NHTSA vehicle safety data

2006 BMW 6 Series Recalls & Complaints

The 2006 BMW 6 Series has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns and 5 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized BMW dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2006 BMW 6 Series. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2006 BMW 6 Series owner complaints

Owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006 BMW 6 Series, describing incidents dated March 1, 2006 to January 19, 2013.

Most-cited components

Engine 2 complaints
Air Bags 1 complaint
Equipment 1 complaint
Seats 1 complaint
Service Brakes 1 complaint
Suspension 1 complaint

Newest complaints

ODI #10494963 · Filed January 28, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 6 SERIES. THE CONTACT STATED DURING A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AT THE DEALER THEY STATED THERE WAS A DEFECT ON THE FRONT AXLE CONTROL ARM AND THE TENSION STRUT. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FRONT AXLE CONTROL ARM AND TENSION STRUT NUTS IN ORDER TO THE REMEDY THE DEFECT. AFTER THE…
ODI #10419989 · Filed August 18, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 6-SERIES. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V446000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM) AND WAS REPAIRED. AFTER REPAIRS WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE POWER ASSIST BRAKING WOULD NOT FUNCTION…
ODI #10407568 · Filed June 20, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 650I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S AC WAS NOT COLD. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE HE WAS TOLD THAT ENGINE OIL WAS LEAKING BELOW THE BRAKE VACUUM PUMP. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 07V479000 (ENGINE AND…

Read all 5 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2006 BMW 6 Series in 1 investigation. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Engineering Analysis EA08-001: BMW AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATION
Closed December 31, 2008
- Recall 08V-384

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

BATTERY CABLE INSULATED BULKHEAD CONNECTOR

NHTSA #12V126000 · Electrical System — 12V/24V/48V Battery — Cables · NHTSA notice

Reported March 26, 2012 · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC

Potentially affected: 367,682 vehicles

Owners notified April 30, 2012 · Vehicles built September 1, 2003 – July 31, 2010 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

BRAKE VACUUM PUMP

NHTSA #10V446000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Power Assist — Vacuum · NHTSA notice

Reported October 1, 2010 · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC

Potentially affected: 198,352 vehicles

Owners notified November 24, 2010

Defect description

BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 5-SERIES, 6-SERIES, AND MODEL YEAR 2002-2008 7-SERIES VEHICLES. A CHECK VALVE OF THE BRAKE VACUUM PUMP MAY LEAK A SMALL AMOUNT OF LUBRICATING OIL. OVER TIME THIS COULD RESULT IN CONTAMINATION OF THE BRAKE BOOSTER.

Safety consequence

POWER ASSIST BRAKING PERFORMANCE COULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED. IN EXTREME CASES THERE COULD BE A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER ASSIST BRAKING. AN UNEXPECTED REDUCTION OR LOSS IN POWER BRAKING ASSIST MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 24, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.

Notes

OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

REAR SHOCK ABSORBERS

NHTSA #06V277000 · Suspension — Rear — Shock Absorber · NHTSA notice

Reported July 26, 2006 · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC

Potentially affected: 11,640 vehicles

Owners notified September 13, 2006 · Vehicles built January 5, 2006 – April 26, 2006 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE LOWER RUBBER MOUNT OF THE REAR SHOCK ABSORBERS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED TO SPECIFICATIONS AND MAY NOT ADHERE CORRECTLY TO ITS HOUSING WITHIN THE SHOCK ABSORBER.

Safety consequence

THE BUSHING COULD LOOSEN AND OVER TIME COULD SEPARATE FROM ITS HOUSING. THE DRIVER WILL EXPERIENCE IMPAIRED VEHICLE HANDLING AND CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR SHOCK ABSORBER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 13, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

Notes

CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

FRONT AXLE CONTROL ARM AND TENSION STRUT NUTS

NHTSA #06V187000 · Suspension — Front — Control Arm · NHTSA notice

Reported May 30, 2006 · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC

Potentially affected: 40 vehicles

Owners notified June 28, 2006 · Vehicles built February 13, 2006 – February 13, 2006 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE NUTS WHICH SECURE THE FRONT AXLE CONTROL ARM AND TENSION STRUT TO THE FRONT WHEEL HUB MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATION. OVER TIME THE NUTS COULD LOOSEN AND THE CONTROL ARM AND TENSION STRUT COULD BE DAMAGED.

