NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Exterior Lighting complaints
8 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Sep 14, 2022
Electrical SystemEngineExterior Lighting
I have had continuous issues with the electrical system in the front drivers side headlight with burnt plastic housing to the main headlight and the plug for the blinker system. Sometimes it will work and most of the time it won't. I cant tell you the amount of times it has stopped working in the middle of using the blinker. E…
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I have had continuous issues with the electrical system in the front drivers side headlight with burnt plastic housing to the main headlight and the plug for the blinker system. Sometimes it will work and most of the time it won't. I cant tell you the amount of times it has stopped working in the middle of using the blinker. Every time I attempt to change it out, the bulb ends up still in good shape after looking it over. I have always inserted a new one but the issue remains. I have had to replace the whole headlight unit because of the melted plastic not holding the plug any longer and the issue remains. The passenger side seatbelt light has been on for the past several years and will not go off. It shows a light stating the airbag is off. Every time I use the AC unit, I end up with a whole lot of AC condensation pouring out each side of my console soaking the floor of the vehicle and smelling horrible the next day. I don't understand how such a supposedly high quality car can have such stupid problems that cant seem to be fixed. I have had this car since 2013 and barely drive it as I have only put approx 9000 miles over the last 9 years.
NHTSA ODI #11484359
Mileage unknown · Oct 5, 2021
Exterior Lighting
Recently had to replace a failed bulb in my 2008 BMW 328i, during the replacement i noticed crumbling insulation within the plastic headlight compartment - basically all i had to do was touch the headlight wires lightly and insulation would crumble and flake off - this insulation is badly degraded, probably made out of improper …
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Recently had to replace a failed bulb in my 2008 BMW 328i, during the replacement i noticed crumbling insulation within the plastic headlight compartment - basically all i had to do was touch the headlight wires lightly and insulation would crumble and flake off - this insulation is badly degraded, probably made out of improper materials and could potentially pose a hazard if the wires inside were to short out due to lack of insulation. I was able to carefully slip some insulative sleeves around the failed insulation wire to effect a temporary fix (which i don't really trust) BMW should recall and replace this dangerous wiring.
NHTSA ODI #11435573
120,000 miles · Aug 25, 2020
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Exterior Lighting
THE FOTWELL MODULES ON THESE CARS ARE DEFECTIVE..THERE WAS AN EXTENDED WARAANTY COVERING THIS TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FRM(OR FOOTWELL MODULE)BUT IT DOES NOT INCLUDE THIS CAR..THE CAR'S HEADLIGHTS, BRAKELIGHTS, DOMELITES STAY ON WITH CAR OFF, THUS DRAINIG THE BATTERY. THE CAR THEN LACKS POWER AND CAN SHUT OFF EVEN WHEN DRIVING C…
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THE FOTWELL MODULES ON THESE CARS ARE DEFECTIVE..THERE WAS AN EXTENDED WARAANTY COVERING THIS TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FRM(OR FOOTWELL MODULE)BUT IT DOES NOT INCLUDE THIS CAR..THE CAR'S HEADLIGHTS, BRAKELIGHTS, DOMELITES STAY ON WITH CAR OFF, THUS DRAINIG THE BATTERY. THE CAR THEN LACKS POWER AND CAN SHUT OFF EVEN WHEN DRIVING CAUSING A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. IN THIS MODEL CAR, THESE ARE FMR2 MODULES THAT CAN'T BE REBUILT. BMW 328I HAS A SUPECEEDED PART AND I CALLED THEM AND THEY WONT COVER THE COST OR HONOR THE WARRANTY FOR THIS CAR. THUS I AM SUBMITTING THIS AS I HEARD SEVERAL OTHER BMW ONWNERS WITH SIMILAR MODELS HAVE EXPERIENCED DEFECTIVE FOOTWELL MODULES..I STRONGLY FEEL MY CAR SHOULD BE INCLUDED AS A RECALL OR EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THIS PART. YOU CANNOT REPLACE IT AS BMW PARTS NO LONGER CARRIES IT, THUS HOW TO YOU GET THIS CAR TO RUN WITH THE BATTERY DRAINING WITH LIGHTS ON?? THIS POSES A DANGER IF VEHICLE STALLS WITH BATTERY VOLTAGE DECLINING AS CAR WILL NO LONGER RUN,,EVEN WHEN DRIVING.
NHTSA ODI #11351276
100,000 miles · Oct 23, 2018
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
HEADLIGHT WIRING LOOM INSULATION ON WIRES ARE CRACKING AND SPLITTING EXPOSING BARE WIRES ON BOTH HEADLIGHTS.
