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 — Engine (33.9% of complaints) — is covered by 2 NHTSA recall campaigns.
Engine complaints here are 3.0× the median for that category across the 2583 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 92 · 33.9% | Recalled | Recall 18V248000 · Recall 18V336000 |
| Air Bags | 83 · 30.6% | Recalled | Recall 19V017000 · Recall 20V016000 · Recall 20V017000 · Recall 18V030000 · Recall 17V020000 |
| Power Train | 51 · 18.8% | Recalled | Recall 17V138000 · Recall 12V019000 |
| Electrical System | 29 · 10.7% | No official action | — |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 24 · 8.9% | No official action | — |
| Steering | 19 · 7% | Recalled | Recall 12V267000 |
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 271 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 19V017000 · 2019 · reported 01/14/2019
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 · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 18V248000 · 2018 · reported 04/18/2018
If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 20V016000 · 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 · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
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 18V336000 · 2018 · reported 05/23/2018
If the idler pulley bolt breaks, the vehicle may unexpectedly lose power-assisted steering, 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 18V030000 · 2018 · reported 01/09/2018
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 · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 17V020000 · 2017 · reported 01/10/2017
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
Park it · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 17V138000 · 2017 · reported 03/02/2017
If the front universal joint fails, the front wheels would not be driven, affecting vehicle traction. Additionally, continued driving of the vehicle with a broken front universal joint may damage other components. Either condition may increase 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 12V019000 · 2012 · reported 01/23/2012
IF THE DRIVER BELIEVES THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS IN PARK AND DOES NOT USE THE PARKING BRAKE, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL AWAY AFTER EXITING THE VEHICLE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH OR INJURY. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 12V267000 · 2012 · reported 06/13/2012
LEAKING POWER STEERING FLUID CAN SPRAY ONTO HOT EXHAUST PARTS, INCREASING THE RISK OF AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, A…”NHTSA complaint 11005387 — filed 07/14/2017 · ENGINE
“SCR CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILURE AND NOX SENSOR FAILURE IN DIESEL EXHAUST SYSTEM ON A 54,1XX MILE VEHICLE -- MUCH TOO EARLY FOR THESE SYSTEMS TO…”NHTSA complaint 10985993 — filed 05/16/2017 · ENGINE
“THE EGR COOLER WAS DISCOVERED TO BE LEAKING HARMFUL EXHAUST UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THIS HARMFUL EXHAUST COULD EVENTUALLY BE BREATHED IN WHILE THE ENGINE IS…”NHTSA complaint 10925462 — filed 11/10/2016 · ENGINE
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 92 of 271 NHTSA complaints (33.9%), followed by air bags (83), power train (51), electrical system (29). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
271 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 4 involved a crash, 10 involved a fire, and 6 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Yes — 10 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 19V017000. 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.
