U.S. public vehicle records

2008 Bmw 3 SERIES problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

68 owner complaints analyzed

2 distinct recall campaigns

55,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2008 model year. Data updated: 2026-10-01 (October 1, 2026). 51 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 19 of 68 complaints (27.9%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Electrical and battery issues	11	16.2%
Engine operation	6	8.8%
Braking behavior	4	5.9%
Fuel system concerns	4	5.9%
Transmission and shifting	1	1.5%
Steering behavior	1	1.5%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Electrical System

Engine

Air Bags

Fuel/Propulsion System

Unknown Or Other

Engine And Engine Cooling

Tires

Fuel System, Gasoline

Electrical System: 19; Engine: 13; Air Bags: 10; Fuel/Propulsion System: 5; Unknown Or Other: 5; Engine And Engine Cooling: 4; Tires: 4; Fuel System, Gasoline: 3

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000

25,000 to 49,999

50,000 to 74,999

75,000 to 99,999

100,000 to 149,999

150,000 and above

Under 25,000: 10; 25,000 to 49,999: 12; 50,000 to 74,999: 15; 75,000 to 99,999: 5; 100,000 to 149,999: 5; 150,000 and above: 4

50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (15). 17 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2008: 2; 2009: 4; 2010: 6; 2011: 3; 2012: 3; 2013: 8; 2014: 9; 2015: 7; 2016: 6; 2017: 5; 2018: 13; 2019: 2

Pattern summary

Electrical System leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 11 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 6 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 4 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10252352 · 2008-12-20 (December 20, 2008)

GO HERE FOR THE ENTIRE STORY: WWW.BMWFIRE.COM I PURCHASED A BRAND NEW 2008 BMW 328I FOR $38,000 FROM SONNEN BMW IN SAN RAFAEL, CALIFORNIA. THE CAR HAD A SERIOUS MANUFACTURERS DEFECT THAT CAUSED AN ELECTRICAL FIRE AND RESULTED IN MY CAR BEING TOTALED. I HAD MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH THE FRONT PASSENGERS SIDE FOG LIGHT FALLING OUT OF ITS CASING INTO THE LOWER CORNER OF THE BUMPER WHICH CAUSED THREE SEPARATE FIRES. BMW HAS REFUSED TO REPLACE MY VEHICLE THAT HAD 11,500 MILES AND IS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. AT THE END OF JUNE 2008 I FIRST REALIZED T…

Owner-reported narrative. 11,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10252352 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10362405 · 2010-10-26 (October 26, 2010)

MY 2008 BMW 328I, STILL UNDER FACTORY WARRANTY, REQUIRED A NEW BATTERY. I WAS DENIED WARRANTY/MAINTENANCE COVERAGE FOR THE BATTERY DUE TO MY 'DRIVING PROFILE' - I DROVE MORE THAN 100 TRIPS OF LESS THAN 5KM IN THE LAST 36 DAYS. HOWEVER, I DROVE A TOTAL OF 2420 MILES IN THE LAST 32 DAYS, AS INDICATED ON TWO CAR REPAIR RECEIPTS. BMWNA STATED THAT DUE TO ME DRIVING SUCH SHORT DISTANCES, THE BATTERY WAS UNABLE TO CHARGE PROPERLY. THIS SOUNDS LIKE AN ENGINEERING DEFECT, NOT A DRIVER-RELATED ISSUE. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 44,717 miles reported. Look up ODI 10362405 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10242095 · 2008-09-14 (September 14, 2008)

I TOOK THE VEHICLE FOR THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS: 1.) LONG(ER) CRANK 2.) ENGINE MALFUNCTION, REDUCED POWER 3.) SERVICE ENGINE SOON 4.) HEAVY, ERRATIC SHAKING AND SHUDDERING 5.) ENGINE SOUNDED LIKE A UNION PACIFIC TRAIN WITH LOUD PUMPING SOUND 6.) BECAUSE OF 4 + 5, DECIDE TO TURN-OFF THE ENGINE OR SOMETIMES IT JUST STALLS BEFORE 7.) AFTER RESET, THE CAR BECOMES DRIVABLE BUT SYMPTOMS WILL REOCCUR. 8.) ABLE TO RECREATE PROBLEM WHEN I MASH THE GAS AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ON AN AUTO FORUM, I SUSPECTED THAT THE CAUSED OF THE PROBLEM WAS A…

