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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 2000–2018

BMW 320i recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns and 154 owner complaints for the BMW 320i, covering model years 2000 to 2018. The 2014 model year drew the most complaints (52), and Engine is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your BMW 320i VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 8 recall campaigns on file
  • 154 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 13 model years with data (2000–2018)
  • most complaints: 2014 (52 for that model year)
  • top component: Engine (41 complaints)
  • latest recall 25V871000 (reported Dec 17, 2025)
  • 18 complaints reporting a crash (11.7%)
  • 5 complaints reporting a fire (3.2%)
  • 11 complaints reporting an injury (7.1%)
  • 0 complaints reporting a death (0.0%)

BMW 320i complaints by model year

9 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2014 model year has the most complaints: 52 of 154, or 33.8%. Next come 2015 (33) and 2016 (25). The fewest are for 2004, with 1 complaint.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
BMW 320i owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 2002–2018Column chart of 154 complaints across 17 model years. The highest is 2014 with 52. The full figures are in the table below the chart.2002: 1 complaint120022003: 0 complaints20032004: 1 complaint120042005: 0 complaints20052006: 0 complaints20062007: 0 complaints20072008: 0 complaints20082009: 0 complaints20092010: 0 complaints20102011: 0 complaints20112012: 3 complaints320122013: 9 complaints920132014: 52 complaints5220142015: 33 complaints3320152016: 25 complaints2520162017: 9 complaints920172018: 21 complaints212018
BMW 320i complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
BMW 320i complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
200210000
200410100
201230000
201391000
2014525140
2015330100
2016254230
201792010
2018216030
All model years154185110

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported BMW 320i components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Engine is the component named most often, in 41 complaints (26.6% of all 154), followed by Electrical System (25) and Fuel/Propulsion System (24).

Components named most often in BMW 320i complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in BMW 320i complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Engine4126.6%
Electrical System2516.2%
Fuel/Propulsion System2415.6%
Unknown or Other2415.6%
Air Bags2214.3%
Power Train1711.0%
Exterior Lighting149.1%
Service Brakes149.1%
Structure138.4%
Steering63.9%
Engine and Engine Cooling53.2%
Seat Belts42.6%
Seats42.6%
Vehicle Speed Control42.6%
Wheels42.6%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

BMW 320i recalls

8 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name 320i, newest first. The 8 campaigns cover model years 2000 to 2015. The 2014 model year appears in the most campaigns (7).

  • 8 recall campaigns
  • 1 “Do Not Drive” advisory
BMW 320i recall campaigns covering each model year
DecadeYears ending in 0Years ending in 1Years ending in 2Years ending in 3Years ending in 4Years ending in 5Years ending in 6Years ending in 7Years ending in 8Years ending in 9
2000: 1 campaign2001: 1 campaign2002: 1 campaign2003: 1 campaign2004: 1 campaign2005: 1 campaign2006: no campaigns2007: no campaigns2008: no campaigns2009: no campaigns
2010: no campaigns2011: no campaigns2012: 3 campaigns2013: 3 campaigns2014: 7 campaigns2015: 3 campaigns
Highlighted: the model year with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 25V871000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Side/Window › Head

    Model year 2014

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014 4 Series Coupe (428i, 428i xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive), 3 Series Sedan (320i, 320i xDrive, 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335i xDrive), and 2014-2015 2 Series Coupe (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i, M235i xDrive) vehicles. The head air bag inflator may fail at the weld joint, which can cause gas to leak from the inflator or result in an inflator rupture.

    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the head air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 12, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  2. NHTSA campaign 24V527000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2014–2015

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2015 6 Series Gran Coupe, 2014 5 Series Gran Turismo, 2014 5 Series Sedan, 2015 6 Series Convertible, 2015 6 Series Coupe, 2014 X5, 2013-2014 X3, 2014-2015 3 Series Sedan, 2014 4 Series Coupe, 2014 4 Series Convertible, 2014 3 Series Gran Turismo, and 2015 4 Series Gran Coupe vehicles. Please see the recall report for the complete list of models. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.

    Consequence:
    An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, increasing the risk of injury or death.
    Remedy:
    The driver's front air bag will be replaced, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  3. NHTSA campaign 24V288000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Side/Window

    Model years 2014–2015

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2015 2 Series Coupe (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i), 3 Series Sedan (320i, 320i xDrive, 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335i xDrive, M3, 328d, 328d xDrive), 4 Series Coupe (428i, 428i xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive, M4), and 2015 4 Series Gran Coupe (428i, 428i xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive) vehicles. The head air bag inflator may fail at the weld joint, which can cause gas to leak from the inflator or result in an inflator rupture.

    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the head air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 4, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  4. NHTSA campaign 20V018000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2000–2005

    NHTSA “Do Not Drive” advisory: affected vehicles should not be driven until the recall repair is done.