Safety consequence

VEHICLE HANDLING AND CONTROL COULD COMPROMISE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL RETIGHTEN THE FRONT AXLE CONTROL ARM AND TENSION STRUT NUTS TO THE CORRECT SPECIFICATIONS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 28, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

Notes

CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

PARK PAWL GUIDE PLATE

NHTSA #05V504000 · Power Train — Automatic Transmission · NHTSA notice

Reported November 1, 2005 · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC

Potentially affected: 240 vehicles

Owners notified November 30, 2005 · Vehicles built August 1, 2005 – September 30, 2005 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN INCORRECTLY MANUFACTURED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PARKING PAWL GUIDE PLATE.

Safety consequence

THIS COULD CAUSE THE PARKING LOCK SYSTEM NOT TO ENGAGE, AFTER THE TRANSMISSION IS PLACED IN THE PARK ("P") POSITION. IF THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON AN INCLINE, AND THE PARKING BRAKE WAS NOT ENGAGED, THIS COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE ROLLAWAY CONDITION.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPAIR AND REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION GUIDE PLATE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 30, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-332-4269.

Notes

CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

2006 BMW 6 Series 2-DR w/SAB

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out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control

1 investigation

5 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2006 BMW 6 Series.

Suspension

ODI #10494963

Incident: January 19, 2013 · Filed: January 28, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 6 SERIES. THE CONTACT STATED DURING A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AT THE DEALER THEY STATED THERE WAS A DEFECT ON THE FRONT AXLE CONTROL ARM AND THE TENSION STRUT. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FRONT AXLE CONTROL ARM AND TENSION STRUT NUTS IN ORDER TO THE REMEDY THE DEFECT. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED THE CONTACT NOTICED NHTSA CAMPAIGN RECALL NUMBER 06V187000 (SUSPENSION) AND ASKED THE DEALER IF HIS VIN WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE DEALER STATED THEY COULD NOT CONFIRM IF THE VIN WAS A PART OF THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,000. UPDATED 2/12/13 *CN UPDATED 2/15/2013 *JS

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

ODI #10419989

Incident: August 15, 2011 · Filed: August 18, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 6-SERIES. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V446000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM) AND WAS REPAIRED. AFTER REPAIRS WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE POWER ASSIST BRAKING WOULD NOT FUNCTION. THE CONTACT HAD TO PLACE THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL IN ORDER TO STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS WHERE THE TECHNICIANS ADVISED THAT THE VACUUM PUMP, BRAKE AND THE BRAKE BOOSTER HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling; Equipment

ODI #10407568

Incident: June 17, 2011 · Filed: June 20, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 650I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S AC WAS NOT COLD. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE HE WAS TOLD THAT ENGINE OIL WAS LEAKING BELOW THE BRAKE VACUUM PUMP. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 07V479000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT THEN CALLED BMW USE WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT, THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED WITH THE BRAKES CAUSING A CRASH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,000. UPDATED 07/12/11 *BF UPDATED 12/30/11

Tires

ODI #10177704

Incident: November 2, 2006 · Filed: January 3, 2007

TIRE INTERNAL FAILURE - LOOKS LIKE A CUT INSIDE THE TIRE. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling; Air Bags; Seats

ODI #10162635

Incident: March 1, 2006 · Filed: July 10, 2006

2006 BMW 650I, MARCH 2006 PASSENGER SEAT WOULD LOCK, AIRBAG SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, ENGINE BEGAN BACKFIRING. MAY 2006 THE SEAT LOCKED AND THE AIRBAG MALFUNCTIONED AGAIN. IN JUNE THE ENGINE OVERHEATED AND WAS REPAIRED. *KB ***NAR*** *JB

Other BMW 6 Series model years

Check your 2006 BMW 6 Series VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your BMW 6 Series at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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