Owner-reported narrative. 15,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10242095 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10263943 · 2009-04-02 (April 2, 2009)

THE 08 BMW M3 WITH THE DCT TRANSMISSION STALLS IN 2ND GEAR WHEN GOING AROUND TURNS CAUSING NEAR COLLISIONS. BMW HAS NOT FIXED THIS PROBLEM AS OF YET. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 3,200 miles reported. Look up ODI 10263943 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10263719 · 2009-03-31 (March 31, 2009)

WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY IN DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES, THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN MAKING INTERMITTENT NOISES AND SHAKING. ALL OF A SUDDEN THERE WAS A LOUD BAND COMING FROM THE REAR END AND THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY BEGAN TO SLOW (IN HEAVY LOS ANGELES TRAFFIC). I WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE OFF OF THE FREEWAY AND PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WOULD ONLY PULL FORWARD OR BACKWARD FOR A FEW FEET BEFORE STOPPING. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, STEVE THOMAS BMW IN CAMARILLO, CA. THIS HAPPENED ON FRIDAY. WHEN THEY FINALLY GOT AROUN…

Owner-reported narrative. 5,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10263719 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10525418 · 2013-07-17 (July 17, 2013)

MY NAME IS ? AND I'M HAVING A SERIOUS PROBLEM GETTING MY CAR FIXED BY THE BMW DEALERSHIP SPECIFICALLY THE ONE LOCATED AT EDISON, NJ. I'VE ALSO EXPERIENCED THE BRAKES NOT WORKING (2) WHEN THE CAR HAS BEEN DRIVEN IN BAD WEATHER, I.E. SNOW AND RAIN. BACK IN APRIL (4/11/2013) BMW CORPORATION A LETTER STATING THAT IF THE ABOVE PROBLEM AND OTHER PROBLEMS MENTIONED IN THERE LETTER WAS EVIDENT, I NEEDED TO STOP DRIVING IMMEDIATELY AND HAVE THE CAR SERVICED, WHICH I DID. WELL THE PROBLEM SUBSIDED FOR ABOUT A MONTH THEN STARTED UP AGAIN (THE PROBLEM IS …

Owner-reported narrative. 48,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10525418 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10735356 · 2015-07-20 (July 20, 2015)

I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AROUND 60 MPH SPEED AND SUDDENLY MY CAR COULDN'T SPEED ANY FURTHER AND LUCKY FOR ME I WAS DRIVING NEXT TO CENTER DIVIDE AND COULD PULL IT, I WAS ABLE TO AVOID ANY ACCIDENT. IT WAS PEAK TRAFFIC TIME ( EARLY MORNING COMMUTE ). SO I BELIEVE THIS NEEDS TO LOOKED INTO THAT IF THERE WAS A RECALL WHICH WAS NOT APPLIED TO ALL THE MAKE, MODELS. AFTER DIAGNOSIS IT WAS FOUND THE ISSUE WAS WITH FUEL PUMP ON WHICH THERE ARE CERTAIN RECALLS ON THE NEWER MODELS BUT FOR 2008 MODEL THEY WAS NONE I CONFIRMED WITH THE CUSTOMER SERVI…

Owner-reported narrative. 52,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10735356 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10493707 · 2013-01-22 (January 22, 2013)

AFFECTED STEERING, FAILING FRONT CONTROL ARM BUSHING.

