTS WARN THAT AN OPEN ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT MAY BE PRESENT WITHIN THE PASSENGER SEAT MAT SENSOR.WHEN BOTH OF THE LIGHTS ARE ILLUMINATED, THE PASSENGER FRONTAL AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY IN A FRONTAL CRASH.CERTAIN BMW VEHICLES IN ADDITIO...
Recalls on the 2006 BMW 5 Series
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
22V119000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Risk: An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.
12E029000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by Valeo. Valeo is recalling certain engine cooling fans, part numbers 696121, 696273, and 696275, used as service replacement parts for model year 2008-2011 BMW 1-Series, 2006-2011 BMW 3-Series, 2000-2009 BMW 5-Series, 2004-2005 BMW 6-Series, and 2006-2007 BMW 7-Series vehicles. A metal-oxide semiconductor may overheat due to insufficient screwing of the semiconductor on the aluminum heat sink. This primary failure could cause adjacent components on the fan assembly motor circuit board to overheat and short.
Risk: This condition could cause the fan motor to become inoperative, or cause the motor circuit board in the assembly to overheat, potentially leading to a fire in the engine compartment.
12V126000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 5-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 6-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2006-2010 M5, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 M6 VEHICLES. THE INSULATED BULKHEAD CONNECTOR FOR THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE MAY HAVE BEEN INCORRECTLY ATTACHED TO THE TRUNK FLOOR PANEL, WHICH CAN LEAD TO A LOOSENING OF THE BOLT CONNECTION. AS IT LOOSENS, AN INCREASE IN ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE AT THIS CABLE CONNECTION IS POSSIBLE AND COULD CAUSE THE CABLE CONNECTION TO OVERHEAT.
Risk: OVERHEATING COULD LEAD TO A FIRE, EVEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS NOT IN USE. AS A PRECAUTION, OWNERS ARE ADVISED TO PARK OUTSIDE UNTIL THE REMEDY HAS BEEN MADE.
10V446000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 5-SERIES, 6-SERIES, AND MODEL YEAR 2002-2008 7-SERIES VEHICLES. A CHECK VALVE OF THE BRAKE VACUUM PUMP MAY LEAK A SMALL AMOUNT OF LUBRICATING OIL. OVER TIME THIS COULD RESULT IN CONTAMINATION OF THE BRAKE BOOSTER.
Risk: POWER ASSIST BRAKING PERFORMANCE COULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED. IN EXTREME CASES THERE COULD BE A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER ASSIST BRAKING. AN UNEXPECTED REDUCTION OR LOSS IN POWER BRAKING ASSIST MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
08V384000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
BMW IS RECALLING 200,000 MY 2006 3 SERIES SPORT SEAT, MY 2004-2006 5 SERIES STANDARD AND SPORT SEAT, AND MY 2004-2006 X3 PASSENGER VEHICLES. DEPENDING ON THE MANNER AND FREQUENCY OF THE FRONT PASSENGER'S ENTRY AND EXIT, SMALL CRACKS HAVE DEVELOPED IN THE MAT. IF THIS OCCURS, THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM, WILL BE DEACTIVATED AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP AS WELL AS THE PASSENGER AIR BAG "ON-OFF" LAMP WILL BE ILLUMINATED.
Risk: IN THIS SITUATION THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY EVEN IF A SUFFICIENTLY SEVERE ACCIDENT WOULD OCCUR AND OCCUPANT PROTECTION PROVIDED BY THE SYSTEM WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE.
06V277000
SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBER
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE LOWER RUBBER MOUNT OF THE REAR SHOCK ABSORBERS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED TO SPECIFICATIONS AND MAY NOT ADHERE CORRECTLY TO ITS HOUSING WITHIN THE SHOCK ABSORBER.
Risk: THE BUSHING COULD LOOSEN AND OVER TIME COULD SEPARATE FROM ITS HOUSING. THE DRIVER WILL EXPERIENCE IMPAIRED VEHICLE HANDLING AND CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
06V187000
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE NUTS WHICH SECURE THE FRONT AXLE CONTROL ARM AND TENSION STRUT TO THE FRONT WHEEL HUB MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATION. OVER TIME THE NUTS COULD LOOSEN AND THE CONTROL ARM AND TENSION STRUT COULD BE DAMAGED.
Risk: VEHICLE HANDLING AND CONTROL COULD COMPROMISE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
05V504000
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN INCORRECTLY MANUFACTURED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PARKING PAWL GUIDE PLATE.
