Skip to content
VINDecoder360
Menu

NHTSA recalls & complaints · 2006–2016

BMW 328xi recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns and 460 owner complaints for the BMW 328xi, covering model years 2006 to 2016. The 2007 model year drew the most complaints (198), and Electrical System is the component owners name most often.

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

Decode your BMW 328xi VIN

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

  • 8 recall campaigns on file
  • 460 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 11 model years with data (2006–2016)
  • most complaints: 2007 (198 for that model year)
  • top component: Electrical System (146 complaints)
  • latest recall 24V608000 (reported Aug 13, 2024)
  • 20 complaints reporting a crash (4.3%)
  • 40 complaints reporting a fire (8.7%)
  • 18 complaints reporting an injury (3.9%)
  • 0 complaints reporting a death (0.0%)

BMW 328xi complaints by model year

11 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2007 model year has the most complaints: 198 of 460, or 43.0%. Next come 2008 (99) and 2011 (67). The fewest are for 2012, with 1 complaint.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
BMW 328xi owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 2006–2016Column chart of 460 complaints across 11 model years. The highest is 2007 with 198. The full figures are in the table below the chart.2006: 5 complaints520062007: 198 complaints19820072008: 99 complaints9920082009: 11 complaints1120092010: 17 complaints1720102011: 67 complaints6720112012: 1 complaint120122013: 27 complaints2720132014: 17 complaints1720142015: 14 complaints1420152016: 4 complaints42016
BMW 328xi complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
BMW 328xi complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
200651110
200719861140
20089911820
2009110010
2010171110
2011676530
201210100
2013272210
2014172030
2015141120
201640000
All model years4602040180

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

Most-reported BMW 328xi components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Electrical System is the component named most often, in 146 complaints (31.7% of all 460), followed by Engine (110) and Air Bags (81).

Components named most often in BMW 328xi complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in BMW 328xi complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Electrical System14631.7%
Engine11023.9%
Air Bags8117.6%
Unknown or Other418.9%
Power Train347.4%
Engine and Engine Cooling337.2%
Fuel/Propulsion System296.3%
Latches/Locks/Linkages296.3%
Steering286.1%
Structure204.3%
Exterior Lighting163.5%
Vehicle Speed Control153.3%
Service Brakes122.6%
Seat Belts112.4%
Fuel System, Gasoline81.7%

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 328xi recalls

8 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name 328xi, newest first. The 8 campaigns cover model years 2006 to 2016. The 2007, 2009 and 2012 model years appear in the most campaigns (4 each).

  • 8 recall campaigns
BMW 328xi 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
2006: 3 campaigns2007: 4 campaigns2008: 3 campaigns2009: 4 campaigns
2010: 3 campaigns2011: 3 campaigns2012: 4 campaigns2013: 2 campaigns2014: 3 campaigns2015: 2 campaigns2016: 1 campaign
Highlighted: the model years with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 24V608000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Wiring › Connectors/Plugs/Receptacles; Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Pump

    Model years 2012–2016

    BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.

    Consequence:
    An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  2. NHTSA campaign 24V513000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module; Air Bags › Frontal

    Model years 2006–2012

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 2009-2011 3 Series Sedan (335d) vehicles. The original steering wheel may have been replaced with a sport or M-sport steering wheel equipped with an inflator that can explode during deployment.

    Consequence:
    An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 30, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  3. NHTSA campaign 20V017000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2006–2012

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) 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 driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  4. NHTSA campaign 19V472000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Wiring › Fuses and Circuit Breakers; Electrical System › 12V/24V/48V Battery › Cables; Electrical System

    Model year 2009

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009 328i and 328xi, 2009-2011 335d, 2008-2012 M3 Coupe and M3 Convertible, and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. The connection of the positive battery cable at the fuse box terminal may degrade, resulting in an intermittent loss of electrical power.

    Consequence:
    A loss of electrical power can cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace and secure the positive battery cable connector, free of charge. The recall began August 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion of a previous recall, number 18V-314.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  5. NHTSA campaign 17V676000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Wiring

    Model years 2006–2011

    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.

    Consequence:
    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.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. NHTSA campaign 13V564000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification

    Model year 2007

    BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2006 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans and 325xi sports wagons, model year 2007 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi sedans and 328i and 328xi sports wagons, model year 2006-2007 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 550i sedans and 530xi sports wagons, model year 2006 760i sedans, model year 2006-2007 750i, 750Li, and 760Li sedans, and model year 2006 X5 sports activity vehicles, equipped with certain seat types. The front passenger seat occupant detection mat that determines if and how the passenger frontal air bag should deploy in a crash may fatigue and develop cracks which could lead to a system failure.

    Consequence:
    Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.
    Remedy:
    BMW will notify owners with an interim notification letter in January 2014 since parts are not currently available. When parts are available, BMW sent a second letter in August and dealers will repair the occupant detection mat to eliminate the possibility that it may crack, free of charge. Additionally, owners of model year 2006-2007 3 Series with standard seats, 5 Series with comfort seats, and Z4 models, will receive an extended warranty on their front passenger seat occupant detection mat. 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 328xi questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the BMW 328xi have?

NHTSA lists 8 vehicle recall campaigns for the BMW 328xi, covering model years 2006 to 2016. The most recent, 24V608000, was reported on August 13, 2024 and is filed under “Electrical system”. The 2007, 2009 and 2012 model years are covered by the most campaigns (4 each).

Which BMW 328xi model year has the most complaints?

The 2007 model year, with 198 of the 460 complaints in NHTSA’s file (43.0%). The next are 2008 (99) and 2011 (67). 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 328xi complaint?

Electrical System is the component named most often: 146 complaints, or 31.7% of all 460. Engine (110) and Air Bags (81) 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 328xi?

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 328xi complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 460 complaints, 20 report a crash, 40 a fire, 18 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.