IllustrationI FEEL LIKE THE AIRBAGS EXPLODED ON MY FACE AND HIT MY HEAD. *TR
2011 BMW 328I
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most 328I years
Owner complaints for the 2011 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
200–25K
3125–50K
3750–75K
5775–100K
87100–150K
36150K+
268 reports with mileage · 309 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.
- Engine. Review the 194 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 175 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 129 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
18 crash reports25 fire reports15 injury reports
Air Bags complaints
91 reportsOVER THE COURSE OF THE LAST 2 MONTHS I GET AN OC3 PASSENGER SEAT MAT ERROR. I NOTICED THAT THERE IS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR THIS BUT MY CAR ISN'T COVERED.
THE AIRBAG SENSOR IS BROKEN ON PASSENGER SIDE IF NOT FIXED IT'S IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY CONCERN. PURCHASED USED ON 7/1/19 FROM A DEALSHIPS AND THEY DO NOT WANT TO INCURE THE COST TO FIX IT. IF THE PASSENGER SEATBELT IS NOT BUCKLED WHETHER THERE'S A PASSENGER IN THE SEAT OR NOT IT WILL KEEP BEEPING UNTIL YOU PUT THE SEATBELT IN TH…
Read full complaint
THE AIRBAG SENSOR IS BROKEN ON PASSENGER SIDE IF NOT FIXED IT'S IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY CONCERN. PURCHASED USED ON 7/1/19 FROM A DEALSHIPS AND THEY DO NOT WANT TO INCURE THE COST TO FIX IT. IF THE PASSENGER SEATBELT IS NOT BUCKLED WHETHER THERE'S A PASSENGER IN THE SEAT OR NOT IT WILL KEEP BEEPING UNTIL YOU PUT THE SEATBELT IN THE BUCKLE.
EVEN AFTER CLEARING THE FAULTS, I AM CONTINUING TO GET A WARNING OF A PASSENGER "RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION." BEST GUESS BY BMW MECHANIC IS THAT IT'S THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR MAT. I AM TOLD IT'S A "COMMON BMW PROBLEM." VARIOUS CHAT ROOM DISCUSSIONS CONFIRM THIS. SOME BMW MODELS HAVE HAD THE WARRANTY EXTENDE…
Read full complaint
EVEN AFTER CLEARING THE FAULTS, I AM CONTINUING TO GET A WARNING OF A PASSENGER "RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION." BEST GUESS BY BMW MECHANIC IS THAT IT'S THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR MAT. I AM TOLD IT'S A "COMMON BMW PROBLEM." VARIOUS CHAT ROOM DISCUSSIONS CONFIRM THIS. SOME BMW MODELS HAVE HAD THE WARRANTY EXTENDED TO COVER THIS ISSUE (BY BMWNA) BUT NOT MY PARTICULAR MODEL. THIS IS A BMW-WIDE DESIGN FLAW THAT AFFECTS THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE AND BMW EXPECTS ME TO PAY TO FIX THEIR MISTAKE.
WHEN I BOUGHT THIS CAR FROM THE THIRD PARTY DEALERSHIP, IT HAD AIRBAG PROBLEM, WHEN I TOLD THE GUY ABOUT THE PROBLEM. HE SAID HE WILL LOWER THE PRICE AND GIVE ME THE CAR. THE AIRBAG FOR THE CAR IS TOO EXPENSIVE SO HE DOESN'T WANT TO MESS AROUND WITH IT.
MY CAR HAS 66K MILES ON IT AND ABOUT A MONTH AGO, THE SEATBELT AND AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHTS SHOWED UP ON THE DASH. THIS MAY OR MAY NOT BE RELATED TO THE FACT THAT THE SEATBELT DING GOES OFF WHEN THERE IS NOTHING IN THE SEAT IF THE SEAT WAS HOT DUE TO SUN EXPOSURE. THE HEAT PANEL WAS REPLACED A FEW YEARS BACK FOR THE INCESSANT DIN…
Read full complaint
MY CAR HAS 66K MILES ON IT AND ABOUT A MONTH AGO, THE SEATBELT AND AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHTS SHOWED UP ON THE DASH. THIS MAY OR MAY NOT BE RELATED TO THE FACT THAT THE SEATBELT DING GOES OFF WHEN THERE IS NOTHING IN THE SEAT IF THE SEAT WAS HOT DUE TO SUN EXPOSURE. THE HEAT PANEL WAS REPLACED A FEW YEARS BACK FOR THE INCESSANT DINGING, BUT RETURNED A FEW MONTHS AGO. THE PASSENGER SIDE SEATBELT DING GOES OFF INTERMITTENTLY AND THE INDICATOR LIGHT FOR THE AIRBAG AND SEATBELT ARE CONSTANTLY ON WHILE THE CAR IS ON.