Owner-reported narrative. 48,334 miles reported. Look up ODI 10493707 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

68 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

75.0%Usable mileage51 / 68 records

100.0%Valid incident date68 / 68 records

100.0%Valid filing date68 / 68 records

100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates68 / 68 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2023
Air Bags	1528.3% ODI 10649176 NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED IN OUR CAR ACCIDENT. WE WERE AT A STAND STILL, OR MOVING VERY SLOWLY AND ANOTHER CAR HIT US IN THE REAR DRIVER SIDE PANEL NEAR THE TIRE, AT HIGH IMPACT. *TR Look up ODI 10649176 at NHTSA ↗	1033.3% ODI 10627101 · 44,000 mi I AM 5'2", FAT AND WANTED EITHER AN ON/SWITCH FOR MY FRONT DRIVER'S AIRBAG, OR I WAS GOING TO APPLY UNDER YOUR GUIDELINES TO HAVE THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG DISCONNECTED. BMW APPARENTLY CAN DO NEITHER SINCE THEIR AIRBAG IS TIED INTO ITS ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. I HAVE GOTTEN NOTHING BUT A RUN AROUND REGARDING WHAT FOR ME IS A SAFETY ISSUE. I DON'T WANT TO BE DECAPITATED IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. DO YOU HAVE ANY ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY OVER THIS THAT WOULD MAKE BMW COMPLY WITH YOUR REQUIREMENTS? *TR Look up ODI 10627101 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	114.3% ODI 11034723 · 55,000 mi TAKATA RECALL I HAVE CONTACTED COGGIN BMW FT. PIERCE FL. SEVERAL TIMES TO GET MY AIRBAG FIXED. OVER A YEAR NOW AND STILL THEY CLAIM THAT THE PARTS HAVE NOT COME IN YET. IS THIS TRUE AND WHAT CAN I DO TO GET THIS RECALL TAKEN CARE OF. Look up ODI 11034723 at NHTSA ↗	314.3% ODI 10513158 · 2,755 mi I WAS REARENDED, ON THE FREEWAY, ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, BY AN SUV GOING ABOUT 40MPH, I SLAMMED IN TO ANOTHER SUV IN FRONT OF ME. MY VEHICLE IS TOTALED. THE DISPLAY INDICATED THAT THERE WAS AN AIRBAG DEPLOY ERROR. ALSO, THE REASON MY CAR WAS TOTALED WAS BECAUSE ALL OF THE ELECTRICAL WIRES FOR THE COMPUTER SYSTEM ARE BEHIND THE REAR TAIL LIGHT, AND THEY WERE MELTED AFTER IMPACT. THIS IS CONCERNING BECAUSE THIS IS ALSO WHERE THE FUEL TANK IS. LUCKILY, I WALKED AWAY WITH A SORE NECK AND FEW BRUISES, BUT IT IS CONCERNING THAT THE AIRBAGS DID NO… Look up ODI 10513158 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Electrical System	815.1% ODI 10543851 · 59,000 mi I HAVE A 2009 BMW328XI, WHICH I BOUGHT BRAND NEW AND PAID A LOT OF MONEY FOR. I ONLY HAVE 59,000 MILES. ON AUGUST 3, 2013 THE CAR TEMPERATURE LIGHT WENT ON, FIRST YELLOW AND NOT EVEN TWO SECONDS LATER RED. WITH OUT WARNING THE CAR DIDN'T MOVE. SO I SHUT OFF THE ENGINE IMMEDIATELY. THINKING THE CAR IS OVER HEATING. INSTEAD, AFTER GETTING IT TOWED FOUND OUT THE WATER PUMP AND ELECTRIC THERMOSTAT WENT. I AM VERY UNHAPPY THAT A 4 AND HALF YEAR OLD CAR SHOULDN'T HAVE SUCH PROBLEMS. I'VE HAD MANY HIGH END CARS IN THE PAST FOR 11 YEARS AND NEVER … Look up ODI 10543851 at NHTSA ↗	516.7% ODI 10597574 · 61,500 mi NOTICED THE