{"source":"NHTSA vehicle owner complaint","officialApiUrl":"https://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/odinumber?odinumber=11634699","retrievedAt":"2026-11-05T02:35:53.302Z","count":1,"results":[{"odiNumber":11634699,"manufacturer":"BMW of North America, LLC","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"03/28/2024","dateComplaintFiled":"01/07/2025","vin":"5UXCR6C58KL","components":"ELECTRICAL SYSTEM","summary":"I am writing to file a complaint against BMW for the replacement of the starter in my 2019 BMW X5 (VIN # [XXX] ) which I had to pay for out of pocket in March 2024. My vehicle failed to start after repeated attempts. After a call to the dealership they told me I would have to have it towed to the dealership at my own expense at a total of $266 for them to assess. The dealership confirmed that the starter needed replacement which cost me an additional $1736.78 out of pocket.   After receiving a recall notice from BMW, I learned that this issue is related to a known safety defect with the starter which can lead to electrical overload, overheating, and in rare cases a fire risk. Given that I had to replace the faulty starter before the recall was issued, I am requesting reimbursement for the costs I incurred -$2002.78 which includes the towing charges and starter replacement. I reached out to Joseph Battle (Service Advisor) at BMW of Nashville, and he informed me that reimbursement is not possible only a software upgrade. This response is unacceptable, as I should not have to bear the cost for a safety issue BMW has since acknowledged. I kindly request reimbursement for the full amount of $2002.78. Please review the attached invoices and recall notice. I look forward to your prompt response and resolution of this matter.   [XXX]  and [XXX]  INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2019","productMake":"BMW","productModel":"X5","manufacturer":"BMW of North America, LLC"}]}]}