NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
7 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Jul 20, 2026
Electrical SystemPower TrainFire
Hello I contacted bmw about a recall on my vehicle and made an appointment the gentleman I spoke with at first did the whole recall appointment. He wasn’t there on the day of and the other technician refused to conduct the recall repair and very rudely said to me you either pay $500 for diagnosing or you come pick up your car no…
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Hello I contacted bmw about a recall on my vehicle and made an appointment the gentleman I spoke with at first did the whole recall appointment. He wasn’t there on the day of and the other technician refused to conduct the recall repair and very rudely said to me you either pay $500 for diagnosing or you come pick up your car now otherwise I will charge you $200 daily storage he said the car didn’t start I told him yes of course is due to that recall which caused a meltdown leading to smoke coming in from the vents cutting all power to car . This guy refused to understand the situation and was really rude he said I have til the end of today to pick up the car and he disregard my appointment and refuse to fix it. So I call my AAA tow truck to pick up my vehicle and the refused to release it so now my car isn’t getting fixed and it’s being hold hostage
NHTSA ODI #11751455
120,000 miles · Jul 24, 2018
Power Train
WHEN I START A TRIP MY CAR MAKES AN STRONG NOISE ON THE BACK. I'M PRETTY SURE IT COMES FROM THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL AXLE-FINAL DRIVE ASSY. MY CAR HAS 123206 MILLES. I USUALLY MAKE ANY MAINTENANCE ON TIME. I'M REALLY WORRY ABOUT THIS STRONG NOISE, CAUSE THIS CAR IS DRIVING EVERYDAY BY MY WIFE WITH OUR BABY INSIDE.
NHTSA ODI #11113231
Mileage unknown · Jun 15, 2017
EnginePower TrainSuspension
OIL LEAKS IN THE MOTOR WHEN PARKED. GRINDING OR KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE LOWER PART OF THE REAR SUSPENSION ONLY WHEN MOVING IN REVERSE.
NHTSA ODI #10995320
163,500 miles · Sep 21, 2015
Electrical SystemPower TrainSteering
AFTER, I PARKED MY CAR IN THE GARAGE. (NOTHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY, DAILY ROUTINE, NORMAL CONDITIONS). MY CAR WOULDN'T START. IT DISPLAYED A "POWER STEERING WHEEL LOCKED" ICON WARNING WHEN I TRIED TO START THE IGNITION. THE IGNITION SPARK WASNT THERE. THE LIGHTS ALSO DIMMED AS I TRIED TO GET STARTED.
NHTSA ODI #10766445
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
25,000 miles · Nov 9, 2009
Power Train
2007 BMW 328I COUPE, 6-SPEED MANUAL FAILS TO GO INTO 1ST OCCASIONALLY. I HAVE BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE SHOP 4 TIMES AND IT STILL SOMETIMES WILL NOT ENGAGE 1ST GEAR WITH THE CLUTCH PRESSED ALL THE WAY DOWN. THE ISSUE HAS CAUSED ME TO BE STALLED AT AN INTERSECTION TWICE AND IN REVERSE ONCE BY ACCIDENT DUE TO THE PANIC OF NOT ENGAG…
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2007 BMW 328I COUPE, 6-SPEED MANUAL FAILS TO GO INTO 1ST OCCASIONALLY. I HAVE BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE SHOP 4 TIMES AND IT STILL SOMETIMES WILL NOT ENGAGE 1ST GEAR WITH THE CLUTCH PRESSED ALL THE WAY DOWN. THE ISSUE HAS CAUSED ME TO BE STALLED AT AN INTERSECTION TWICE AND IN REVERSE ONCE BY ACCIDENT DUE TO THE PANIC OF NOT ENGAGING 1 ST GEAR. THIS WAS ESCALATED TO THE REGIONAL SERVICE ADVISOR FOR THE SOUTHEAST AND HE STATE THE CAR IS DESIGNED TO DO THIS??? THE ARE COMPLAINTS ALL OVER THE WEB ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND IT IS DANGEROUS! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10291461
23,399 miles · Apr 20, 2009
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
MY VEHICLE SHAKES AND SHUTS DOWN WHEN IM STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT AND EVEN SOMETIMES WHEN I PUT IT ON IN THE MORNING, THIS HAS HAPPENED MORE THAN FIVE OR SIX TIMES SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE, I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY KEEP SAYING THEY CAN NOT FIND THE PROBLEM AND THEY REFRESH A COMPUTER THEY SAY. ALSO THE SERVI…
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MY VEHICLE SHAKES AND SHUTS DOWN WHEN IM STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT AND EVEN SOMETIMES WHEN I PUT IT ON IN THE MORNING, THIS HAS HAPPENED MORE THAN FIVE OR SIX TIMES SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE, I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY KEEP SAYING THEY CAN NOT FIND THE PROBLEM AND THEY REFRESH A COMPUTER THEY SAY. ALSO THE SERVICE LIGHT COMES ON WHEN I HAVE THIS PROBLEM AND BEFORE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10266110
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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