Risk: THIS COULD CAUSE THE PARKING LOCK SYSTEM NOT TO ENGAGE, AFTER THE TRANSMISSION IS PLACED IN THE PARK ("P") POSITION. IF THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON AN INCLINE, AND THE PARKING BRAKE WAS NOT ENGAGED, THIS COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE ROLLAWAY CONDITION.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202209598,111 units in Canada
Engine
Issue: On certain vehicles equipped with an N52 or N52K 6-cylinder engine, a manufacturing problem could cause the PCV valve heater (blow-by heater) to short circuit and overheat. Note: This replaces Transport Canada recalls 2017-470 and 2019-170. Only vehicles equipped with an N52 or N52K engine require this repair. Safety Risk: An overheated engine PCV valve heater could create the risk of a fire, even while the vehicle is parked and turned off. Corrective Actions: BMW will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to install a wire harness repair kit. BMW recommends that you should park your vehicle outdoors until the recall repairs have been completed.
Recall 201917015,466 units in Canada
Engine
Issue: On certain vehicles equipped with an N52 6-cylinder engine, a manufacturing problem could cause the PCV valve heater to overheat. Safety Risk: An overheated engine PCV valve heater could create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the PCV valve heater.
Recall 201323815,294 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the front passenger seat occupant detection mat can fatigue over time. As a result, the passenger airbag could deactivate, illuminating the airbag warning lamp and the passenger airbag ON/OFF lamp. Failure of the passenger airbag to deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Vehicles will receive special extended warranty coverage of 10 years from first registration. Under this special coverage program, vehicles which experience this condition will have the occupant detection mat replaced.
Recall 201210916,748 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, the insulated bulkhead connector (used to join the two halves of the positive battery cable) may have been incorrectly installed during vehicle assembly. Over time, the bolt connection could loosen, which would increase electrical resistance. In addition, an incorrectly insulated bulkhead connector could allow humidity to accumulate at this location, causing current leakage. These issues could cause the cable connection to overheat, which could result in a vehicle fire causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, as necessary, secure the insulated bulkhead connector. In addition, protective grease will be added to the area and the plastic battery positive terminal cover will be replaced.
Recall 20103288,167 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles, a check valve in the brake vacuum pump may leak a small amount of lubricating oil. Over time, this could result in contamination of the brake booster. Loss of brake power assist could occur which, in conjunction with traffic, road conditions, and driver's reactions, could increase the risk of a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the brake booster and master cylinder. Additionally, the brake vacuum line (including the check valve) will be replaced to eliminate the possibility of oil reaching the brake booster.
Recall 20083078,090 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
On certain vehicles, the front passenger seat occupant detection mat can fatigue during field usage depending on the seat configuration, vehicle geometry, manner and frequency of front passenger entry/exit. Over time micro cracks could develop in the side flanks of the mat, which could lead to a break of the conductive path and the system will recognize a failure and with exception of head protection system the front passenger air bag will be deactivated. The airbag On/Off lamp will be illuminated to make the occupants aware of the deactivation. Correction: The occupant detection mat will be granted a warranty extension of 10 years.
Recall 20073342,148 units in Canada
Electrical
Certain 550I, 650I cabriolet, 650I coupe, and X5 vehicles equipped with a V8 engine, operated in conditions of below-freezing temperatures combined with low humidity, may suffer an electrostatic discharge at the fuel rails. If this were to occur, the engine's Electronic Control Unit (ECU) could be affected such that engine stalling could result. If the engine were to stall, this would result in a loss of power steering. Loss of power steering could lead to a condition in which vehicle handling and control were impaired. Correction: Dealers will install two additional ground cable between the fuel rails and the ground connection of the ignition coils.
Recall 2006134912 units in Canada
Suspension
On certain vehicles, the rear shock lower bushings may not have been manufactured to specification (improper vulcanization of the bushing). Depending on vehicle operation and temperature conditions, this could lead to a loosening of the bushing within its housing. Over time, the bushing could continue to loosen and may eventually separate from its housing. Correction: Dealers will replace the rear strut assemblies.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 40,000 milesDrewer, MEFire1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW M5. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 35-40 MPH THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE VEHICLE HAD A HISTORY OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS SINCE THE DAY OF PURCHASE. DURING THE FIRE, THE VEHICLE LOST THE ABILITY TO BRAKE. HE HAD TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. HE SUFFERED MINOR BURNS ON HIS HANDS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
NHTSA complaint #10296583 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 14,500 milesPassaik, NJCrashFire1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 525I. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE CONTACT'S WIFE BEGAN TO FEEL DIZZY. THE NEXT THING SHE REMEMBERED IS SMOKE APPEARING UNDER THE HOOD AND SHE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS INJURED AND HAD TO BE TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO AIR BAG RECALLS, BUT THERE IS AN OPEN INVESTIGATION REGARDING THE AIR BAGS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 14,500.
