NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electronic Stability Control (esc) complaints
4 reportsClear category filter120,000 miles · Aug 25, 2020
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Exterior Lighting
THE FOTWELL MODULES ON THESE CARS ARE DEFECTIVE..THERE WAS AN EXTENDED WARAANTY COVERING THIS TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FRM(OR FOOTWELL MODULE)BUT IT DOES NOT INCLUDE THIS CAR..THE CAR'S HEADLIGHTS, BRAKELIGHTS, DOMELITES STAY ON WITH CAR OFF, THUS DRAINIG THE BATTERY. THE CAR THEN LACKS POWER AND CAN SHUT OFF EVEN WHEN DRIVING C…
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THE FOTWELL MODULES ON THESE CARS ARE DEFECTIVE..THERE WAS AN EXTENDED WARAANTY COVERING THIS TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FRM(OR FOOTWELL MODULE)BUT IT DOES NOT INCLUDE THIS CAR..THE CAR'S HEADLIGHTS, BRAKELIGHTS, DOMELITES STAY ON WITH CAR OFF, THUS DRAINIG THE BATTERY. THE CAR THEN LACKS POWER AND CAN SHUT OFF EVEN WHEN DRIVING CAUSING A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. IN THIS MODEL CAR, THESE ARE FMR2 MODULES THAT CAN'T BE REBUILT. BMW 328I HAS A SUPECEEDED PART AND I CALLED THEM AND THEY WONT COVER THE COST OR HONOR THE WARRANTY FOR THIS CAR. THUS I AM SUBMITTING THIS AS I HEARD SEVERAL OTHER BMW ONWNERS WITH SIMILAR MODELS HAVE EXPERIENCED DEFECTIVE FOOTWELL MODULES..I STRONGLY FEEL MY CAR SHOULD BE INCLUDED AS A RECALL OR EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THIS PART. YOU CANNOT REPLACE IT AS BMW PARTS NO LONGER CARRIES IT, THUS HOW TO YOU GET THIS CAR TO RUN WITH THE BATTERY DRAINING WITH LIGHTS ON?? THIS POSES A DANGER IF VEHICLE STALLS WITH BATTERY VOLTAGE DECLINING AS CAR WILL NO LONGER RUN,,EVEN WHEN DRIVING.
NHTSA ODI #11351276
57,000 miles · Feb 28, 2017
Air BagsElectronic Stability Control (esc)Steering
"SEAT-BELT LIGHT/TAKATA RECALL, IT SEEMS THAT MY VIN NUMBER IS NOT LISTED AMONG THE VEHICLES RECALLED BUT MY AIRBAG LIGHTS HAVE BEEN COMING ON AND OFF AS WELL AS SEATBELT LIGHTS AND I BELIEVE THAT THE TWO SYSTEMS ARE LINKED AND SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED FOR SECURITY REASONS, THE LIGHTS CAME ON AS THE VEHICLE WAS IN SLOW MOTION AS I…
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"SEAT-BELT LIGHT/TAKATA RECALL, IT SEEMS THAT MY VIN NUMBER IS NOT LISTED AMONG THE VEHICLES RECALLED BUT MY AIRBAG LIGHTS HAVE BEEN COMING ON AND OFF AS WELL AS SEATBELT LIGHTS AND I BELIEVE THAT THE TWO SYSTEMS ARE LINKED AND SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED FOR SECURITY REASONS, THE LIGHTS CAME ON AS THE VEHICLE WAS IN SLOW MOTION AS I WAS ATTEMPTING TO PARK. I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THE PARTS REPLACED, ESPECIALLY IF THE AIRBAGS ARE MANUFACTURED BY TAKATA OR ANOTHER MANUFACTURER.