MY CAR ONLY HAS 62,900 MILES AND ABOUT TWO WEEKS AGO THE AIR BAG ALARM CAME ON WITHOUT ANY SITUATION OR ACCIDENT OCCURED.
TAKATA RECALL AIBAG LIGHT IS ON IN VEHICLE. I BARELY DRIVE CAR AND DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THIS IS ON. WHEN I CHECK RECALLS 8 SEEN THIS MODEL IS AFFECTED BUT WHEN I PUT IN VIN NO CURRENT REVEAL. THIS IS VERY CONTRADICTING. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY. I TURNED IT ON TO WARM UP AND THE AIRBAG NOTIFICATION CAME ON.
TAKATA- RECALL RELATED TO AIRBAGS,& SEAT BELT, HOWEVER WHEN YOU CALL THE BMW OF MEMPHIS THEY STATE THERE IS NO RECALL OR REMEDY FOR THE AIRBAGS & SEAT BELTS.. IT IS VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE THIS CAR AS EVERYTIME YOU IN THE CAR THE SEAT BELT LIGHT & AIRBAG LIGHTS CAME ON ALL THE TIME AND STAY ON. THERE SHOULD BE A NATIONAL RECALL WIT…
Read full complaint
TAKATA- RECALL RELATED TO AIRBAGS,& SEAT BELT, HOWEVER WHEN YOU CALL THE BMW OF MEMPHIS THEY STATE THERE IS NO RECALL OR REMEDY FOR THE AIRBAGS & SEAT BELTS.. IT IS VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE THIS CAR AS EVERYTIME YOU IN THE CAR THE SEAT BELT LIGHT & AIRBAG LIGHTS CAME ON ALL THE TIME AND STAY ON. THERE SHOULD BE A NATIONAL RECALL WITH A REMEDY TO FIX THIS PROBLEM AS SAFETY COME FIRST. HOWEVER, I HAVE CALL SEVERAL TIMES AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THERE IS NO REMEDY FOR AIRBAGS AND SEATBELT ISSUE.THE VEHICLE CAN BE STATIONARY WHEN THIS HAPPENS AND IN MOTION
TAKATA RECALL. I HAVE RECIEVED SEVERAL RECALL LETTERS REGARDING MY VEHICLE. I HAVE NOTICED MY CAR DRIVING DIFFERENTLY, AND I DO NOT FEEL SAFE BEING IN THE CAR OR HAVING OTHERS IN THE VEHICLE. I HAVE READ THE RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE AND IT HAS STATED THAT CAR CAN GO ON FIRE WHILE DRIVING OR NOT AND PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE. I WOULD …
Read full complaint
TAKATA RECALL. I HAVE RECIEVED SEVERAL RECALL LETTERS REGARDING MY VEHICLE. I HAVE NOTICED MY CAR DRIVING DIFFERENTLY, AND I DO NOT FEEL SAFE BEING IN THE CAR OR HAVING OTHERS IN THE VEHICLE. I HAVE READ THE RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE AND IT HAS STATED THAT CAR CAN GO ON FIRE WHILE DRIVING OR NOT AND PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE. I WOULD LIKE TO RETURN THE VEHICLE MY FAMIY AND MY SAFETY COMES FIRST.
Official recalls
724V513000 · 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.
14V176000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine
Apr 10, 2014
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 128i Coupe, 128i Convertible, 328i Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 328i Coupe, 328i Convertible, 328i Sports Wagon and Z4 sDrive 30i, 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 135i Convertible, 335i Sedan, X5 xDrive 35i, and X6 xDrive 35i, 2011 335i xDrive Sedan, 335i Coupe, 335i Convertible, 528i Sedan, 535i Sedan, 535i xDrive Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, and X3 xDrive 35i, 2010 X3 xDrive 30i, and X5 xDrive 30i, 2012 640i Coupe, and 640i Convertible and 2010-2012 535i Gran Turismo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and may possibly break.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four VANOS housing bolts for both VANOS units (intake and exhaust), free of charge. In addition, owners of approximately 170,172 model year 2010-2012 BMW vehicles equipped with inline 6 cylinder engines not covered by this recall, will receive an extended warranty to address this condition. The recall began on September 24, 2014. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.
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.
11V476000 · Power Train:driveline:driveshaft
Sep 15, 2011
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 328I XDRIVE AND 335I XDRIVE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 8, 2011, THROUGH JULY 29, 2011. THE FRONT DRIVESHAFT ATTACHMENT BOLTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATION. IF THE BOLTS WERE NOT TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATION, THEY MAY BECOME LOOSE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE BOLTS LOOSEN, IT COULD LEAD TO A LOSS OF POWER TO THE FRONT WHEELS AND ULTIMATELY A VEHICLE BREAKDOWN, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT DRIVESHAFT ATTACHMENT BOLTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING OCTOBER 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.
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.