NHTSA complaint #10221145 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 14,700 milesNuevo, CACrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A 2 MPH COLLISION, AND THE DRIVER AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITH VERY LOW PRESSURE, AS IF OOZING OUT. THERE WAS NO POLICE REPORT TAKEN AT THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE REPAIR SHOP, WHERE THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #10176161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 4,000 milesLouisville, KY1 injured
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
DUE TO A CERTAIN DEFECT IN THE AIRCONDITIONING AIR DUCT, THE HUMIDITY BUILDS UP TO A HIGH LEVEL CAUSING EVENTUAL MOLD FORMATION IN THE AIR DUCT. AS A RESULT OF THAT A BAD SMELL WILL PROGRESSIVELY INCREASE UNTILL IT CAN BE EASILY NOTICABLE ESPECIALLY DURING THE FIRST MINUTE OF STARTING THE AIR CONDITIONNER. MOLDS ARE KNOWN TO BE STRONG ALLERGENS AND CAN RESULT IN WORSENING NASAL ALLERGY SYMPTOMS, COUGH, NASAL CONGESTION, AND SNEEZING. I BELLEIVE IT IS A HEALTH HAZARD TO PEOPLE WITH MOLD ALLERGIES LIKE MY SON WHO HAD NOTICABLE WOSENING OF HIS NASAL CONGESTION AND EVENTUALLY HIS OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA SYMPTOMS AS A RESULT OF THAT. UP ON CANTACTING THE LOCAL DEALER IN TEH AREA AND LATER THE BMW CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT, THEY ACKNOWLEDGED THE PROBLEM SINCE I WAS NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT, BUT THEY ONLY OFFERED TO CLEAN THE DUCTS ONCE A YEAR, WHICH IS A SHORT TERM REMEDY AND DOES NOT PREVENT THE RECURRENCE OF THE PROBLEM. I BELEIVE IT IS A HAELTH RISK AND CUSTOMERS NEED TO BE INFORMED UPFRONT ABOUT THIS PROBLEM BEFORE THEY MAKE A SELECTION TO BUY THAT VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10174207 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,300 milesChicago, ILCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
I WAS DRIVING A NEW BMW M5 IN CHICAGO ON LOWER LAKE SHORE DRIVE (THE BRIDGE OVER THE CHICAGO RIVER.) AT APPROXIMATLY 30-35 MILES/HOUR THE CAR WAS NOT CONTROLLABLE AND THIS RESULTED IN TO A MAJOR CRASH WITH SIGNIFICANT INJURY, SEVERAL DEVICES WERE NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY INCLUDING THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR-BAGS. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING FOR OVER THIRTY YEARS AND DURING THIS TIME I DID NOT EXPERIENCE EVEN A MINOR ACCIDENT NOR DID I EVER RECEIVE A TICKET FOR A TRAFFIC VIOLATION.
NHTSA complaint #10156087 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,300 milesChicago, ILCrash1 injured
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
I WAS DRIVING A NEW BMW M5 IN CHICAGO ON LOWER LAKE SHORE DRIVE (THE BRIDGE OVER THE CHICAGO RIVER.) AT APPROXIMATLY 30-35 MILES/HOUR THE CAR WAS NOT CONTROLLABLE AND THIS RESULTED IN TO A MAJOR CRASH WITH SIGNIFICANT INJURY, SEVERAL DEVICES WERE NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY INCLUDING THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR-BAGS. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING FOR OVER THIRTY YEARS AND DURING THIS TIME I DID NOT EXPERIENCE EVEN A MINOR ACCIDENT NOR DID I EVER RECEIVE A TICKET FOR A TRAFFIC VIOLATION.
