Owners have filed 31 complaints
about the 2001 BMW 525I with NHTSA between 2001 and 2024.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 5 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 — 26
Against the median year of the BMW 525I. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
48.4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 34
20% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2001 BMW 525I
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Engine & Cooling
825.8%
0 crashes, 5 fires · median 160,000 mi
Electrical System
619.4%
0 crashes, 4 fires · median 160,000 mi
Airbags
516.1%
2 crashes, 0 fires
Stability & Traction Control
26.5%
Median failure at 54,530 miles
Acceleration & Cruise Control
26.5%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 71,000 mi
Transmission & Drivetrain
26.5%
Other & Unspecified
13.2%
Equipment & Accessories
13.2%
Fuel & Propulsion
13.2%
Median failure at 60 miles
Suspension
13.2%
Brakes
13.2%
Median failure at 74,900 miles
Steering
13.2%
Median failure at 60,000 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
315.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
15.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
210.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
315.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
15.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
210.0%
150,000+ miles
840.0%
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.
Mar 2001peak 3Dec 2024
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 177,000 milesNaselle, WAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I DROVE THE CAR A MILE TO THE STORE AND A MILE BACK AND WHEN I WAS WALKING AWAY YOU COULD SEE A SPARK AND THEN A MINUTE LATER ANOTHER ONE AND ANOTHER UNTIL THEN THE CAR STARTED SMOKING AND WITHIN 4 MINUTES THE CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. MY SECURITY CAMERAS CAUGHT THE WHOLE THING ON TAPE. WE TRIED OUR BEST TO CONTAIN THE FIRE BUT IT TOOK THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO PUT IT OUT.
NHTSA complaint #11316372 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 177,000 milesNaselle, WAFire
ENGINE
I DROVE THE CAR A MILE TO THE STORE AND A MILE BACK AND WHEN I WAS WALKING AWAY YOU COULD SEE A SPARK AND THEN A MINUTE LATER ANOTHER ONE AND ANOTHER UNTIL THEN THE CAR STARTED SMOKING AND WITHIN 4 MINUTES THE CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. MY SECURITY CAMERAS CAUGHT THE WHOLE THING ON TAPE. WE TRIED OUR BEST TO CONTAIN THE FIRE BUT IT TOOK THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO PUT IT OUT.
NHTSA complaint #11316372 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesGalt, CAFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT STATED AFTER PARKING AND RETURNING TO THE VEHICLE, UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE DETECTED A BURNING ODOR AND FLAMES EXITING THE FRONT OF HOOD. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN OPENING THE HOOD HE SAW FIRE LOCATED IN FRONT OF THE RADIATOR. THE CONTACT STATED HE EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE WITH WATER HE HAD AVAILABLE. NO POLICE OR FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT STATED HE WAS ABLE TO DISCONNECT WIRES FOR THE ELECTRICAL FAN AND CONTINUED DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CALLED NIELLO BMW ELK GROVE (8580 LAGUNA GROVE DR, ELK GROVE, CA 95757 (916) 687-9000) WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THE DEALER INFORMED HIM THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER UNKNOWN RECALL FOR THE ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING IN 2002.THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED AS OF YET. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #11310203 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesGalt, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I HAD TAKEN A LONGER ROAD TRIP, AND WAS ON MY WAY BACK, ABOUT A QUARTER OF THE WAY WHEN WE STOPPED FOR DINNER. I PARKED, AND EVERYTHING WAS USUAL. A COUPLE MINUTES LATER, I WENT TO MOVE THE CAR, AND WHILE I WAS WAITING IN A DRIVE-THRU LINE, I SEE SMOKE BILLOWING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND I SMELL A BURNING SMELL. I PARKED THE CAR BACK WHERE IT HAD BEEN, AND, THINKING IT WAS A COOLANT ISSUE, OPENED THE HOOD TO LET THE ENGINE COOL DOWN, AND LEFT MY PASSENGERS WITH THE CAR AND WALKED ACROSS THE STREET TO BUY SOME COOLANT. WHEN I RETURNED, MY PASSENGERS TOLD ME THAT THEY HAD NOTICED A FLAME AT THE EXTREME FRONT OF THE ENGINE AND HAD TO DOUSE IT WITH WATER. I CHECKED, AND I SAW THAT THE WIRES LEADING TO THE AUXILIARY COOLING FAN IN FRONT OF THE RADIATOR HAD MELTED AND CAUGHT ON FIRE AND BURNED THE PLASTIC NEAR THEM (AS SEEN IN THE PICTURE). I THEN FOUND THE CONNECTOR FOR THOSE WIRES AND DISCONNECTED THEM SO THAT THEY COULD NOT RELIGHT. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM RESULTING FROM THE WIRES PULLING TOO MUCH POWER AND THUS MELTING THEMSELVES. THE PROBLEM WITH THE WIRES DID NOT SET OFF ANY WARNING OR CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS, AND DID NOT AFFECT THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE, AT LEAST AT FREEWAY SPEEDS. I ALSO FOUND OUT THAT THE BATTERY CAN RUN THIS FAN FOR UP TO 11 MINUTES AFTER THE ENGINE IS TURNED OFF, THUS BEING ABLE TO START A FIRE IN A GARAGE WHEN NO ONE IS AROUND. THIS PROBLEM IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AS THE WHOLE CAR COULD GO UP IN FLAMES.
NHTSA complaint #11309992 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesGalt, CAFire
ENGINE
I HAD TAKEN A LONGER ROAD TRIP, AND WAS ON MY WAY BACK, ABOUT A QUARTER OF THE WAY WHEN WE STOPPED FOR DINNER. I PARKED, AND EVERYTHING WAS USUAL. A COUPLE MINUTES LATER, I WENT TO MOVE THE CAR, AND WHILE I WAS WAITING IN A DRIVE-THRU LINE, I SEE SMOKE BILLOWING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND I SMELL A BURNING SMELL. I PARKED THE CAR BACK WHERE IT HAD BEEN, AND, THINKING IT WAS A COOLANT ISSUE, OPENED THE HOOD TO LET THE ENGINE COOL DOWN, AND LEFT MY PASSENGERS WITH THE CAR AND WALKED ACROSS THE STREET TO BUY SOME COOLANT. WHEN I RETURNED, MY PASSENGERS TOLD ME THAT THEY HAD NOTICED A FLAME AT THE EXTREME FRONT OF THE ENGINE AND HAD TO DOUSE IT WITH WATER. I CHECKED, AND I SAW THAT THE WIRES LEADING TO THE AUXILIARY COOLING FAN IN FRONT OF THE RADIATOR HAD MELTED AND CAUGHT ON FIRE AND BURNED THE PLASTIC NEAR THEM (AS SEEN IN THE PICTURE). I THEN FOUND THE CONNECTOR FOR THOSE WIRES AND DISCONNECTED THEM SO THAT THEY COULD NOT RELIGHT. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM RESULTING FROM THE WIRES PULLING TOO MUCH POWER AND THUS MELTING THEMSELVES. THE PROBLEM WITH THE WIRES DID NOT SET OFF ANY WARNING OR CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS, AND DID NOT AFFECT THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE, AT LEAST AT FREEWAY SPEEDS. I ALSO FOUND OUT THAT THE BATTERY CAN RUN THIS FAN FOR UP TO 11 MINUTES AFTER THE ENGINE IS TURNED OFF, THUS BEING ABLE TO START A FIRE IN A GARAGE WHEN NO ONE IS AROUND. THIS PROBLEM IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AS THE WHOLE CAR COULD GO UP IN FLAMES.
