IllustrationWHEN A PERSON IS SEATED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, THE SEAT BELT AND LARGE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHTS COME ON THE DASH AND STAY ON. ONCE THE PASSENGER EXITS THE CAR, THE LIGHTS GO OFF. I SEE THERE ARE RECALLS FOR THE 2006 328I BUT NOT FOR THE 2007. I AM CONCERNED THAT IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT, THE AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY. *TR
2007 BMW 328I
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most 328I years
Owner complaints for the 2007 BMW 328I are substantially higher than the model-year median of 98.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all 328I years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
250–25K
3625–50K
6350–75K
5375–100K
76100–150K
21150K+
274 reports with mileage · 124 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Electrical System. Review the 128 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Air Bags. Review the 105 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine. Review the 65 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
11 crash reports28 fire reports9 injury reports
Seat Belts complaints
15 reportsI OWN A 2007 328I ,RECENTLY MY CAR HAS BEEN GIVING ME AN ERROR MESSAGE DUE TO THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG SENSOR. WHENEVER, A PASSENGER SITS IN THE FRONT IT, A LIGHT TURNS ON LETTING ME KNOW THAT THE AIRBAG IS OFF. THIS MEANS THAT IN CASE OF A SERIOUS CAR ACCIDENT THE AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY AND THE PASSENGER'S LIFE WILL BE AT …
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I OWN A 2007 328I ,RECENTLY MY CAR HAS BEEN GIVING ME AN ERROR MESSAGE DUE TO THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG SENSOR. WHENEVER, A PASSENGER SITS IN THE FRONT IT, A LIGHT TURNS ON LETTING ME KNOW THAT THE AIRBAG IS OFF. THIS MEANS THAT IN CASE OF A SERIOUS CAR ACCIDENT THE AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY AND THE PASSENGER'S LIFE WILL BE AT RISK. AFTER THE ERROR MESSAGE I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND OUT THAT THE ISSUE IS VERY COMMON IN THE 3-SERIES. BMW ACTUALLY DID A VOLUNTARY RECALL BUT IT ONLY INVOLVED 2006 3-SERIES. HOWEVER, I AM EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE THAT THE RECALL WAS ABOUT. I TOOK MY CAR TO BMW PACIFIC IN GLENDALE AND INFORMED ME THAT THEY WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO HELP ME SINCE MY CAR WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. HERE IS THE RECALL THAT BMW ANNOUNCED: "STATEMENT ON VOLUNTARY RECALL INVOLVING FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR MAT ON U.S.A. MODEL BMWS - AUGUST 13, 2008 TODAY, BMW ANNOUNCED A VOLUNTARY RECALL REGARDING THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG SEAT SENSOR MAT INVOLVING APPROXIMATELY 200,000 MODEL YEAR 2004-06 VEHICLES. AFFECTED ARE CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 3-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2004-06 5-SERIES, AND MODEL YEAR 2004-06 X3 VEHICLES, DEPENDING UPON SEAT TYPE. BMW HAS FOUND THAT THE SENSOR MAT MAY BECOME DAMAGED DURING VEHICLE USAGE DEPENDING UPON THE MANNER AND FREQUENCY OF THE FRONT PASSENGER'S ENTRY AND EXIT. LINK: HTTP://WWW.BMWUSA.COM/STANDARD/CONTENT/CONTACTUS/VOLUNTARYRECALL.ASPX I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY BMW ONLY COVERED 06 MODELS WHEN 07 MODELS ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME EXACT ISSUE. I FEEL THAT THIS IS VERY IRRESPONSIBLE AND NEGLIGIBLE ON THEIR PART. I REALLY HOPE THAT YOU CAN HELP ME OUT WITH THE ISSUE THAT I AM EXPERIENCING AND INCLUDE MY CAR IN THE RECALL. I HAVE A WIFE AND DAUGHTER THAT RIDE WITH ME AND THE LAST THING I WANT IS FOR ANYONE TO GET SERIOUSLY HURT OVER SOMETHING THAT CAN BE PREVENTED BY BMW. THANK YOU. *TR
I TOOK THE CAR INTO THE SHOP FOR A BATTERY CHANGE AND UPON PICKING UP THE CAR THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT WENT ON. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE SHOP AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS CON-INCIDENTAL THAT IT HAPPENED ON THAT DAY AND WOULD COST OVER $1000 TO FIX. I GOT A SECOND OPINION AND WAS TOLD BY DEALERSHIP THAT THE MAT SENS…
