BMW 128I problems by model year

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 66 owner complaints and 7 recalls on file for the BMW 128I (2008–2013). The 2011 128I has the most serious complaints, most often about engine.

Complaints
66
Recalls
7
Model years
6
Worst year
2011

Complaints by model year

52008820091220102520117201292013
NHTSA complaints per BMW 128I model year. Click a bar for details.

Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.

Worst BMW 128I years to buy

Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).

  1. 2011 BMW 128I — 25 complaints, 2 fires; top problem: Engine
  2. 2010 BMW 128I — 12 complaints; top problem: Engine

Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2012 (7 complaints).

Every BMW 128I model year

YearComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesRecallsTop problem
2013 128I90013Engine
2012 128I70005Engine
2011 128I250207Engine
2010 128I120007Engine
2009 128I80006Engine
2008 128I50106Engine

Most common BMW 128I problem areas (all years)

  • Engine
    50 complaints
  • Airbags
    9 complaints
  • Electrical System
    7 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    5 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    4 complaints
  • Lighting
    3 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    2 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts
    2 complaints
  • Brakes
    2 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    1 complaints

Complaint trend

202020232024
Complaints about the BMW 128I received by NHTSA each month.

BMW 128I recalls

  • Recall 22V119000Mar 2, 2022917,106 vehiclesModel years 2008–2013

    Risk: 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.

  • Recall 20V017000Jan 15, 202059,965 vehiclesModel years 2008–2013

    Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

  • Recall 19V579000Aug 6, 201941,981 vehiclesModel years 2008–2012

    Risk: Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.

  • Recall 17V683000Oct 30, 2017740,561 vehiclesModel years 2008–2011

    Risk: 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.

  • Recall 16V071000Feb 5, 2016840,000 vehiclesModel years 2008–2013

    Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

  • Recall 14V176000Apr 10, 2014156,137 vehiclesModel years 2010–2011

    Risk: If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 13V044000Feb 7, 2013516,791 vehiclesModel years 2008–2012

    Risk: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Other BMW models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology