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
- 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.
- 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
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.
Engine recall
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.
- 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 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.
- 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.
Engine recall
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.
- 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.
Transmission recall
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.
- 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
333
Most reports here involve sudden stalling. Of these, 6 mention a crash, 3 mention an injury.
Read full complaint
"My vehicle is experiencing a complete mechanical breakdown with a fast-crank, no-start condition and an active fault code for exhaust valve timing. This matches the exact failure mode of active Safety Recall 23V-707 (VANOS Bolts). BMW's official safety recall report states that if a vehicle shows these symptoms, owners must not drive it and must contact them to arrange pickup and transportation. However, BMW Corporate Case Manager Jasmine has officially refused to cover the tow, stating over the phone that the transport language in the recall letter 'doesn't mean they cover a tow.' BMW is failing to execute its federally mandated safety recall remedy for an inoperable, broken-down vehicle."
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11763040 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Electrical & infotainment
84
Most reports here involve electrical shorts. Of these, 1 mention an injury.
Read full complaint
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact stated that the headlights and taillights remained illuminated after the vehicle was turned off. Additionally, the vehicle intermittently failed to start up. The contact stated that AAA jump-started the vehicle, and it was determined that the battery was in good working condition. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact associated the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V676000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11761089 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Brakes
6
Most reports here involve loss of braking. Of these, 1 mention a crash, 4 mention an injury.
Read full complaint
I HAVE HAD SEVEN (7) ABS WHEEL SPEED SENSORS REQUIRING REPLACEMENT (EVERY WHEEL AT LEAST ONCE, THE RIGHT FRONT TWICE, AND THE LEFT FRONT THREE TIMES) SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR NEW IN 2011. IT CURRENTLY HAS RELATIVELY LOW MILEAGE (<41,000 MILES); THE FIRST FAILURE OCCURRED IN JANUARY 2014 AT ABOUT 12, 700 MILES. I HAVE NEVER HAD TO REPLACE AN ABS WHEEL SENSOR ON ANY OF THE NUMEROUS OTHER CARS WITH ABS THAT I HAVE OWNED SINCE 1989. THE LOSS OF ABS FUNCTION CREATES AN OBVIOUS SAFETY HAZARD. WHEN THE SENSOR FAILS, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, ABS LIGHT, AND BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ALL COME ON - INTERMITTENTLY INITIALLY, BUT SOON LIT AT ALL TIMES. THE FAILURES OCCURRED IN 2014, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2017, AND 2020.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11394331 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Steering, suspension & tires
11
Most reports here involve electrical shorts.
Read full complaint
Tire pressure yellow warning light on. RDC module ordered but repair not completed. After starting the car at a gas station, multiple warning lights appeared in red including "car on a raised lift in red" which signifies car is to be taken directly for service. Drove to local mechanic one mile away. While observing the car with engine running at idle, ALL dashboard lights and functions stopped: No speedometer, No tachometer, No warning lights, No turn signals, No headlights, RDC module subsequently replaced with resolution of the problem. Opening the old RDC module demonstrated significant green corrosion - likely occurred over a long period of time. IF the loss of all dashboard function had occurred while driving, it would have presented very dangerous safety issues. Situation reviewed with local BMW dealership and BMW corporate customer relations. No recalls or warnings have been issued. Expressed my concerns in detail. This is a potentially dangerous problem for the BMW E90 models. The RDC module is located in the passenger rear wheel well and repeatedly exposed to wet/ snow/ slush conditions. This is a dangerous location outside the vehicle for the RDC module. The Tire pressure monitor system is a non-critical function. Repair of the RDC module is considered optional - yellow warning light. This event demonstrates that there is a serious risk when the RDC module is not functioning properly. BMW should make owners aware and offer replacement before dangerous events occur.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11573011 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Airbags & seat belts
74
Most reports here involve airbags not deploying. Of these, 8 mention a crash, 8 mention an injury.
Read full complaint
Nothing has malfunctioned yet on the vehicle, however, these recalls are putting my daughter at risk while driving as there is an air bag and engine recall on the vehicle. Every time we contact the dealership, the recall is still unavailable.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11628356 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Structure & body
17
Most reports here involve software faults. Of these, 1 mention a crash.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11694622 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Other systems
52
Most reports here involve electrical shorts. Of these, 2 mention a crash, 3 mention an injury.
Read full complaint
Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to formally file a complaint against Burdick BMW, located in Syracuse, NY, regarding their failure to address my request for a recall-related repair on my vehicle. Despite multiple attempts to schedule an appointment, I have received no response or follow-up from the dealership. Over the past month, I have contacted Burdick BMW a total of four (4) times via phone regarding a recall service for my vehicle. The contact was made on [XXX]. Each time, I spoke with a customer representative who assured me that a supervisor would return my call to schedule an appointment. However, I have never received a call back nor been provided with any opportunity to have my vehicle serviced. This ongoing lack of communication and failure to act on a manufacturer-issued recall raises serious concerns about the dealership's commitment to customer service and safety compliance. As a consumer, I am entitled to have my vehicle serviced in accordance with recall requirements, and Burdick BMW’s inaction has not only caused inconvenience but may also pose a safety risk due to the unresolved recall issue. Given that my attempts to resolve this matter directly with the dealership have been unsuccessful, I request that appropriate action be taken to ensure Burdick BMW fulfills its obligations. I kindly ask that you investigate this matter and take the necessary steps to hold Burdick BMW accountable for their failure to schedule or complete recall-related repairs in a timely manner. Additionally, I request assistance in obtaining a prompt appointment to address my vehicle’s recall issue. Please advise me on the next steps I should take to resolve this matter. I appreciate your attention to this issue and look forward to your prompt response. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11645255 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
How does it compare with other years? The 2011 has 577 complaints on file, more than the 2010 (155) and more than the 2012 (130). That is the most of the 7 model years of the BMW 328i we cover. Older model years have had longer to collect complaints.