NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
577 reports85,000 miles · Sep 4, 2019
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE MADE AN ABNORMAL RATTLING NOISE AND WAS RUNNING ROUGHLY. IN ADDITION, THE SERVICE ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE CONTACT STA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE MADE AN ABNORMAL RATTLING NOISE AND WAS RUNNING ROUGHLY. IN ADDITION, THE SERVICE ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS SIMILAR TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V176000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
NHTSA ODI #11253178
172,000 miles · Sep 3, 2019
Engine
WAS DRIVING HOME ON THE INTERSTATE AT 60-65MPH AND SUDDENLY THE CAR BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN AND LOOSE POWER. NO INDICATION THAT SOMETHING WAS WRONG UNTIL I PULLED OFF THE ROADWAY AND SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF. I EXITED THE VEHICLE RAISED THE HOOD. NEXT, I NOTICED ALL THE ENGINE OIL HAD BEGAN DRAINING OUT OF THE VEHICLE INTO THE GROUND.
NHTSA ODI #11253052
72,000 miles · Aug 31, 2019
Air Bags
THE AIRBAG SENSOR IS BROKEN ON PASSENGER SIDE IF NOT FIXED IT'S IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY CONCERN. PURCHASED USED ON 7/1/19 FROM A DEALSHIPS AND THEY DO NOT WANT TO INCURE THE COST TO FIX IT. IF THE PASSENGER SEATBELT IS NOT BUCKLED WHETHER THERE'S A PASSENGER IN THE SEAT OR NOT IT WILL KEEP BEEPING UNTIL YOU PUT THE SEATBELT IN TH…
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THE AIRBAG SENSOR IS BROKEN ON PASSENGER SIDE IF NOT FIXED IT'S IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY CONCERN. PURCHASED USED ON 7/1/19 FROM A DEALSHIPS AND THEY DO NOT WANT TO INCURE THE COST TO FIX IT. IF THE PASSENGER SEATBELT IS NOT BUCKLED WHETHER THERE'S A PASSENGER IN THE SEAT OR NOT IT WILL KEEP BEEPING UNTIL YOU PUT THE SEATBELT IN THE BUCKLE.
NHTSA ODI #11252551
79,000 miles · Aug 27, 2019
Engine
WAS DRIVING ON FREEWAY AND CAR JUST STARTED SLOWING DOWN AND TURNED OFF, WAS DRIVING AROUND 40 TO 50 MPH
NHTSA ODI #11251874
Mileage unknown · Aug 19, 2019
Air Bags
EVEN AFTER CLEARING THE FAULTS, I AM CONTINUING TO GET A WARNING OF A PASSENGER "RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION." BEST GUESS BY BMW MECHANIC IS THAT IT'S THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR MAT. I AM TOLD IT'S A "COMMON BMW PROBLEM." VARIOUS CHAT ROOM DISCUSSIONS CONFIRM THIS. SOME BMW MODELS HAVE HAD THE WARRANTY EXTENDE…
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EVEN AFTER CLEARING THE FAULTS, I AM CONTINUING TO GET A WARNING OF A PASSENGER "RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION." BEST GUESS BY BMW MECHANIC IS THAT IT'S THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR MAT. I AM TOLD IT'S A "COMMON BMW PROBLEM." VARIOUS CHAT ROOM DISCUSSIONS CONFIRM THIS. SOME BMW MODELS HAVE HAD THE WARRANTY EXTENDED TO COVER THIS ISSUE (BY BMWNA) BUT NOT MY PARTICULAR MODEL. THIS IS A BMW-WIDE DESIGN FLAW THAT AFFECTS THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE AND BMW EXPECTS ME TO PAY TO FIX THEIR MISTAKE.
NHTSA ODI #11245056
Mileage unknown · Aug 14, 2019
Air BagsSeat Belts
WHEN I BOUGHT THIS CAR FROM THE THIRD PARTY DEALERSHIP, IT HAD AIRBAG PROBLEM, WHEN I TOLD THE GUY ABOUT THE PROBLEM. HE SAID HE WILL LOWER THE PRICE AND GIVE ME THE CAR. THE AIRBAG FOR THE CAR IS TOO EXPENSIVE SO HE DOESN'T WANT TO MESS AROUND WITH IT.
NHTSA ODI #11244030
86,000 miles · Jul 20, 2019
Fuel/propulsion System
12/24/2018 FUEL PUMP MALFUNCTION WARNING COMES ON WHILE DRIVING INDICATION VEHICLE WHILE SHUT OFF EACH TIME THIS HAPPENS I AM DRIVING ON THE NJ TURNPIKE FORCED TO PULL OVER BEFORE VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN AND DOES NOT START!!! 01/2019 I HAVE HAD NEW FUEL PUMP INSTALLED AND IT HAPPENED AGAIN, 03/2019 FUEL PUMP REPLACED AGAIN AND THIS V…
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12/24/2018 FUEL PUMP MALFUNCTION WARNING COMES ON WHILE DRIVING INDICATION VEHICLE WHILE SHUT OFF EACH TIME THIS HAPPENS I AM DRIVING ON THE NJ TURNPIKE FORCED TO PULL OVER BEFORE VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN AND DOES NOT START!!! 01/2019 I HAVE HAD NEW FUEL PUMP INSTALLED AND IT HAPPENED AGAIN, 03/2019 FUEL PUMP REPLACED AGAIN AND THIS VEHICLE HAS SHUT DOWN 2 ADDITIONAL TIMES 05/2019 AND AGAIN WHILE DRIVING ON THE PARKWAY. LAST FUEL PUMP MALFUNCTION JUNE 2019 I HAVE NOT DRIVEN VEHICLE IN 3 WEEKS NOT SURE WHAT TO DO. EACH INCIDENTS HAS BEEN ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY WHERE SPEED LIMIT IS 65MPH.
