NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electronic Stability Control (esc) complaints
9 reportsClear category filter156,000 miles · May 10, 2018
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 328I. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, IT LOST ALL ELECTRICAL POWER. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER (HENDRICK BMW NORTH LAKE, 10720 NORTH LAKE AUTO PLAZA BLVD, CHARLOTTE, NC 28269). THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE DISTRIBUTION BOX HAD OVERHEATED AND MELTED, WHI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 328I. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, IT LOST ALL ELECTRICAL POWER. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER (HENDRICK BMW NORTH LAKE, 10720 NORTH LAKE AUTO PLAZA BLVD, CHARLOTTE, NC 28269). THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE DISTRIBUTION BOX HAD OVERHEATED AND MELTED, WHICH WOULD BE AN OUT OF POCKET EXPENSE FOR THE CONTACT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS A 2007, IT WAS MANUFACTURED IN DECEMBER OF 2006. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT EILIGIBLE TO BE REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V044000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER CONTINUED TO STATE THAT EVEN THOUGH IT WAS TWO MONTHS OUTSIDE OF THE RECALL ELIGIBILITY DATE, THEY STILL WOULD NOT HONOR IT IF IT HAD JUST BEEN ONE DAY OUTSIDE OF THE TIMEFRAME. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 156,000. *TT UPDATED 11/7/18*JB
NHTSA ODI #11093196
160,187 miles · Nov 5, 2017
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Engine
CAR OVER HEATS AND SMOKING
NHTSA ODI #11043370
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
52,600 miles · Aug 3, 2016
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Steering
MY 2007 BMW 328I IS HAVING RED STEERING WHEEL WARNING DISPLAYED ON DASH. I HAVE READ AROUND THE INTERNET AND THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH BMW. REQUIRES THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN BE REPLACED. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE IF A PERSON NEEDS TO START THE CAR AND IS UNABLE TO START IT BECAUSE OF A FAULTY LATCH AND LEVER. A…
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MY 2007 BMW 328I IS HAVING RED STEERING WHEEL WARNING DISPLAYED ON DASH. I HAVE READ AROUND THE INTERNET AND THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH BMW. REQUIRES THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN BE REPLACED. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE IF A PERSON NEEDS TO START THE CAR AND IS UNABLE TO START IT BECAUSE OF A FAULTY LATCH AND LEVER. A SIMPLE GOOGLE SEARCH OF "BMW STEERING WHEEL LOCK" BRINGS UP HUNDREDS OF PAGES AND VIDEOS OF PEOPLE HAVING ISSUES WITH THEIR VEHICLES. THE LIGHT ON MY CAR IS A STEERING WHEEL LOCK RED. I CHECKED MY BATTERY AND IT WORKS PERFECTLY FINE. THE PROBLEM IS A FAULTY STEERING LOCK. THE CERTIFIED BMW DEALER THAT SOLD THE VEHICLE SAID THIS IS NORMAL OF BMWS. NORMAL MEANING THEY KNOW IT WILL EVENTUALLY GO BAD AND THE STEERING COLUMN HAS TO BE REPLACE TO CORRECT IT. WHAT, THE STEERING COLUMN HAS TO BE REPLACED. AT SOME POINT THE VEHICLE WILL GO INTO A NO START MODE PER BMW TO PREVENT A STEERING WHEEL LOCK FROM ENGAGING WHILE OPERATING. THIS IS UNETHICAL AND COST THE CONSUMER AROUND 1500 US DOLLARS TO CORRECT.
NHTSA ODI #10893020
120,000 miles · Dec 22, 2015
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)
I WAS DRIVING AND MY CAR COMPLETELY SHUT OFF AS I COASTED DOWN THE ROAD WITH ABSOLUTELY NO BRAKES AT ALL. I WAS TERRIFIED. THERE WAS NO ELECTRICAL POWER TO MY CAR AT ALL FOR ALL OF 10 MINS. I ALMOST HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME, SWERVING ONTO A SIDE STREET TO LET MY CAR COAST UNTIL IT STOPPED. MY CAR HAS ABSOLUTELY NO COLD CRANK. …
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I WAS DRIVING AND MY CAR COMPLETELY SHUT OFF AS I COASTED DOWN THE ROAD WITH ABSOLUTELY NO BRAKES AT ALL. I WAS TERRIFIED. THERE WAS NO ELECTRICAL POWER TO MY CAR AT ALL FOR ALL OF 10 MINS. I ALMOST HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME, SWERVING ONTO A SIDE STREET TO LET MY CAR COAST UNTIL IT STOPPED. MY CAR HAS ABSOLUTELY NO COLD CRANK. THIS IS THE 3RD TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED AND NO ONE CAN FIX IT.