PASSENGER SIDE BLINKER STARTED TO BLINK QUICKLY. THE BRAKES AND TAIL LIGHTS USE A BULB WHILE THE BLINKER HAS APPROXIMATELY 15 LEDS. THEREFORE THE ENTIRE LIGHT ASSEMBLY HAS TO BE REPLACED. SEVERAL OF THE LEDS DO NOT LIGHT UP AND THE ONES THAT DO ARE DIM. TWO WEEKS LATER THE DRIVER SIDE BLINKER DID THE SAME THING. THIS CONCERNS ME AS ANOTHER DRIVER MAY NOT BE AWARE THAT I AM TURNING UNTIL IT IS TO LATE. *TR Look up ODI 10597574 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	733.3% ODI 10490036 · 300 mi AS MY WIFE OPEN THE DOOR AND SITS , SHE PULLED THE DOOR TO CLOSE BUT IT WONT LOCK UP TRY SEVERAL TIMES TO DO IT WITH THE REMOTE BUT WONT LOCK UP. AFRAID TO DRIVE CAR!!! *TR Look up ODI 10490036 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Exterior Lighting	59.4% ODI 10545251 · 27,900 mi I THINK BMW NEEDS TO LOOK INTO A RECALL FOR THE TAIL LIGHTS ON THE 3 - SERIES MODELS FROM 09 AND UP. THE CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE LED SIGNAL LIGHTS MALFUNCTIONS AND SOME OF THE LED'S STOP WORKING. WHEN THOSE FEW STOP WORKING, IT AFFECTS THE ENTIRE CIRCUIT AND THE REST ARE VERY DIM/NOT VISIBLE. THIS ALSO CAUSES THE WARNING INDICATOR ON THE DASH TO COME UP ADVISING THAT YOU HAVE A BURNT OUT BULB . I HAVE ALREADY HAD MY DRIVERS SIDE REPLACED A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO AND NOW THE PASSENGER SIDE IS HAVING ISSUES. THERE ARE ALSO SEVERAL OTHERS REPORTING TH… Look up ODI 10545251 at NHTSA ↗	26.7% ODI 10597574 · 61,500 mi NOTICED THE PASSENGER SIDE BLINKER STARTED TO BLINK QUICKLY. THE BRAKES AND TAIL LIGHTS USE A BULB WHILE THE BLINKER HAS APPROXIMATELY 15 LEDS. THEREFORE THE ENTIRE LIGHT ASSEMBLY HAS TO BE REPLACED. SEVERAL OF THE LEDS DO NOT LIGHT UP AND THE ONES THAT DO ARE DIM. TWO WEEKS LATER THE DRIVER SIDE BLINKER DID THE SAME THING. THIS CONCERNS ME AS ANOTHER DRIVER MAY NOT BE AWARE THAT I AM TURNING UNTIL IT IS TO LATE. *TR Look up ODI 10597574 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Engine	59.4% ODI 10481059 · 59,700 mi 2009 BMW 335D, EGR COOLER CRACKS OPEN AND STARTS FUMING UNFILTERED DIESEL EXHAUST INTO THE ENVIRONMENT AND INTO COCK PIT OF CAR. HIGHLY DANGEROUS GAS HAS SEVERE IMPACT TO OCCUPANTS, CAR COULD NOT BE DRIVEN AS EXHAUST SMELL INSIDE OF CAR. BMW REFUSE TO FIX THIS UNDER BELOW MENTIONED RECALL AS IT DOES NOT INCLUDE THE COOLER. RECALL CAMPAIGN NO. 11E-A03: BMW VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS RECALL CAMPAIGN SCR CATALYST, EGR VALVE AND/OR DEF MIXER AND ECU SOFTWARE FLASH FAILED EXHAUST COOLER MAKES THE CAR ILLEGAL ON ROAD AS IT EXCEEDS EMISSION LIMITS… Look up ODI 10481059 at NHTSA ↗	620.0% ODI 10639084 · 38,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 3 SERIES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, SMOKE STARTED TO EMIT FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS MERGED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD IN ORDER TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ONCE THE HOOD OF VEHICLE WAS OPEN, HE OBSERVED FLAMES COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHO STATED THE EMISSION VALVE OVERHEATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAIL… Look up ODI 10639084 at NHTSA ↗	1100.0% ODI 11610158 See attached document for complaint Look up ODI 11610158 at NHTSA ↗	342.9% ODI 10780872 · 51,279 mi VANOS BOLT FAILURE. 