Recalls
Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.
No recalls on record for this model
No safety recalls were found in this dataset. It is still worth entering the exact VIN on NHTSA before purchase, since recalls can be added at any time.
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
377
Most reports here involve sudden stalling. Of these, 10 mention a crash, 4 mention an injury.
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"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
99
Most reports here involve electrical shorts. Of these, 1 mention an injury.
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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
8
Most reports here involve loss of braking. Of these, 3 mention a crash, 5 mention an injury.
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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
12
Most reports here involve electrical shorts.
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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
97
Most reports here involve airbags not deploying. Of these, 11 mention a crash, 11 mention an injury.
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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
22
Most reports here involve fire. Of these, 1 mention a crash.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11694622 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Other systems
68
Most reports here involve electrical shorts. Of these, 2 mention a crash, 3 mention an injury.
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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