2011 BMW 328I electrical system problems

Related recalls

• Recall 17V676000Oct 25, 2017702,965 vehicles
  ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

  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.

  Risk: 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.

• Recall 13V044000Feb 7, 2013516,791 vehicles
  ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES · 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.

  Risk: 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 [email protected].

What owners say

1. Filed Aug 31, 2026110,000 miCAElectrical SystemEngineLighting

   The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact stated that the headlights and taillights remained illuminated after the vehicle was turned off. Additionally, the vehicle intermittently failed to start up. The contact stated that AAA jump-started the vehicle, and it was determined that the battery was in good working condition. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact associated the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V676000…

   NHTSA complaint #11761089 · source
2. Filed Jan 28, 2026WIElectrical System

   The power cable to my battery needed to be replaced from the front to the rear. This seems like the recall NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 13V044000 but my car was not listed for it.

   NHTSA complaint #11713877 · source
3. Filed Nov 14, 2025IDElectrical SystemLightingOther / Unknown

   Footwell module (FRM) module went out after negative battery disconnect to change fuse. Module being inoperable is causing windows to not operate,interior lighting not working, headlights stay dim (not good for nightime driving), blinkers inoperable (not good for driving with windows not working- no arm signals), dash light also inoperable.

   NHTSA complaint #11699451 · source
4. Filed May 20, 2025116,000 miCAElectrical System

   The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the electrical system failed to function as intended. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle eventually started; however, the failure occurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and transferred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The contact…

   NHTSA complaint #11662192 · source
5. Filed Feb 26, 2024NYElectrical SystemLightingVisibility & Wipers

   Previously reported on February 20, 2024. NHTSA #1157301 RDC failure caused complete loss of all dashboard functions except the radio - loss of lights/turn signals/ speedometer/ tachometer/ HVAC etc. Received a call from BMW customer service today February 26,2024 at 4:38 EST duration 17 minutes. BMW informed me the conversation was recorded. I request that NHTSA obtain the transcript for that telephone call. This note will be sent to BMW with request to send a transcript of…

   NHTSA complaint #11574109 · source
6. Filed Feb 20, 2024NYElectrical SystemLightingVisibility & Wipers

   Tire pressure yellow warning light on. RDC module ordered but repair not completed. After starting the car at a gas station, multiple warning lights appeared in red including "car on a raised lift in red" which signifies car is to be taken directly for service. Drove to local mechanic one mile away. While observing the car with engine running at idle, ALL dashboard lights and functions stopped: No speedometer, No tachometer, No warning lights, No turn signals, No headlights,…

   NHTSA complaint #11573011 · source
7. Filed Feb 9, 2024CAAirbagsElectrical SystemEngine

   Received letter of recal Dec 2023 For recall Campaign No 23V-707 Is been almost two months and BMW not communicating with me to find solution letter said remedi unavailable Engine bolts may over time loosen and eventually break how they want public to drive like that this should be a priority is dangerous

   NHTSA complaint #11571133 · source
8. Filed Jan 7, 2024TXElectrical SystemLightingVisibility & Wipers

   The electrical keeps shutting off and own after hitting speed bumps. It shuts off all power on hvac windows seats and the odometer. I have heard this same issue with many owners

   NHTSA complaint #11563996 · source
9. Filed Nov 27, 2023CABody & StructureElectrical SystemLighting

   While driving at city speed limit the headlights started flicking on-off very difficult to see in the dark. I pulled over to the side of the road for safety but now realized the turn signals not working and also the hazard lights are not working either. I was in a very dangerous situation sitting on the side of the road without any warning light on. Not only for mine safety but also dangerous for other drivers passing by without seen my car in the dark. Its due to well known…

   NHTSA complaint #11557086 · source
10. Filed Aug 11, 2023VAElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

    The Battery died and had to jump start to take it for a replacement. Once the car started, there was warning related to the lighting system malfunction. I couldnt open the windows and the lights were not functional. Even after the battery was replaced, the functions were not restored. Dealer is recommending replacement of FRM module costing $1250. I understand there was a recall/repair offered for 10 years which i just missed by a year. Looks like it is a well known issue…

    NHTSA complaint #11538031 · source
11. Filed Jul 27, 2023215,000 miGAElectrical System

    The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle into the dealer for service, she was informed that the footwell control module had failed and needed to be replaced. The battery warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to TSB: SI-B01-20-16, but the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA…

    NHTSA complaint #11534902 · source
12. Filed Apr 18, 2023FLElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

    The engine made noise and then turned off. Would not restart. BMW dealer diagnosed the problem as a failed exhaust camshaft Vanos unit. BMW refuses to repair it even though it the engine, model and year fit the Vanos recall. This is the second BMW vehicle I have owned that failed for this reason, but was outside the covered claimed VIN numbers. I am requesting that you investigate this as wider range of vehicles, fitting the recall description exactly, but not covered, are…

    NHTSA complaint #11517685 · source

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. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology