67 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 75,000–90,000 miles.
Most common 2006 BMW 525i problems
41 of the 77 complaints (53%) are about the airbags.
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Air Bags · airbags
36
0
1
1
Service Brakes · brakes
8
0
0
0
Electrical System
5
0
2
0
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine
3
0
0
0
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags
3
0
0
0
Tires
2
0
0
0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum · brakes
2
0
0
0
Seat Belts
2
0
0
0
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system
2
0
0
0
Visibility/Wiper · wipers
1
0
0
0
3 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (pcv)19V273000
Filed Apr 4, 2019184,505 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC
Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 530xi Sports Wagon, 325i, 325xi, 325xi Sports Wagon, 330i, 330xi, Z4 3.0i and Z4 3.0si vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Risk. 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.
Remedy. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. The recall began May 30, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion to recall 17V-683.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification17V428000
Filed Jul 6, 20172,158 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC
Defect. BMW of North America, Inc. (BMW) is recalling certain 2006 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, and 550i vehicles equipped with the Sport Seat option and certain 2006 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 550i vehicles with standard seats. The front passenger seat occupant detection mat that determines if, and how, the passenger frontal air bag should deploy in a crash may fatigue and develop cracks which could lead to a system failure.
Risk. Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Remedy. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will repair the occupant detection mat to eliminate the possibility that it may crack, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began September 1, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification13V564000
Filed Nov 12, 201376,565 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC
Defect. BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2006 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans and 325xi sports wagons, model year 2007 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi sedans and 328i and 328xi sports wagons, model year 2006-2007 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 550i sedans and 530xi sports wagons, model year 2006 760i sedans, model year 2006-2007 750i, 750Li, and 760Li sedans, and model year 2006 X5 sports activity vehicles, equipped with certain seat types. The front passenger seat occupant detection mat that determines if and how the passenger frontal air bag should deploy in a crash may fatigue and develop cracks which could lead to a system failure.
Risk. Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Remedy. BMW will notify owners with an interim notification letter in January 2014 since parts are not currently available. When parts are available, BMW sent a second letter in August and dealers will repair the occupant detection mat to eliminate the possibility that it may crack, free of charge. Additionally, owners of model year 2006-2007 3 Series with standard seats, 5 Series with comfort seats, and Z4 models, will receive an extended warranty on their front passenger seat occupant detection mat. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
All 3 campaigns on file, newest first.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Oct 27, 2022235,641 milesCA
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 525I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, she noticed the odor of burning plastic. The contact stated that the check radiator light was illuminated. The contact stated that she drove the vehicle to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed that the failure was with the PCV valve and replaced the PCV valve. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact was billed by the dealer for the repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was 235,641. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Unknown or Other
Filed May 12, 2022CA
I received a notice in the mail stating that my vehicle with the matching Vin had a recall for the pc value heater. And that it causes the vehicle to over heat and catch fire I contacted the dealership and manufacturer and I was told that there was no remedy available as I started experiencing issue's with my vehicle. It worries me because I constantly have my grandchildren with me and don't want them in a unsafe vehicle.
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed May 3, 2022135,000 milesAL
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 525i. The contact stated while driving 60-65 MPH, the vehicle started to overheat. The coolant temperature warning light was illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and added coolant in the vehicle. The contact then continued to drive. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while driving. The contact stated that he replaced the thermostat himself. However, the failure persisted and the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Nov 30, 2021188,318 milesGA
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 525I. The contact stated that there was a strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the dealer where it was both diagnosed that the vehicle was leaking fuel. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 188,318.
Air Bags
Filed Feb 4, 2021112,000 milesMD
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER PASSPORT BMW (4730 AUTH PL, SUITLAND-SILVER HILL, MD 20746, (301) 423-2700) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING A BOLT TIGHTENED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V428000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER RECALL HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 112,000.
