This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
Was driving on highway going 80 and the car just shut down, was unable to steer, left me and my 9 year old stranded for about 30 minutes untill it started back up, everyday everytime I drive it no matter what the speed it shuts down and have to pray that I don't get hit by a car or am able to glide to safety, very unsafe not knowing when the car will shut down on me, took to mechanic there were no codes no check engine light or anything, therefore couldn't be fixed, something is not right with car, car only started doing this from April 2019 to present, it doesn't matter if I'm on highway, street, stopped has always happened, like I said I don't know when it's going to happen.im going to get killed one of these days or seriously injured
About a month ago, my 2008 BMW 3 series engine stalled while driving at speed 45 mph. I received no warning before the engine stalled. It was a miracle that I was able to move over a lane and get off the road before an impact from other vehicles. This occurs every time I drive the vehicle, multiple times and at various speeds. It's very dangerous because I receive no warning before it happens. The vehicle is always in motion when it happens and at various speeds, on highways, streets, anywhere while driving straight, turning and any other maneuvers.
While the car was travelling at a rate of about 45 mph, it did something I never experienced before. It started to shake, sputter and lose power while ascending a on a paved city street that had about a 20 degree uphill grade. The vehicle behind me didn't expect my sudden speed change and nearly rear ended me.. the engine icon appeared on the dash and I sputtered all the way home.
Recently I got a letter from BMW that my vehicle was recalled for two issues which I have been experiencing since a year. 1 overheating 2. plastic burning smell inside the compartment. I brought this to their BMW's notice many times which they ignored. And recently when I got this recall letter from BMW I gave them a call(princeton BMW), they gave me an appointment saying they will fix that. I told them crystal clearly that I was there for the two recall issues only and nothing else. And to my shock, let alone repairing the mandatory recall issues, they gave a big list of other things, which I did not even ask for, and they charged me around 170 dollars(attached copies). I am bringing this to your notice for solely one reason, and that is there are millions of unsuspecting people who are unaware of this malpractice who will be falling into this kind of trap. BMW is trying to make money out of this situation too. I am attaching all the copies. Please look into this matter and please make them realize there is an authority watching. I felt like somebody stole money from me. Hope to get a response from the department. Thank you very much.
- Bensalem, PA, USA
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I experienced a break down when I was driving on a city street. My car was then towed to the local dealer and dealer discovered water pump was bad so it was then replaced under warranty. 3 years later my car broke down again and was towed to local dealer an again the water pump was determined bad and replaced. I contacted BMW North America to see if they would help considering the water pump has broken twice but no help from them.
Driving car and vehicle started to shake, make rumbling noise and feels sluggish when accelerating. Doesn't feel safe to drive with sluggish, engine power intermittent.
Three bolts on engine mount bracket sheared off and one bolt on the same engine mount bracket was missing. The three bolts that sheared are in the engine block. This incident occurred only two weeks after bringing in my car to the peter pan BMW dealership to have my car inspected.
I was informed the valve cover gasket and oil filter housing gasket were leaking, which caused a problem with the eccentric shaft sensor. I paid for a new valvetronic motor, eccentric shaft sensor, valve cover and gaskets, and oil filter housing gasket, and the associated repair. Fast forward 3 months, I go in for a oil change and am told that again I have a significant leak from the valve cover gasket and oil filter housing gasket.
I was going over a small bump in the road at 30 mph and my engine mount failed. All four aluminum bolts sheared off and the engine dropped. This drop snapped my passenger drive shaft (half axle) in two pieces. I think BMW has a serious problem with the strength of the engine mount hardware. The engine mount bolts should be stronger. The failure mode is dangerous.
Noticed an unusual engine vibration. Went to my mechanic who inspected vehicle. Pointed out broken motor mount bolts. His comment I have seen several of these over the years. The bolts are made from aluminum -- they break. Said he this was an ongoing and well known issue with BMW from that year and 2009. Said BMW would not cover it. He also stated the car had no visible signs of damage, to undercarriage that would suggest any damage. He said it just happens, and a lot of people have complained to BMW, all to no avail. Instead of beamers... they should call this car a bummer. It is an very expensive problem, created by poor engineering and manufacturing. Aluminum bolts holding an engine.
As an example, when attempting to accelerate the vehicle onto a moving traffic situation the car hesitates/lags/delays before the engine catches, then it takes off like a rabbit when you don't expect it. This vehicle behavior has caused near miss accidents more than once when I was driving. It's not a delay which decreases a transient surge. It increases the transient surge as the car does not respond to the throttle for a half second then bolts forward with an awkward lurch and a slam. It's much rougher than a normal takeoff would be. It's not at all smooth. Some have described it as being rear-ended. The has been happening since I purchased the car in November 2010 many BMW owners have reported the problem to BMW as I have. The answer I got as well as many others from BMW was, "it's normal".
I was driving on the highway at about 70 miles an hour when the engine just suddenly stopped. While the car was slowing down I have to pull over and restart the car. Then after driving for another 10 min the engine stopped again this time I didn't have time to pull over and stopped in the middle of a highway. I have to keep trying before it restarted. I stopped at a gas station and was afraid to drive it again. Finally without a choice after an hour I started the car back up and was able to drive back home.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- West Islip, NY, USA