Engine. Review the 194 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 175 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 129 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

18 crash reports25 fire reports15 injury reports

What owners actually said

577 reports

Mileage unknown · Jul 30, 2018

Air BagsService BrakesCrashInjury

I WAS ON THE STREET. WHEN I GOT INTO A CAR ACCIDENT ON MAY 28 2017. MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AFTER I SLAMMED SOMEONE IN THE BACK BECAUSE MY BRAKES WERE NOT PROPYL WORKING. MY AIRBAGS ALSO SHOT OUT SOME METAL FRAGMENTS CUTTING MY HAND UP.

NHTSA ODI #11114453

48,000 miles · Jul 23, 2018

Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Vehicle Speed Control

WHEEL SPEED SENSORS FAIL UNDER HARD BREAKING HAPPENED 2 TIMES CAR BRAKES ABS AND ANTI SWERVE SYSTEM STOP WORKING AND BREAKING IS AFFECTED HARD PEDDLE STOPPING DISTANCE AFFECTED. BMW REPLACED THEM UNDER WARRANTEE BUT WOULD NOT REPLACE THE 2 THAT ARE WORKING UNTIL THEY FAIL. MY DAUGHTER DRIVES THIS CAR FOR SCHOOL AND IT IS A SAFE…

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NHTSA ODI #11113119

Mileage unknown · Jul 23, 2018

Electrical SystemEngine

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE DEALER (COMPETITION BMW OF SMITHTOWN, 599 MIDDLE COUNTRY RD, ST JAMES, NY 11780, 1-888-861-6280) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #11113112

82,000 miles · Jul 19, 2018

Engine And Engine Cooling

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 328I. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY OR WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ENGINE EMITTED A BURNING ODOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ODOR ENTERED THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE AND CONTINUED EVEN AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF. THE DEALER (BMW OF MOUNTAIN VIEW, 150 EL CAMINO REAL, MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIFORNIA 94043) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE PARTS FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE REMEDY WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 82,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #11112427

15,000 miles · Jul 13, 2018

Air BagsCrash

THIS 2011 BMW 3 SERIES WAS IN AN ACCIDENT SEP OF 2014 AND REPAIRED. THE STEERING WHEEL AIRBAG AND THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG WERE REPLACED. NO ONE HAS BEEN ABLE TO TELL US IF THESE REPLACEMENT AIR BAGS ARE SAFE. THE REPAIR FACILITY CAN ONLY SAY THAT ALL PARTS WERE BMW PARTS AND THE AIRBAGS WERE TAKATA. HOW DO WE KNOW THE REPLACE…

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NHTSA ODI #11111192

Mileage unknown · Jul 8, 2018

EngineFuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other

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7 RECALL ITEMS ON MY VEHICLE :-( CALING BMW CONSTANTLY TO GET AN UPDATE ON THE PARTS NEEDED SO I CAN TAKE MY CAR IN AND IT'S NOT HAPPENING... IT'S BEEN OVER A YEAR AND A HALF ND NOTHING. BLOWER MOTOR WIRING: THIS RECALL INVOLVES THE WIRING FOR THE SYSTEM, KNOWN AS THE BLOWER-MOTOR, THAT CONTROLS AIR FLOW FOR THE HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM. OVER TIME, THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE WIRING AND THIS SYSTEM COULD DETERIORATE AND, IN RARE CASES, COULD LEAD TO OVERHEATING. POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION (PCV) VALVE HEATER : THIS RECALL INVOLVES AN ENGINE COMPONENT KNOWN AS THE POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION (PCV) VALVE HEATER. THE PCV VALVE HEATER MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PRODUCED TO SPECIFICATIONS. OVER TIME, IT COULD DETERIORATE AND, IN RARE CASES, COULD LEAD TO OVERHEATING.F OVERHEATING OCCURS, THEN IN RARE CASES, THIS COULD LEAD TO MELTING OF THE PCV VALVE. IN EXTREMELY RARE CASES, THIS COULD LEAD TO A FIRE. RECALL 17V676000- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WIRING -MAY CAUSE FIRE EVEN WHEN VEHICLE IS OFF. RECALL 16V071000- AIRBAG FRONTAL DRIVAR SIDE INFLATOR MODULE-IN CRASH THE INFLATOR COULD RUPTURE WITH METAL FRAGMENTS. RECALL 11V476000: POWER TRAIN DRIVELINE DRIVESHAFT- IF BOLTS LOOSEN COULD LEASE TO LOSS OF POWER TO FRONT WHEEL AND VEHICLE BREAKDOWN/CRASH. RECALL 17V683000 -COMPONENT ENGINE AND COOLING, EMISSION CONTROL CRANK CASE, ELECTRICL SHORT WILL CAUSE PARTS WITHIN PCV VALVE TO MELT INCREASING RISK OF FIRE. RECALL 12E029000 -ENGINE AND COOLING SYSTEM FAN-FA MOTOR CAN BECOME INOPERATIVE OR CIRCUTITBOARD TO OVERHEAT CAUING ENGINE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT TO CATCH FIRE. RECALL 13V044000 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM -LOSS OF ELECTRICAL SYSTEM POWER FAIL -VEHICLE CAN STALL UNEXPECTEDLY INCREASING RISK OF CRASH. RECALL 14V176000 - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING ENGINE- IF THE BOLTS LOSSEN OR BREAK, THE ENGINE MAY HAVE REDUCED POWER OR STALL INCREASING RISK OF CRASH

NHTSA ODI #11110098

Mileage unknown · Jul 6, 2018

Electrical System

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POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION (PCV) VALVE HEATER : THIS RECALL INVOLVES AN ENGINE COMPONENT KNOWN AS THE POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION (PCV) VALVE HEATER. THE PCV VALVE HEATER MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PRODUCED TO SPECIFICATIONS. OVER TIME, IT COULD DETERIORATE AND, IN RARE CASES, COULD LEAD TO OVERHEATING. SAFETY RISK: IF OVERHEATING OCCURS, THEN IN RARE CASES, THIS COULD LEAD TO MELTING OF THE PCV VALVE. IN EXTREMELY RARE CASES, THIS COULD LEAD TO A FIRE. REMEDY: THE PCV VALVE HEATER WILL BE INSPECTED AND A NEW PART WILL BE INSTALLED. IF NECESSARY, ADDITIONAL COMPONENTS WILL BE REPLACED AS DETERMINED AT THE TIME OF REPAIR. RECALL STATUS: RECALL INCOMPLETE. REMEDY NOT YET AVAILABLE

NHTSA ODI #11109940

Mileage unknown · Jun 29, 2018

Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT CALLED STERLING BMW AT 949-200-8722 (LOCATED AT 3000 WEST COAST HWY, NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92663) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #11104698

129,679 miles · Jun 28, 2018

Unknown Or Other

CAN NOT OPEN DRIVER DOOR FROM INSIDE OR OUT. CAN NOT GET OUT OF MY CAR. HAD TO CRAWL OF PASSENGER SIDE DOOR.THIS IS NOT AN ESSAY TASK TO DO.

NHTSA ODI #11104485

Mileage unknown · Jun 22, 2018

Electrical System

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #11103460

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.

14V176000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine

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.

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.

11V476000 · Power Train:driveline:driveshaft

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 ↗

NHTSA investigations

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.