Air Bags
Filed Dec 22, 2019188,000 milesFL
RED AIRBAG LIGHT AND RED SEAT BELT LIGHT CAME ON AND THERE WAS A CHIME GOING OFF. PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY MAT IS GIVING A FAULT CODE AND DISABLING THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG
Service Brakes
Filed Oct 26, 2019187,000 milesFL
BRAKE BOOSTER IS LOOSING VACUUM WHEN SITTING OVER NIGHT CAUSING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO BE ROCK HARD AT STARTUP. THE BRAKES ARE FINE AGAIN AS SOON AS THE CAR STARTS. I KNOW THAT THE E65 FROM THE SAME YEARS HAS A RECALL ON THE BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM LINE AND CHECK VALVE.
Tires
Filed Sep 19, 2019160,000 milesFL
WAS ROTATING MY TIRES. THE TIRES HAVE OVER HALF THE USABLE THREAD LEFT ON THEM. FOUND CRACKING AND BLISTERS ON THE TIRE WALL ON THE INSIDE NEAR THE RIM EDGE WHICH WAS NOT VISIBLE UNTIL I GOT THE WHEELS OFF.
Tires
Filed Sep 19, 2019160,000 milesFL
WAS ROTATING MY TIRES. THE TIRES HAVE OVER HALF THE USABLE THREAD LEFT ON THEM. FOUND CRACKING AND BLISTERS ON THE TIRE WALL ON THE INSIDE NEAR THE RIM EDGE WHICH WAS NOT VISIBLE UNTIL I GOT THE WHEELS OFF.
Air BagsFire
Filed Aug 25, 2019180,000 milesGA
I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK AND HAD DRIVEN ONLY 4 1/2 MILES AT 6:55AM ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2019. I WAS ABOUT 1/2 FROM WORK ON A CITY STREET WHEN SMOKE BEGAN COMING OUT THE AIR VENTS AND STEERING COLUMN. A SMELL OF PLASTIC, ELECTRICAL FILLED THE CAR AND I PULLED INTO THE NEAREST PLACE WHEN THE SMOKE WAS QUICKLY INCREASING. MY SON AND I JUMPED OUT OF THE CAR AND CALLED 911. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED ALMOST IMMEDIATELY, AND UPON PULLING UP, BEFORE THEY COULD GET OUT OF THE TRUCK, THE DRIVER'S SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG EXPLODED, THE FIREMEN HEARD THE EXPLOSION. BY THE TIME THEY PULLED THEIR HOSES AND LIFTED THE HOOD, SMOKE WAS HEAVILY COMING FROM THE CAR. WHEN THE AIRBAG EXPLODED, A LARGE PIECE OF PLASTIC SHRAPNEL WAS BLOWN TO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR AND STUCK BETWEEN THE WINDSHIELD AND THE WINDOW AND STUCK INTO THE EDGE WINDSHIELD FRAME. THE FIREFIGHTERS TRIED FOR SEVERAL MINUTES TO GET THE SOURCE UNDER CONTROL AND FINALLY WAS ABLE TO WHEN THEY DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY. I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO BMW COLUMBUS, THEY "REPAIRED THE RECALL" AND SAID THAT THE FIRE WAS NOT A RESULT OF THE RECALL. I BELIEVE THAT IF THE FIREFIGHTERS DID NOT RESPOND AS QUICKLY AS THEY DID BECAUSE THEY WERE NEARBY, THEN MY CAR WOULD HAVE GONE UP IN FLAMES.
Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jul 29, 2019307,726 milesNJ
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 525-I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE ENGINE TURNED OFF, SMOKE STARTED EMERGING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE HOOD WAS OPENED AND A FIRE WAS DISCOVERED COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND THEY EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE POLICE WAS PRESENT AND A REPORT WAS ISSUED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 307,726.
Electrical System
Filed Jun 16, 2019100,000 milesGA
BECAUSE OF POOR QUALITY OF FIBER OPTICS WIRING USED ON THE HEADLIGHT THEY TEND DRY ROT RESULTING IN A BURNT OUT HEADLIGHT. WHICH CAN BECOME A SAFETY HAZARD.
