BMW 328I problems by model year

Updated Oct 11, 2026 from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 1,042 owner complaints and 18 recalls on file for the BMW 328I (2005–2016). The 2011 328I has the most serious complaints, most often about engine.

Complaints: 1,042
Recalls: 18
Model years: 12
Worst year: 2011

Complaints by model year

NHTSA complaints per BMW 328I 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 328I years to buy

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

2011 BMW 328I — 332 complaints, 4 crashes, 12 fires; top problem: Engine
2013 BMW 328I — 146 complaints, 9 crashes, 6 fires; top problem: Engine
2014 BMW 328I — 99 complaints, 9 crashes, 2 fires; top problem: Engine
2015 BMW 328I — 104 complaints, 5 crashes, 7 fires; top problem: Engine
2010 BMW 328I — 80 complaints, 2 crashes, 4 fires; top problem: Engine

Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2006 (0 complaints).

Every BMW 328I model year

Year	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Recalls	Top problem
2016 328I	44	4	4	3	1	Engine
2015 328I	104	5	7	2	4	Engine
2014 328I	99	9	2	9	8	Engine
2013 328I	146	9	6	6	5	Engine
2012 328I	70	2	0	0	6	Engine
2011 328I	332	4	12	3	7	Engine
2010 328I	80	2	4	1	6	Engine
2009 328I	55	1	6	0	6	Engine
2008 328I	59	1	7	1	5	Engine
2007 328I	53	1	7	0	6	Engine
2006 328I	0	0	0	0	3	—
2005 328I	0	0	0	0	1	—

Most common BMW 328I problem areas (all years)

Engine
705 complaints
Electrical System
281 complaints
Airbags
89 complaints
Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
60 complaints
Transmission & Drivetrain
59 complaints
Brakes
37 complaints
Lighting
37 complaints
Seats & Seat Belts
33 complaints
Body & Structure
18 complaints
Steering
15 complaints

Complaint trend

Complaints about the BMW 328I received by NHTSA each month.

BMW 328I 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 24V608000Aug 13, 2024720,796 vehiclesModel years 2012–2016
Risk: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
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 24V513000Jul 3, 2024394,029 vehiclesModel years 2006–2012
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious 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 20V017000Jan 15, 202059,965 vehiclesModel years 2006–2013
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
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 19V472000Jun 19, 201916,641 vehiclesModel years 2009
Risk: A loss of electrical power can cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 17V683000Oct 30, 2017740,561 vehiclesModel years 2007–2011
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 17V676000Oct 25, 2017702,965 vehiclesModel years 2006–2011
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 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 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 13V564000Nov 12, 201376,565 vehiclesModel years 2007
Risk: Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.
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.
Recall 13V044000Feb 7, 2013516,791 vehiclesModel years 2007–2011
Risk: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 11V476000Sep 15, 2011190 vehiclesModel years 2011
Risk: 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.

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