NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
129 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Jan 2, 2021
Electrical SystemExterior LightingUnknown Or Other
MY VEHICLE WINDOWS ARE INOPERABLE, HAZARD LIGHTS ARE INOPERABLE, SIDE MIRRORS ARE INOPERABLE, TURNING SIGNALS ARE INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION WHILE TURNING SIGNALS ARE INOPERABLE CREATING A HAZARD. IF VEHICLE BREAKS DOWN HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS IS INOPERABLE CREATING A POTENTIAL VEHICLE COLLISION . WINDOWS UNABLE TO ROLL …
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MY VEHICLE WINDOWS ARE INOPERABLE, HAZARD LIGHTS ARE INOPERABLE, SIDE MIRRORS ARE INOPERABLE, TURNING SIGNALS ARE INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION WHILE TURNING SIGNALS ARE INOPERABLE CREATING A HAZARD. IF VEHICLE BREAKS DOWN HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS IS INOPERABLE CREATING A POTENTIAL VEHICLE COLLISION . WINDOWS UNABLE TO ROLL DOWN IN AN EVENT OF BEING PULLED OVER. THE COMPONENT OR PART THAT IS CREATING THIS SAFETY ISSUE IS THE FRM MODULE OR FOOTWELL MODULE OF THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI #11386126
112,000 miles · Dec 17, 2020
Electrical System
MY CAR SHOWS IT IS OVER HEATING AND IT IS GETTING HOT WHEN I RECENTLY BEEN USING HEATING SYSTEM COOLANT IS AT LEVEL SO IT IS THE ELECTRICAL WIRING AS THE RECALL STATS HOW DO I GET MY CAR FIXED AND WHY WASN'T THIS VIN # ON THE LIST MY CAR SHOWED IT WAS HOT AND IT WANTED TO LOSE POWER. I WAS DRIVING ON A HWY 111
NHTSA ODI #11384002
Mileage unknown · Dec 6, 2020
Air BagsElectrical SystemSteering
AIR BAG IS BROKEN STEERING IS VERY HARD TO TURN THE COMPUTER SYSTEM WENT OUT AND 1S GEAR IS HAVING PROBLEMS TAKING OFF. I FEAR FOR MY LIFE EVERY TIME I DRIVE MY ONLY CAR. CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME WITH THESE RECALLS PROBLEMS
NHTSA ODI #11378065
Mileage unknown · Nov 30, 2020
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
ONE DAY MY DRIVER DOOR PANEL JUST STOPPED WORKING I COULD NO LONGER ROLL DOWN MY FRONT WINDOWS AND ONLY THE BACK WINDOWS GO DOWN USING THE BACK WINDOW CONTROLS ONLY. ALSO MY BLINKERS RANDOMLY STOPPED WORKING AND THE LIGHTING IN MY CAR ALSO DOES NOT COME ON IN THE DASH AREA AND INSIDE MIRROR. WHEN DRIVING IT IS A DANGER BECAUSE I…
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ONE DAY MY DRIVER DOOR PANEL JUST STOPPED WORKING I COULD NO LONGER ROLL DOWN MY FRONT WINDOWS AND ONLY THE BACK WINDOWS GO DOWN USING THE BACK WINDOW CONTROLS ONLY. ALSO MY BLINKERS RANDOMLY STOPPED WORKING AND THE LIGHTING IN MY CAR ALSO DOES NOT COME ON IN THE DASH AREA AND INSIDE MIRROR. WHEN DRIVING IT IS A DANGER BECAUSE I CANNOT USE A BLINKER OR ROLL DOWN THE FRONT WINDOW TO SIGNAL THAT I NEED TO MAKE A TURN.