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I TOOK THE CAR INTO THE SHOP FOR A BATTERY CHANGE AND UPON PICKING UP THE CAR THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT WENT ON. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE SHOP AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS CON-INCIDENTAL THAT IT HAPPENED ON THAT DAY AND WOULD COST OVER $1000 TO FIX. I GOT A SECOND OPINION AND WAS TOLD BY DEALERSHIP THAT THE MAT SENSOR IS BROKE AND MAY DEPLOY IN ACCIDENT WHETHER OR NOT SOMEONE IS SITTING IN THE SEAT. I LOOKED ON THE INTERNET AND SAW THAT A RECALL WAS ISSUED BY YOU FOR MODELS 2006 AND EARLIER FOR THE SAME ISSUE. AFTER SPEAKING WITH BMW CORPORATE, I WAS TOLD TO REGISTER A COMPLAINT WITH YOU THAT THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO UNLESS THE NHTSA ISSUES A RECALL. *TR
EVERY TIME I HAVE A PASSENGER THE AIRBAG LIGHT REMAINS ON. WHEN THERE IS A PASSENGER SITTING IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AND THEN GETS OUT OF THE CAR, THE SENSOR THINKS THE PERSON IS STILL SITTING IN THE SEAT AND KEEPS REMINDING ME TO PUT ON THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT, PLUS THE AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINS ON. AFTER 3 TO 4 DAYS, ALL THE W…
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EVERY TIME I HAVE A PASSENGER THE AIRBAG LIGHT REMAINS ON. WHEN THERE IS A PASSENGER SITTING IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AND THEN GETS OUT OF THE CAR, THE SENSOR THINKS THE PERSON IS STILL SITTING IN THE SEAT AND KEEPS REMINDING ME TO PUT ON THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT, PLUS THE AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINS ON. AFTER 3 TO 4 DAYS, ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS GO OFF. BUT LATELY, THE LIGHTS REMAIN ON FOR MONTHS. IS THE PROBLEM RELATED WITH THE PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR MAT? ISN'T THIS SUPPOSE TO BE A DELTA GOVERNMENT REGULATED ISSUE? ISN'T IT ALSO DANGEROUS? DOES THIS MEAN THE AIR BAG IS DEACTIVATED? WHAT IF I GET INTO AN ACCIDENT AND I HAVE A PASSENGER? PLEASE HELP. *TR
THERE WAS A RECALL FOR 2006 (I DRIVE A 2007) MODELS OF THIS VEHICLE FOR THE PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR MAT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. WHEN THIS MAT BECOMES DEFECTIVE, IT DISABLES AIRBAG SYSTEMS IN THE VEHICLES. THIS HAS BEEN A KNOWN PROBLEM SINCE 2008 (WHEN THE RECALL WAS ISSUED), HOWEVER THESE CARS WERE PRODUCED FROM 2006-2008…
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THERE WAS A RECALL FOR 2006 (I DRIVE A 2007) MODELS OF THIS VEHICLE FOR THE PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR MAT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. WHEN THIS MAT BECOMES DEFECTIVE, IT DISABLES AIRBAG SYSTEMS IN THE VEHICLES. THIS HAS BEEN A KNOWN PROBLEM SINCE 2008 (WHEN THE RECALL WAS ISSUED), HOWEVER THESE CARS WERE PRODUCED FROM 2006-2008+ BEFORE THE RECALL WAS ISSUED. THE RECALL ONLY COVERS 2006 MODELS WHICH IS ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS. IF THE SAME EXACT VEHICLE CONTINUES TO BE PRODUCED WITH THE SAME DEFECTIVE PART THAT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM, BUT YOU ONLY COVER ONE YEAR OF IT BEING PRODUCED WHEN THERE WERE THREE, WHAT GOOD IS THAT? WHY IS IT THAT I HAVE TO DRIVE AROUND IN A CAR THAT HAS A KNOWN DEFECTIVE AIRBAG SYSTEM BECAUSE OF THE DEFECTIVE DETECTION MAT AND BET ON MY LUCK THAT I DON'T GET IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT AND BE CAUGHT WITH NO AIR BAGS FOR SAFETY. THIS IS A SERIOUS LAWSUIT WAITING TO HAPPEN THE MINUTE SOMEONE GETS IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE AIRBAGS DON'T DEPLOY DUE TO THE FAILED PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR. I KNOW YOU HAVE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS. REFER TO: HTTP://WWW-ODI.NHTSA.DOT.GOV/RECALLS/RECALLRESULTS.CFM?START=1&SEARCHTYPE=QUICKSEARCH&RCL_ID=08V384000&SUMMARY=TRUE&PROD_ID=218996&PRINTVERSION=YES. *TR
Official recalls
624V513000 · Air Bags:frontal; Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
Jul 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.
20V017000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
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.
17V683000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:crankcase (pcv)
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.
17V676000 · Electrical System:wiring
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.
13V564000 · Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification
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.
13V044000 · Electrical System; Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery:cables; Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers
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 ↗
NHTSA investigations
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.