Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
The most-reported problem — Air Bags (34.7% of complaints) — is covered by 2 NHTSA recall campaigns.
Air Bags complaints here are 4.5× the median for that category across the 1998 model-years tracked on this site.
4 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 2 rest on owner reports alone.
| Complaint category | Reports | Official status | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 83 · 34.7% | Recalled | Recall 20V017000 · Recall 24V513000 |
| Electrical System | 79 · 33.1% | Recalled | Recall 17V676000 · Recall 13V044000 |
| Engine | 54 · 22.6% | Recalled | Recall 17V683000 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 27 · 11.3% | Recalled | Recall 17V683000 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 13 · 5.4% | No official action | — |
| Seats | 12 · 5% | No official action | — |
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 239 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
NHTSA campaign 20V017000 · 2020 · reported 01/15/2020
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 17V676000 · 2017 · reported 10/25/2017
Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 17V683000 · 2017 · reported 10/30/2017
An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 13V044000 · 2013 · reported 02/07/2013
If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 24V513000 · 2024 · reported 07/03/2024
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
“TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS TO DO THE…”NHTSA complaint 11056097 — filed 12/22/2017 · AIR BAGS
“TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED AND SMOKE APPEARED FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT COASTED…”NHTSA complaint 11054769 — filed 12/14/2017 · AIR BAGS
“I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALER FOR MONTHS TRYING TO GET A REPLACEMENT AIRBAG INSTALLED. I HAVE RECEIVED NUMEROUS LETTERS IN THE MAIL SAYING THEY HAVE…”NHTSA complaint 11052542 — filed 12/05/2017 · AIR BAGS
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Air bags issues are the most-reported category, cited in 83 of 239 NHTSA complaints (34.7%), followed by electrical system (79), engine (54), engine and engine cooling (27). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
239 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 7 involved a crash, 22 involved a fire, and 9 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Yes — 5 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 20V017000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
4 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