NHTSA complaint #11309992 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 206,000 milesRosharon, TXFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11047515 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Carrollton, GA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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 any door or window ajar. Eventually I was able to get the attention of an elder, who went and retrieved the keys and got me out. I was soaked in sweat, using an inhaler about every 20 minutes, extremely scary. The other time this happened, my son was sitting in the car but the alarm went off and would not let him out until I came with the fob. He was 15, so he was not young. I had no idea he could not exit the vehicle should he choose. I know there is some emergency release in the hatch somehow but could not locate. Air bags were scheduled to be replaced, had rental scheduled with dealership, drove 45 minutes to leave car for repair, but they had no rental as was promised, so I returned home in the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11632314 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carrollton, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 any door or window ajar. Eventually I was able to get the attention of an elder, who went and retrieved the keys and got me out. I was soaked in sweat, using an inhaler about every 20 minutes, extremely scary. The other time this happened, my son was sitting in the car but the alarm went off and would not let him out until I came with the fob. He was 15, so he was not young. I had no idea he could not exit the vehicle should he choose. I know there is some emergency release in the hatch somehow but could not locate. Air bags were scheduled to be replaced, had rental scheduled with dealership, drove 45 minutes to leave car for repair, but they had no rental as was promised, so I returned home in the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11632314 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Harrogate, TN
AIR BAGS
BMW IS USING THE RECALL TO FORCE PEOPLE BACK INTO THEIR SERVICE CENTER. EVEN WHEN A REPAIR ISN'T REQUIRED. THEN, THEY TELL YOU THAT THERE ARE 100 OTHER THINGS THAT ARE NEEDED ON YOUR VEHICLE. ATTACHED ARE THE SAMPLES OF THE DOCUMENTS. THIS BEHAVIOR IS FRAUDULENT AND DECEPTIVE. EVEN THOUGH THEY KNOW MY VEHICLE DOES NOT NEED THIS AIRBAG, THEY CONTINUE TO SEND ANNOYING LETTERS.
NHTSA complaint #11366789 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 177,000 milesNaselle, WAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I DROVE THE CAR A MILE TO THE STORE AND A MILE BACK AND WHEN I WAS WALKING AWAY YOU COULD SEE A SPARK AND THEN A MINUTE LATER ANOTHER ONE AND ANOTHER UNTIL THEN THE CAR STARTED SMOKING AND WITHIN 4 MINUTES THE CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. MY SECURITY CAMERAS CAUGHT THE WHOLE THING ON TAPE. WE TRIED OUR BEST TO CONTAIN THE FIRE BUT IT TOOK THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO PUT IT OUT.
NHTSA complaint #11316372 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 177,000 milesNaselle, WAFire
ENGINE
I DROVE THE CAR A MILE TO THE STORE AND A MILE BACK AND WHEN I WAS WALKING AWAY YOU COULD SEE A SPARK AND THEN A MINUTE LATER ANOTHER ONE AND ANOTHER UNTIL THEN THE CAR STARTED SMOKING AND WITHIN 4 MINUTES THE CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. MY SECURITY CAMERAS CAUGHT THE WHOLE THING ON TAPE. WE TRIED OUR BEST TO CONTAIN THE FIRE BUT IT TOOK THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO PUT IT OUT.
