IllustrationREPEATED DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR FAILURE IN 2007 BMW 3281. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, BOTH REAR DOORS AND THE FRONT PASSENGER DOORS ARE IMPOSSIBLE TO OPEN FROM OUTSIDE OR INSIDE. THIS IS AN OBVIOUS SAFETY HAZARD. *TR
2007 BMW 328I
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most 328I years
Owner complaints for the 2007 BMW 328I are substantially higher than the model-year median of 98.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all 328I years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
250–25K
3625–50K
6350–75K
5375–100K
76100–150K
21150K+
274 reports with mileage · 124 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Electrical System. Review the 128 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Air Bags. Review the 105 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine. Review the 65 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
11 crash reports28 fire reports9 injury reports
Latches/locks/linkages complaints
36 reportsWHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 60 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR OPENED BY ITSELF AND DOOR OPEN WARNING SHOWED UP. IT HAS HAPPENED ONLY ONCE ON MY CAR SO FAR BUT A FEW OTHER OWNERS OF SIMILAR BMW CARS HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE. WHEN REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER'S DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT, THE STANDARD RESPONSE FROM THE …
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WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 60 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR OPENED BY ITSELF AND DOOR OPEN WARNING SHOWED UP. IT HAS HAPPENED ONLY ONCE ON MY CAR SO FAR BUT A FEW OTHER OWNERS OF SIMILAR BMW CARS HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE. WHEN REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER'S DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT, THE STANDARD RESPONSE FROM THE DEALERSHIP IS "UNABLE TO REPLICATE PROBLEM" AND THEY WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ELSE ABOUT IT. *TR
ALL DOORS ON A 2007 BMW 328I, 4-DOOR, WOULD NOT UNLOCK FOR AN UNKNOWN REASON. ALL PASSENGERS WERE TRAPPED INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND HAD TO CLIMB OUT THE WINDOWS TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. *TR
MODEL: 2007 BMW 328I. THE ELECTRONIC "DOOR ACTUATORS" FAILED. AS A RESULT, IT BECAME IMPOSSIBLE TO OPEN ANY DOOR OF THE VEHICLE FROM THE INSIDE, EXCEPT THE DRIVER'S DOOR. WHEN THESE ELECTRONIC DOOR ACTUATORS FAIL, PASSENGERS ARE TRAPPED IN THE VEHICLE, AND ARE EXPOSED TO INJURY OR DEATH IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE OR IF THE VEHICL…
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MODEL: 2007 BMW 328I. THE ELECTRONIC "DOOR ACTUATORS" FAILED. AS A RESULT, IT BECAME IMPOSSIBLE TO OPEN ANY DOOR OF THE VEHICLE FROM THE INSIDE, EXCEPT THE DRIVER'S DOOR. WHEN THESE ELECTRONIC DOOR ACTUATORS FAIL, PASSENGERS ARE TRAPPED IN THE VEHICLE, AND ARE EXPOSED TO INJURY OR DEATH IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE OR IF THE VEHICLE BECOMES SUBMERGED. THE SERVICE ADVISOR AT THE DEALERSHIP (WEATHERFORD BMW, BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA) SUGGESTED THAT EVEN IF THE ELECTRONIC DOOR ACTUATORS WERE DISABLED THE DOORS COULD STILL BE OPENED BY PULLING TWICE ON THE OPENING LATCH. HOWEVER, WHEN THIS WAS TRIED, THE DOORS STILL COULD NOT BE OPENED. THE SERVICE ADVISORS DID COMMENT THAT THIS PROBLEM HAD OCCURRED IN OTHER 328I MODELS; AND, IN FACT, ANOTHER VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED FOR THE IDENTICAL PROBLEM. IN VIEW OF THIS EXTREMELY SERIOUS DEFECT WHICH APPARENTLY EXISTS WITH THE 328I MODEL, RESULTING IN TRAPPING PASSENGERS IF THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM CONTROLLING THE DOORS FAILS, WE STRONGLY SUGGEST THAT THIS DEFECT BE INVESTIGATED, AND THAT THE SUBJECT VEHICLES BE RECALLED SO THAT THE DEFECT CAN BE CORRECTED BEFORE DEATHS OR INJURIES OCCUR. *TR
