Skip to content
VINDecoder360
Menu

NHTSA recalls & complaints · 2006–2019

BMW M6 recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns and 24 owner complaints for the BMW M6, covering model years 2006 to 2019. The 2007 model year drew the most complaints (7), and Electrical System is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your BMW M6 VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 6 recall campaigns on file
  • 24 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 12 model years with data (2006–2019)
  • most complaints: 2007 (7 for that model year)
  • top component: Electrical System (7 complaints)
  • latest recall 20V094000 (reported Feb 19, 2020)
  • 1 complaint reporting a crash (4.2%)
  • 1 complaint reporting a fire (4.2%)
  • 1 complaint reporting an injury (4.2%)
  • 1 complaint reporting a death (4.2%)

BMW M6 complaints by model year

8 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2007 model year has the most complaints: 7 of 24, or 29.2%. Next come 2014 (5) and 2016 (4). The fewest are for 2018, with 1 complaint.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
BMW M6 owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 2006–2018Column chart of 24 complaints across 13 model years. The highest is 2007 with 7. The full figures are in the table below the chart.2006: 2 complaints220062007: 7 complaints720072008: 2 complaints220082009: 0 complaints20092010: 0 complaints20102011: 0 complaints20112012: 0 complaints20122013: 2 complaints220132014: 5 complaints520142015: 0 complaints20152016: 4 complaints420162017: 1 complaint120172018: 1 complaint12018
BMW M6 complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
BMW M6 complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
200620000
200771011
200820000
201320000
201450000
201640100
201710000
201810000
All model years241111

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported BMW M6 components

top 13 · NHTSA categories

Electrical System is the component named most often, in 7 complaints (29.2% of all 24), followed by Steering (7) and Engine (5).

Components named most often in BMW M6 complaints (top 13)
Components named most often in BMW M6 complaints (top 13)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Electrical System729.2%
Steering729.2%
Engine520.8%
Power Train520.8%
Structure520.8%
Air Bags416.7%
Seats312.5%
Exterior Lighting28.3%
Fuel/Propulsion System28.3%
Suspension28.3%
Vehicle Speed Control28.3%
Seat Belts14.2%
Unknown or Other14.2%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

BMW M6 recalls

6 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name M6, newest first. The 6 campaigns cover model years 2007 to 2019. The 2013, 2015 and 2017 model years appear in the most campaigns (2 each).

  • 6 recall campaigns
  • 1 “Do Not Drive” advisory
BMW M6 recall campaigns covering each model year
DecadeYears ending in 0Years ending in 1Years ending in 2Years ending in 3Years ending in 4Years ending in 5Years ending in 6Years ending in 7Years ending in 8Years ending in 9
2007: 1 campaign2008: 1 campaign2009: 1 campaign
2010: 1 campaign2011: no campaigns2012: no campaigns2013: 2 campaigns2014: 1 campaign2015: 2 campaigns2016: 1 campaign2017: 2 campaigns2018: 1 campaign2019: 1 campaign
Highlighted: the model years with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 20V094000

    Reported

    Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights

    Model years 2014–2019

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2019 M6 Gran Coupe vehicles. The third brake light may become loose, possibly allowing the light to detach from the vehicle.

    Consequence:
    If the third brake light detaches from the vehicle, it would no longer provide the required lighting to following traffic, or it may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the third brake light and properly secure it with new fasteners. If the third brake light detached from the vehicle and is damaged, it will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began April 17, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  2. NHTSA campaign 17V495000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module

    Model year 2013

    BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2013 BMW X3 xDrive28i, X3 xDrive35i, and M6 Convertible vehicles and 2013 M6 Coupe vehicles. The affected vehicles have a driver's frontal air bag inflator that may have been improperly welded.

    Consequence:
    In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator housing could separate from the base plate and result in metal striking the vehicle occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
    Remedy:
    BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's front air bag module, free of charge. The recall began October 6, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  3. NHTSA campaign 16V914000

    Reported

    Air Bags

    Model year 2017

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2017 BMW 640i, 640i xDrive, 650i, 650i xDrive, M6, 535i, 535i xDrive, 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, M4, X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, i3, i8, Rolls-Royce Dawn, Mini Clubman Cooper, Clubman Cooper S, Cooper All4, Cooper S All4, Mini 4-Door Cooper, Cooper S, Mini 2-Door Cooper, Cooper S, John Cooper Works and 2016 BMW 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, M5 and 535d vehicles. The affected vehicles have seat- mounted side air bag inflator initiators that may fail to ignite during a crash.