NHTSA complaint #10156087 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 104,932 milesCorte Madera, CA
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 5 SERIES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE LEAKED OIL AND THE BRAKES FAILED WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS. THE BRAKES WORKED NORMALLY WHEN APPLIED AT HIGH SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT A NEW POWER BRAKE BOOSTER AND VACUUM PUMP NEEDED TO BE INSTALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,932.
NHTSA complaint #11209794 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 104,932 milesCorte Madera, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 5 SERIES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE LEAKED OIL AND THE BRAKES FAILED WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS. THE BRAKES WORKED NORMALLY WHEN APPLIED AT HIGH SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT A NEW POWER BRAKE BOOSTER AND VACUUM PUMP NEEDED TO BE INSTALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,932.
NHTSA complaint #11209794 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 74,000 milesReston, VA
AIR BAGS
FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY DETECTION MAT HAD TO BE REPLACED AS IT WAS DEFECTIVE. THOUGH NOT IN PREVIOUS RECALLS IN SIMILAR BMWS AND SIMILAR YEARS, THE ERROR PRESENTED A SAFETY ISSUE THAT WOULD DISABLE THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS AND INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY DURING A CRASH. WITH THIS ERROR, I WAS FORCED TO REPAIR THE SEAT MAT AND EXPENDED $1.5K TO REMEDY THIS SAFETY ISSUE. THIS SEAT MAT ISSUE IS A KNOWN BMW PROBLEM THAT BMW AND NHTSA HAVE NOT ADDRESSED. VIN: [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11024085 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesDallas, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
NAVIGATION DISPLAY REBOOTS CONSTANTLY. WORKS PERIODICALLY. THIS DISPLAY GIVES ME ACCESS TO ALL OF THE CARS FEATURES INCLUDING WARNINGS AND MALFUNCTIONS WITH THE VEHICLE. IF THE DISPLAY WORKS WHEN THE CAR IS ON IT MAY NOT WORK IF YOU TURN OFF THE CARD AND TURN IT BACK ON.
NHTSA complaint #10984319 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesDallas, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
NAVIGATION DISPLAY REBOOTS CONSTANTLY. WORKS PERIODICALLY. THIS DISPLAY GIVES ME ACCESS TO ALL OF THE CARS FEATURES INCLUDING WARNINGS AND MALFUNCTIONS WITH THE VEHICLE. IF THE DISPLAY WORKS WHEN THE CAR IS ON IT MAY NOT WORK IF YOU TURN OFF THE CARD AND TURN IT BACK ON.
NHTSA complaint #10984319 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesIrvine, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
HEAD LIGHTS ANGLE LIGHTS WIRES GETTING VERY DRY FROM THE HEAT OF THE LIGHT AND THE INSULATION COMING OFF THE OPTICAL WIRES, LIGHTS GO OUT, POSSIBLE SHORTING AND BECOME VERY UNSAFE.
NHTSA complaint #10979421 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesIrvine, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
HEAD LIGHTS ANGLE LIGHTS WIRES GETTING VERY DRY FROM THE HEAT OF THE LIGHT AND THE INSULATION COMING OFF THE OPTICAL WIRES, LIGHTS GO OUT, POSSIBLE SHORTING AND BECOME VERY UNSAFE.
NHTSA complaint #10979421 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 69,000 milesHuntington Station, NY
SEATS
THE PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG MALFUNCTIONED CASING THE SEAT TO HAVE TO BE REMOVED AND SENSOR REPLACED. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS BUT MY CAR, AND 2 OF MY FRIENDS CARS WERE NOT INCLUDED ON THE RECALL, MY FRIENDS WERE CHARGED BY THE DEALERSHIP. MY ENGINE LEAKS OIL ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD CAUSING SMOKE IN THE CAB AND POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD. ON EVERY BM I HAVE EVER OWNED THE RADIATOR LEAKS FLUID WHICH IS ENVIRONMENTALLY HAZARDOUS AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED.
NHTSA complaint #10939903 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 69,000 milesHuntington Station, NY
AIR BAGS
THE PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG MALFUNCTIONED CASING THE SEAT TO HAVE TO BE REMOVED AND SENSOR REPLACED. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS BUT MY CAR, AND 2 OF MY FRIENDS CARS WERE NOT INCLUDED ON THE RECALL, MY FRIENDS WERE CHARGED BY THE DEALERSHIP. MY ENGINE LEAKS OIL ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD CAUSING SMOKE IN THE CAB AND POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD. ON EVERY BM I HAVE EVER OWNED THE RADIATOR LEAKS FLUID WHICH IS ENVIRONMENTALLY HAZARDOUS AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED.