NHTSA ODI #11233562
86,000 miles · Jul 20, 2019
Fuel/propulsion System
12/24/2018 FUEL PUMP MALFUNCTION WARNING COMES ON WHILE DRIVING INDICATION VEHICLE WHILE SHUT OFF EACH TIME THIS HAPPENS I AM DRIVING ON THE NJ TURNPIKE FORCED TO PULL OVER BEFORE VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN AND DOES NOT START!!! 01/2019 I HAVE HAD NEW FUEL PUMP INSTALLED AND IT HAPPENED AGAIN, 03/2019 FUEL PUMP REPLACED AGAIN AND THIS V…
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12/24/2018 FUEL PUMP MALFUNCTION WARNING COMES ON WHILE DRIVING INDICATION VEHICLE WHILE SHUT OFF EACH TIME THIS HAPPENS I AM DRIVING ON THE NJ TURNPIKE FORCED TO PULL OVER BEFORE VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN AND DOES NOT START!!! 01/2019 I HAVE HAD NEW FUEL PUMP INSTALLED AND IT HAPPENED AGAIN, 03/2019 FUEL PUMP REPLACED AGAIN AND THIS VEHICLE HAS SHUT DOWN 2 ADDITIONAL TIMES 05/2019 AND AGAIN WHILE DRIVING ON THE PARKWAY. LAST FUEL PUMP MALFUNCTION JUNE 2019 I HAVE NOT DRIVEN VEHICLE IN 3 WEEKS NOT SURE WHAT TO DO. EACH INCIDENTS HAS BEEN ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY WHERE SPEED LIMIT IS 65MPH.
NHTSA ODI #11233560
90,000 miles · Jun 16, 2019
Engine
THE SPARK PLUG COILD KEEP BREAKING BEFORE THEIR SERVACE INTERVAL. THESE ARE SUPPOSED TO LAST SOMEWHERE BETWEEN 60K TO 80K MILES BUT THEY KEEP FAILING AT AROUND 35K TO 40K MILES. THIS MAKES THE ENGINE MISFIRE AND IT IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE IN THIS CONDITION.
NHTSA ODI #11220461
66,000 miles · Jun 4, 2019
Air BagsSeat Belts
MY CAR HAS 66K MILES ON IT AND ABOUT A MONTH AGO, THE SEATBELT AND AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHTS SHOWED UP ON THE DASH. THIS MAY OR MAY NOT BE RELATED TO THE FACT THAT THE SEATBELT DING GOES OFF WHEN THERE IS NOTHING IN THE SEAT IF THE SEAT WAS HOT DUE TO SUN EXPOSURE. THE HEAT PANEL WAS REPLACED A FEW YEARS BACK FOR THE INCESSANT DIN…
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MY CAR HAS 66K MILES ON IT AND ABOUT A MONTH AGO, THE SEATBELT AND AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHTS SHOWED UP ON THE DASH. THIS MAY OR MAY NOT BE RELATED TO THE FACT THAT THE SEATBELT DING GOES OFF WHEN THERE IS NOTHING IN THE SEAT IF THE SEAT WAS HOT DUE TO SUN EXPOSURE. THE HEAT PANEL WAS REPLACED A FEW YEARS BACK FOR THE INCESSANT DINGING, BUT RETURNED A FEW MONTHS AGO. THE PASSENGER SIDE SEATBELT DING GOES OFF INTERMITTENTLY AND THE INDICATOR LIGHT FOR THE AIRBAG AND SEATBELT ARE CONSTANTLY ON WHILE THE CAR IS ON.
NHTSA ODI #11217898
Official recalls
7Jul 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.
Apr 10, 2014
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 128i Coupe, 128i Convertible, 328i Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 328i Coupe, 328i Convertible, 328i Sports Wagon and Z4 sDrive 30i, 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 135i Convertible, 335i Sedan, X5 xDrive 35i, and X6 xDrive 35i, 2011 335i xDrive Sedan, 335i Coupe, 335i Convertible, 528i Sedan, 535i Sedan, 535i xDrive Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, and X3 xDrive 35i, 2010 X3 xDrive 30i, and X5 xDrive 30i, 2012 640i Coupe, and 640i Convertible and 2010-2012 535i Gran Turismo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and may possibly break.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four VANOS housing bolts for both VANOS units (intake and exhaust), free of charge. In addition, owners of approximately 170,172 model year 2010-2012 BMW vehicles equipped with inline 6 cylinder engines not covered by this recall, will receive an extended warranty to address this condition. The recall began on September 24, 2014. Owners may contact BMW 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.
Sep 15, 2011
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 328I XDRIVE AND 335I XDRIVE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 8, 2011, THROUGH JULY 29, 2011. THE FRONT DRIVESHAFT ATTACHMENT BOLTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATION. IF THE BOLTS WERE NOT TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATION, THEY MAY BECOME LOOSE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE BOLTS LOOSEN, IT COULD LEAD TO A LOSS OF POWER TO THE FRONT WHEELS AND ULTIMATELY A VEHICLE BREAKDOWN, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT DRIVESHAFT ATTACHMENT BOLTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING OCTOBER 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.
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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