A SIMPLE FUSE FAILURE IN THE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKING SYSTEM RENDERED THE INSIDE DOOR HANDLES UNUSABLE, EXCEPT FOR ONE, WHOSE ACTUATOR CAUSED THE ORIGINAL ELECTRICAL OVERLOAD. HAD SOMETHING ELSE CAUSED THE FUSE TO FAIL, WE WOULD BE UNABLE TO EGRESS THE VEHICLE EXCEPT THROUGH THE WINDOWS, AND, WITH A COMPLETE ELECTRICAL FAILURE THA…
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A SIMPLE FUSE FAILURE IN THE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKING SYSTEM RENDERED THE INSIDE DOOR HANDLES UNUSABLE, EXCEPT FOR ONE, WHOSE ACTUATOR CAUSED THE ORIGINAL ELECTRICAL OVERLOAD. HAD SOMETHING ELSE CAUSED THE FUSE TO FAIL, WE WOULD BE UNABLE TO EGRESS THE VEHICLE EXCEPT THROUGH THE WINDOWS, AND, WITH A COMPLETE ELECTRICAL FAILURE THAT ALSO WOULD HAVE BEEN IMPOSSIBLE. THE BMW TECH PEOPLE TELL ME THAT THE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED THAT WAY. I FEEL THAT IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD. *TR
MY 2007 328I HAS BEEN IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT A TOTAL OF 4 TIMES (THAT I HAVE PAPERWORK ON, IT MIGHT BE MORE). I HAVE HAD MAJOR MECHANICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE MOST RECENT BEING ELECTRICAL. MY KEY WILL NOT OPEN ANY OF THE DOORS, I HAVE TO USE THE VALET KEY TO GET INSIDE. ONCE I GET INSIDE THE BUTTON ON THE DASH THAT OPENS AND LOC…
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MY 2007 328I HAS BEEN IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT A TOTAL OF 4 TIMES (THAT I HAVE PAPERWORK ON, IT MIGHT BE MORE). I HAVE HAD MAJOR MECHANICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE MOST RECENT BEING ELECTRICAL. MY KEY WILL NOT OPEN ANY OF THE DOORS, I HAVE TO USE THE VALET KEY TO GET INSIDE. ONCE I GET INSIDE THE BUTTON ON THE DASH THAT OPENS AND LOCKS THE DOORS WAS UNRESPONSIVE AS WELL. WHEN THIS STARTED THE DRIVERS SIDE MIRROR ALSO BECAME UNRESPONSIVE AND WOULD NOT ADJUST, I CAN'T ADJUST IT TO SEE THE ROAD AND HAVE ALMOST BEEN IN 2 ACCIDENTS. THE SAME DAY THE AIR CONDITIONING, WHICH I HAD SET ON 60, TURNED ITSELF TO 84 BLOWING FULL BLAST. THAT IS ACTUALLY THE SECOND TIME THIS YEAR THAT THE AIR CONDITIONING HAS AUTOMATICALLY TURNED TO THE HEATER. SHORT LIST OF OTHER ISSUES: RECURRENT BREAK SQUEAKING, OIL SENSOR AND ENGINE HARNESS WIRES BREAKING, AND PROBLEMS ACCELERATING. THE COMPUTER SOFTWARE MALFUNCTIONED AS WELL (ANOTHER ELECTRICAL ISSUE WHICH WAS CAUSING THE CAR TO MALFUNCTION). AFTER THE BRAKE PADS & SENSORS WERE REPLACED, THE BRAKES SOUND THE SAME TO THIS DAY, HORRIBLY SQUEAKY ALMOST GRINDING. THE FRONT DRIVER & PASSENGER WINDOWS HAVE A MYSTERIOUS ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION. THEY WILL CEASE TO GO UP OR DOWN. I HOLD THE WINDOW BUTTON IN THE "UP" POSITION, THE WINDOW WILL ROLL UP AN INCH THEN STOP. I WILL HAVE TO DO THIS SEVERAL MORE TIMES BEFORE THE WINDOW WILL GO UP OR DOWN. MY CAR GOES IN AGAIN TOMORROW AM. THIS TIME I EVEN MENTIONED THAT IF I DID HAVE PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE AND WE HAD GOTTEN IN AN ACCIDENT, OR WORSE YET THE CAR CATCHES ON FIRE, MY PASSENGERS WOULD BE TRAPPED. THE SERVICE ADVISOR DIDN'T SEEM TO CARE. I CAN'T DRIVE MY FRIENDS OR FAMILY ANYWHERE FOR FEAR THEY WILL BE STUCK IN THE VEHICLE IF AN ACCIDENT OCCURRED. AS WELL, I'M NOT GOING TO ASK MY PARENTS, WHO ARE IN THEIR 50'S, TO CRAWL THROUGH A WINDOW TO GET IN OR OUT OF MY VEHICLE. MY CAR HAS BEEN OUT OF COMMISSION FOR ME AT LEAST 30 DAYS SINCE I'VE OWNED IT. *TR
Official recalls
624V513000 · Air Bags:frontal; Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
Jul 3, 2024
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 2009-2011 3 Series Sedan (335d) vehicles. The original steering wheel may have been replaced with a sport or M-sport steering wheel equipped with an inflator that can explode during deployment.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 30, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 2009-2011 3 Series Sedan (335d) vehicles. The original steering wheel may have been replaced with a sport or M-sport steering wheel equipped with an inflator that can explode during deployment.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 30, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Air Bags:frontal
