NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
128 reportsClear category filter123,156 miles · Nov 11, 2017
Electrical SystemSteering
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR ONE DAY, I MADE A QUICK STOP, TURNED MY VEHICLE OFF AND WENT BACK TO MY CAR TO START IT AND NOTHING. ONLY TO FIND THE STEERING LOCK LIGHT. MY VEHICLE WOULD NOT START NO OTHER INDICATION OF POWER BESIDE INTERIOR LIGHT. I THINK THIS PRESENTS AN UNSAFE CONDITION, THAT WOULD LEAVE PEOPLE STRANDED SOME WHERE (TH…
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I WAS DRIVING MY CAR ONE DAY, I MADE A QUICK STOP, TURNED MY VEHICLE OFF AND WENT BACK TO MY CAR TO START IT AND NOTHING. ONLY TO FIND THE STEERING LOCK LIGHT. MY VEHICLE WOULD NOT START NO OTHER INDICATION OF POWER BESIDE INTERIOR LIGHT. I THINK THIS PRESENTS AN UNSAFE CONDITION, THAT WOULD LEAVE PEOPLE STRANDED SOME WHERE (THANK GOD IT WASN'T MY WIFE AND 4 KIDS STRANDED WITH THE CAR). NEEDLESS TO SAY I HAD TO GET IT TOWED TO A BMW SERVICE. I AM REALLY SHOCKED THAT THEIR IS NOT ALREADY A RECALL FOR THIS, WITH THE HIGH AMOUNT OF CASES I HAVE READ ABOUT ON FORUMS. I PRAY SOMETHING CAN BE DONE ABOUT THIS.
NHTSA ODI #11045319
160,187 miles · Nov 5, 2017
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Engine
CAR OVER HEATS AND SMOKING
NHTSA ODI #11043370
97,000 miles · Sep 28, 2017
Electrical System
FUSE # 56 AND #57 BLEW LEADING TO THE INABILITY TO OPEN ANY DOORS USING THE FOB. THE EMERGENCY KEY ONLY UNLOCKS THE DRIVER DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE. THE OTHER DOORS CANNOT BE OPENED UNLESS THE FUSE IS REPLACED. IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION, HAD THE FUSES BEEN DAMAGED FOR SOME REASON, AND THERE WAS A FIRE IN THE VEHICLE OR SOME OTHER R…
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FUSE # 56 AND #57 BLEW LEADING TO THE INABILITY TO OPEN ANY DOORS USING THE FOB. THE EMERGENCY KEY ONLY UNLOCKS THE DRIVER DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE. THE OTHER DOORS CANNOT BE OPENED UNLESS THE FUSE IS REPLACED. IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION, HAD THE FUSES BEEN DAMAGED FOR SOME REASON, AND THERE WAS A FIRE IN THE VEHICLE OR SOME OTHER REASON NECESSITATED AN EMERGENCY EGRESS, THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER AND LIKELY THE REAR SEAT PASSENGERS MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. THERE IS NO WAY TO OPEN THE DOORS IN A POWER FAILURE. BMW HAS NO EMERGENCY DOOR LATCH TO BYPASS THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AS OTHER CARS DO.
NHTSA ODI #11030261
90,000 miles · Sep 26, 2017
Electrical SystemFire
THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE RIGHT BEHIND THE GLOVE BOX. THE FIREFIGHTERS SAID IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. THE CAR WAS OFF AND PARKED IN A RESTAURANT PARKING LOT. THIS HAPPENED ON 9/22/17. SOMEONE SAW THE CAR ON FIRE IN THE PARKING LOT AND CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THIS HAPPENED AROUND 6:00PM. SEVEN HOURS LATER, THERE WERE STILL BUZZ…
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THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE RIGHT BEHIND THE GLOVE BOX. THE FIREFIGHTERS SAID IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. THE CAR WAS OFF AND PARKED IN A RESTAURANT PARKING LOT. THIS HAPPENED ON 9/22/17. SOMEONE SAW THE CAR ON FIRE IN THE PARKING LOT AND CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THIS HAPPENED AROUND 6:00PM. SEVEN HOURS LATER, THERE WERE STILL BUZZING SOUNDS COMING FROM UNDER THE DASH. WE WERE TOLD NOT TO DRIVE THE CAR!
