BMW 328i years to avoid (and the best years)
1,442 NHTSA owner complaints and 15 recalls across 7 model years, 2010 to 2016. Built from NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, generated October 26, 2026.
- 1,442complaints
- 15recalls
- 81reported crashes
- 53reported fires
- 66reported injuries
Which BMW 328i years should you avoid?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the BMW 328i year to avoid is 2011. The typical BMW 328i year has 151 complaints on file.
- 2011: 577 complaints, 3.8 times the typical year. Most complaints name the engine (63% of complaints) and the electrical system (22% of complaints).
What are the best BMW 328i years?
The BMW 328i years with the fewest complaints on file are the 2016 (48), 2015 (124) and 2012 (130). Model years after 2023 are left out: they have not been on the road long enough to compare.
NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these are complaint counts, not a rate per car on the road. A year that sold more cars collects more complaints, and older years have had longer to collect them.
Every model year
| Year | Complaints | vs typical year | Recalls | Crashes | Injuries | Our read | Most reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 48 | 0.3× | 1 | 7 | 6 | Few red flags | Engine |
| 2015 | 124 | 0.8× | 4 | 6 | 2 | Few red flags | Engine |
| 2014 | 151 | 1.0× | 8 | 19 | 18 | Some concerns to check | Engine |
| 2013 | 257 | 1.7× | 5 | 24 | 17 | Some concerns to check | Engine |
| 2012 | 130 | 0.9× | 6 | 4 | 1 | Few red flags | Engine |
| 2011 | 577 | 3.8× | 7 | 18 | 19 | Approach with caution | Engine |
| 2010 | 155 | 1.0× | 6 | 3 | 3 | Few red flags | Engine |
Most reported problem areas
Share of the 735 complaints sorted by system, all years together.
- Engine & powertrain412 (56%)
- Airbags & seat belts111 (15%)
- Electrical & infotainment105 (14%)
- Other systems65 (9%)
- Structure & body20 (3%)
Recalls (15)
Airbags · 25V871000 · Dec 2025 · model year 2014
An inflator that ruptures may cause sharp metal fragments to enter or exit the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, an inflator that leaks gas may only partially inflate during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Engine · 24V608000 · Aug 2024 · model years 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016
An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
Airbags · 24V527000 · Jul 2024 · model years 2014, 2015
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, increasing the risk of injury or death.
Airbags · 24V513000 · Jul 2024 · model years 2010, 2011, 2012
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Airbags · 24V288000 · Apr 2024 · model years 2014, 2015
An inflator that ruptures may cause sharp metal fragments to enter or exit the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, an inflator that leaks gas may only partially inflate during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Airbags · 20V017000 · Jan 2020 · model years 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Engine · 17V683000 · Oct 2017 · model years 2010, 2011
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.
Electrical system · 17V676000 · Oct 2017 · model years 2010, 2011
Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.
Exterior lighting · 15V520000 · Aug 2015 · model years 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
If the side marker lights do not illuminate, the vehicle may be less visible at night, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fuel system · 15V189000 · Mar 2015 · model year 2014
If the fuel pump fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Brakes · 14V627000 · Oct 2014 · model years 2012, 2013, 2014
A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
Engine · 14V176000 · Apr 2014 · model years 2010, 2011
If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Brakes · 13V454000 · Sep 2013 · model years 2012, 2013, 2014
A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
Electrical system · 13V044000 · Feb 2013 · model years 2010, 2011
If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Transmission · 11V476000 · Sep 2011 · model year 2011
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.