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

What owners actually said

398 reports

140,000 miles · Feb 25, 2020

Electrical System

THE HEATER TURNS ON BY ITSELF WHEN THE CAR IS OFF AND KILLS MY BATTERY....HAVING LOTS OF OTHER ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR NOT STARTING..THE DRIVER SIDE MIRROR MOTOR TURNS ON SPARATICALLY WHICH DRAINS THE BATTERY...NOW THE CAR DOESN'T START AT ALL AND THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ENGAGE WHEN I PUSH THE START BUTTON

NHTSA ODI #11311324

92,234 miles · Jan 15, 2020

Air Bags

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MY VEHICLES PASSENGER AIRBAG IS DEACTIVATED AND MY PASSENGER SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT AS WELL AS THE RED AIRBAG MALFUNCTION LIGHT STAY ON NO MATTER WHAT EVEN WHEN SOMEONE IS SITTING IN THE SEAT AND WHETHER THE CAR IS MOBILE OR STATIONARY, I WAS TOLD IT'S DUE TO THE PASSENGER OCCUPANCY SENSOR THAT HAS DETERIORATED OVER TIME ,I ALSO HAVE READ THAT RECALLS WERE MADE FOR THE ISSUE BUT NOT FOR THE COUPE FOR SOME REASON ,WHICH I DONT GET MY CAR HAS THE STANDARD SEATS IN IT AND IS MADE WITH THE SAME EXACT PART THAT WAS RECALLED ON OTHER MODELS WHY IS MY CAR EXCLUDED WHEN THE SEDAN AND WAGON OF THE SAME YEAR WERE INCLUDED?

NHTSA ODI #11299442

105,000 miles · Nov 20, 2019

Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

I AM HAVING A NO START, NO CRANK PROBLEM, NEW BATTERY, REMOVE STARTER, CHECKED OK, FUSES, OK. REPAIR CABLE BUT CODE SILL APPEAR, MONTH LATER N START OR CRANK. THIS WEEK BROUGHT NEW CABLE IT DETONATED. HAD CAR TOWED AND NOW AT HOME. OWNED THIS CAR SINCE JULY 2018 AND TOTALLY UPSET. THIS IS MY SECOND BMW AND I LOVE IT. I AM NO SUR…

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NHTSA ODI #11281279

97,000 miles · Oct 30, 2019

Electrical SystemFire

MY CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY DUE TO A FAULTY WIRING HARNESS THAT BMW FAILED TO NOTIFY OWNERS ABOUT. THE CAR HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN IN SEVERAL WEEKS. IF THE CAR WAS IN THE GARAGE MULTIPLE FATALITIES COULD HAVE OCCURED.

NHTSA ODI #11277121

92,000 miles · Oct 18, 2019

Engine

CAR SMOKES HEAVY WHITE SMOKE IF YOU TAKE OFF FAST. CAR THEN RATTLES, SHAKES, ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND ENGINE SHAKES A LOT. YOU SHUT OFF THE CAR, WAIT 10 SECONDS RESTART AND IT IS NORMAL UNTIL NEXT TIME YOU GIVE IT A LITTLE TO MUCH GAS, WHILE IN MOTION. CAR BURNS A QUART OF OIL ABOUT EVERY 3 THOUSAND MILES. HAPPENS DAILY.

NHTSA ODI #11269457

60,000 miles · Aug 12, 2019

Air Bags

RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION! PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM - FAULT IN PASSENGER-RESTRAINT SYSTEM AFFECTING AIRBAG, BELT TENSIONER OR BELT-FORCE LIMITER. THIS STARTED HAPPENING 4-5 YEARS AGO WHEN PEOPLE WOULD SIT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. IT USED TO COME & GO. IT NEVER GOES OFF NOW.

NHTSA ODI #11243394

53,774 miles · Aug 9, 2019

Visibility/wiper

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 328I. WHILE THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND WAS CLEANING THE WINDSHIELD, HE NOTICED THE SEAL AROUND THE GLASS THAT SECURED IT WAS PEELING AND HAD CRACKS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A CHUNK OF THE BLACK SEAL WAS CRUMBLING OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO D-PATRICK BMW SHOWROOM (200 N GREEN RIVER RD, EVANSVILLE, IN 47715, (812) 473-6500) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT IF THEY REMOVED THE WINDSHIELD TO REPAIR THE FAILURE, IT COULD BE A 50/50 CHANCE THE WINDSHIELD COULD BREAK AND THE CONTACT WOULD NEED TO PAY OUT OF POCKET. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,774. CONSUMER STATED CALLED THE MANUFACTURER HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 AND NOTIFIED THEM OF THE DESIGN FLAW. THEIR REPLY WAS THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY.*JB

NHTSA ODI #11242782

155,000 miles · Aug 7, 2019

Steering

STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKING UP WHICH CAUSES THE CAR NOT TO START. BMW HAS A SERVICE BULLETIN ON IT BUT IT HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED

NHTSA ODI #11242371

121,417 miles · Jun 17, 2019

Electrical System

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COMFORT ACCESS IS BLOWING FUSE. CAN'T EXIT MY CAR W INSIDE HANDLES, ALL DOORS (ONLY SOMETIMES THOUGH) HAVE TO ROLL DOWN DRIVER WINDOW, INSERT MANUAL KEY TO UNLOCK DOOR. OTHER TIMES, THE PASSENGER DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK AT ALL. THIS IS DANGEROUS. WITHOUT POWER TO THE WINDOWS, HOW WOULD ONE ESCAPE? THE FOB WILL NOT UNLOCK THE DOORS AT ALL. AS MENTIONED, SOMETIMES I CAN MANUALLY OPEN WITH THE HANDLE INSIDE THE CAR AND OTHER TIMES NOT AT ALL. LOCKS BROKEN AT ALL STAGES, STATIONARY OR MOVING.

NHTSA ODI #11220712

199,999 miles · Jun 14, 2019

Electrical System

MY CAR IS LOSING POWER RANDOMLY, AND HAS A BURNING SMELL. INSPECTED SOME OF THE WIRES AND MY MAIN WIRE GOING INTO MY FUSE BOX LOOKS A LITTLE BURNT AND HAS A COLOR CHANGE TO IT.

NHTSA ODI #11220216

Official recalls

24V513000 · 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

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

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

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

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

Consequence: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Electrical System

Consequence: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

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

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.