4 VANOS BOLT BROKEN. CAR STALLED WHILE DRIVING. THE CAR WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET WHILE TURNING. NO POWER AT ALL. IT IS A 2011 328I. Look up ODI 10780872 at NHTSA ↗	733.3% ODI 10508639 · 3,500 mi AUTO START/STOP FUNCTION HAS MALFUNCTIONED BEFORE WHERE WHEN I TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE, THE CAR DOESN'T START AGAIN. NORMALLY I CAN JUST PRESS THE START BUTTON AND PUT IT IN DRIVE. THIS TIME, HOWEVER, I WENT TO START IT AGAIN AFTER IT HAD AN "AUTO START/STOP MALFUNCTION", AND IT WOULDN'T TURN BACK ON. AN ERROR POPPED UP SAYING "IGNITION MALFUNCTION -- DO NOT TURN ENGINE OFF. CAR WILL NOT START AGAIN." CURRENTLY WAITING TO HEAR BACK FROM THE DEALERSHIP AFTER I HAD TO FLATBED IT. ALSO THE CAR WOULDN'T GO INTO NEUTRAL SO THEY HAD TO DRAG IT ON … Look up ODI 10508639 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Steering	35.7% ODI 10781956 · 70,000 mi WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND AT THAT TIME THE BRAKES BECAME UNRESPONSIVE AS WELL. THIS RESULTED IN A MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT AS MY CAR ONLY STOPPED BY HITTING ANOTHER CAR WAITING AT THE OPPOSITE LIGHT. IT CAN BE COMPARED TO SLIDING ON A PATCH OF ICE, BUT THERE IS NO OPTION TO MOVE THE WHEEL TO TRY AND REGAIN CONTROL OF YOUR CAR. I AM VERY THANKFUL THAT I WAS NOT ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN THIS OCCURRED. THERE IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD AS I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH… Look up ODI 10781956 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	114.3% ODI 10892703 · 25,989 mi WHILE IN LINE IN A DRIVE THRU THE VEHICLE TURNED OFF SUDDENLY LOSING ALL ELECTRICAL POWER AND POWER STEERING. UPON TRYING TO START "CHARGING MALFUNCTION" APPEARED ON THE INFORMATION SCREEN IN WITH A RED WARNING SIGN. TRIED 2-3 TIMES TO TURN OVER STARTER. WHEN VEHICLE TURNED ON IT WAS TIME TO MOVE FORWARD. WHEN TRYING TO EXIT DRIVE THRU DRIVE WAY VEHICLE WAS VERY HEAVY AND ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN. FINALLY AFTER SEVERAL BACK AND FORTH ATTEMPTS VEHICLE WAS MOVED ABOUT 50 FEET TO A SAFE PARKING LOCATION. Look up ODI 10892703 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Latches/Locks/Linkages	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	14.8% ODI 10490036 · 300 mi AS MY WIFE OPEN THE DOOR AND SITS , SHE PULLED THE DOOR TO CLOSE BUT IT WONT LOCK UP TRY SEVERAL TIMES TO DO IT WITH THE REMOTE BUT WONT LOCK UP. AFRAID TO DRIVE CAR!!! *TR Look up ODI 10490036 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Power Train	11.9% ODI 10345223 · 98,790 mi I OWN BMW 320D 2009, MY PROBLEM WITH THE CAR IS EXACTLY THE OPPOSITE, AS MY CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATE BY ITS SELF, AS I GO DOWN FROM SAY 75 