FirerelatedFire
Filed Mar 8, 2019CA
WE RECEANTLY PURCHASED A USED BMW 525 I. AND IT SUDDENLY CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE MY SON CAME TO A STOP. HE BARLEY EXCAPED WITH HIS LIFE. THE WHOLE CAR WAS UP IN FLAMES. WE DONT KNOW WHERE IT CAME FROM BUT IT WAS THE WORST THING THAT I SEEN. THANK GOD HE WAS ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE WHEN HE DID. WE NEVER THOUGHT WE WOULD HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT HIS SAFETY IN THIS VEHICLE, BEING ONE OF THE TOP OF THE LINE VEHICLES!
Air Bags
Filed Dec 5, 2018HI
MY PASSENGER SEAT BELT RESTRAINTS AND AIRBAG WARNINGS LIGHT COMES ON. I SAW THAT THIS YEAR WAS INCLUDED IN MY MODEL 525I, BUT BMW OF HONOLULU SAID MY BIN SHOWS NO RECALL? I'M CONFUSED AND UPSET ON HOW BMW CAN RISK SUCH A SAFETY ISSUE BY NOT INCLUDING ALL AFFECTED BY THIS ESPECIALLY MY YEAR AND MODEL CLASS BECAUSE IT'S OBVIOUSLY AN ISSUE WE ALL ARE HAVING AROUND THE SAME EXACT TIME. IS THERE A SOLUTION OR SHOULD I GIVE UP ON BMW FOR SUCH NEGLECT FOR MY SAFETY AND YOURS?
Air Bags › Frontal
Filed Oct 29, 2018TN
PASSENGER AIR BAG RESTRAINT LIGHT IS ACTIVATED.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification
Filed Sep 7, 2018126,525 milesMD
I RECENTLY STARTED GETTING PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM WARNING MESSAGE APPEARING. AFTER SEARCHING ONLINE, I DISCOVERED 2006 525I VEHICLES HAVE A RECALL ON THE SAME ISSUE. HOWEVER WHEN I CONTACTED BMW, I WAS TOLD BASED ON VIN NUMBER MY VEHICLE IS NOT UNDER ANY RECALL EVEN THOUGH I HAVE SAME ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLES UNDER RECALL AND REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V428000 (AIR BAGS). CURRENTLY, THE PASSENGER AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY AND CAN CAUSE SERIOUS HARM TO THE PASSENGER IF INVOLVED IN ANY TYPE OF ACCIDENT, THEREFORE, MY VEHICLE SHOULD BE PART OF THE RECALL.
Air Bags
Filed Apr 26, 2018140,000 milesVA
WARNING LIGHT PASS. RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAULT IN PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM AFFECTING AIRBAG BELT TENSIONER ETC
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger
Filed Apr 16, 2018TX
I RECENTLY STARTED GETTING PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM WARNING MESSAGE APPEARING. AFTER SEARCHING ONLINE, I DISCOVERED 2006 525I VEHICLES HAVE RECALL ON THE SAME ISSUE. HOWEVER WHEN I CONTACTED BMW, I WAS TOLD BASED ON VIN NUMBER MY VEHICLE IS NOT UNDER ANY RECALL EVEN THOUGH I HAVE SAME ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLES UNDER RECALL. AS IS, THE PASSENGER AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY AND CAN CAUSE SERIOUS HARM TO THE PASSENGER, THEREFORE MY VEHICLE SHOULD BE PART OF THE RECALL.
Air Bags
Filed Mar 13, 2018105,000 milesVA
MY BMW APPEARS TO THE HAVE AN ISSUE WITH THE PASSENGER AIR BAG SENSOR, BUT THE VIN ISN'T INCLUDE IN THE RECALL LIST. KINDLY REQUEST RECALL, AS THE VEHICLE HASN'T BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT, BUT PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINS ON.