NHTSA complaint #11316372 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesGalt, CAFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT STATED AFTER PARKING AND RETURNING TO THE VEHICLE, UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE DETECTED A BURNING ODOR AND FLAMES EXITING THE FRONT OF HOOD. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN OPENING THE HOOD HE SAW FIRE LOCATED IN FRONT OF THE RADIATOR. THE CONTACT STATED HE EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE WITH WATER HE HAD AVAILABLE. NO POLICE OR FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT STATED HE WAS ABLE TO DISCONNECT WIRES FOR THE ELECTRICAL FAN AND CONTINUED DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CALLED NIELLO BMW ELK GROVE (8580 LAGUNA GROVE DR, ELK GROVE, CA 95757 (916) 687-9000) WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THE DEALER INFORMED HIM THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER UNKNOWN RECALL FOR THE ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING IN 2002.THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED AS OF YET. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #11310203 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesGalt, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I HAD TAKEN A LONGER ROAD TRIP, AND WAS ON MY WAY BACK, ABOUT A QUARTER OF THE WAY WHEN WE STOPPED FOR DINNER. I PARKED, AND EVERYTHING WAS USUAL. A COUPLE MINUTES LATER, I WENT TO MOVE THE CAR, AND WHILE I WAS WAITING IN A DRIVE-THRU LINE, I SEE SMOKE BILLOWING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND I SMELL A BURNING SMELL. I PARKED THE CAR BACK WHERE IT HAD BEEN, AND, THINKING IT WAS A COOLANT ISSUE, OPENED THE HOOD TO LET THE ENGINE COOL DOWN, AND LEFT MY PASSENGERS WITH THE CAR AND WALKED ACROSS THE STREET TO BUY SOME COOLANT. WHEN I RETURNED, MY PASSENGERS TOLD ME THAT THEY HAD NOTICED A FLAME AT THE EXTREME FRONT OF THE ENGINE AND HAD TO DOUSE IT WITH WATER. I CHECKED, AND I SAW THAT THE WIRES LEADING TO THE AUXILIARY COOLING FAN IN FRONT OF THE RADIATOR HAD MELTED AND CAUGHT ON FIRE AND BURNED THE PLASTIC NEAR THEM (AS SEEN IN THE PICTURE). I THEN FOUND THE CONNECTOR FOR THOSE WIRES AND DISCONNECTED THEM SO THAT THEY COULD NOT RELIGHT. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM RESULTING FROM THE WIRES PULLING TOO MUCH POWER AND THUS MELTING THEMSELVES. THE PROBLEM WITH THE WIRES DID NOT SET OFF ANY WARNING OR CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS, AND DID NOT AFFECT THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE, AT LEAST AT FREEWAY SPEEDS. I ALSO FOUND OUT THAT THE BATTERY CAN RUN THIS FAN FOR UP TO 11 MINUTES AFTER THE ENGINE IS TURNED OFF, THUS BEING ABLE TO START A FIRE IN A GARAGE WHEN NO ONE IS AROUND. THIS PROBLEM IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AS THE WHOLE CAR COULD GO UP IN FLAMES.
NHTSA complaint #11309992 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesGalt, CAFire
ENGINE
I HAD TAKEN A LONGER ROAD TRIP, AND WAS ON MY WAY BACK, ABOUT A QUARTER OF THE WAY WHEN WE STOPPED FOR DINNER. I PARKED, AND EVERYTHING WAS USUAL. A COUPLE MINUTES LATER, I WENT TO MOVE THE CAR, AND WHILE I WAS WAITING IN A DRIVE-THRU LINE, I SEE SMOKE BILLOWING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND I SMELL A BURNING SMELL. I PARKED THE CAR BACK WHERE IT HAD BEEN, AND, THINKING IT WAS A COOLANT ISSUE, OPENED THE HOOD TO LET THE ENGINE COOL DOWN, AND LEFT MY PASSENGERS WITH THE CAR AND WALKED ACROSS THE STREET TO BUY SOME COOLANT. WHEN I RETURNED, MY PASSENGERS TOLD ME THAT THEY HAD NOTICED A FLAME AT THE EXTREME FRONT OF THE ENGINE AND HAD TO DOUSE IT WITH WATER. I CHECKED, AND I SAW THAT THE WIRES LEADING TO THE AUXILIARY COOLING FAN IN FRONT OF THE RADIATOR HAD MELTED AND CAUGHT ON FIRE AND BURNED THE PLASTIC NEAR THEM (AS SEEN IN THE PICTURE). I THEN FOUND THE CONNECTOR FOR THOSE WIRES AND DISCONNECTED THEM SO THAT THEY COULD NOT RELIGHT. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM RESULTING FROM THE WIRES PULLING TOO MUCH POWER AND THUS MELTING THEMSELVES. THE PROBLEM WITH THE WIRES DID NOT SET OFF ANY WARNING OR CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS, AND DID NOT AFFECT THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE, AT LEAST AT FREEWAY SPEEDS. I ALSO FOUND OUT THAT THE BATTERY CAN RUN THIS FAN FOR UP TO 11 MINUTES AFTER THE ENGINE IS TURNED OFF, THUS BEING ABLE TO START A FIRE IN A GARAGE WHEN NO ONE IS AROUND. THIS PROBLEM IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AS THE WHOLE CAR COULD GO UP IN FLAMES.
