BMW · 6 Series · 2006
5
Recalls
26
Complaints
-
Not Rated
The 2006 BMW 6 Series has 5 recalls and 26 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Most reported issue: tires (4 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 22, 2026
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
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.
Remedy Status
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.
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN INCORRECTLY MANUFACTURED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PARKING PAWL GUIDE PLATE.
Remedy Status
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.
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.
Remedy Status
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.
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.
Remedy Status
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.
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.
Remedy Status
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.
Leak from fuel pump located under passenger rear side (right rear). Gasoline pooling next to electrical connection and excess gasoline dripping into interior and exterior. Explosion risk. Gasoline fumes.
Constant malfunctions of convertible top. Top won’t stay in locked position. Once top malfunctions windows won’t operate. This has been an ongoing problem. Has been in shop for repair of this item multiple times. Research shows many owners having same issues. Warning sign from BMW says drive slow and report to nearest BMW shop. BMW refuses to address the issue…. After spending hundreds if not thousands to get this issue resolved the latest BMW shop said replace the hydraulic system at a cost of 4400.00. The 2006 650 I convertible top has a manufacturing issue in my opinion. Please investigate.
THE ACTIVE STEERING SYSTEM OPERATES ON AND OFF. STEERING IS NORMAL THEN THE ACTIVE STEERING SYSTEM SHUTS OFF. STEERING BECOMES VERY HEAVY. THE WARNINGS LIGHT NOW STAYS ON ALL THE TIME THIS IS UNDER ALL DRIVING CONDITIONS AND ROADS.
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WHEN I SMELLED SOMETHING FUNNY. A MINUTE LATER I FELT AN EXTREMELY HOT SENSATION ON MY LEFT LEG. I REACHED DOWN AND THE SEAT WAS SO HOT THAT IT BURNT MY HAND FROM THE BRIEF CONTACT. I PULLED OVER TO FIND THAT THE HEATED SEAT ELEMENT HAD BURNT A HOLE IN THE LEATHER SEAT AS WELL AS BURNT A HOLE IN MY WOOL COAT. IRONICALLY, THIS OCCURRED IN MY LAST BMW AS WELL, A 2004 3-SERIES, JUST TO A LESSER EXTENT. I DID NOT RECEIVE BURNS FROM THAT INCIDENT, IT JUST MELTED THE LEFT SIDE OF MY SEAT. *TR
PASSENGER SEATBELT/AIRBAG WARNING AS FOLLOWS: "PASS. RESTRAINT SYSTEM - FAULT ON PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM AFFECTING AIRBAG, BELT TENSIONER OR BELT-FORCE LIMITER. CONTINUE TO WEAR THE SAFETY BELT." NOTE: THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY WITH A MECHANIC WHO HAS CONFIRMED THIS IS THE "PASSENGER SEAT MAT SENSOR." I CALLED BMW OF NORTH AMERICA TODAY TO REPORT THE PROBLEM AND CHECK FOR RECALLS. I WAS INFORMED I SHOULD GO TO A BMW DEALERSHIP TO GET A "FORMAL DIAGNOSIS FROM THE DEALER" AND TO "CONFIRM IF THE ISSUE COULD'VE BEEN INCLUDED IN PRIOR RECALL." NOTE: I SEARCHED THE NHTSA WEBSITE FOR MY YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLE AND FOUND THIS EXACT SAME ISSUE WAS UNDER "INVESTIGATION" FROM JAN. 4, 2008 TO DEC. 31, 2008. THE INVESTIGATION SUBJECT IS "BMW AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATION". THE SUMMARY STATES THAT IT WAS FOR BMW MODELS FROM 2004 TO 2006 AND STATES THE 2006 MODELS WERE RECALLED FOR THE X3 SERIES AND 3-SERIES WITH SPORT SEATS. IT FURTHER STATES "BMW WILL EXTEND THE WARRANTY COVERAGE OF THE PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT TO 10-YEAR/UNLIMITED MILEAGE ON APPROXIMATELY 120,000 REMAINING MY04-06 SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 11/30/05." THEREFORE, I BELIEVE MY VEHICLE SHOULD BE INCLUDED BASED ON THE LATER STATEMENT. MY INCIDENT FIRST OCCURRED ON THANKSGIVING DAY, NOV. 24, 2016. THE WARNING LIGHT HAS NOT TURNED OFF SINCE THEN. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY WITH THE MECHANIC FOR A LARGE UNRELATED TO THIS SENSOR MAT ISSUE. I EXPECT I WILL HAVE THE VEHICLE BACK IN 1-2 WEEKS, AT WHICH TIME I WILL TAKE IT TO A DEALER TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE BMW'S RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS SAFETY ISSUE. SPECIFICALLY, THE ISSUE OCCURRED WHILE MY MOM WAS TRYING TO PUT ON HER SEATBELT WHILE SITTING IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT ON THANKSGIVING DAY. THE WARNING HAS CONTINUED SINCE THEN WHETHER OR NOT SOMEONE IS SITTING THERE. *TR