Air Bags
Filed Jan 31, 2018143,000 milesCA
WAS DROPPING OFF A PASSENGER AND WHEN I PARKED ON A CITY STREET .HE TOOK HIS SEATBELT OFF AND OPENED THE PASSENGER DOOR . WHEN HE GOT OFF THE SEAT I NOTICED TWO LIGHTS COME ON IN THE DASHBOARD . THEN THE NOTIFICATION CAME UP ON MY MENU SCREEN DISPLAYING RESTRAINT AUSTEN MALFUNCTION . I'VE LOOKED UP MY 2006 BMW 525I TO NOTICE IT HAPPENING TO ALLOT OF THE SAME YEAR MAKE AND MODEL AS MINE.
Air Bags
Filed Nov 14, 2017158,000 milesTX
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BMW OF HOUSTON NORTH IN HOUSTON, TX WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER DETECTION MAT WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V428000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 158,000.
Service Brakes
Filed Aug 14, 2017146,000 milesIL
BRAKES ARE NOT WORKING (STALLING) AFTER FULLY STOPPING AND REAPLYING BRAKE AT A LOWER SPEED. BRAKE PADEL IS BECOMING VERY HARD AND EVEN WITH ALL FOOT FORCE BRAKE PADEL IS NOT BEING DEPRESSED. I HAD MY KIDS IN THE CAR WHEN THIS HAPPENED. I READ IT ONLINE SIMILAR PROBLEM ACCURED IN OTHER BMW MODEL AND RECALL BULLETIN WAS ISSUED. THIS ISSUE IS VERY SERIOUS AND I'M WILLING TO LET INVESTIGATORS CHECK MY VEHICLE IF THEY WISH TO CHECK OUT THE PROBLEM. THANK YOU [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Apr 9, 2017FL
WATER PUMP WAS REPLACED TWICE THE THIRD TIME I WAS DRIVING CITY STREET CAR STOPPED HAD TO TOW IT HOME.
Air Bags
Filed Dec 10, 201640,000 milesNV
SEATBELT NOT RETRACTING AND WARNING LIGHT STATING SEATBELT AND AIRBAG MAY NOT FUNCTION IN CRASH. INITIALLY INTERMITTENT BUT NOW STEADY WARNING LIGHTS. * EXTREME FADING OF PAINT ON HOOD, ROOF, DECK LID.
Air Bags
Filed Nov 10, 2016165,000 milesMI
I HAVE A 2006 BMW 525I AND RECEIVING PASS. RESTAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION AFFECTING THE AIRBAG. THIS IS A PROBLEM BMW SHOULD SERVICE AS THEY ARE FAMOUS FOR THESE MALFUNCTIONS. IT IS DANGEROUS AND ITS RUINS THE INTEGRITY OF THE VEHICLE.
Exterior Lighting
Filed Jul 26, 201669,000 milesFL
I OWN A 2006 525I BMW WITH 69K MILES AND MY ADAPTIVE HEADLIGHTS WIRING INSIDE THE LIGHT, THE PROTECTIVE COATING ON ALL THE WIRES ARE ALL DETERIORATING AND GIVING ME A FAULT FOR THE APATIVE HEADLIGHT SYSTEM AND THEY ARE NOT WORKING.
Air Bags
Filed Jun 27, 2016170,000 milesMS
VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION DURING THESE EVENTS . ELECTRIC WARNING MALFUNCTION, ALERT PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION. A MESSAGE RIGHT LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT WAS MALFUNCTIONING. ELECTRONIC CONTROL SUDDEN MALFUNCTION OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed May 15, 201678,500 milesID
VALVE COVER GASKET IS LEAKING OIL THERE IS KNOWN DEFECT CAUSED BY OVER TIGHTENING AT MANUFACTURE. HOLD BMW RESPONSIBLE AND RECALL THIS DEFECT.