NHTSA complaint #10939903 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 69,000 milesHuntington Station, NY
ENGINE
THE PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG MALFUNCTIONED CASING THE SEAT TO HAVE TO BE REMOVED AND SENSOR REPLACED. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS BUT MY CAR, AND 2 OF MY FRIENDS CARS WERE NOT INCLUDED ON THE RECALL, MY FRIENDS WERE CHARGED BY THE DEALERSHIP. MY ENGINE LEAKS OIL ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD CAUSING SMOKE IN THE CAB AND POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD. ON EVERY BM I HAVE EVER OWNED THE RADIATOR LEAKS FLUID WHICH IS ENVIRONMENTALLY HAZARDOUS AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED.
NHTSA complaint #10939903 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesBakersfield, CA
AIR BAGS
MY PASSENGER AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON ABOUT A MONTH AGO FOR APPARENT REASON AND STAY ON EVER SINCE. I CONTACTED THE LOCAL BMW DEALER AND WAS TOLD MY VIN WAS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST. I WAS VERY DISAPPOINTED AND DONT UNDERSTAND WHY SOME CARS WERE ON THE RECALL AND SOME WERE NOT. APPARENTLY THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH ALL BMWS AND A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. THIS SAFETY ISSUE SHOULD BE TAKEN CARE OF BY THE MANUFACTURE.
NHTSA complaint #10846358 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesChattanooga, TN
STEERING
STEERING WHEEL MALFUNCTION LOCKS PREVENTING THE VEHICLE TO START STEERING WHEEL LOCKS WHILE DRIVING
NHTSA complaint #10744822 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesChattanooga, TN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
STEERING WHEEL MALFUNCTION LOCKS PREVENTING THE VEHICLE TO START STEERING WHEEL LOCKS WHILE DRIVING
NHTSA complaint #10744822 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,000 milesChattanooga, TN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
AIR CONDITIONING STOP WORK CAUSING MOTOR TO HEAT
NHTSA complaint #10744826 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,000 milesChattanooga, TN
ENGINE
AIR CONDITIONING STOP WORK CAUSING MOTOR TO HEAT
NHTSA complaint #10744826 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 138,570 milesHouston, TX
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
A MESSAGE ON THE VEHICLE DISPLAY SCREEN INDICATED THAT THE RIGHT-SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT WAS MALFUNCTIONING. I REMOVED THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY TO REPLACE THE BULB AND FOUND THE WIRING INSULATION IS CRUMBLING TO THE TOUCH, RESULTING IN A SHORT CIRCUIT. THE HEADLIGHT BULB IS NOT ACTUALLY BURNED OUT. THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ON THE BMW FORUMS BUT BMW AND THE HEADLIGHT MANUFACTURER, HELLA, REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM OR DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT.
NHTSA complaint #10683432 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 138,570 milesHouston, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
A MESSAGE ON THE VEHICLE DISPLAY SCREEN INDICATED THAT THE RIGHT-SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT WAS MALFUNCTIONING. I REMOVED THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY TO REPLACE THE BULB AND FOUND THE WIRING INSULATION IS CRUMBLING TO THE TOUCH, RESULTING IN A SHORT CIRCUIT. THE HEADLIGHT BULB IS NOT ACTUALLY BURNED OUT. THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ON THE BMW FORUMS BUT BMW AND THE HEADLIGHT MANUFACTURER, HELLA, REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM OR DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT.
