I pulled my 2019 BMW 740i out of a residential garage and stopped the vehicle. I opened the driver's door and exited the vehicle to enter the code on the exterior garage keypad to close the garage door. After entering the code, I turned around to return to the vehicle and observed that the BMW had begun moving unexpectedly. The vehicle continued moving and ultimately crashed into a tree, causing substantial front-end damage. I did not intend or expect the vehicle to move after I exited it. I expected the vehicle's systems to secure the vehicle when I exited, but when I turned around, the vehicle was moving. I am concerned that a system intended to prevent unintended vehicle movement—including the transmission Park function, electronic/automatic parking brake, or associated electronic control system—may not have operated as expected. The specific cause has not yet been determined. A BMW Certified Collision Center has estimated approximately $26,000–$27,000 in repairs, and my insurance carrier is evaluating the vehicle as a potential total loss. I have requested preservation of the vehicle and available electronic/diagnostic data so that the cause of the unexpected movement can be investigated. I am reporting this incident as a potential safety-related malfunction involving unintended vehicle movement/rollaway and am requesting that it be reviewed accordingly.
- NHTSA ID
- 11755580
- Incident
- Jul 25, 2026