Driver assistanceElectrical
Filed May 15, 2026
I am submitting a safety complaint regarding my 2016 BMW 435i. My vehicle experienced a sudden water pump failure while I was driving on the freeway. Without warning, the vehicle immediately entered “limp mode,” causing a sudden and dangerous loss of power in active traffic. This created a serious safety hazard because surrounding vehicles had to quickly avoid my car to prevent a collision. I am aware that there is an existing recall and/or known issue involving electric water pump failures on certain BMW vehicles, including similar 2016 BMW models, but my VIN does not qualify for recall coverage despite experiencing the exact same failure and safety-related symptoms. I believe this defect should be investigated further because it creates a substantial risk to driver and public safety when the vehicle suddenly loses power at highway speeds. Additionally, my vehicle has an ongoing issue with the parking collision warning/driver assistance system. The system will randomly trigger collision warnings and emergency alerts even when I am driving safely with no obstacles or vehicles in front of me. These false warnings are distracting and could potentially cause unsafe driver reactions or unnecessary braking events. I request that NHTSA investigate both issues: 1. Sudden electric water pump failure causing immediate limp mode and loss of power while driving. 2. Malfunctioning collision warning system producing false collision alerts without hazards present. These issues present significant safety concerns and appear consistent with known defects affecting similar BMW vehicles. Vehicle Information: * Year: 2016 * Make: BMW * Model: 435iThe I would like to mention I am an active first responder (EMT) and would recommend addressing these safety concerns
- NHTSA ID
- 11738183
- Incident
- May 14, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 435I. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the engine stalled. The battery warning light was illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer. The dealer determined that the VANOS bolts had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11641634
- Incident
- Jan 30, 2025
- Mileage
- 107,000 mi
Water pump causing no start and high battery drain.
- NHTSA ID
- 11629560
- Incident
- Nov 1, 2024
Airbags
Filed Mar 27, 2023
Airbag sensors are defective. Vehicle states that restraint system is faulty.
- NHTSA ID
- 11514071
- Incident
- Mar 1, 2023
Steering
Filed Jan 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 435I. The contact stated while driving at slow speeds, the chassis stabilization warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the electric power steering (EPS) to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with TSB: SIB321216, however the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11503962
- Incident
- Jul 1, 2022
- Mileage
- 70,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Jul 17, 2022
A strong odor of gasoline was noted and it dripped from the tank when the car was driven. Mechanic reported the tank had a leaking seam which he would patch with plastic, so the car can be used while waiting for a replacement tank.
- NHTSA ID
- 11474406
- Incident
- Jul 13, 2022
water entered the air intake at front of vehicle and caused engine damage.
- NHTSA ID
- 11418919
- Incident
- Jan 28, 2021
BACK UP CAMERA CUTS OFF WHEN IN REVERSE ALL THE TIME
- NHTSA ID
- 11376398
- Incident
- Nov 1, 2020
- Mileage
- 5 mi
WITH NO EVIDENCE OF FOREIGN OBJECT DAMAGE, SUNROOF EXPLODED ON A CLEAR FREEWAY AT FREEWAY SPEED. INTERIOR TEMP 74F, AMBIENT 93F. SUNSHADE WAS CLOSED, BUT GLASS FRAGMENTS LEAKED THROUGH THE VENT HOLES IN THE SUNSHADE. PAINT DAMAGE TO TRUNK. POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD TO OTHER MOTORISTS. OF NOTE THE GLASS IS TEMPERED, NOT LAMINATED, HENCE THE ELEVATED POTENTIAL FOR INJURY AND DAMAGE.
- NHTSA ID
- 11099111
- Incident
- May 31, 2018
- Mileage
- 46,600 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed May 18, 2018
I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE IN DALLAS, TX AND MULTIPLE TIMES THE CAR ENGINE & ALL POWER SHUT OFF, AND THE CAR SHIFTED ITSELF INTO NEUTRAL. I SUSPECT THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE AUTO STOP/START FEATURE OR SOMETHING MORE. A CAR SHOULD NEVER SHIFT ITSELF INTO REVERSE WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING. BOTH TIMES ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT ON THE FREEWAY AS THE CAR CAME TO A SUDDEN HALT AND I HAD NO CONTROL WITH IT SHIFTING INTO N. THE BMW DEALERSHIP & BMW ARE CLAIMING NOTHING IS WRONG. I DO NOT FEEL COMFORTABLE ACCEPTING THIS VEHICLE BACK UNTIL THIS ISSUE IS RESOLVED AND FEEL THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD LOOK INTO ANY ISSUE OF A VEHICLE AUTOMATICALLY SHIFTING INTO N AND POWERING DOWN WHILE DRIVING.
- NHTSA ID
- 11096753
- Incident
- May 16, 2018
- Mileage
- 30,500 mi
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.