NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
201 reports72,000 miles · Jan 16, 2014
Electrical SystemEngineExterior Lighting
ADAPTIVE HEAD LIGHT SYSTEM FAILURE WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THE UNIT HAD BEEN REPLACED WITHIN 4 YEARS AND UNDER 65K MILES. EVERY TIME THIS WAS A NON AGGRAVATED ISSUE AND NOT COVERED BY THE DEALER. FURTHERMORE, WHILE DRIVING THE CAR AROUND A CORNER AT A MODERATE RATE OF SPEED I NOTICED THE CAR MAK…
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ADAPTIVE HEAD LIGHT SYSTEM FAILURE WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THE UNIT HAD BEEN REPLACED WITHIN 4 YEARS AND UNDER 65K MILES. EVERY TIME THIS WAS A NON AGGRAVATED ISSUE AND NOT COVERED BY THE DEALER. FURTHERMORE, WHILE DRIVING THE CAR AROUND A CORNER AT A MODERATE RATE OF SPEED I NOTICED THE CAR MAKING AN ABNORMAL NOISE. UPON PULLING OVER AND INSPECTING FURTHER, IT WAS FOUND TO BE A SHREDDED BELT WHICH HAD THROWN ITSELF EVERYWHERE INSIDE THE ENGINE BAY. ONCE IT WAS TOWED TO BE REPAIRED, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE POWER STEERING PULLEY CONTACTED THE FRONT BAR AND, BREAKING THE PULLEY IN HALF, CAUSING IT TO HAVE SHARP EDGES WHICH DIRECTLY CUT THE BELT IN HALF AND RESULTED IN THE BELT BEING WRAPPED AROUND THE PULLEY AND VARIOUS ENGINE COMPONENTS. THERE IS NOT ENOUGH CLEARANCE AS A RESULT OF A FACTORY/MANUFACTURER DEFECT AND NOW I AM OUT ON THE BILL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10560241
66,050 miles · Dec 30, 2013
Air BagsSeat Belts
DURING NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS THE AIRBAG AND SEATBELT TENSIONER SYSTEM FAIL LIGHTS CAME ON. WE DROVE HOME AND THE LIGHTS STAYED ON EVER SINCE. TRIED RESETTING THE COMPUTER SYSTEM BUT LIGHTS REMAIN ON. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10557854
29,000 miles · Oct 18, 2013
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service Brakes
COMPLETE FAILURE OF ABS PUMP AND STABILITY CONTROL WITH ONLY 29000 MILES. COST TO REPAIR THIS BASIC SAFETY SYSTEM OVER $2900. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10548369
47,000 miles · Oct 17, 2013
Air BagsSeats
FAULT IN PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM ERROR IS BEING CONSISTENTLY DISPLAYED. FRONT PASSENGER SEAT MAT SENSOR WAS RECALLED FOR PRIOR MODEL YEARS BUT NOT FOR 2008. THIS RECALL SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO 2008 MODEL YEAR. MY VIN WAS NOT ON RECALL LIST. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10548301
49,000 miles · Oct 4, 2013
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemService Brakes
## VIN PASSED ## BMW 335 2008 ## PURCHASED CAR W/ 18000 MILES AND MY 2ND FUEL PUMP IS ON ITS WAY OUT (SCHEDULING APPT NEXT WEEK), BRAKES MAKE NOISE WHEN BRAKING (PADS ARE FINE), AND LOW PRESSURE FUEL SENSOR IS NOW THROWING FUEL PRESSURE CODE 29F3.
NHTSA ODI #10546800
69,000 miles · Sep 13, 2013
Electrical SystemFire
9/11/2013 AT APPROXIMATELY 9:25 AM EST MY 2008 BMW 335I SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT FIRE FROM WHAT SEEMS TO BE AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM IN THE DASH BOARD AREA. I WAS MAKING MY DAILY COMMUTE TO WORK WHEN THE AC UNIT SHUT OFF AND THEN TURNED BACK ON WITH THICK BLACK SMOKE POURING INTO THE CABIN OF THE CAR. NATURALLY I ROLLED THE WINDOWS DOW…
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9/11/2013 AT APPROXIMATELY 9:25 AM EST MY 2008 BMW 335I SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT FIRE FROM WHAT SEEMS TO BE AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM IN THE DASH BOARD AREA. I WAS MAKING MY DAILY COMMUTE TO WORK WHEN THE AC UNIT SHUT OFF AND THEN TURNED BACK ON WITH THICK BLACK SMOKE POURING INTO THE CABIN OF THE CAR. NATURALLY I ROLLED THE WINDOWS DOWN TO ALLOW THE SMOKE TO CLEAR SO THAT I COULD PULL OVER OUT OF TRAFFIC. THIS MADE MATTERS WORSE, THE SMOKE THICKENED, THE HORN STARTED HONKING AS IF SOMEONE WAS HOLDING THE HORN DOWN, AS I WAS PULLING THE CAR OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD THE SMOKE BECAME UNBEARABLE, I WAS FORTUNATE TO ESCAPE THE CAR AS THE FIRE RIPPED INTO THE CABIN CONSUMING THE ENTIRE VEHICLE WITHIN JUST MINUTES. THE CAR IS NOW TOTALED AND MY INSURANCE IS INVESTIGATING. MY QUERY IS WHAT IF I HAD OTHER PEOPLE IN MY CAR? WHAT IF MY CAR WAS IN MY GARAGE? WHAT IF I HAD YOUNGER CHILDREN IN THE CAR? JUDGING ON HOW QUICKLY THE CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES I KNOW FOR A FACT THAT EVEN IN MY VERY ABLE CONDITION REMOVING TWO YOUNG CHILDREN FROM THE BACK SEAT OF THE CAR WOULD HAVE BEEN IMPOSSIBLE, THIS NEEDS TO BE LOOKED INTO! SEEING AS BMW'S TARGETED AUDIENCE IS MIDDLE TO UPPER CLASS FAMILIES I WONDER IF THE PUBLIC KNOWS OF THE RISKS? I KNOW I SURE DIDN'T, HOWEVER AFTER REVIEWING THE BLOGS AND POSTS ONLINE I HAVE SEEN COUNTLESS OTHER SCENARIOS UNFOLD ALMOST IDENTICAL TO MINE AND I KNOW I AM NOT ALONE. I AM CURRENTLY DEALING WITH MY INSURANCE AND I AM SURE THEY WILL BE IN TOUCH WITH BMW AS THE CAR WAS STILL UNDER 100,000 MILES AND JUST AT 5 YEARS OF AGE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10543454
47,000 miles · Sep 3, 2013
Engine And Engine Cooling
WHY DRIVING MY VEHICLE, I RECEIVED A YELLOW WARNING FOLLOWED IMMEDIATELY BY A RED WARNING. WHILE TRYING TO UNDERSTAND THE ISSUE THE CAR BEGAN TO LOSE POWER, CAUSING UNSAFE HIGHWAY HANDLING. ONCE I WAS ABLE TO GET OVER, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE CAR WAS OVERHEATING. THE WATER PUMP FAILED RENDERING THE CAR DISABLED. I HAVE DR…
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WHY DRIVING MY VEHICLE, I RECEIVED A YELLOW WARNING FOLLOWED IMMEDIATELY BY A RED WARNING. WHILE TRYING TO UNDERSTAND THE ISSUE THE CAR BEGAN TO LOSE POWER, CAUSING UNSAFE HIGHWAY HANDLING. ONCE I WAS ABLE TO GET OVER, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE CAR WAS OVERHEATING. THE WATER PUMP FAILED RENDERING THE CAR DISABLED. I HAVE DRIVEN QUITE A FEW CARS AND HAVE NEVER SEEN A WATER PUMP DISABLE THE CAR SO QUICKLY AND CREATE A DANGEROUS CONDITION. UPON DOING SOME RESEARCH, TALKING TO REPAIR MECHANICS THIS PROBLEM APPEARS TO HAPPEN ALL TOO OFTEN IN BMW'S. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10541720
67,000 miles · Aug 3, 2013
EngineFuel System, GasolineVehicle Speed Control
I WAS DRIVING VEHICLE ON 295 NEAR HAMILTON NJ AND WHILE ACCELERATING THE CAR LOST POWER. THE CAR WAS NOT RESPONSES AND WHEN I WOULD TRY TO PRESS ACCELERATOR THE CAR AND STEERING WHEEL SHOOK VIOLENTLY. THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE SPEED RAPIDLY DECREASED AND PUT ME IN VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. I WAS VERY LUCKY THAT I WAS…
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I WAS DRIVING VEHICLE ON 295 NEAR HAMILTON NJ AND WHILE ACCELERATING THE CAR LOST POWER. THE CAR WAS NOT RESPONSES AND WHEN I WOULD TRY TO PRESS ACCELERATOR THE CAR AND STEERING WHEEL SHOOK VIOLENTLY. THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE SPEED RAPIDLY DECREASED AND PUT ME IN VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. I WAS VERY LUCKY THAT I WAS ABLE TO PUT HAZARD LIGHTS ON AND PULL TO SHOULDER. I TURNED CAR OFF AND RESTARTED AND THE CAR, THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT TURNED OFF AND I IMMEDIATELY DROPPED CAR OFF AT DEALER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10533405
42,500 miles · Jul 12, 2013
Service Brakes
ABS HYDRAULIC UNIT FAILURE. MANY BMW VEHICLES OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS HAVE HAD VARIOUS ISSUES WITH THEIR BMW ABS SYSTEMS. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. PER BMW MEMBER SITES AND THE FACT THAT BMW PUT OUT A REPAIR KIT FOR THE PROBLEMS SHOULD CONFIRM THAT A LOT OF BMW AUTOS HAVE THIS ABS PROBLEM. THE REPAIR/ REPLACEMENT IS $400…
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ABS HYDRAULIC UNIT FAILURE. MANY BMW VEHICLES OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS HAVE HAD VARIOUS ISSUES WITH THEIR BMW ABS SYSTEMS. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. PER BMW MEMBER SITES AND THE FACT THAT BMW PUT OUT A REPAIR KIT FOR THE PROBLEMS SHOULD CONFIRM THAT A LOT OF BMW AUTOS HAVE THIS ABS PROBLEM. THE REPAIR/ REPLACEMENT IS $4000.00 ON AVERAGE AND I FEAR PEOPLE CAN'T AFFORD THAT AND ARE DRIVING WITH NO ABS AND MOST TIMES TRACTION CONTROL, I MYSELF STILL HAVEN'T FIXED MINE DUE TO THE EXPENSE. LOCAL BMW SAYS OUT OF WARRANTY, TOO BAD ; BUT NO WAY A $50K CAR HAS THIS BIG A DEFECT UNDER 50,000 MILES. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10524596
70,000 miles · Jul 12, 2013
Seat Belts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED TO TIGHTEN AND PROPERLY SECURE THE CONTACT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT COMPONENT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPLACED AND THE MA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED TO TIGHTEN AND PROPERLY SECURE THE CONTACT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT COMPONENT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPLACED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10524582
Official recalls
4Jul 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 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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