NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
398 reports118,261 miles · Dec 20, 2017
Electrical System
IN DECEMBER OF 2016, MY CAR STARTED BLOWING A BURNING SMELL THROUGH THE AIR VENTS, WHILE I WAS DRIVING THROUGH A NEIGHBORHOOD. I PARKED MY CAR AND TURNED IT OFF IN A MEDIAN AREA AND THEN I TURNED OFF THE AC AND WHITE SMOKE STARTED BILLOWING OUT OF THE VENTS. IT WAS ELECTRICAL WIRES CATCHING FIRE. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE MECHANIC AN…
Read full complaint
IN DECEMBER OF 2016, MY CAR STARTED BLOWING A BURNING SMELL THROUGH THE AIR VENTS, WHILE I WAS DRIVING THROUGH A NEIGHBORHOOD. I PARKED MY CAR AND TURNED IT OFF IN A MEDIAN AREA AND THEN I TURNED OFF THE AC AND WHITE SMOKE STARTED BILLOWING OUT OF THE VENTS. IT WAS ELECTRICAL WIRES CATCHING FIRE. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE MECHANIC AND HE SAID IT WAS THE BLOWER MOTOR AND BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR THAT NEEDING REPLACING. THE WIRE CONNECTIONS DETERIORATED, MELTED, AND OVERHEATED, CATCHING FIRE. THE COST OF THIS REPLACEMENT WAS $573.60 OUT OF POCKET. I CHECKED A RECALL WEBSITE AND NOTICED THAT A SAFETY RECALL FOR THESE PARTS WERE LISTED IN OCTOBER OF 2017, WITH EXACT DESCRIPTION OF MY PROBLEM THAT OCCURRED IN DECEMBER 2016. I WOULD APPRECIATE A REIMBURSEMENT ON THIS REPAIR AS THIS RECALL SHOULD HAVE BEEN FOUND MUCH SOONER.
NHTSA ODI #11055793
117,000 miles · Dec 15, 2017
Electrical SystemEngineFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 328I. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF THE IGNITION AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. THE SMOKE CLEARED AND HE CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. INTERMITTENTLY, THE CONTACT DETECTED A BURNING PLASTIC ODOR COMING FROM THE VENTS. THERE WERE NO WARNIN…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 328I. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF THE IGNITION AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. THE SMOKE CLEARED AND HE CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. INTERMITTENTLY, THE CONTACT DETECTED A BURNING PLASTIC ODOR COMING FROM THE VENTS. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC OR DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR AGO, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE SHOOK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AND WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A STARTER, VALVE COVER, AND IGNITION MALFUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000.
NHTSA ODI #11055006
Mileage unknown · Dec 15, 2017
Steering
I WAS DRIVING THE WHOLE WEEKEND AND NOW MY CAR WON'T START I CHANGED THE BATTERY AND NOW SOME RED SYMBOL IS COMING UP AND I HAD LOOK IT UP ON YOU TUBE AND THEY ARE SAYING THAT MY STEERING WHEEL IS LOCK AND I HAVE NO IDEA WHY BECAUSE I WAS DRIVING THE NIGHT BEFORE AND NOW MY CAR WON'T START ALL BECAUSE OF SOME LOCKED SYMBOL
NHTSA ODI #11054993
Mileage unknown · Dec 15, 2017
Air Bags
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS) WAS RECEIVED IN FEBRUARY OF 2016. AFTER NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WERE NOT AVAILABLE AND NO ESTIMATED TIME FOR RECEI…
Read full complaint
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS) WAS RECEIVED IN FEBRUARY OF 2016. AFTER NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WERE NOT AVAILABLE AND NO ESTIMATED TIME FOR RECEIVING THE PARTS COULD BE GIVEN. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #11054970
98,000 miles · Dec 9, 2017
Exterior Lighting
FRONT HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY'S, BOTH RIGHT AND LEFT, THE WIRING INSULATION IS FALLING OFF OF ALL THE HEADLIGHT WIRES THUS LEAVING AN ARRAY OF COMPLETELY EXPOSED COPPER WIRING. UPON READING IN THE BIMMER COMPUTER FORUM THIS IS A COMMON HAPPENING IN MOST ~ 2000 VINTAGE BMW'S. BMW'S RESPONSE IS THIS IS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR AND BLAME…
Read full complaint
FRONT HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY'S, BOTH RIGHT AND LEFT, THE WIRING INSULATION IS FALLING OFF OF ALL THE HEADLIGHT WIRES THUS LEAVING AN ARRAY OF COMPLETELY EXPOSED COPPER WIRING. UPON READING IN THE BIMMER COMPUTER FORUM THIS IS A COMMON HAPPENING IN MOST ~ 2000 VINTAGE BMW'S. BMW'S RESPONSE IS THIS IS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR AND BLAMED ON FLORIDA WEATHER EVEN THOUGH THIS DOESN'T EXIST IN OTHER AUTO MODEL'S.
