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

Structure complaints

18 reports

Clear category filter

Mileage unknown · Oct 26, 2022

Electrical SystemEngineStructureFire

My vehicle caught on fire while parked and unoccupied. Fire started in the engine compartment.

NHTSA ODI #11490965

Mileage unknown · Aug 11, 2021

Exterior LightingStructureSuspensionCrash

I was driving just my 3rd day of having my car and i come outside and its wrecked someone hit the driver side front panel and bumper

NHTSA ODI #11428705

171,880 miles · Nov 28, 2020

Structure

Read full complaint

CHILD SAFETY LOCK WINDOW GET STUCK AND REMAIN STUCK, GLASS WINDOW WILL NOT ROLL UP. THE ROTARY ON THIS VEHICLE MANUFACTURING IS DAMAGED AND I HAVE DONE NUMEROUS RESEARCH TRYING TO FIND A SOLUTION AND FOUND THAT THERE IS A BIG COMMUNITY OF FRUSTRATED BMW OWNER WITH THE SAME ISSUE BUT BMW IS NOT WILLING TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS FAIL WINDOW MANUFACTURING ERROR. THIS IS THE REAR CHILD SEAT WINDOW AND IT STUCK. IT HAS STUCK BEFORE AT A PARKING LOT AT WORK AND I HAD TO END UP SEATING THERE TO FOR ALMOST AN HOUR UNTIL IT ROLL UP. THIS TIME IT WILL NOT ROLL UP AND I HAD TO LEAVE THE WINDOW DOWN WHILE PARKING THE CAR AT THE HOSPITAL. PLEASE DO DILIGENCE AND RESEARCH THIS AS MANY OWNER ARE FRUSTRATED. THE DEALERSHIP WANTS TO CHARGE 700 TO FIX IT!

NHTSA ODI #11376840

110,000 miles · May 6, 2020

Electrical SystemEngineStructureFire

Read full complaint

JUST FINISHED DRIVING ABOUT 10 MILES FROM HOME TO WORK, ABOUT 70 DEGREES-F OUTSIDE, SUNNY, GOOD WEATHER AROUND 11AM. DID NOT OPERATE AIR CONDITIONER, HEATER OR VENT FAN. CAR SEEMED TO DRIVE FINE, NO STRANGE NOISES. HAD NO RECENT MAJOR REPAIRS. WE ARE SECOND OWNERS OF CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED BMW, HAVE HAD VEHICLE FOR THE PAST 7 YEARS AND DRIVEN ABOUT 50K MILES SINCE PURCHASE. AFTER ARRIVING AT WORKPLACE, STOPPED AT WORKPLACE PARKING LOT WITH ENGINE IDLING FOR A FEW SECONDS TO WAIT FOR PARKING GATE TO OPEN. HOWEVER, BEGAN SEEING WHITE SMOKE COMING OUT OF DRIVER'S SIDE OF ENGINE HOOD. TRIED TO REVERSE THE VEHICLE OUT TO THE STREET AND MOVED ABOUT 10FT BEFORE ENGINE SHUT OFF AND WOULD NOT RESTART. WITHIN 15-30 SECONDS A PLUME OF FIRE ERUPTED OUT OF THE FRONT HOOD THROUGH THE GRILL. WITHIN 3 MINUTES ENTIRE CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES AND ITS PROXIMITY TO OTHER CARS IN THE LOT CAUSED FIRE DAMAGE TO 4 OTHER VEHICLES. CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS INCLUDING ALL POSSESSIONS WITHIN IT. ELECTRONIC LOCKS QUIT WORKING AS SOON AS FIRE STARTED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11323581

143,300 miles · Oct 17, 2017

Structure

Read full complaint

THE CENTRAL LOCKING FUNCTION STOPPED WORKING. THE UNLOCKING DOES NOT WORK THROUGH THE KEY FOB OR THE CENTRAL UNLOCK/LOCK BUTTON WITHIN THE VEHICLE. ONLY THE DRIVERSIDE DOOR IS ABLE TO BE UNLOCKED BY PULLING ON THE INNER DOOR HANDLE. THE OTHER 3 DOORS ARE UNABLE TO BE OPENED AND POSE A SEVERE SAFETY RISK. THE FIX PER BMW IS TO REPLACE 15A FUSES WITH 20A. THIS WAS ALREADY DONE TO MY VEHICLE IN THE PAST AND THE PROBLEM HAS APPEARED AGAIN. DISCONNECTING THE BATTERY OVERNIGHT HAS ALSO BEEN A FIX, BUT THAT DOES NOT WORK EITHER.

NHTSA ODI #11033971

100,000 miles · Sep 2, 2016

Latches/locks/linkagesStructure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR DID NOT UNLOCK EVEN AFTER MANUALLY USING THE KEY. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT HAD TO EXIT THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF …

Read full complaint

NHTSA ODI #10903351

107,000 miles · Nov 28, 2015

Structure

THE DRIVERS SIDE BACK DOOR WILL NOT OPEN. THANKFULLY, IT WAS REALIZED IN A NON-EMERGENCY SITUATION. AFTER RESEARCH IT SEEMS THAT THIS ISSUE IS POPULAR AMONG THIS YEAR ON THIS CAR.

NHTSA ODI #10807294

148,900 miles · Jul 16, 2015

Electrical SystemEquipment Adaptive/mobilityStructureFireInjury

DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30MPH PASSING VEHICLE ALLERTED ME OF FIRE AND SMOKE COMING FROM MY REAR. AS I SLOWED DOWN FLAMES AND SMOKE INCREASED. SMOKE FILLED INTERIOR UPON MY EXITING. REAR FIRE CO0NTINUED TO BURN UNTIL FIRE DEPARTMENT. DOOUSED CAR WITH WATER. POLICE REPORT TAKEN. CAR TAKEN TO REPAIR SHOP AND DECLARED TO EXPENSIV…

Read full complaint

NHTSA ODI #10734437

58,000 miles · Jan 2, 2015

Electrical SystemStructure

THE DOOR LOCKS ON THE FRONT PASSENGER AND REAR DRIVERS SIDE DOORS WOULD NOT UNLOCK AND PASSENGERS HAD TO CLIMB OUT OF THE OPPOSITE SIDES OF THE VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10669758

68,243 miles · Dec 28, 2014

Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkagesStructure

Read full complaint

DOOR LOCKS WOULD NOT OPEN LEAVING ME LOCKED OUT OF THE CAR AND STRANDED. HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED 300 MILES TO GET IT BACK HOME WHERE A BMW REPAIR PLACE WAS AVAILABLE. HAD TO REPLACE BOTH FRONT DOOR ACTUATORS AT A COST OF $600.00 JUST TO GET BACK INSIDE MY CAR. IF A BABY WAS TRAPPED IN THE CAR IT COULD OF DIED BY THE TIME IT WAS TO GET ANYONE TO HELP GET THE DOORS OPEN. THE MOST DANGEROUS DESIGN I'VE EVER HEARD OF. INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES WILL NOT WORK AND NO WAY TO GET OUT OF THE CAR IF IT HAPPENED WHILE I WAS INSIDE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10668571

Official recalls

24V513000 · 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

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

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

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

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

Consequence: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Electrical System

Consequence: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

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

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.