Visibility/Wiper
Filed Apr 12, 201678,000 milesID
WIRING INSULATION ON HEADLIGHTS IS DISINTEGRATING AND FALLING OFF WIRING CAUSING ELECTRICAL SHORTS AND LOSS OF LIGHTING
Electrical System
Filed Apr 9, 2016101,460 milesPR
MAIN HEADLIGHT FAILURE DURING NIGHT DRIVING CAUSE BY ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT, DUE TO HEADLIGHT INTERNAL ELECTRICAL WIRING INSULATION FAILURE. INTERNAL ELECTRICAL WIRING INSULATION SEEMS NOT TO MEET SAE, NEC, ASME, ETC. CODES AND STANDARD FOR THE USES, LIKE ENGINE ELECTRICAL WIRING, SUBJECT TO HEAT EXPOSURE FROM HEADLIGHT BULB GENERATION. MAJOR SAFETY ISSUES CAN RESULT FROM SUDDEN HEADLIGHT FAILURE WITHOUT PREVIOUS NOTICE, WHICH CAN CAUSE ACCIDENT AT DARK ROADS. HEADLIGHT FAILURE OCCURS WHILE DRIVING IN A DARK ROAD AT NIGHT.
Air Bags
Filed Dec 21, 201540,000 milesPA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V564000 (AIR BAGS). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
Air Bags
Filed Dec 17, 2015162,000 milesFL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 162,000.
Air Bags
Filed Nov 15, 2015121,000 milesVA
AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAILURE.
Electrical System
Filed Nov 8, 201540,000 milesCA
WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A STREET ROAD MY STIRRING WHEEL GOT STUCK AND I LOST CONTROL OF MY CAR SWERVED INTO OTHER LANE AND NEARLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. I PUSHED THE WHEEL BACK HARD AND BOUGHT MY CAR ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD . A MECHANIC FOUND THAT NEARLY TWO INCHES OF WATER HAD ACCUMULATED IN THE TRUNK OF MY CAR, THE WATER DAMAGE CAUSED ELECTRICAL FAILURE MAKING THE CAR TO BECOME INOPERABLE. BY SHODDY CONSTRUCTION. THE MODULES, ARE INSTALLED IN THE SPARE TIRE WELL AND INSUFFICIENTLY PROTECTED FROM MOISTURE, MAKING THEM ESPECIALLY PRONE TO WATER DAMAGE THAT CAN BE CAUSED THROUGH THE NORMAL AND ORDINARY USE OF THE VEHICLE. MY LIFE WAS PUT IN DANGER BECAUSE OF THIS SHODDY CONSTRUCTION BY BMW. WHEN I NOTIFIED THEM, THEY DENIED AND REFUSED TO PAY OR FIX. THEY LITERALLY PUT MY LIFE AS WELL AS OTHER DRIVERS LIFE IN DANGER, BECAUSE MY CAR SWERVED UNCONTROLLABLY.
Service Brakes
Filed Aug 28, 2015140,000 milesAZ
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 525I. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BOOSTER VACUUM WAS TURNED AT THE VACUUM PUMP CAUSING THE BRAKE PUMP TO LEAK OIL AND CONTAMINATE THE BRAKE BOOSTER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Air Bags
Filed May 24, 201582,000 milesCA
PASSENGER AIRBAG FAULTS HAS SHOWN UP ON MY 2006 BMW 525I. THIS IS THE 2ND TIME IT SHOWS UP. THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG IS DEACTIVATED WITH THIS FAULT AND WILL NOT PROTECT PASSENGER IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. FIRST TIME, I HAD TO FIX IT MYSELF BECAUSE MY VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE VOLUNTARY RECALL NOTICE SENT BY BMW. NOW IT IS HAPPENING FOR THE 2ND TIME. I HAD IT CHECK AT A SERVICE STATION AND IT IS BECAUSE OF ANOTHER ISSUE IN THE SAME SYSTEM. EACH REPAIR COSTS APPROX. $1000. BMW NORTH AMERICA HAS TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS.
Seat Belts
Filed May 1, 2015108,000 milesTX
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG AND SEAT BELT LIGHT CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE BATTERY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000.
Air Bags
Filed Mar 16, 201586,000 milesTX
PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAULT LIGHT HAS STARTED SHOWING ON MY BMW, THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL REPORTED ON THE SAME COMPONENT "STATEMENT ON VOLUNTARY RECALL INVOLVING FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR MAT ON U.S.A. MODEL BMWS - AUGUST 13, 2008". I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM BUT MY VIN IS NOT SHOWING UP IN THE RECALL. I TOOK THE CAR TO DEALER AND DEALER SAYS ITS EXACTLY THE SAME PART BUT I AM NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL WARRANTY. *TR
Steering
Filed Mar 8, 201550,000 milesCA
STEERING FAILURE LOCK LITE COME EVERY TIME YOU START CAR. *TR
Electrical SystemFire
Filed Feb 13, 2015139,000 milesIL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE MICRO POWER MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE TECHNICIAN DISCOVERED THAT THE MICRO POWER MODULE WIRES WERE MELTED AND BURNED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,000.
Air Bags
Filed Oct 24, 201495,500 milesFL
FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG IS DEACTIVATED DUE TO THE FRONT SEAT SENSOR MAT MALFUNCTION. ALARM LIGHTS UP ON INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AS WELL AS THE IDRIVE SERVICE SECTION. VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY. DEALERS ARE ASKING FOR $400 TO DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE. THEY CLAIM THE ISSUE IS COMMON BUT MY SPECIFIC VEHICLE IS NOT AFFECTED BY THE RECALL. BMW USA CANNOT HELP AS THEY WANT AN OFFICIAL DIAGNOSIS AND STANDS BY THEIR POSITION THAT MY CAR IS NOT AFFECTED BY THE RECALL OR WHAT EVER TERM THEY LIKE TO USE. *TR
Seat Belts › Front › Warning Light/Devices
Filed Aug 12, 201475,000 milesCA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG AND THE RESTRAINT INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
Air Bags
Filed Jul 30, 201479,200 milesCA
HAD HEARD FROM FRIENDS ABOUT NHTSA RECALL 13V564000 REGARDING THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG SYSTEM ON 2006 BMW 5 SERIES SEDANS AND OTHERS. I NEVER RECEIVED ANY NOTIFICATIONS FROM BMW IN THE MAIL REGARDING THIS RECALL. IN JUNE 2014, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG SENSOR IN MY CAR FAILED AS DESCRIBED IN THE NHTSA RECALL NOTICE. I WENT TO THE BMW DEALER TO INQUIRY ABOUT THE RECALL AND TO FIND OUT WHY I DID NOT RECEIVE A NOTICE IN THE MAIL. I WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE THAT MY PARTICULAR VEHICLE VIN WAS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH THE RECALL. I ASKED THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE EXACTLY WHY IT WAS NOT COVERED AT WHICH HE REPLIED "I'M NOT SURE, IT'S JUST NOT ON THE LIST". I THEN PROCEEDED TO CONTACT BMW OF NORTH AMERICA TO INQUIRE ABOUT THE RECALL. THE REPRESENTATIVE FOR BMW ON THE PHONE BASICALLY HAD THE SAME RESPONSE AS THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE AT THE DEALERSHIP, SHE WAS UNCERTAIN WHY MY VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED AND WHY CERTAIN VEHICLES OF THE SAME MAKE, MODEL, AND YEAR WERE COVERED BY THE RECALL. THE REPRESENTATIVE AT BMW NORTH AMERICA SUGGESTED THAT I CONTACT NHTSA REGARDING THE ISSUE. PLEASE HELP SHED SOME LIGHT ON WHY MY PARTICULAR BMW IS NOT COVERED EVEN THOUGH IT HAS THE FAILURE AS OUTLINED IN THE RECALL NOTICE. IN ADDITION, WHAT CRITERIA WAS USED TO DETERMINE WHICH VEHICLES AND PARTS WERE RECALLED. *TR
Air Bags
Filed Jun 16, 201496,000 milesGA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER 13V56400 (AIR BAG); HOWEVER, THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE AIR BAG WARNING AND REAR LIGHT MALFUNCTION INDICATOR WERE ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000. UPDATED 8/19/14*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER REPAIRED THE INTIAL RECALL. UPDATED 8/28/2014 *JS
Air Bags
Filed Jun 12, 201485,000 milesPA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 13V564000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
Service Brakes
Filed Jun 9, 201490,000 milesNC
TL * THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 525I. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO STOP WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT HAD TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL WITH GREAT FORCE IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE VIBRATED PRIOR TO COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE FAILURE OCCURRED REGULARLY. THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
Air Bags
Filed May 29, 201455,000 milesFL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE REPAIRS WOULD ONLY BE COVERED PARTIALLY UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 13V564000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.