NHTSA ODI #11029981
Mileage unknown · Jun 27, 2017
Electrical SystemSteering
STEERING WHEEL LOCK CAUSING THE CAR NOT TO START,
NHTSA ODI #11001796
60,000 miles · May 23, 2017
Electrical System
THE ELECTRICAL IS THE MAIN ISSUE. NOTHING STARS. THE CAR DON'T TURN ON, WON'T EVEN LOCK AND IT RANDOM HAPPENED. I WENT TO WORK AND IT SEEMED LIKE EVERYTHING WAS FINE BUT WHEN I CLOCKED OUT .. MY CAR WOULDN'T EVEN START. I CHECK MY BATTERY & IT WAS FINE. THEN I CHECKED ONLINE & I NOTICED THAT I WASN'T EVEN THE ONLY PERSON DEALIN…
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THE ELECTRICAL IS THE MAIN ISSUE. NOTHING STARS. THE CAR DON'T TURN ON, WON'T EVEN LOCK AND IT RANDOM HAPPENED. I WENT TO WORK AND IT SEEMED LIKE EVERYTHING WAS FINE BUT WHEN I CLOCKED OUT .. MY CAR WOULDN'T EVEN START. I CHECK MY BATTERY & IT WAS FINE. THEN I CHECKED ONLINE & I NOTICED THAT I WASN'T EVEN THE ONLY PERSON DEALING WITH THIS ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI #10991245
96,000 miles · May 18, 2017
Air BagsElectrical System
VEHICLE HAS 2 INCOMPLETE RECALLS, NO ACCIDENTS I AM REPORTING THAT I WAS NEVER CONTACTED
NHTSA ODI #10986282
137,500 miles · May 11, 2017
Electrical System
WHEN I TRIED TO CLOSE MY SUNROOF, IT WOULD NOT CLOSE DESPITE TRYING TO RESET IT, SO I TOOK IT IN TO A MECHANIC. THEY COULDN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS WRONG UNTIL THEY LOOKED AND THE SUNROOF MOTOR BLEW A FUSE. THEY REPLACED THE FUSE, TRIED IT AGAIN, AND THE MOTOR BLEW THE FUSE AGAIN. SO THE SUNROOF MOTOR HAS A FAULT. I HEARD RECENTLY…
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WHEN I TRIED TO CLOSE MY SUNROOF, IT WOULD NOT CLOSE DESPITE TRYING TO RESET IT, SO I TOOK IT IN TO A MECHANIC. THEY COULDN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS WRONG UNTIL THEY LOOKED AND THE SUNROOF MOTOR BLEW A FUSE. THEY REPLACED THE FUSE, TRIED IT AGAIN, AND THE MOTOR BLEW THE FUSE AGAIN. SO THE SUNROOF MOTOR HAS A FAULT. I HEARD RECENTLY THAT BMWS ARE SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUSTING AND THAT WE SHOULD REPORT ANY UNUSUAL THINGS, SO I'M REPORTING THIS. MY CAR IS STILL AT THE MECHANIC (BAY BRIDGE BIMMERS AND MINIS IN OAKLAND) UNDER REPAIR. THEIR WEBSITE IS: HTTP://WWW.BAYBRIDGE-BIMMERS-MINIS.COM/. OCCURRED REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, IN MOTION, ETC.
NHTSA ODI #10985021
128,000 miles · Apr 28, 2017
Electrical System
I OPENED THE DOOR AND PUT KEY IN, EVERY THING LOOKSED GOOD. BUT I PUSHED START BUTTON, IT COULD NOT START. THEN ALL POWER WENT DOWN: NO LOCK/UNLOCK, NO RADIO, NO LIGHT. YET AFTER SOME TIME, THE POWER WENT BACK AND I COULD START. THIS HAPPENED MANY TIMES. I FOUND MANY 2007 BMW 328I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. IT'S RELATED T…
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I OPENED THE DOOR AND PUT KEY IN, EVERY THING LOOKSED GOOD. BUT I PUSHED START BUTTON, IT COULD NOT START. THEN ALL POWER WENT DOWN: NO LOCK/UNLOCK, NO RADIO, NO LIGHT. YET AFTER SOME TIME, THE POWER WENT BACK AND I COULD START. THIS HAPPENED MANY TIMES. I FOUND MANY 2007 BMW 328I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. IT'S RELATED TO THE B+ WIRE CONTACT ISSUE. BMW HAS A RECALL FOR THAT ISSUE: THERE IS A TSB FOR THIS E90 WONT START - SI B61 08 11
NHTSA ODI #10981357
Mileage unknown · Apr 7, 2017
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)
OUT OF NO WHERE THE CAR DIDN'T WANT TO START UP ANY MORE. IT WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY. AT FIRST I THOUGHT IT WAS THE BATTERY BUT IT WASN'T. I HAD IT CHECKED OUT AND THEY DIDN'T KNOW WHY IT COULDN'T START. I CHECKED ONLINE AND THEN I NOTICED THAT THERE'S BEEN A RECALL FOR 3 SERIES BMW DUE TO ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AND I NOTICED …
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OUT OF NO WHERE THE CAR DIDN'T WANT TO START UP ANY MORE. IT WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY. AT FIRST I THOUGHT IT WAS THE BATTERY BUT IT WASN'T. I HAD IT CHECKED OUT AND THEY DIDN'T KNOW WHY IT COULDN'T START. I CHECKED ONLINE AND THEN I NOTICED THAT THERE'S BEEN A RECALL FOR 3 SERIES BMW DUE TO ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AND I NOTICED THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE WERE IN MY SHOES.
NHTSA ODI #10971226
Official recalls
6Jul 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 30, 2017
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
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.
Nov 12, 2013
BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2006 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans and 325xi sports wagons, model year 2007 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi sedans and 328i and 328xi sports wagons, model year 2006-2007 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 550i sedans and 530xi sports wagons, model year 2006 760i sedans, model year 2006-2007 750i, 750Li, and 760Li sedans, and model year 2006 X5 sports activity vehicles, equipped with certain seat types. The front passenger seat occupant detection mat that determines if and how the passenger frontal air bag should deploy in a crash may fatigue and develop cracks which could lead to a system failure.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners with an interim notification letter in January 2014 since parts are not currently available. When parts are available, BMW sent a second letter in August and dealers will repair the occupant detection mat to eliminate the possibility that it may crack, free of charge. Additionally, owners of model year 2006-2007 3 Series with standard seats, 5 Series with comfort seats, and Z4 models, will receive an extended warranty on their front passenger seat occupant detection mat. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
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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