ELV ROBLEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2006 BMW 650I. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH AND COMING TO A STOP, THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS SOFT AND TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE HARDER THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED, THE FURTHER TO THE FLOOR IT WENT WITHOUT A RESPONSE. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. IN TURN, THE OTHER VEHICLE STRUCK THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO BOTH LEGS, THE LEFT HAND, AND BREASTS, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 650I EQUIPPED WITH BRIDGESTONE TIRES, TIRE LINE: POTENZA RE050A, TIRE SIZE: 275/35/R19 AND DOT NUMBER: EJ9HDJH4311. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE OBSERVER A BLISTER IN THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR TIRE SIDEWALL. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THE TIRE WAS ALWAYS FLAT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE VEHICLE AND TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 92,132.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 650I. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT HAD TO PLACE AN ABNORMAL AMOUNT OF PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HOSE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT OF OTHER REPAIRS THAT NEEDED TO BE COMPLETED FOR THE BRAKE SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V446000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE REMEDY FOR THE RECALL STATED THAT ANY REPAIRS WOULD BE DONE AND DECIDED UPON BY THE DEALER FREE OF CHARGE; HOWEVER, THE DEALER ONLY COMPLETED ONE NECESSARY REPAIR FREE OF CHARGE. THE VEHICLE'S REPAIR WAS NOT COMPLETE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000. UPDATED 02/18/16*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE RECALL REPAIR WAS COMPLETED. UPDATED 12/14/2017*JS
COOL EVENING, ENGAGE DRIVER SIDE SEAT HEATER, STARTED SMELLING FOUL SMELL, SHORT DRIVE 3-5 MINUTES. FOUND THAT SEAT HEATER MUST OF HAD A SHORT, BURNED HOLE THROUGH SEAT PADDING, LEATHER SEAT COVER, MY SHORTS AND I WAS SAVED BY MY WALLET THAT HAD A HOLE BURNED INTO IT. NOTE : CAR IS IN NE OHIO FOR SUMMER
SIDEWALL IS SEPARATING AFTER LESS THAN 1 YEAR, 15,000 MILES. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 650I. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH DURING COLD WEATHER, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THERMOSTAT AND THE HOSES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V479000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000.
I STARTED MY CAR TURNED ON BOTH HEATED SEATS AND BEGIN SEEING SMOKE AND SMELLED DISTINCT BURNING.... I PULLED OUT OF MY GARAGE AND IMMEDIATELY PULLED TO THE CURVE. MY LEFT SIDE DRIVERS SEAT WAS SMOKING AND I REALIZED MY PANTS HAD A HOLE BURNED IN THEM ALONG WITH A HOLE IN MY SEAT. I HAVE CONTACTED BMW BUT TO DATE NO RESPONSE BACK FROM THEM. THIS IS A DANGEROUS FLAW IN THE BMW AND NEEDS FURTHER ACTION TAKEN. I COULD HAVE BEEN BURNED OR THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED ME TO HAVE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. FURTHER MY VERY LOW MILEAGE CAR COULD HAVE BEEN CONSUMED IN FLAMES. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 650I CONVERTIBLE. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE AIR BAG AND SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,000.
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
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 650I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR UNRELATED MAINTENANCE WHEN THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE BRAKE VACUUM PUMP WAS LEAKING OIL. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V446000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM) HOWEVER, WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 650I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED AND COULD NOT SLOW THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAD TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO ADVISED HIM OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN I.D. 10V446000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM) AND SUGGESTED THE CONTACT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR THE RECALL REPAIR BUT THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000.
THE PASSENGER SEAT MAT SENSOR IS DEFECTIVE AND CANNOT TELL WHEN A PASSENGER IS SEATED, THEREFORE, NOT ALLOWING A PASSENGER AIR BAG TO DEPLOY. THE SRS AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT APPEARS. THE PASSENGER SEAT HAS NOT BEEN TAMPERED WITH, RARELY BEEN SAT IN, AND THE DEFECT CANNOT BE ATTRIBUTED TO ANY ERROR ON MY PART. *TR
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.
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
Showing 1–20 of 25 complaints
The 2006 BMW 6 Series has 5 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
NHTSA has received 26 owner-reported complaints for the 2006 BMW 6 Series.
NHTSA has not published a safety rating for the 2006 BMW 6 Series.
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2006 BMW 6 Series are tires (4 reports), service brakes (4 reports), service brakes, hydraulic (2 reports).
Yes. NHTSA has 5 recalls on record for the 2006 BMW 6 Series. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Look up recalls and complaints for any year, make, and model.
This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.