Ask the seller for proof the repair was completed, or run the free VIN check. Recall repairs are done at no cost by a dealer.
Recalls
Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.
Airbags recall
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.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Electrical system recall
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 inspect the blower-regulator wiring harness, and replace it with a new part, free of charge. The recall began October 4, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion of an earlier recall number 17V-676.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Airbags recall
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with 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's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Electrical system recall
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 [email protected].
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Owner complaints by system
Unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, grouped by the part of the car. Useful for spotting patterns. Open a group to read recent examples.
Engine & powertrain
8
Most reports here involve sudden stalling.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #10376464 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Electrical & infotainment
1
Most reports here involve sudden stalling. Of these, 1 mention a crash.
Read full complaint
AT APPROX 70 MPH, "ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION, POWER DECREASE" MESSAGE LIGHTS. VEHICLE COMES TO DEAD STOP DURING RUSH HOUR ON FL TURNPIKE. DRIVER PUTS ON FLASHERS. WATCHES REAR VIEW MIRROR AS DOZENS OF VEHICLES APPROACH. TWO CAR CRASH OCCURS BEHIND STALLED VEHICLE. DRIVER MUST EXIT CAR AND RUN TO SHOULDER TO AVOID POTENTIAL INJURY. MULTI CAR ACCIDENT MIRACULOUSLY AVOIDED. *TR
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #10346115 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Airbags & seat belts
2
Most reports here involve other issues.
Read full complaint
TAKATA RECALL-- I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN MARCH 2016 NOTIFYING ME OF THE TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL. IT STATED THAT REPAIR TIME WAS UNKNOWN AS YET. I CALLED OUR LOCAL BMW DEALER, BMW OF COLUMBIA, COLUMBIA, SC, RECENTLY AND WAS TOLD NO REPAIR CAN BE SCHEDULED YET. I AM VERY NERVOUS ABOUT THE SAFETY OF DRIVING THIS CA RAND UPSET THEY CAN IGNORE THE DANGER.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #10875975 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Structure & body
3
Most reports here involve electrical shorts.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11039786 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Other systems
1
Most reports here involve electrical shorts.
Read full complaint
THE WIRING GOING TO THE BLOWER MOTOR ON MY 2010 BMW 135I IS MELTED. I COULD SMELL SOMETHING BURNING AND THE BLOWER MOTOR STARTED WORKING INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING IN MY DRIVEWAY WITH THE HEAT ON AT THE TIME. THE PROBLEM IS THE SAME AS RECALL 17V-676 WHICH COVERS THE BMW 3 SERIES FROM THE SAME YEAR BUT NOT THE 1 SERIES WHICH USES THE SAME PARTS.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11063922 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
How does it compare with other years? The 2010 has 15 complaints on file, fewer than the 2011 (27). Of the 4 model years of the BMW 135i we cover, the 2011 has the most (27). Older model years have had longer to collect complaints.