NHTSA complaint #11309992 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60 milesRowland Heights, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AND OFF MANY TIMES. THERE ARE SEVERAL TIMES AFTER I EXIT THE HIGHWAY CAR SHAKED AND ALMOST CANNOT DRIVE. BUT AFTER SEVERAL HOURS OR PARK ONE DAY, IT CAN DRIVE AGAIN, WHEN IT CAN DRIVE, IT RUNS EXCELLENT. I DO NOT KNOW WHAT HAPPENED. IF I DRIVE A LONG DISTANCE, THE LIGHT TURN ON AGAIN. IT EVEN SLOW DOWN ON THE HIGHWAY. CURRENTLY IT CANNOT DRIVE. IT EVER STOPPED ON THE HIGHWAY 60TH NOGALES EXIT. TEMPERATURE LIGHT IS ON. I DRIVE IT OF THE HIGHWAY. AFTER I EXIT HIGHWAY, THE STEERING IS LOCKED.
NHTSA complaint #11222350 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60 milesRowland Heights, CA
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AND OFF MANY TIMES. THERE ARE SEVERAL TIMES AFTER I EXIT THE HIGHWAY CAR SHAKED AND ALMOST CANNOT DRIVE. BUT AFTER SEVERAL HOURS OR PARK ONE DAY, IT CAN DRIVE AGAIN, WHEN IT CAN DRIVE, IT RUNS EXCELLENT. I DO NOT KNOW WHAT HAPPENED. IF I DRIVE A LONG DISTANCE, THE LIGHT TURN ON AGAIN. IT EVEN SLOW DOWN ON THE HIGHWAY. CURRENTLY IT CANNOT DRIVE. IT EVER STOPPED ON THE HIGHWAY 60TH NOGALES EXIT. TEMPERATURE LIGHT IS ON. I DRIVE IT OF THE HIGHWAY. AFTER I EXIT HIGHWAY, THE STEERING IS LOCKED.
NHTSA complaint #11222350 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60 milesRowland Heights, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AND OFF MANY TIMES. THERE ARE SEVERAL TIMES AFTER I EXIT THE HIGHWAY CAR SHAKED AND ALMOST CANNOT DRIVE. BUT AFTER SEVERAL HOURS OR PARK ONE DAY, IT CAN DRIVE AGAIN, WHEN IT CAN DRIVE, IT RUNS EXCELLENT. I DO NOT KNOW WHAT HAPPENED. IF I DRIVE A LONG DISTANCE, THE LIGHT TURN ON AGAIN. IT EVEN SLOW DOWN ON THE HIGHWAY. CURRENTLY IT CANNOT DRIVE. IT EVER STOPPED ON THE HIGHWAY 60TH NOGALES EXIT. TEMPERATURE LIGHT IS ON. I DRIVE IT OF THE HIGHWAY. AFTER I EXIT HIGHWAY, THE STEERING IS LOCKED.
NHTSA complaint #11222350 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Philadelphia, PA
POWER TRAIN
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLOW TO CHANGE GEARS INTERMITTENTLY. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH OVER A POTHOLE, THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED AND THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITH FORCE. THE DRIVER WAS NOT INJURED. THE VEHICLE REMAINED PARKED AT THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT LATER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V015000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11189774 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Philadelphia, PA
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLOW TO CHANGE GEARS INTERMITTENTLY. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH OVER A POTHOLE, THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED AND THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITH FORCE. THE DRIVER WAS NOT INJURED. THE VEHICLE REMAINED PARKED AT THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT LATER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V015000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11189774 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 206,000 milesRosharon, TXFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11047515 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 206,000 milesRosharon, TXFire
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11047515 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,000 milesKissimmee, FLCrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ENTERING A RESIDENTIAL PARKING GARAGE, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED RAPIDLY AND ABRUPTLY AS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS LIGHTLY DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A WALL AND THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A FRACTURED JAW FROM THE AIR BAG STRIKING HER FACE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10537327 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,990 milesFresno, CAFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, SHE SMELLED A BURNING ODOR EMITTING FROM THE RADIATOR. THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE BEGAN TO READ EXTREMELY HOT WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR. ALSO, LIGHT GRAY SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE EXHAUST PIPE. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THEN TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 02V138000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND 01V206000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) BUT WAS ADVISED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN EITHER RECALL. THE REPAIRS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE CONSISTED OF THE REPLACEMENT OF THE WATER PUMP, VALVE COVER GASKET AND THE COOLANT PIPE. IN ADDITION, THE AUXILIARY FAN WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,990.
