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.
The contact owned a 2008 BMW 328I. While driving, the vehicle accelerated without warning. The driver depressed the brake pedal, but it failed to stop the vehicle. As a result, the driver crashed into a tree. The air bag failed to deploy. The driver sustained arm injuries that did not require medical attention. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
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.
While driving(in motion) my vehicle will completely stop running and stall out. I took the vehicle to a mechanic for a diagnostics, but he stated he didn't see any issues. This happens frequently.
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".
While driving, attempting to pass a vehicle, I press the accelerator and the pedal had no response and the rpms dropped. After trying to accelerate, the engine dies and I drift to the side of the road attempting to Dodge traffic as the car's gas pedal is not responding. Upon pulling over safely, nearly hitting cars along the way I come to stop on the side of the road. The car then no longer starts. Cranking can be heard but engine does not turn over or start. Had it repaired, the reason is a fuel pump failure, fuel pump module failure, and blown fuse on fuel pump. Car is out of warranty and cost to repair is $1,800 and a risk to my safety.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Athens, OH, USA