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 2009-2011 3 Series Sedan (335d) vehicles. The original steering wheel may have been replaced with a sport or M-sport steering wheel equipped with an inflator that can explode during deployment.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 30, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
20V017000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
Jan 15, 2020
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
17V683000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:crankcase (pcv)
Oct 30, 2017
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
17V676000 · Electrical System:wiring
Oct 25, 2017
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi and M3, 2007-2011 328i xDrive, 335i xDrive and 335is and 2009-2011 335d vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors for the system that controls air flow for the heating and air conditioning system may overheat.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiring and electrical connectors, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
13V564000 · Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification
Nov 12, 2013
BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2006 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans and 325xi sports wagons, model year 2007 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi sedans and 328i and 328xi sports wagons, model year 2006-2007 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 550i sedans and 530xi sports wagons, model year 2006 760i sedans, model year 2006-2007 750i, 750Li, and 760Li sedans, and model year 2006 X5 sports activity vehicles, equipped with certain seat types. The front passenger seat occupant detection mat that determines if and how the passenger frontal air bag should deploy in a crash may fatigue and develop cracks which could lead to a system failure.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners with an interim notification letter in January 2014 since parts are not currently available. When parts are available, BMW sent a second letter in August and dealers will repair the occupant detection mat to eliminate the possibility that it may crack, free of charge. Additionally, owners of model year 2006-2007 3 Series with standard seats, 5 Series with comfort seats, and Z4 models, will receive an extended warranty on their front passenger seat occupant detection mat. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
13V044000 · Electrical System; Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery:cables; Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers
Feb 7, 2013
BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011. In February 2013, BMW recalled 504,545 vehicles. In July 2013, BMW informed the agency that it was adding 1-Series, 3-Series, and Z4 vehicles, representing an additional 12,094 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 516,791. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers
BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011. In February 2013, BMW recalled 504,545 vehicles. In July 2013, BMW informed the agency that it was adding 1-Series, 3-Series, and Z4 vehicles, representing an additional 12,094 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 516,791. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle.
Consequence: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery:cables
BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011. In February 2013, BMW recalled 504,545 vehicles. In July 2013, BMW informed the agency that it was adding 1-Series, 3-Series, and Z4 vehicles, representing an additional 12,094 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 516,791. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle.
Consequence: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Electrical System
BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011. In February 2013, BMW recalled 504,545 vehicles. In July 2013, BMW informed the agency that it was adding 1-Series, 3-Series, and Z4 vehicles, representing an additional 12,094 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 516,791. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle.
Consequence: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.