Service Brakes
Filed Apr 17, 201480,000 milesFL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 5 SERIES 525I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WOULD HAVE TO BE APPLIED WHEN ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE BRAKES HAD NOT PROPERLY WORKED IN THE VEHICLE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME AND THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IN DRIVE OR REVERSE BECAUSE THE BRAKES WOULD NOT STOP THE VEHICLE WITH THE APPLYING FORCE. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN TAKEN TO THREE REPAIR SHOPS WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER VACUUM PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V446000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) BUT HAD EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Air Bags
Filed Mar 26, 2014NC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE ATTEMPTED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V564000 (AIR BAGS) BUT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT FELT THAT SINCE THE FAILURE WAS REPORTED IN NOVEMBER OF 2013, THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN A REMEDY AVAILABLE BEFORE MARCH OF 2014. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE TIME FOR REPAIR. THE CONTACT DID EXPERIENCE A FAILURE.
Power Train
Filed Jan 15, 201492,000 milesDC
BOUGHT FROM MANAGER AT BMW SERVICE DEPARTMENT W/89,920 ON 10/25/13. 2 OVERHEATED BROKE DOWN ON 11/29/13 ON JANUARY 7 RARELY PARK IN DRIVEWAY, PULL UP ON DRIVEWAY WITH AN INCLINE AT MY HOME. CAR WAS PLACED IN PARK BUT SORTA DID NOT CATCH GEAR RIGHT, FELT A ROLLBACK SO I ENGAGED MY E-BRAKE. DID NOT WANT TO RELEASE KEY, SO I GET STUFF AT HOUSE AND RESUMED INSPECTION OF VEHICLE, CAR DID NOT START. SO I ATTEMPTED TO REMOVE OUT OF PARK, TO NO AVAIL, THEN AFTER OFF AND ON ATTEMPTS IT CHANGED GEARS. SCREEN SAID GEAR CHANGE WITHOUT BRAKE POSSIBLE. TOOK IT IN THEY SAID HAD TO REPLACE GUIDE PLATE AND SOLENOID FOR 1250.00 I HAVE 4 KIDS AND A WIFE I LOVE, WE ARE ALWAYS IN VEHICLE, I FEEL MY FAMILIES SAFETY IS VIOLATED FOR BEING EXPOSED TO A POTENTIAL DANGEROUS EPISODE. DID RESEARCH PARKING PAWL GUIDE PLATE HAS RECALL. EXACT TO MY PROBLEM DEALERSHIP ACKNOWLEDGES IT BUT CLAIMS THAT MY CAR AIN'T BECAUSE RECALLS ON V8 MODELS. ONLY HAD CAR FOR SHORT TIME FRAME. FEEL SCAMMED, PAID 14600 W/ TAXES FROM BANK LOAN AND NOW I'M STUCK WITH A LEMON! HELP!!??
Complaints 1-50 of 77, newest first, reproduced as filed.
No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Apr 4, 2019. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.