NHTSA Complaint #11594543 — 2025 BMW I5

SERVICE BRAKES issue reported to NHTSA

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Crash 1 Injury

Complaint Details

ODI Number 11594543
Vehicle 2025 BMW I5
Component SERVICE BRAKES
Date of Incident
Date Filed
Mileage N/A miles
Crash Yes
Fire No
Injuries 1
Deaths 0
Vehicle Towed No
State MD

Consumer Description

I was driving a brand-new 2025 BMW i5 electric car, just leased from dealer the day before. The car was at rest, waiting for traffic light to turn green. Then the car started to move forward, and suddenly hit the car in front with a big thrust. My foot was on the brake trying to stop the car, but I felt like being hit by another car behind me, twice, the second time being the final thrust. My wife on the passenger side also felt the car shaking before the collision. Looking back after the collision, there was actually no car hitting mine. I believe the braking system failed. I have downloaded the video recordings from the car, with 30 seconds before and 30 seconds after the accident, by front, rear, left and right cameras, confirming that the car was at rest for about 20 seconds, then moving forward, and finally accelerating with a big thrust into the collision. I wish to have the Event Data Recorder (EDR) data to verify the pressure I applied on the brake pedal (or/and the pressure on the accelerator pedal as others may speculate that I did), to nail down the facts. Two cars in front of mime were damaged, and one lady driver had injury. Luckily all cars were initially at rest. With higher speed and such brake failure it can cause deaths. I have reported the problem to the BMW dealer in Rockville, Maryland. I will report to BMW manufacturer too. The dealer said BMW can send engineer to pull the EDR data and investigate. It will take time though. I have reported the accident to insurance company. I'll talk with the insurance agent assigned to the case next Monday, to discuss what he wants to do for inspection. In addition to the brake failure, there was no automatic emergency braking, or forward collision warning, as in my previous leased BMW car. The dealer did set up safety features before leasing the car to me, such as the video recording 30 seconds before and after. This makes the accident more surprising.
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