NHTSA complaint #10683432 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesAgoura Hills, CA
ENGINE
THE 2006 BMW 5 SERIES USED ALUMINUM HEAD AND VALVE COVER BOLTS WHICH WERE OVER-TORQUED DURING ASSEMBLY AND BREAK AFTER APPROXIMATELY 80K. BMW ADMITS THIS PROBLEM EXISTS BUT REFUSES TO ISSUE A RECALL. BMW'S REPAIR COST IS ~$6000. THESE BOLTS ARE NON SERVICEABLE AND SHOULD NEVER BE REMOVED, WHEN BROKEN THEY CAUSE MASSIVE OIL LEAKS AND POSSIBLY FIRE. I CONTACTED BMW, THEY REQUESTED TO REVIEW THE CAR. BMW AGREED THAT THE BOLTS WERE BROKEN THEN REFUSED TO FIX THE PROBLEM CLAIMING THE CAR HAS TOO MANY MILES. BMW KNEW THE MILEAGE WHEN THEY REQUESTED TO REVIEW THE PROBLEM ... WHY WASTE MY TIME IF THEY KNEW THEY WERE GOING TO DO NOTHING? MY VEHICLE NOW LOSSES APPROXIMATELY 1-2 QUARTS OF OIL PER 100 MILES. I AM CHAGRINED THAT BMW WILL NOT ADMIT THEIR MANUFACTURING DEFECT. I HAVE MAINTAINED THIS CAR WITH CARE AND OTHER THAN THE OIL LEAK FROM THE BROKEN BOLTS THE CAR IS IN PERFECT CONDITION - BUT IS NO LONGER DRIVABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10677109 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miami Springs, FL
AIR BAGS
MY CAR IS NOT ON THE AIRBAG RECALL LIST BUT I HAVE HAD THIS ERROR FOR AWHILE NOW & IT APPEARS TO BE RELATED TO THE AIRBAG ISSUE (NOT SURE IF MY CAR HAS A TEKATA.) THE MESSAGE COMES UP ON THE SCREEN- PASS. RESTRAINT SYSTEM- FAULT IN PASSENGER-RESTRAINT SYSTEM AFFECTING AIRBAG, BELT TENSIONER OR BELT FORCE LIMITER. CONTINUE TO WEAR THE SAFETY BELT. I ALSO HAVE A PICTURE OF THE ERROR.
NHTSA complaint #10659076 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oakland, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
A LEAK DEVELOPED IN THE POWER BRAKING SYSTEM,CAUSING A VACUUM LOSS AND CONSEQUENT REDUCTION OF POWER BRAKING ASSISTANCE. MECHANICAL BRAKING IS STILL AVAILABLE TO SLOW AND STOP THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10648954 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 77,000 milesMT. Vernon, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
SINCE 2011, I HAVE NEEDED TO HAVE MY, 2006 BMW 530XI, VEHICLE SERVICED. SERVICED FOR TRUNK LEAKAGE, BATTERY CABLE REPLACEMENT, SUNROOF/MOONROOF NON-DRAINAGE ISSUES AND PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR ISSUES. I HAVE PAID PERHAPS THREE - TO FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR ALLEGED REPAIRS. NONE OF THOSE REPAIRS WERE PERMANENT AND THE ISSUES CONTINUED ON/OFF UNTIL 5/10/14. ON THAT DAY/DATE I DROVE THE CAR SEVERAL HOURS SHOPPING AND PREPARING FOR MOTHER'S DAY. WHEN I STOPPED THE ENGINE IN MY DRIVEWAY THE CAR SHUT OFF BUT I COULD NOT REMOVE THE KEY FOB FROM THE IGNITION. THERE WAS NO POWER THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE, E.G. NO DASH LIGHTING, NO INTERNAL LIGHTING, NO ALARM LIGHT FLASHING AND NO ABILITY TO LOCK DOORS OR OPEN THE TRUNK. NEITHER BMW-N.A. NOR DEALERSHIP ACCEPT ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE WATER LEAKAGE OR OTHER REPAIR ISSUES, EVEN THOUGH SOME MANUFACTURER RECALLS WERE ANNOUNCED TO THE PUBLIC FOR THESE ISSUES, THOSE WERE SAID TO ME TO BE ONLY FOR SPECIFIED VIN NUMBERED VEHICLES AND NOT MINE. I WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE IN A CLASS ACTION AGAINST BMW FOR THESE ISSUES AND I HAVE SAVED ALL MY REPAIR RECEIPTS TO VALIDATE MY VEHICLE PROBLEMS.
NHTSA complaint #10587952 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 69,000 milesHuntington Station, NY
SEATS
I BOUGHT THE CAR IT HAD AN OIL LEAK, RADIATOR LEAK, DEVELOPED AN AIR BAG MALFUNCTION, THE ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING, TAR IS ACCUMULATING ON TOP OF THE SUNROOF EVERY TIME I OPEN IT, THE HEATER FAN MAKES NOISE, THE TRANSMISSION MAKES NOISE AFTER FOUR ATTEMPTS IT IS STILL LEAKING OIL. ALL OF MY FRIENDS WHO OWN BMW'S HAVE ALSO HAD AIR BAG MALFUNCTIONS. NONE WERE PART OF THE RECALL, ALL PAID $1,300.00 TO HAVE IT FIXED. BMW SHOULD HAVE RECALLED ALL OF THEM. THE PURPOSE OF RECALLING SOME IS TO AVOID A TOTAL RECALL. THEY ARE BUILDING THEIR CARS WITH INFERIOR PARTS SO THAT THEY DO NOT LAST FOR MORE THAN 60,0000 BEFORE MAJOR PROBLEMS OCCUR. ONE OF MY FRIENDS HAS SPENT OVER $10,000 ON REPAIRS TO HIS 2004 X3.
