NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
46 reportsMileage unknown · Aug 13, 2013
Engine
THE CAR STALLED FOR THE FIRST TIME. I WAS DRIVING FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES AT AROUND 25-35 MPH AND MADE A STOP AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP, THE CAR ENGINE AND ALL THE ELECTRICAL SHUT OFF COMPLETELY WHILE IN GEAR. I PUT THE CAR INTO 'PARK' THEN TRIED TO RESTART. IT DID NOT START THE ENGINE BUT THE ELECTRICAL CAME …
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THE CAR STALLED FOR THE FIRST TIME. I WAS DRIVING FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES AT AROUND 25-35 MPH AND MADE A STOP AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP, THE CAR ENGINE AND ALL THE ELECTRICAL SHUT OFF COMPLETELY WHILE IN GEAR. I PUT THE CAR INTO 'PARK' THEN TRIED TO RESTART. IT DID NOT START THE ENGINE BUT THE ELECTRICAL CAME BACK ON AND THE YELLOW CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED. AFTER TWO ATTEMPTS (TAKING KEY OUT, PUTTING KEY IN, AND STARTING THE ENGINE), THE CAR STARTS AGAIN AND EVERYTHING WENT BACK TO NORMAL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10535037
32,000 miles · Jul 17, 2013
Electrical System
ON 01/05/2012, BMW SERVICE CENTER REPLACED AN IDRIVE PART AND REPROGRAMMED THE CAR. WHEN I PICKED UP THE CAR, I NOTICED AC IS NOT WORKING. SERVICE CENTER TOOK IT BACK AND DID A MASTER RESET. AFTER THAT SEVERAL TIMES I HAD THE ISSUE AND THEY COULDN'T FIX IT. ON 07/15/2013, I NOTICED THE AC IS NOT WORKING. IT WAS 85F OUTSIDE. I CA…
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ON 01/05/2012, BMW SERVICE CENTER REPLACED AN IDRIVE PART AND REPROGRAMMED THE CAR. WHEN I PICKED UP THE CAR, I NOTICED AC IS NOT WORKING. SERVICE CENTER TOOK IT BACK AND DID A MASTER RESET. AFTER THAT SEVERAL TIMES I HAD THE ISSUE AND THEY COULDN'T FIX IT. ON 07/15/2013, I NOTICED THE AC IS NOT WORKING. IT WAS 85F OUTSIDE. I CALLED THE SERVICE MANAGER AND DROVE THE CAR TO HIM. HE CHECKED THE CAR AND CONFIRMED AC IS NOT WORKING. THEY TOOK THE CAR AND GAVE ME A LOANER. NEXT DAY THEY FOUND SOME ERROR CODES STORED IN THE CAR. WHILE THEY ARE LOOKING INTO THE CODES, AC STARTED WORKING ALL ON ITS OWN. BMW SAYS THE ERROR CODES ARE BOGUS CODES AND INSTRUCTED THE SERVICE MANAGER TO CLEAR THE CODES AND RETURN THE CAR TO ME. SERVICE MANAGER IS DOING HIS BEST TO DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE. BUT WITHOUT BMWS HELP AND SUPPORT HE CAN'T FIX THE ISSUE. IT IS EXTREMELY HOT IN JACKSONVILLE, FL AND WITHOUT AC IN THE CAR IT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE WITH A KID IN THE CAR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10525291
7,005 miles · Apr 23, 2013
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOUR TIMES BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPRODUCED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS GIVEN. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILUR…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOUR TIMES BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPRODUCED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS GIVEN. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,005 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 12,000.