NHTSA ODI #11142240
1,000,000 miles · Jun 17, 2016
Electrical SystemExterior LightingFire
I HAD A FUNNY CABLE OR PLASTIC SMELL INSIDE THE CAR . COULDN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT IT WAS. WHILE DRIVING THE SMELL WENT WORST . I STOPPED TO GET A FLASHLIGHT FROM MY TRUNK TO SEE IF SOMETHING IN MY ENGINE WAS BURNING. WHEN I OPENED THE TRUNK I SEEN THAT THE BATTERY WAS BURNING THE PLASTIC OVER THE CONNECTORS. I HAVE CALLED LAST YEA…
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I HAD A FUNNY CABLE OR PLASTIC SMELL INSIDE THE CAR . COULDN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT IT WAS. WHILE DRIVING THE SMELL WENT WORST . I STOPPED TO GET A FLASHLIGHT FROM MY TRUNK TO SEE IF SOMETHING IN MY ENGINE WAS BURNING. WHEN I OPENED THE TRUNK I SEEN THAT THE BATTERY WAS BURNING THE PLASTIC OVER THE CONNECTORS. I HAVE CALLED LAST YEAR WHEN I PURCHEASED THIS CAR YO CHECK ON ANY RECALS. I WAS TOLD THERE WASN'T ANY RECALS . BY BMW VISTA EMPLOYEES .
NHTSA ODI #10874750
179,000 miles · May 5, 2014
EngineExterior Lighting
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE PASSENGER FRONT TURN SIGNAL FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 179,000.
NHTSA ODI #10586645
56,000 miles · Dec 16, 2013
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 40 MPH WHEN THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY MALFUNCTIONED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE BATTERY WIRES WERE DAMAGED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE MECHANIC THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 40 MPH WHEN THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY MALFUNCTIONED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE BATTERY WIRES WERE DAMAGED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE MECHANIC THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 13V044000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER, THE CONTACT HAD NEVER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF THE RECALL. ADDITIONALLY, THE DRIVER'S SIDE HALO LIGHT WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000.
NHTSA ODI #10556236
72,000 miles · Sep 3, 2011
Air BagsElectrical SystemExterior Lighting
THROUGH OUT THE PAST MONTH I HAVE HAD MY CAR TOWED THREE TIMES WITH FIVE OCCURRENCES OF THE CAR NOT CRANKING AND THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SHUTTING DOWN LEAVING ME STRANDED. OVER THE PAST YEAR THE AIRBAG LIGHT HAS COME ON AT LEAST ONCE A MONTH FOR LESS THAN 5-10 MINUTES AT THE TIME. THE FIRST INSTANCE IT WAS TOWED BMW OF MOBILE RE…
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THROUGH OUT THE PAST MONTH I HAVE HAD MY CAR TOWED THREE TIMES WITH FIVE OCCURRENCES OF THE CAR NOT CRANKING AND THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SHUTTING DOWN LEAVING ME STRANDED. OVER THE PAST YEAR THE AIRBAG LIGHT HAS COME ON AT LEAST ONCE A MONTH FOR LESS THAN 5-10 MINUTES AT THE TIME. THE FIRST INSTANCE IT WAS TOWED BMW OF MOBILE REPLACED THE BATTERY AFTER SEVERAL DAYS OF TROUBLE SHOOTING EVEN THOUGH I HAD OUR LOCAL POLICE DEPARTMENT CHECK THE BATTERY TO BE SURE THAT WAS NOT THE ISSUE. THEY CHARGED ME OVER FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS FOR THIS BATTERY. TWO DAYS AFTER THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED I HAD IT TOWED AGAIN TO BMW OF MOBILE BECAUSE THE CAR WOULD NOT CRANK AGAIN AND THE LIGHTS ETC. WOULD COME ON. THEY KEPT THE CAR FOR OVER 5 DAYS RUNNING TEST THEN STATED THAT "NOTHING WAS WRONG." I TOLD THEM THAT I WOULD NOT HAVE HAD IT TOWED IF NOTHING WAS WRONG. TWO DAYS LATER IT WOULD NOT CRANK AGAIN WHEN MY 3 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER AND I WERE AT A LATE LOCAL HIGHSCHOOL FOOTBALL GAME. THIS TIME THEY SAID THAT IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL WIRE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE CAUSING THE PROBLEM CAUSING SOMETHING TO MELT NEAR THE FUSE PANEL($1,200) TO REPLACE). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10423131
Official recalls
5Jul 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ↗
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