NHTSA complaint #10537297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 166,000 milesSarasota, FL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
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
NHTSA complaint #10368126 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesHonolulu, HI
STEERING
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 2 MINUTES OCCURRED FROM TIME PROBLEM STARTED UNTIL ENGINE SHUT OFF. UPON INVESTIGATION, ALL BELTS WERE SHREDDED AND BELT PULLEY DISC HAD COME OFF AND WAS SITTING AT BOTTOM OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT. HAD CAR TOWED TO BMW DEALER NEXT DAY. ALTHOUGH NO INJURIES AND CAR IS COVERED BY WARRANTY, I AM REPORTING AS SAFETY PROBLEM AS DEALER SAID THAT PROBLEM COULD HAVE HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, WHICH WOULD HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC WITH ENGINE SUDDENLY QUITTING AND LOSS OF POWER STEERING. DEALER SAYS THAT UNUSUAL THAT BELT PULLEY WOULD FAIL AND SIMULTANEOUS CRACK WOULD OCCUR IN COOLING EXPANSION TANK, ALTHOUGH WOULD SEEM LOGICAL TO ME THAT LOSS OF WATER PUMP FUNCTION WOULD CAUSE HEAT/PRESSURE BACK UP AND CAUSE TANK TO BLOW. DEALER SAYS PROBLEM IS DUE TO WEAR ON PULLEY ROTATOR, WHICH WOULD CAUSE WOBBLING OVER TIME. MY SAFETY CONCERN IS THAT THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NO WARNING, CAR HAD BEEN RUNNING SMOOTHLY WITH NO INDICATION OF WOBBLING BELT (TOTAL SERVICE 3,000 MILES PRIOR) AND THIS WAS VERY SUDDEN. PULLEY SHOULD NOT COME OFF -- SOMEBODY COULD BE KILLED. NEW FAN WAS INSTALLED IN DEC 2001 PER RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10366961 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesHonolulu, HI
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
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 2 MINUTES OCCURRED FROM TIME PROBLEM STARTED UNTIL ENGINE SHUT OFF. UPON INVESTIGATION, ALL BELTS WERE SHREDDED AND BELT PULLEY DISC HAD COME OFF AND WAS SITTING AT BOTTOM OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT. HAD CAR TOWED TO BMW DEALER NEXT DAY. ALTHOUGH NO INJURIES AND CAR IS COVERED BY WARRANTY, I AM REPORTING AS SAFETY PROBLEM AS DEALER SAID THAT PROBLEM COULD HAVE HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, WHICH WOULD HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC WITH ENGINE SUDDENLY QUITTING AND LOSS OF POWER STEERING. DEALER SAYS THAT UNUSUAL THAT BELT PULLEY WOULD FAIL AND SIMULTANEOUS CRACK WOULD OCCUR IN COOLING EXPANSION TANK, ALTHOUGH WOULD SEEM LOGICAL TO ME THAT LOSS OF WATER PUMP FUNCTION WOULD CAUSE HEAT/PRESSURE BACK UP AND CAUSE TANK TO BLOW. DEALER SAYS PROBLEM IS DUE TO WEAR ON PULLEY ROTATOR, WHICH WOULD CAUSE WOBBLING OVER TIME. MY SAFETY CONCERN IS THAT THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NO WARNING, CAR HAD BEEN RUNNING SMOOTHLY WITH NO INDICATION OF WOBBLING BELT (TOTAL SERVICE 3,000 MILES PRIOR) AND THIS WAS VERY SUDDEN. PULLEY SHOULD NOT COME OFF -- SOMEBODY COULD BE KILLED. NEW FAN WAS INSTALLED IN DEC 2001 PER RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10366961 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Francisco, CA
AIR BAGS