NHTSA ODI #10811623
55,000 miles · Jan 9, 2013
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service Brakes
ABS SYSTEM LIGHT WENT OFF - NO TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10492004
42,000 miles · Oct 17, 2011
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Latches/locks/linkages
MY DOOR LOCKS FAILED TO UNLOCK (WITH BOTH THE REMOTE ENTRY AND THE DOOR LOCK SWITCH LOCATED IN THE CAR) WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR USING THE MANUAL KEY TURN. THIS WAS REPAIRED BY REPLACING THE DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS, UNDER WARRANTY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10430501
780,000 miles · Aug 16, 2011
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Engine And Engine CoolingEquipment
I HAVE AN 2007 328I BMW WHICH STALLED AND CUTOFF ON 3 OCCASION WITHIN 4 YEARS. THEY REPLACED AS PER TECH THE FUEL INJECTION TWICE WITHIN 2 YEARS AND NOW THE CAR IS PARKED MY WARRANTY IS EXPIRED AND CUTOFF AGAIN LAST 2 WEEKS. *KB
NHTSA ODI #10419747
20,600 miles · Oct 26, 2010
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Power Train
I OWN A 2007 BMW 328I WITH 21,000 MILES ON IT. IN JULY 2009 I WAS BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY WHEN THE CAR LOST ALL STEERING POWER, THE ACCELERATOR NO LONGER FUNCTIONED, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, & THE KEY WAS UNABLE TO BE EJECTED. A BMW DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE ISSUE, SO THEY SAID THERE WAS NOT A PROBLEM WITH …
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I OWN A 2007 BMW 328I WITH 21,000 MILES ON IT. IN JULY 2009 I WAS BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY WHEN THE CAR LOST ALL STEERING POWER, THE ACCELERATOR NO LONGER FUNCTIONED, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, & THE KEY WAS UNABLE TO BE EJECTED. A BMW DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE ISSUE, SO THEY SAID THERE WAS NOT A PROBLEM WITH THE CAR. IN AUG 2009, AFTER TURNING THE CAR ON, THE CAR BEGAN TO SHAKE AND IT POWERED DOWN. AGAIN, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, AND THE KEY WAS NOT ABLE TO BE EJECTED. THE SAME BMW DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, BUT THEY SAID THEY INSTALLED SOFTWARE UPDATES. IN SEPT 2010 I WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND AT A LOW SPEED WHEN THE CAR LOST ALL STEERING CONTROL, THE ACCELERATOR DID NOTHING WHEN I PUSHED DOWN ON IT. I HAD TO PUSH THE CAR OUT OF THE ROAD. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS STILL ON, AND THE KEY WOULD NOT EJECT ITSELF. MINUTES LATER, I WAS ABLE TO GET THE KEY OUT, AND AFTER I RESTARTED THE CAR, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT OFF. (I HAVE PHOTOS OF IT ON). THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DIFFERENT BMW DEALERSHIP--BUT ONCE AGAIN, THEY WERE UNABLE TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE. THEY TESTED THE FUEL--THE FUEL WAS FINE. THEY TOLD ME THEY HAD INCENTIVE TO FIND A PROBLEM WITH THE CAR SO THAT THEY COULD BE PAID. I HAVE CONTACTED BMW N. AMERICA SEVERAL TIMES, BUT TO NO AVAIL. AT ONE POINT, I ASKED WHAT IT WOULD TAKE FOR THEM TO FIX THE CAR-- PERSONAL INJURY? PROPERTY DAMAGE? THE BMW REP SAID NO--BUT AGREED THAT I'D JUST HAVE TO WAIT IT OUT AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS. AFTER SENDING A LETTER TO BMW N. AMERICA THE CUSTOMER SERVICE REP SAID I WOULD NEED A LOCAL DEALER TO CONSENT TO HAVING AN ENGINEER LOOK AT MY CAR. HE SAID HE WOULD CONTACT THE DEALER TO SEE IF THEY WOULD GRANT ME CONSENT. HE NEVER CALLED. I HAD TO CALL ON MY OWN AND BEG THEM TO HAVE AN ENGINEER LOOK AT MY CAR. THE ENGINEER WAS UNABLE TO EXPLAIN WHY MY CAR KEEPS POWERING DOWN. HE DID HOWEVER INSTALL A SOFTWARE UPDATE. BMW WON'T HELP ME, SO MY ONLY RECOURSE IS TO SELL IT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10362449
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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