    Consequence:
    If the air bag inflator initiator fails to ignite, the seat-mounted air bag will not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began February 6, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  4. NHTSA campaign 16V540000

    Reported

    Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft

    Model year 2015

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2015 BMW M5 sedans manufactured September 4, 2014, through December 4, 2014, 2015 M6 coupes manufactured September 3, 2014, through December 3, 2014, 2015 M6 convertibles manufactured September 8, 2014, through December 4, 2014, and 2015 M6 Gran Coupe vehicles manufactured September3, 2014, through December 4, 2014. The affected vehicles have a driveshaft that may have been inadequately welded during manufacturing.

    Consequence:
    Due to the improper weld, the driveshaft may fracture and fail, causing loss of drive to the rear wheels and a loss of propulsion. Additionally, if the car is turned off and exited without the parking brake applied, the car may roll. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the driveshaft, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during September 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  5. NHTSA campaign 12V475000

    Reported

    Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine

    Model year 2013

    NHTSA “Do Not Drive” advisory: affected vehicles should not be driven until the recall repair is done.

    BMW is recalling certain model year 2013 M5, M6 Coupe, and M6 Convertible vehicles, manufactured from July 19, 2012, through September 11, 2012. Due to a manufacturing process error, the tolerance between the engine oil pump's drive shaft and the pump's rotor was not within specification. As a result, the pump's driveshaft could separate from the rotor.

    Consequence:
    Separation of the pump's driveshaft from the rotor could lead to a sudden loss of oil pressure causing the possibility of complete engine failure, resulting in an engine stall-like condition, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
    Remedy:
    BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the oil pump, free of charge. The safety recall began on November 30, 2012. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  6. NHTSA campaign 12V126000

    Reported

    Electrical System › 12V/24V/48V Battery › Cables

    Model years 2007–2010

    BMW is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 5-series, model year 2004-2010 6-series, model year 2006-2010 M5, and model year 2007-2010 M6 vehicles. The insulated bulkhead connector for the positive battery cable may have been incorrectly attached to the trunk floor panel, which can lead to a loosening of the bolt connection. As it loosens, an increase in electrical resistance at this cable connection is possible and could cause the cable connection to overheat.

    Consequence:
    Overheating could lead to a fire, even while the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made.
    Remedy:
    BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and secure the battery bolt cable connection as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 30, 2012. Owners may contact BMW customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it; older campaigns, which NHTSA stores in capital letters, are shown in sentence case. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

BMW M6 questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the BMW M6 have?

NHTSA lists 6 vehicle recall campaigns for the BMW M6, covering model years 2006 to 2019. The most recent, 20V094000, was reported on February 19, 2020 and is filed under “Exterior lighting”. The 2013, 2015 and 2017 model years are covered by the most campaigns (2 each).

Which BMW M6 model year has the most complaints?

The 2007 model year, with 7 of the 24 complaints in NHTSA’s file (29.2%). The next are 2014 (5) and 2016 (4). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common BMW M6 complaint?

Electrical System is the component named most often: 7 complaints, or 29.2% of all 24. Steering (7) and Engine (5) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my BMW M6?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a BMW dealer.

How many BMW M6 complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 24 complaints, 1 report a crash, 1 a fire, 1 at least one injury and 1 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other BMW models

8 models · most complaints first

The BMW models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the BMW VIN decoder with every BMW model page, WMI code and VIN note.

  • BMW X5 1999–2026 · 103 recalls · 3,138 complaints
  • BMW 328i 1996–2016 · 27 recalls · 2,576 complaints
  • BMW X3 2004–2026 · 60 recalls · 1,989 complaints
  • BMW 325i 1995–2012 · 20 recalls · 1,281 complaints
  • BMW Z4 2002–2023 · 28 recalls · 1,280 complaints
  • BMW 3 Series 1995–2023 · 8 recalls · 841 complaints
  • BMW 528i 1997–2016 · 14 recalls · 831 complaints
  • BMW 330i 1999–2026 · 38 recalls · 813 complaints

All BMW models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.