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 ON AGAIN, PAID FOR ANOTHER DIAGNOSTIC, THIS TIME TO BE TOLD SOMETHING DIFFERENT, "STAGE 1-RESISTANCE TOO HIGH". WHAT IS THAT? I WAS TOLD THE AIRBAG AND IT'S COMPONENTS WERE TESTED, DID NOT FIND ANYTHING DEFECTED, CODE RESET, ALL OK BUT WAS TOLD IF AIRBAG LIGHT COME AGAIN, STRONG POSSIBILITY "DRIVER WHEEL AIRBAG" WILL NEED TO BE REPLACE WHICH IS UNUSUAL. THE NEXT DAY, THE LIGHT BACK ON. BACK TO THE SVC CENTER, TOLD IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED, IF NOT, THE CHANCES ARE THE AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY. I'M QUITE UPSET. THAT EVENING OF 12/19/09, I STARTED SEARCHING, CAME ACROSS SEVERAL BLOGGING SITES ABOUT BMW AIRBAG. I CAME ACROSS 18 OWNERS WITH THE SAME MAKE,MODEL AND YR HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED BMW NORTH AMERICA WITH MY FINDING, THERE IS NO RECALL ON AND NOTHING THEY CAN DO UNLESS "SAFETY" IS INVOLVED. I EMPHASIZED MY CONCERN OF WHAT I HAVE READ AND WHAT I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY THE SVC TECH ABOUT NOT DEPLOYING. I NEED YOUR ASSISTANCE, WHAT ARE THE STEPS FOR NHTSA TO CONDUCT A INVESTIGATION ON THIS? I CONTACTED A REP WITH BMW NORTH AMERICA AGAIN 12/28/09, ANYTHING YOU CAN DO, REPLY, "NO". I FEEL THIS IS A SERIOUS MATTER. I ASKING YOUR ASSISTANCE IF THERE ARE ANY RECORDS IN YOUR ORGANIZATION OF OWNERS WITH THE IDENTICAL MODEL, MAKE AND YR THAT HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN A MVA AND THEIR DRIVER WHEEL AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY PROPERLY AND MAYBE WERE NOT AWARE OF A "FAULT ISSUE" IN THIS MODEL?
NHTSA complaint #10297204 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 109,000 milesSacramento, CA
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
ABS / DSC CONTROL UNIT FAILURE . TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ON ALL THE TIME , STABILITY CONTROL IS INOPERABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10279801 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 74,900 milesAlexandria, VA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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.
NHTSA complaint #10246850 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesGrove City, PA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING WHEN HE SHIFTED INTO DRIVE. HE HAD TO SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE IN ORDER FOR IT TO STOP. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. AS OF OCTOBER 31, 2007, THE DEALER HAD NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000. UPDATED 11/15/07
NHTSA complaint #10207549 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 41,200 milesMayaguez, PRFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
ALTERNATOR FAILURE (OF A 525I BMW 2001) DUE TO THE ENTRANCE OF LEAVES AND DIRTY THROUGH THE COOLING HOSE OF THE ALTERNATOR AND GETTING INTO THE ELECTRICAL PARTS OF THE ALTERNATOR (IODES). THIS LEAD TO FIRE AND DAMAGE OF THE ALTERNATOR. THE HOSE IS APROXIMATELY 2.5 IN. AND IT DOESN'T HAVE ANY FILTER TO CLEAN THE AIR OR AVOID PARTICLES TO COME IN.
NHTSA complaint #10114003 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.