NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
398 reports3,000 miles · Jun 27, 2012
Latches/locks/linkages
THE DOOR LOCKS WOULD NOT WORK WITH THE FOB. I WAS LOCKED IN SIDE THE VEHICLE. WHEN I FINALLY GOT OUT AND TRIED TO OPEN THE DOORS FROM OUTSIDE, THE DOORS WOULD NOT OPEN. THIS SITUATION HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES OVER THE YEARS. I WAS TRAPPED INSIDE THE CAR DURING A HEAVY RAIN FALL ON THE ROAD LAST YEAR DUE TO THE DOORS NOT UNLOCKIN…
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THE DOOR LOCKS WOULD NOT WORK WITH THE FOB. I WAS LOCKED IN SIDE THE VEHICLE. WHEN I FINALLY GOT OUT AND TRIED TO OPEN THE DOORS FROM OUTSIDE, THE DOORS WOULD NOT OPEN. THIS SITUATION HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES OVER THE YEARS. I WAS TRAPPED INSIDE THE CAR DURING A HEAVY RAIN FALL ON THE ROAD LAST YEAR DUE TO THE DOORS NOT UNLOCKING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10463295
73,542 miles · Jun 18, 2012
Electrical SystemFire
I DROVE MY CAR APPROXIMATELY 2 MILES THEN GOT HOME AND TURNED MY CAR OFF. 10 MINUTES LATER I LOOK OUT THE WINDOW AND MY CAR IS ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPT. STATED THAT THE FIRE STARTED AROUND THE PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT AND THAT IT LOOKED LIKE AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10462027
Mileage unknown · Jun 6, 2012
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages
SUDDENLY ALL 3 DOORS (EXCEPT ONE PASSENGER DOOR) FAIL TO UNLOCK AND EVEN THE INSIDE DOOR KNOB WOULDN'T UNLOCK THE DOOR. IT SEEMS TO BE A VERY WELL KNOWN PROBLEM BUT BMW WOULDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM BEFORE IT HAPPENS, AND MY WARRANTY PERIOD IS OVER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10460789
Mileage unknown · Apr 24, 2012
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling
2007 328I -- I WAS DRIVING THRU MY NEIGBORHOOD IN NYC AND THE CAR SUDDENLY SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY; NO POWER, NO BRAKES, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING AT ALL.. AND THE THING IS NO WARNINGS EVER SHOWED UP.. I HOPE EVERYONE WHO'S HAD PROBLEMS LIKE THIS REPORTS THEM TO BWM BECAUSE THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AND EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. I'M LUCKY I WAS DRI…
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2007 328I -- I WAS DRIVING THRU MY NEIGBORHOOD IN NYC AND THE CAR SUDDENLY SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY; NO POWER, NO BRAKES, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING AT ALL.. AND THE THING IS NO WARNINGS EVER SHOWED UP.. I HOPE EVERYONE WHO'S HAD PROBLEMS LIKE THIS REPORTS THEM TO BWM BECAUSE THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AND EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. I'M LUCKY I WAS DRIVING LOCALLY AND THERE WEREN'T ANY CARS AROUND BECAUSE IT WAS THE SCARIEST THING I'VE EVER EXPERIENCED DRIVING A CAR. HOPE BMW STEPS UP BEFORE SOMETHING CATASTROPHIC HAPPENS, LIKE TOYOTA HAD THEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10456404
64,799 miles · Apr 21, 2012
Engine And Engine Cooling
OIL LEAKING FROM HEAD GASKET. THE ALUMINUM BOLTS USED IN THE ENGINE WARPED CAUSING LEAK. HAD TO REPLACE HEAD GASKET AND ALL HEADBOLTS. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10455963
Mileage unknown · Apr 12, 2012
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkagesStructure
MODEL: 2007 BMW 328I. THE ELECTRONIC "DOOR ACTUATORS" FAILED. AS A RESULT, IT BECAME IMPOSSIBLE TO OPEN ANY DOOR OF THE VEHICLE FROM THE INSIDE, EXCEPT THE DRIVER'S DOOR. WHEN THESE ELECTRONIC DOOR ACTUATORS FAIL, PASSENGERS ARE TRAPPED IN OR OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THE SERVICE ADVISOR AT THE DEALERSHIP (WEATHERFORD BMW, BERKELEY, C…
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MODEL: 2007 BMW 328I. THE ELECTRONIC "DOOR ACTUATORS" FAILED. AS A RESULT, IT BECAME IMPOSSIBLE TO OPEN ANY DOOR OF THE VEHICLE FROM THE INSIDE, EXCEPT THE DRIVER'S DOOR. WHEN THESE ELECTRONIC DOOR ACTUATORS FAIL, PASSENGERS ARE TRAPPED IN OR OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THE SERVICE ADVISOR AT THE DEALERSHIP (WEATHERFORD BMW, BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA) EXPLAINED THAT HE NEW EXACTLY WHAT WAS WRONG WITH MY VEHICLE BECAUSE THEY RECEIVED A BULLETIN REGARDING THIS (MEANING THIS IS A "KNOWN ISSUE" TO BMW WITH THIS MODEL CAR! MY QUESTION WAS IF BMW HAS RECEIVED MAJOR COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PARTICULAR ISSUE, WHY WOULD"NT IT BE RECALLED...HE ADVISED ME THAT ARE NORMALLY PERTAINED TO "SAFETY", WE"LL WHAT WOULD YOU CONSIDER THIS SITUATION...SAFE? $900.00 WAS MY QUOTE TO HAVE THIS FIXED! RIDICULOUS!!! WE STRONGLY SUGGEST THAT THIS DEFECT BE INVESTIGATED, AND THAT THE SUBJECT VEHICLES BE RECALLED SO THAT THE DEFECT CAN BE CORRECTED BEFORE DEATHS OR INJURIES OCCUR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10455007
Mileage unknown · Mar 20, 2012
Steering
STEERING WHEEL LOCK MALFUNCTION WHICH IS INHERENT ON THIS MODEL. BMW REFUSES TO RECALL THE ITEM. THEY HAVE SINCE CORRECTED THE MALFUNCTION ON SUBSEQUENT YEARS. REPAIR COST $1800 MIN. I WILL ADD THIS COMPLAINT TO THE EVER GROWING LIST I AM SURE YOU HAVE ON THIS MODEL. HOPEFULLY YOU WILL ATTEND TO THE DANGEROUS PROBLEM. THE STEERI…
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STEERING WHEEL LOCK MALFUNCTION WHICH IS INHERENT ON THIS MODEL. BMW REFUSES TO RECALL THE ITEM. THEY HAVE SINCE CORRECTED THE MALFUNCTION ON SUBSEQUENT YEARS. REPAIR COST $1800 MIN. I WILL ADD THIS COMPLAINT TO THE EVER GROWING LIST I AM SURE YOU HAVE ON THIS MODEL. HOPEFULLY YOU WILL ATTEND TO THE DANGEROUS PROBLEM. THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS YOU CRASH. *KB
NHTSA ODI #10452435
90,000 miles · Mar 14, 2012
Engine And Engine CoolingSteering
I WAS LEFT STRANDED IN A PARKING LOT WITH THE STEERING WHEEL LOCK LIGHT SHOWING. I WAS NOT ABLE TO START THE CAR AT ALL AND I WAS UPSET BECAUSE I COULD NOT MOVE THE CAR AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE CLOSEST PLACE WHICH WAS AN EXTREME BURDEN ON ME FINANCIALLY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10451711
47,900 miles · Mar 5, 2012
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages
DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR FAILURE: FRONT DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS FAILED DISALLOWING EXIT FROM ALL DOORS EXCEPT THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT DOOR. PASSENGERS COULD ONLY EXIT THE VEHICLE BY CRAWLING OUT OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT DOOR. THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR AND BOTH REAR DOORS COULD NOT BE OPENED BY USING THE INTERIOR OR EXTERIOR DOORHANDLES. …
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DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR FAILURE: FRONT DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS FAILED DISALLOWING EXIT FROM ALL DOORS EXCEPT THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT DOOR. PASSENGERS COULD ONLY EXIT THE VEHICLE BY CRAWLING OUT OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT DOOR. THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR AND BOTH REAR DOORS COULD NOT BE OPENED BY USING THE INTERIOR OR EXTERIOR DOORHANDLES. FURTHERMORE, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM DISALLOWED ANY UNLOCKING OF THESE THREE DOORS AS WELL. FORTUNATELY, THE CAR WAS NOT INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT DURING THIS DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR FAILURE. DURING THE TIME OF THIS INCIDENT. CAR WAS TAKEN TO BMW DEALER (PASSPORT) FOR REPAIR AND WHEN ASKED ABOUT THE SAFETY IMPLICATIONS SAID IT IS UNFORTUNATE BUT ALL CARS WITH ELECTRONIC LOCKS RESPOND THIS WAY WHEN THE CENTRAL LOCKING SYSTEM FAILS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10450297
42,000 miles · Feb 19, 2012
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages
CAR WAS PARKED, AND WHEN KEY FAB WAS USED TO UNLOCK THE DOORS TO ENTER THE CAR THE LOCKS DID NOT WORK. ONLY WHEN THE EMERGENCY KEY WAS USED DID THE DRIVER DOOR OPEN MANUALLY. NO OTHER DOORS WOULD OPEN LOCKING ANY PASSENGERS IN THE CAR. DEALERSHIP RECOMMENDED CHANGE OF FUSES WHICH WAS DONE AND DID NOT SOLVE THE DOOR LOCK PROBLEM…
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CAR WAS PARKED, AND WHEN KEY FAB WAS USED TO UNLOCK THE DOORS TO ENTER THE CAR THE LOCKS DID NOT WORK. ONLY WHEN THE EMERGENCY KEY WAS USED DID THE DRIVER DOOR OPEN MANUALLY. NO OTHER DOORS WOULD OPEN LOCKING ANY PASSENGERS IN THE CAR. DEALERSHIP RECOMMENDED CHANGE OF FUSES WHICH WAS DONE AND DID NOT SOLVE THE DOOR LOCK PROBLEM. THE CENTRAL LOCKING SYSTEM WAS STILL NOT WORKING. DEALER RECOMMENDED CHANGING THE DOOR ACTUATORS FOR $3000 EVEN THOUGH THIS IS A KNOWN SAFETY ISSUE. CENTRAL LOCKING ALSO CAUSED THE GAS CAP TO REMAIN LOCKED AND POSSIBLY STRANDING THE DRIVER AT THE GAS STATION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10448503
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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