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2005 323iT, 325iT, 325xiT, 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 330i and 330xi and 2000-2006 323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci, 330Ci, M3 Coupe, 323Cic, 325Cic, 330Cic, and M3 Convertible vehicles equipped with non-desiccated frontal Takata PSAN inflators and PSPI passenger frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

    Consequence:
    An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
    Remedy:
    BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger's front air bag, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  5. NHTSA campaign 15V520000

    Reported

    Exterior Lighting

    Model years 2012–2015

    BMW North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 320i, 320xi, 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi, and ActiveHybrid3 vehicles manufactured October 20, 2011, to June 22, 2015, 2014-2015 328xi Sports Wagon vehicles manufactured March 21, 2013, to March 17, 2015, 2014-2015 328d, 328xd vehicles manufactured June 28, 2013, to April 21, 2015, and 2014-2015 328xd Sports Wagon vehicles manufactured July 5, 2013, to April 21, 2015. The affected vehicles may have been programmed with new software that inadvertently makes the front side marker lights inoperative in conjunction with the parking lights or the headlights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

    Consequence:
    If the side marker lights do not illuminate, the vehicle may be less visible at night, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    BMW will notify owners, and dealers will upload revised software to correct the issue, free of charge. The recall began on October 7, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or by email at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  6. NHTSA campaign 15V189000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump

    Model year 2014

    BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 228i Coupe, M235i Coupe, 320i, 320xi, 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi, ActiveHybrid 3, 328xi Sports Wagon, 428i Coupe, 428xi Coupe, 435i Coupe, 435xi Coupe, 428i Convertible, 428xi Convertible, 435i Convertible, 328xi Gran Turismo, 335xi Gran Turismo, and 2015 428i Gran Coupe, 428xi Gran Coupe, and 435i Gran Coupe vehicles. Improper nickel plating of components within the fuel pump may result in the fuel pump failing.

    Consequence:
    If the fuel pump fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owners were mailed interim notices on May 28, 2015. The recall began on July 6, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  7. NHTSA campaign 14V627000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum; Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings

    Model years 2012–2014

    BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 BMW 328i xDrive Sports Wagon, 2012-2014 BMW 320i Sedan, 328i Sedan, 320i xDrive Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 2012-2013 BMW 528i Sedan, 528i xDrive Sedan, 2013-2014 BMW X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2013-2014 BMW X3 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2012-2014 BMW Z4 sDrive28i Roadster, and 2014 BMW 428i Coupe, and 428i xDrive Coupe. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 13V-454.

    Consequence:
    A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    BMW will notify owners, and dealers will install a locking ring in the camshaft to retain the camshaft seal disk in the proper location, free of charge. The recall began on December 2, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  8. NHTSA campaign 13V454000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings; Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum

    Model years 2012–2014

    BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 320i, 328i, 320i xDrive, and 328i xDrive sedans; model year 2014 328i xDrive Sports Wagons; model year 2012-2013 528i and 528i xDrive sedans, model year 2013-2014 X1 sDrive28i and X1 xDrive28i vehicles and model year 2012-2014 Z4 sDrive28i roadsters. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail.

    Consequence:
    A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    BMW will notify owners, and dealers will modify the vehicles to prevent insufficient vacuum pump lubrication, free of charge. The safety recall began on January 31, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

BMW 320i questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the BMW 320i have?

NHTSA lists 8 vehicle recall campaigns for the BMW 320i, covering model years 2000 to 2018. The most recent, 25V871000, was reported on December 17, 2025 and is filed under “Air bags”. The 2014 model year is covered by the most campaigns (7).

Which BMW 320i model year has the most complaints?

The 2014 model year, with 52 of the 154 complaints in NHTSA’s file (33.8%). The next are 2015 (33) and 2016 (25). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common BMW 320i complaint?

Engine is the component named most often: 41 complaints, or 26.6% of all 154. Electrical System (25) and Fuel/Propulsion System (24) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my BMW 320i?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a BMW dealer.

How many BMW 320i complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 154 complaints, 18 report a crash, 5 a fire, 11 at least one injury and 0 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other BMW models

8 models · most complaints first

The BMW models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the BMW VIN decoder with every BMW model page, WMI code and VIN note.

  • BMW X5 1999–2026 · 103 recalls · 3,138 complaints
  • BMW 328i 1996–2016 · 27 recalls · 2,576 complaints
  • BMW X3 2004–2026 · 60 recalls · 1,989 complaints
  • BMW 325i 1995–2012 · 20 recalls · 1,281 complaints
  • BMW Z4 2002–2023 · 28 recalls · 1,280 complaints
  • BMW 3 Series 1995–2023 · 8 recalls · 841 complaints
  • BMW 528i 1997–2016 · 14 recalls · 831 complaints
  • BMW 330i 1999–2026 · 38 recalls · 813 complaints

All BMW models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.