NHTSA ODI #10957667
44,900 miles · Nov 28, 2014
Air BagsElectrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)
ON THE AFTERNOON OF NOVEMBER 10TH, WHILE DRIVING, A RED LIGHT WITH A PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION MESSAGE LIT UP ON THE DASHBOARD. I BROUGHT THE CAR INTO THE DEALER THE NEXT DAY AND THEY SAID THEY HAD TO ORDER THE PART. THEY WERE UNABLE TO TURN THE LIGHT OFF, WHICH AFFECTED MY ABILITY TO RETRIEVE TIME AND TEMPERATURE O…
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ON THE AFTERNOON OF NOVEMBER 10TH, WHILE DRIVING, A RED LIGHT WITH A PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION MESSAGE LIT UP ON THE DASHBOARD. I BROUGHT THE CAR INTO THE DEALER THE NEXT DAY AND THEY SAID THEY HAD TO ORDER THE PART. THEY WERE UNABLE TO TURN THE LIGHT OFF, WHICH AFFECTED MY ABILITY TO RETRIEVE TIME AND TEMPERATURE ON THE DASHBOARD READER. THEY HAD TO ORDER THE PART, WHICH WAS REPLACED ON NOVEMBER 26TH. THE PART IS CALLED SOP BATTERY SAFETY TERMINAL (BATTERY CABLE PLUS POLE). I WAS TOLD THAT THE WIRES TESTED AS "BROKEN INTERMITTENTLY." I WAS TOLD THAT WHEN THIS BATTERY CABLE WORKS CORRECTLY IT WILL SHUT OFF THE GAS PUMP SO THAT THERE WAS NO DANGER OF FIRE. I WAS CONCERNED ABOUT DRIVING THE CAR EVEN WHEN THE DRIVER SIDE SEEMED TO BE ALL RIGHT, BECAUSE IF GAS LEAKED THE WHOLE CAR WOULD BE ON FIRE, NOT JUST THE PASSENGER SIDE. SINCE THERE WAS A RECALL OF THE AIRBAG SYSTEM, I THOUGHT THIS MIGHT BE ALSO RELATED. THE DEALER SAID HE HAD SEEN THIS BEFORE ON OTHER CARS BUT HE COULD NOT SAY HOW MANY. I AM GRATEFUL THAT THIS COULD BE FIXED BEFORE ANY ACCIDENT OCCURRED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10661172
61,000 miles · May 6, 2014
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)
I WAS DRIVING MY 328I IN THE MORNING ON THE WAY TO WORK, IN A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD, TRAVELING ABOUT 10 MPH (IN A SCHOOL ZONE), WHEN THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS SUDDENLY CAME ON WITHOUT ME TURNING THEM ON. AT THE SAME TIME, MY ENTIRE DASH BOARD CONTROL SYSTEM PANEL AND THE AREA BETWEEN THE SPEEDOMETER AND TACHOMETER LIT UP WITH SE…
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I WAS DRIVING MY 328I IN THE MORNING ON THE WAY TO WORK, IN A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD, TRAVELING ABOUT 10 MPH (IN A SCHOOL ZONE), WHEN THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS SUDDENLY CAME ON WITHOUT ME TURNING THEM ON. AT THE SAME TIME, MY ENTIRE DASH BOARD CONTROL SYSTEM PANEL AND THE AREA BETWEEN THE SPEEDOMETER AND TACHOMETER LIT UP WITH SEVERAL SYSTEM ERROR MESSAGES: 1) CHECK CONTROL MESSAGES: CONTROL SYSTEMS! DRIVE MODERATELY. RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION! TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION! CRUISE CONTROL MALFUNCTION! 2) PASS. RESTRAINT SYSTEM: FAULT IN PASSENGER-RESTRAINT SYSTEM AFFECTING AIRBAG, BELT TENSIONER OR BELT-FORCE LIMITER. CONTINUE TO WEAR THE SAFETY BELT. TRANSMISSON MALFUNCTION! 3) TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION: FUNCTIONALITY OR DISPLAY OF GEAR POSITION MAY MALFUNCTION. IT MAY BE POSSIBLE TO ENGAGE A GEAR WITHOUT DEPRESSING BRAKE PEDAL. RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION! 4) CRUISE CONTROL: CRUISE CONTROL MALFUNCTION. HAVE THE SYSTEM CHECKED BY YOUR BMW CENTER. CONTROL SYSTEMS! DRIVE MODERATELY. 5) CONTROL SYSTEMS. BRAKING AND DYNAMIC-RESPONSE SYSTEM MALFUNCTION. DRIVE MODERATELY. AVOID HARD BRAKING. CONTROL SYSTEMS! DRIVE MODERATELY 6) AREA BETW SPEEDOMETER/TACH IS LIT UP [E.G. BRAKE, ABS, TRANSMISSION AND CRUISE WARNING SYMBOLS]. 7) THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WILL NOT TURN OFF AS LONG AS THE CAR KEY IS IN THE IGNITION. WHEN YOU TURN THE CAR OFF, THE WIPERS DO NOT STOP UNTIL THE KEY IS REMOVED! THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED IT BRAND NEW. THEY SAY THEY ARE NOT AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM. I ALSO EMAILED BMW USA NORTH AMERICA. MY REQUEST IS THAT YOU INVESTIGATE THESE ISSUES WITH BMW USA NORTH AMERICA. SURELY, THEY HAVE MORE INTELLIGENCE ABOUT THE NATURE AND SCOPE OF THESE TYPES OF PROBLEM AND NEED TO BE TRANSPARENT IN ADVISING CONSUMERS ACCORDINGLY BEFORE THE UNDERLYING CAUSE OF THE DEFECT LEADS TO ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10586721
Official recalls
5Jul 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.
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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