NHTSA ODI #10509245
18,000 miles · Apr 10, 2013
Wheels
BLOW OUT AT 70 MPH, REPLACED REAR PASSENGER TIRE AT BMW WITH SAME RUN FLATS. NEXT DAY FLAT, RETURNED TO DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY SAID I HAD 2 HAIRLINE CRACKS IN SAME WHEEL, WHICH NEEDED REPLACEMENT. I NOTICED A TON OF COMPLAINTS AND SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH THESE 296 STYLE 19 INCH RIMS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10505850
9,500 miles · Sep 26, 2012
Tires
26SEP12 THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM WILL PROVIDE A FALSE FAILURE WHEN THERE IS CERTAIN ELECTRICAL INTERFERENCE (E.G. CELL TOWERS). THIS IS A RECOGNIZED FACT AS NOTED IN THE DRIVER'S MANUAL (P.71). THE ISSUE IS THAT THE SYSTEM FAILS TO RESET AFTER THE INTERFERENCE HAS PASSED AND ALL OF THE FAILURE LIGHTS REMAIN ON FOR …
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26SEP12 THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM WILL PROVIDE A FALSE FAILURE WHEN THERE IS CERTAIN ELECTRICAL INTERFERENCE (E.G. CELL TOWERS). THIS IS A RECOGNIZED FACT AS NOTED IN THE DRIVER'S MANUAL (P.71). THE ISSUE IS THAT THE SYSTEM FAILS TO RESET AFTER THE INTERFERENCE HAS PASSED AND ALL OF THE FAILURE LIGHTS REMAIN ON FOR AN INDETERMINATE PERIOD OF TIME (FROM 2 HOURS TO 3 DAYS) BEFORE AUTOMATICALLY RESETTING. ABSENT THIS RESETTING THE CAR IS UNSAFE AS, WITHOUT A WARNING SYSTEM FOR TIRE FAILURE (EITHER LOW PRESSURE OR TREAD FAILURE), AN ACCIDENT COULD OCCUR. THE DEALER OFFERED NO SOLUTION AS THE COMPUTER DOES NOT REGISTER A SYSTEM INCIDENT AND ALL SYSTEMS PASSED A COMPUTER CHECK ON 16AUG.. BMW NORTH AMERICA ([XXX]) COULD NOT PROVIDE ANY FURTHER ASSISTANCE. A PROPERLY FUNCTIONING RESET SYSTEM IS NEEDED TO INSURE SAFE OPERATION OF THE MOTOR VEHICLE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. PRIOR REFERENCE WORKSPACE: NHTSA HOTLINE CENTER CASE: FAILURE OF TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS CASE NUMBER: [XXX] DATE: 09/24/2012 TIME: 16:15:14 CREATION DATE: 09/22/2012 CREATION TIME: 10:09:06 DESCRIPTION: ENTERED ON 09/24/2012 AT 16:15:14 EDT (GMT-0400) BY M WHITE: THANK YOU FOR CONTACTING THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE INFORMATION CENTER. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN FILING A COMPLAINT YOU MAY CALL OUR HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 AND A CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE WILL BE HAPPY TO ASSIST YOU. YOU MAY ALSO VISIT OUR WEB SITE AT WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV FOR INFORMATION. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10477220
8,900 miles · Jun 8, 2012
Wheels
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AIR WAS LEAKING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PERSONAL MECHANIC AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WAS CRACKED AND THAT IT WAS A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AIR WAS LEAKING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PERSONAL MECHANIC AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WAS CRACKED AND THAT IT WAS A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE A TOTAL OF FIVE CRACKS ON THE REAR WHEELS. THE REAR DRIVER'S WHEEL SUFFERED THREE CRACKS AND THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL SUFFERED TWO CRACKS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CRACKS WERE CAUSED BY POTHOLES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS EXAMINED BY A PERSONAL MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE CRACKS WERE NOT FROM AN IMPACT, BUT INSTEAD FROM METAL FATIGUE. THE REAR DRIVER'S WHEEL WAS WELDED AS A TEMPORARY FIX. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 8,900.
NHTSA ODI #10461043
Official recalls
6Oct 20, 2023
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2010-2012 1 Series Coupe, 1 Series Convertible, 3 Series Sedan, 3 Series Convertible, 2010-2011 3 Series Sportswagon, 3 Series Coupe, 5 Series Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, X3 xDrive 30i, X5 xDrive30i, and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The aluminum bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and possibly break.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the four VANOS bolts, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed December 18, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 19, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Mar 2, 2022
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.
Remedy: This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Vehicles previously repaired under the prior recalls will need to come back for the new recall remedy. The remedy is currently being developed. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 1, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 22, 2022. 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.
Feb 2, 2017
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 1 Series M Coupe and 135i Convertible vehicles, 2011 Z4 sDrive 35i, 335i, 335d, 335i Coupe, 335is Coupe, 335i Convertible, 335is Convertible, 535i, 535i xDrive, 535i Gran Turismo and 550i xDrive Gran Turismo vehicles and 2012 740i and 740Li vehicles. The rear driveshaft constant velocity (CV) joint on the affected vehicles may fatigue and break.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the CV joint breaks, the vehicle may have a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear driveshaft CV joint and, based on its production date, will replace it, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. 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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