NHTSA complaint #10585739 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 69,000 milesHuntington Station, NY
POWER TRAIN
I BOUGHT THE CAR IT HAD AN OIL LEAK, RADIATOR LEAK, DEVELOPED AN AIR BAG MALFUNCTION, THE ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING, TAR IS ACCUMULATING ON TOP OF THE SUNROOF EVERY TIME I OPEN IT, THE HEATER FAN MAKES NOISE, THE TRANSMISSION MAKES NOISE AFTER FOUR ATTEMPTS IT IS STILL LEAKING OIL. ALL OF MY FRIENDS WHO OWN BMW'S HAVE ALSO HAD AIR BAG MALFUNCTIONS. NONE WERE PART OF THE RECALL, ALL PAID $1,300.00 TO HAVE IT FIXED. BMW SHOULD HAVE RECALLED ALL OF THEM. THE PURPOSE OF RECALLING SOME IS TO AVOID A TOTAL RECALL. THEY ARE BUILDING THEIR CARS WITH INFERIOR PARTS SO THAT THEY DO NOT LAST FOR MORE THAN 60,0000 BEFORE MAJOR PROBLEMS OCCUR. ONE OF MY FRIENDS HAS SPENT OVER $10,000 ON REPAIRS TO HIS 2004 X3.
NHTSA complaint #10585739 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 69,000 milesHuntington Station, NY
AIR BAGS
I BOUGHT THE CAR IT HAD AN OIL LEAK, RADIATOR LEAK, DEVELOPED AN AIR BAG MALFUNCTION, THE ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING, TAR IS ACCUMULATING ON TOP OF THE SUNROOF EVERY TIME I OPEN IT, THE HEATER FAN MAKES NOISE, THE TRANSMISSION MAKES NOISE AFTER FOUR ATTEMPTS IT IS STILL LEAKING OIL. ALL OF MY FRIENDS WHO OWN BMW'S HAVE ALSO HAD AIR BAG MALFUNCTIONS. NONE WERE PART OF THE RECALL, ALL PAID $1,300.00 TO HAVE IT FIXED. BMW SHOULD HAVE RECALLED ALL OF THEM. THE PURPOSE OF RECALLING SOME IS TO AVOID A TOTAL RECALL. THEY ARE BUILDING THEIR CARS WITH INFERIOR PARTS SO THAT THEY DO NOT LAST FOR MORE THAN 60,0000 BEFORE MAJOR PROBLEMS OCCUR. ONE OF MY FRIENDS HAS SPENT OVER $10,000 ON REPAIRS TO HIS 2004 X3.
NHTSA complaint #10585739 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 69,000 milesHuntington Station, NY
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
I BOUGHT THE CAR IT HAD AN OIL LEAK, RADIATOR LEAK, DEVELOPED AN AIR BAG MALFUNCTION, THE ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING, TAR IS ACCUMULATING ON TOP OF THE SUNROOF EVERY TIME I OPEN IT, THE HEATER FAN MAKES NOISE, THE TRANSMISSION MAKES NOISE AFTER FOUR ATTEMPTS IT IS STILL LEAKING OIL. ALL OF MY FRIENDS WHO OWN BMW'S HAVE ALSO HAD AIR BAG MALFUNCTIONS. NONE WERE PART OF THE RECALL, ALL PAID $1,300.00 TO HAVE IT FIXED. BMW SHOULD HAVE RECALLED ALL OF THEM. THE PURPOSE OF RECALLING SOME IS TO AVOID A TOTAL RECALL. THEY ARE BUILDING THEIR CARS WITH INFERIOR PARTS SO THAT THEY DO NOT LAST FOR MORE THAN 60,0000 BEFORE MAJOR PROBLEMS OCCUR. ONE OF MY FRIENDS HAS SPENT OVER $10,000 ON REPAIRS TO HIS 2004 X3.
NHTSA complaint #10585739 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.