NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
288 reports178,000 miles · Feb 19, 2017
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
THE CAR HAS HAD NUMEROUS ISSUES SINCE PURCHASED. THIS ALL CAME TO A HEAD WHEN DRIVING HOME, UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS, IT SUDDENLY WOULD NOT SHIFT PAST 1ST GEAR. I PROCEEDED TO PULL OFF TO A SIDE STREET AND ATTEMPT TO IDLE HOME, AS I WAS ABOUT 1 MILE FROM HOME. AFTER APPROXIMATELY .5 MILE, THE TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY LOST FIRST GEAR…
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THE CAR HAS HAD NUMEROUS ISSUES SINCE PURCHASED. THIS ALL CAME TO A HEAD WHEN DRIVING HOME, UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS, IT SUDDENLY WOULD NOT SHIFT PAST 1ST GEAR. I PROCEEDED TO PULL OFF TO A SIDE STREET AND ATTEMPT TO IDLE HOME, AS I WAS ABOUT 1 MILE FROM HOME. AFTER APPROXIMATELY .5 MILE, THE TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY LOST FIRST GEAR, THERE WAS AN AUDIBLE BANG UNDER THE HOOD, AND THE CAR COMPLETELY LOST POWER. AFTER BEING IN A SERVICE CENTER FOR A COUPLE WEEKS, I AM NOW INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE IS LOCKED DOWN AND THAT THE CAR WILL REQUIRE A NEW ENGINE TO BE WORKING AGAIN. THIS CAR HAD BEEN AN ABSOLUTE NIGHTMARE AND HAS TURNED ME QUITE CALLOUSED TOWARDS BMWS QUALITY STANDARDS.
NHTSA ODI #10955474
169,000 miles · Feb 13, 2017
Steering
THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY, BEFORE I STARTED VEHICLE I NOTICED A RED STEERING WHEEL LOCK LIGHT ON MY DASHBOARD, I TRIED TO TURN VEHICLE ON AND UNFORPTUNATELY MY CAR WON'T START.
NHTSA ODI #10954231
Mileage unknown · Jan 19, 2017
Air Bags
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER COULD NOT PROVIDE A DATE FOR WHEN THE RECALL PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION …
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TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER COULD NOT PROVIDE A DATE FOR WHEN THE RECALL PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA ODI #10946386
Mileage unknown · Jan 5, 2017
Air Bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE MANUF…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA ODI #10939921
106,000 miles · Dec 29, 2016
EnginePower TrainUnknown Or OtherFire
VALVE COVER OIL LEAKING ONTO EXHAUST MANIFOLD THAT CAUSES FIRE. IT WAS TURNED OFF AND STATIONARY. ASKED BMW TO CHANGE IN 80K BUT THEY SAID JUST SWEATING OIL. SAFETY HAZARD IGNORED. COMMON AMOUNG BMW 3 SERIES ENGINE
NHTSA ODI #10938631
Mileage unknown · Dec 19, 2016
Air Bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA ODI #10936232
Mileage unknown · Dec 9, 2016
Air Bags
TAKATA RECALL: BMW HAS FAILED TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG. IT HAS BEEN ALMOST 1 YEAR SINCE WE RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE. THIS IS OUR PRIMARY CAR AND IT IS DANGEROUS FOR US TO BE DRIVING IT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10934242
42,000 miles · Nov 1, 2016
Air Bags
TAKATA RECALL
NHTSA ODI #10920539
58,000 miles · Oct 20, 2016
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System
I WAS TURNING ON TO A HIGHWAY, AS I ACCELERATED TO MATCH THE SPEED OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND MERGE, THE ENGINE POWER ABRUPTLY DEGRADED. I HAD TO SWERVE OUT OF THE LANE TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE HAD A FLASHING SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT AND WAS NOT PRODUCING ANY POWER. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO PARK AVE. BMW IN NJ. THE DEA…
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I WAS TURNING ON TO A HIGHWAY, AS I ACCELERATED TO MATCH THE SPEED OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND MERGE, THE ENGINE POWER ABRUPTLY DEGRADED. I HAD TO SWERVE OUT OF THE LANE TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE HAD A FLASHING SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT AND WAS NOT PRODUCING ANY POWER. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO PARK AVE. BMW IN NJ. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED MY VEHICLE WITH A FAILED DME (ENGINE MANAGEMENT COMPUTER OR ECU) AT LESS THAN 60K. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH I FOUND MANY OTHERS BMW N54 ENGINE OWNERS ONLINE WHO HAD ENCOUNTERED THE SAME DME FAILURE. IT TURNS OUT AN ELECTRICAL COMPONENT THAT COSTS A COUPLE OF CENTS WAS PREMATURELY FAILING. THIS WAS KNOWN TO BMW IN 2007 WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SOLD. THE BMW SERVICE BUILTIN SI B 12 18 07 CLEARLY INDICATES THAT THIS IS AN UNEXPECTED FAILURE AND IS CAUSED BY A DEFECTIVE DIODE. FURTHER MORE THE ISSUE CAN DAMAGE COILS AND FUEL INJECTORS COSTING THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS. REPLACING COILS, INJECTORS, AND THE DME CAN EXCEED $5000. FURTHER MORE BMW CHOSE NO TO BE PROACTIVE AND REPLACE THE COMPONENT, INSTEAD THEY PUT PEOPLES LIVES AT RISK, AT BEST THEIR BENEFITING FROM THEIR OWN LACK OF QUALITY.
NHTSA ODI #10917546
Mileage unknown · Sep 20, 2016
Air Bags
RECALL NOTICE WAS RECEIVED IN MARCH 2016. SIX MONTHS LATER AND THE PART IS NOT AVAILABLE TO FIX THE DRIVER'S FRONT AIR BAG.
NHTSA ODI #10908273
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 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.
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.
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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