NHTSA ODI #11053600
Mileage unknown · Dec 5, 2017
Electrical SystemEngine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER (…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER (HONDA BMW OF CHAMPAIGN, 100 BURWASH AVE, SAVOY, IL 61874) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AT 800-525-7417 AND ASKED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. A CASE NUMBER WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. *BF UPDATED 8/27/18*JB
NHTSA ODI #11052559
112,000 miles · Dec 4, 2017
Air Bags
TAKATA RECALL HI MY AIRBAG LIGHTS KEEP COMING ON AND OFF ON THE DASH AND ABOVE I GOT THE RECALL NOTICE AND NEED IT FIXED
NHTSA ODI #11052141
146,117 miles · Nov 29, 2017
Air Bags
TAKATA RECALL - NOTICE FROM TAKATA STATES BOTH AIRBAGS ARE DEFECTIVE, YET BMW ONLY REPLACED MY DRIVER SIDE BAGS EVEN THOUGH MY CAR DASH IS WARNING THAT MY PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG IS DEFECTIVE AND OR HAS A PROBLEM. SHOULDN'T BOTH BAGS BE REPLACED IN RECALL. I'M A REALTOR AND OFTEN CARRY PASSENGERS.
NHTSA ODI #11051357
134,000 miles · Nov 25, 2017
Exterior Lighting
BLINKERS CONTINUE TO GO OUT THE BULBS ARE FINE SO ARE THE SOCKETS. THEY SOMETIMES WORK BUT MOST OF THE TIME NOT AFTER READING ONLINE I FOUND THERE ARE SEVERAL OTHERS WITH SIMILAR IF NOT THE SAME EXACT ISSUES. THEY HAVE FOUND THERE TO BE SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE FRM MODULES. IF YOU PLAY WITH THE BULB LONG ENOUGH OR VERY SLOWLY T…
Read full complaint
BLINKERS CONTINUE TO GO OUT THE BULBS ARE FINE SO ARE THE SOCKETS. THEY SOMETIMES WORK BUT MOST OF THE TIME NOT AFTER READING ONLINE I FOUND THERE ARE SEVERAL OTHERS WITH SIMILAR IF NOT THE SAME EXACT ISSUES. THEY HAVE FOUND THERE TO BE SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE FRM MODULES. IF YOU PLAY WITH THE BULB LONG ENOUGH OR VERY SLOWLY TURN THE SOCKET IT MIGHT COME ON BUT DECIDES WETHER TO STAY ON OR NOT THERE IS NO PATTERN TO IT.
NHTSA ODI #11048386
80,000 miles · Nov 13, 2017
Air Bags
TAKATA RECALL: PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEFECT. MESSAGE THAT COMES ON WHEN ENGINE FIRST TURNED ON AND STATIONARY, READS: "FAULT IN PASSENGER-RESTRAINT SYSTEM AFFECTING AIR BAG, BELT TENSION OR BELT FORCE LIMITER. CONTINUE TO WEAR SEAT BELT." HOWEVER, THIS CAR NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL WHEN I CHECK LICENSE NUMBER.
NHTSA ODI #11045736
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 ↗
Illustration