BMW 320I problems by model year

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 102 owner complaints and 8 recalls on file for the BMW 320I (2005–2018). The 2014 320I has the most serious complaints, most often about engine.

Complaints
102
Recalls
8
Model years
8
Worst year
2014

Complaints by model year

200520125201326201425201518201692017192018
NHTSA complaints per BMW 320I 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 320I years to buy

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

  1. 2014 BMW 320I — 26 complaints, 3 crashes, 1 fire; top problem: Engine
  2. 2015 BMW 320I — 25 complaints, 1 fire; top problem: Engine

Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2012 (0 complaints).

Every BMW 320I model year

YearComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesRecallsTop problem
2018 320I195020Electrical System
2017 320I92010Engine
2016 320I181210Engine
2015 320I250103Engine
2014 320I263137Engine
2013 320I50003Airbags
2012 320I00003—
2005 320I00001—

Most common BMW 320I problem areas (all years)

  • Engine
    39 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    20 complaints
  • Electrical System
    17 complaints
  • Airbags
    12 complaints
  • Brakes
    10 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    9 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    8 complaints
  • Lighting
    7 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts
    5 complaints
  • Steering
    3 complaints

Complaint trend

20202022202320242026
Complaints about the BMW 320I received by NHTSA each month.

BMW 320I recalls

  • Recall 25V871000Dec 17, 2025851 vehiclesModel years 2014

    Risk: An inflator that ruptures may cause sharp metal fragments to enter or exit the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, an inflator that leaks gas may only partially inflate during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

  • Recall 24V527000Jul 11, 20241,145 vehiclesModel years 2014–2015

    Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, increasing the risk of injury or death.

  • Recall 24V288000Apr 24, 20245,761 vehiclesModel years 2014–2015

    Risk: An inflator that ruptures may cause sharp metal fragments to enter or exit the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, an inflator that leaks gas may only partially inflate during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

  • Recall 20V018000Jan 15, 2020292,948 vehiclesDo not driveModel years 2005

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

  • Recall 15V520000Aug 17, 20157,727 vehiclesModel years 2012–2015

    Risk: If the side marker lights do not illuminate, the vehicle may be less visible at night, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 15V189000Mar 31, 201518,054 vehiclesModel years 2014

    Risk: If the fuel pump fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 14V627000Oct 7, 20148,988 vehiclesModel years 2012–2014

    Risk: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 13V454000Sep 26, 201376,191 vehiclesModel years 2012–2014

    Risk: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase 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