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

Seats complaints

11 reports

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Mileage unknown · Dec 30, 2023

Air BagsSeats

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The the OC3 MAT on the passanger car just showed up faulty which causes the air bag light to also come on. I have seen a lot of others posting they are having the same issue. Can you help me find out if this has already been recalled but not replaced on my car or if it hasn't even been recalled yet this is a safety issue. Because the airbags will not function if the oc3 mat is not functioning properly. There wasn't anyone in the seat and the car had not been in an accident when the lights for the seat and airbags came on I took it in for a diagnostic and they said it was the passenger OC3 mat . I have read some of the same modle had already had recalls just trying to find out if this was one that should have been because the rep at the dealer ship said this was the first one he's ever seen go bad on any car since he's been there. The big problem I'm having is the warranty I bought with the car won't cover this repair either and I'm a disabled veteran so I can't afford it at this moment.

NHTSA ODI #11562709

Mileage unknown · Oct 22, 2023

Air BagsSeat BeltsSeats

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Passenger restraint system malfunction alert when car is turned on. Air bag and passenger seatbelt warning lights are on. Passenger seat belt light will never turn off even with no passengers in the car. Air bags for passenger are off when there is a passenger in the car causing a safety concern. BMW wants $1000 to diagnose what the issue is for the airbag light only but not to fix it or check the seat belt light. Already paid them $100 just to tell me exactly what the message said on the car screen. Seeing the same issue all over the internet with flaws in the passenger restraint system for this model and similar models but no fix. Found an extended warranty but does not list the E92 model, all other models are listed.

NHTSA ODI #11551212

Mileage unknown · Jun 14, 2022

Air BagsSeat BeltsSeats

I had my passenger in the car driving 30mm and then I got a “restraint system warning ⚠️ “ illuminating the seatbelt light and seatbelt with airbag light. This is a safety concern as it is still on without a passenger. This affects the passenger airbag so in the case of fatality this would fall on BMW NA for neglecting to fix th…

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NHTSA ODI #11469243

Mileage unknown · May 19, 2022

Air BagsSeats

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In approximately 2014 the passenger seatbelt sensor randomly started dinging while driving and the seat was NOT occupied. I solved the issue by clipping the seat belt. This issue continued randomly for years and was always solved by clipping the seatbelt. Just this week May 2022, I had a passenger who while getting into the car once the seat belt was disengaged, the sensor immediatly started ding and would not stop and the "Service Engine Soon" dashboard light came on simultaneously. The Service light stayed on throughout the journey and has not turned off. The recall for a faulty seat mat does not extend beyond 2008 when CLEARLY, the seat mat continues to have issues beyond that year. I RARELY have a passenger and my 2011 has ~43K miles. This should be a manufacturer-funded repair as it is clearly a DEFECT in the product.

NHTSA ODI #11465296

Mileage unknown · Feb 14, 2022

Seats

Driver side seat gets so hot that the seat warmer cannot be kept on, even at the lowest setting, for longer than a few minutes.

NHTSA ODI #11451815

48,000 miles · Jun 2, 2020

Seats

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THE BACK SEAT MELTED FOR NO KNOWN REASON. IT STARTED IN THE BACKSEAT ARM REST, AND I HAD TO PAY TO GET IT FIXED, YOU CAN SEE THAT THE LEATHER IS A DIFFERENT COLOR, THEN IT MOVED ONTO THE SEAT. NO ONE EVER SITS BACK THERE, I WENT TO BRAMAN BMW AND THEY SAID IT HAD TO DO WITH THE ELEMENTS, I DIDN'T KNOW THAT YOU HAD TO KEEP IT IN A GARAGE, THAT IS SOMETHING THAT SHOULD OF BEEN TOLD AHEAD OF TIME. I DON'T HAVE A GARAGE SO IT'S IMPOSSIBLE, THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL. OTHER MANUFACTURERS LIKE LEXUS HAS HAD RECALLS ON SIMILAR ISSUES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11326944

Mileage unknown · Mar 3, 2020

Air BagsSeat BeltsSeats

OVER 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.

NHTSA ODI #11315937

50,000 miles · Nov 15, 2018

SeatsCrashInjury

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STOPPED AFTER EXCITING FREEWAY WITH TRAFFIC FLOW. SUV CAME UP BEHIND ME AND DIDN'T STOP AND HIT ME FROM BEHIND GOING 40-60 MPH. IMPACT THREW ME BACK THEN HEADREST DEPLOYED AND PUNCHED ME IN THE BACK OF HEAD WHICH I THEN HIT SEARING WHEEL. INSTANTLY FELT PAIN IN NECK AND HEAD. TAKEN BY AMBULANCE TO HOSPITAL. 2 C.T. SCANS DONE,CHEST XRAYS, AND 2 MRIS OF NECK AND BRAIN SHOWING SPINAL STENOSIS OF CERVICAL REGION, BULGE OF CERVICAL DISC WITHOUT MYELOPATHY. I ALSO SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION AND WHIPLASH WHICH IS STILL PRESENT AS OF TODAY. CAR TOTALLED. ONE OF DOCTORS STATED IMPACT FROM HEADREST DEPLOYING WAS SAME AS BEING PUNCHED IN BACK OF HEAD FROM A 200 LB. MAN.

NHTSA ODI #11151837

63,000 miles · Oct 30, 2018

Air BagsSeat BeltsSeats

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I AM RECEIVING A 'PASSENGER RESTRAINT MALFUNCTION' MESSAGE ON MY DASH AND THE SEATBELT AND AIRBAG LIGHT ARE STUCK ON. ONLINE BMW STATES "THE OC3 MAT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. CHECK WITH YOUR DEALER, WE EXTENDED THE WARRANTY ON SOME MODELS." I CHECKED WITH MY DEALER AND THIS DOES NOT QUALIFY. THEY WILL NOT COVER THIS SAFETY REPAIR. I CANNOT SAFELY HAVE ANYONE RIDE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, AND THE SEAT CEASES TO MOVE AS WELL. MY DEALER STATES IT COSTS $1350 TO FIX AND THEY WOULD NEED TO ORDER IN THE PART AND HAVE MY VEHICLE FOR 2 DAYS. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. SAFETY ISSUES SHOULD NOT HAVE AN 'EXPIRATION DATE' AS TO WHEN THE DEALER WILL OR WILL NOT COVER IT. THE CARE IS 7 YEARS OLD AND HAS 63,000 MILES. THIS DEFECT WAS COVERED FOR THE 2006 AND 2007 MODELS AND BECAME A RECALL. I SEE ONLINE IN FORUMS OTHERS ARE EXPERIENCING THIS IN THE 2011 MODEL. I AM FORCED TO PAY A MECHANIC TO FIX THIS NOW.

NHTSA ODI #11144154

111,000 miles · Jun 1, 2018

Seats

PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY FAILURE MALFUNCTION DUE TO THE WIRING . COST OVER $1000.

NHTSA ODI #11099140

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.

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

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.

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

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.