NHTSA ODI #11377234
195,000 miles · Nov 26, 2020
Electrical SystemExterior LightingVisibility/wiper
FOOTWELL MODULE FAILED. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE BY BMW. DEVICE CONTROLS ACCESSORY LIGHTING, CENTRAL LOCKING SYSTEM, TURN SIGNALS, AND POWER WINDOWS. BMW SI B01 20 16 RELEASED EXTENDING WARRANTY ON FRM TO 10 YEARS, 152000 MILES. FRM ON MY VEHICLE FAILED AT 195,000. TOTAL REPLACEMENT COST WAS $1,000
NHTSA ODI #11376409
105,000 miles · Nov 9, 2020
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED FAILURES WITH THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM AND THE CONVERTIBLE TOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL WIRING ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLE. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE C…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED FAILURES WITH THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM AND THE CONVERTIBLE TOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL WIRING ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLE. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT LINKED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER NOR THE DEALER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 105,000.
NHTSA ODI #11373816
177,000 miles · Oct 19, 2020
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MIRRORS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS MALFUNCTIONED. ADDITIONALLY, THE DOORS LOCKED AND UNLOCKED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SEVERAL OTHER ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS FAILED TO OPERATE AS INTENDED INTERMITTENTLY. GRAYSON BMW LOCATED 10671 PARKSIDE DR, KNOXVILL…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MIRRORS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS MALFUNCTIONED. ADDITIONALLY, THE DOORS LOCKED AND UNLOCKED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SEVERAL OTHER ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS FAILED TO OPERATE AS INTENDED INTERMITTENTLY. GRAYSON BMW LOCATED 10671 PARKSIDE DR, KNOXVILLE, TN 37922, (865) 693-4555) WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FOOT WELL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 177,000.
NHTSA ODI #11365083
68,000 miles · Sep 9, 2020
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other
MY CAR IS BELOW 70K MILES NEVER OVER HEATED OR HAD ANY ISSUES BUT OUT OF NOWHERE MY TRUNK STARTED UNLOCKING ON ITS ON, KILLING MY BATTERY. MY RADIO STOPPED WORKING AND I'VE BEEN HEARING NOISES FROM MY DOOR SPEAKERS. & NOW TODAY MY CAR WILL NOT START AT ALL & IF IT DOES IT TURNS OFF IMMEDIATELY.
NHTSA ODI #11353912
100,000 miles · Aug 30, 2020
Electrical System
CAR WOULD NOT START, DID NOT RESPOND TO CHARGING VIA JUMPER CABLES EARLIER THAT DAY. IT STARTED WHEN CONNECTED TO THE CHARGER BY THE TOW TRUCK OPERATER. I WAS TOLD TO DRIVE FOR 30-45 MIN BY THE BMW SERVICE CENTER AND THE TOW DRIVER. WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET ABOUT 35 MIN LATER EVERYTHING STOPPED, LIGHTS, ELECTRICAL AND ENGI…
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CAR WOULD NOT START, DID NOT RESPOND TO CHARGING VIA JUMPER CABLES EARLIER THAT DAY. IT STARTED WHEN CONNECTED TO THE CHARGER BY THE TOW TRUCK OPERATER. I WAS TOLD TO DRIVE FOR 30-45 MIN BY THE BMW SERVICE CENTER AND THE TOW DRIVER. WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET ABOUT 35 MIN LATER EVERYTHING STOPPED, LIGHTS, ELECTRICAL AND ENGINE. I WAS STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. I CALLED POLICE TO HELP WITH TRAFFIC CONTROL AS WELL AS INSURANCE FOR ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. COULD NOT MOVE THE VEHICLE DUE TO IT WAS LOCKED IN PLACE. AND NO HAZARD LIGHTS EITHER. HAD TO CALL ANOTHER TOW TRUCK. BMW SERVICE STATES IT IS THE BATTERY CABLE AND WILL COST $3000.00 TO FIX.
NHTSA ODI #11352074
85,000 miles · Jan 21, 2020
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
THE HEADLIGHTS, BLINKER LIGHTS, DASH LIGHTS, INTERIOR LIGHTS, AND POWER TO THE WINDOWS DOESN'T WORK. FROM MY RESEARCH ONLINE IT IS BECAUSE OF THE FOOTWELL (FRM) MODULE GOING BAD. THE ISSUE JUST STARTED ONCE I STARTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTHING WORKED WHEN IT DID PRIOR TO PARKING.
NHTSA ODI #11300722
Official recalls
7Jul 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.
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.
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.
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 ↗
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