MPH AND RELEASE THE BRAKES, SUDDENLY THE CAR SPEEDS UP AGAIN. THIS IS HAPPEN TO ME SEVERAL TIMES AND BMW SAYS THIS WAS NOTHING I WAS ASSUMING THIS, AFTER COMPLAINED AND COMPLAINED, FINALLY AN IGINUER LOOKED AT MY CAR AND KEPT IT FOR A DAY, BUT ONLY TO SAY NOTHING IS WRONG. IT KEEPS HAPPENING AND HAPPENING AND BMW DOES NOT REACT, AS I MENTIONED TOYOTA IN ONE OF MY LETTERS TO THEM, THEY ANSWERED ME ANGRY WITH W… Look up ODI 10345223 at NHTSA ↗	13.3% ODI 10509785 · 80,000 mi DRIVER SIDE FLOOR MAT CURLED UP AT FRONT AND WAS CAPTURED BY CLUTCH PEDAL WHEN CHANGING GEAR. WHEN CLUTCH WAS AGAIN ENGAGED, MAT WAS PULLED UP AND INTERFERED WITH SUBSEQUENT BRAKE OPERATION BEFORE FREEING ITSELF AND FALLING BACK ONTO FLOOR WELL. SINCE PROBLEM WAS INTERMITTENT, IT TOOK A WHILE TO FIGURE OUT. *TR Look up ODI 10509785 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	628.6% ODI 10494881 · 2,250 mi THE SUBJECT VEHICLE ACCELERATED UNEXPECTEDLY WHEN THE CAR WAS SLOWLY TURNING INTO A PARKING SPACE IN A PARKING LOT. THE DRIVER HAD TO SUDDENLY PRESS VERY HARD ON THE BRAKE IN ORDER TO STOP THE CAR. *TR Look up ODI 10494881 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Unknown Or Other	47.5% ODI 10732000 INSIDE PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE MELTING Look up ODI 10732000 at NHTSA ↗	13.3% ODI 10816877 CATALYTIC PERMANENT FAILURE-REPLACE, 08MAY14, 30KMILES. OXYGEN SENSOR REPLACE, 16JUN14, 30KMILES. EXTREME CARBON BUILD UP-WALNUT BLAST CYLINDERS,CLEAN INTAKE&EXHAUST SIDE, 23MAR15, 35KMILES. REPLACE INJECTOR, 08APR15, 35K MILES. REPLACE NOX SENSOR, 17APR15, 29KMILES. DIESEL ACTIVE TANK FAILURE 28 SEPT 15, 37K MILES. CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILURE-PART ON BACK ORDER, 28SEPT15, 37KMILES. DSC REAR SENSOR FAILURE,07DEC15, 38K MILES. ABOVE ENGINE AND RELATED EMISSIONS FAULTS CAUSED POOR MILEAGE AND POOR ENGINE PERFORMANCE AND EXPENSIVE REP… Look up ODI 10816877 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	114.3% ODI 10780872 · 51,279 mi VANOS BOLT FAILURE. 4 VANOS BOLT BROKEN. CAR STALLED WHILE DRIVING. THE CAR WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET WHILE TURNING. NO POWER AT ALL. IT IS A 2011 328I. Look up ODI 10780872 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
Electrical System	42,679–101,676 mi	61,374 mi	14	ODI 10252352 · 11,500 mi GO HERE FOR THE ENTIRE STORY: WWW.BMWFIRE.COM I PURCHASED A BRAND NEW 2008 BMW 328I FOR $38,000 FROM SONNEN BMW IN SAN RAFAEL, CALIFORNIA. THE CAR HAD A SERIOUS MANUFACTURERS DEFECT THAT CAUSED AN ELECTRICAL FIRE AND RESULTED IN MY CAR BEING TOTALED. I HAD MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH THE FRONT PASSENGERS SIDE FOG LIGHT FALLING OUT OF ITS CASING INTO THE LOWER CORNER OF THE BUMPER WHICH CAUSED THREE SEPARATE FIRES. BMW HAS REFUSED TO REPLACE MY VEHICLE THAT HAD 11,500 MILES AND IS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. AT THE END OF JUNE 2008 I FIRST REALIZED T… Look up ODI 10252352 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10362405 · 44,717 mi MY 2008 BMW 328I, STILL UNDER FACTORY WARRANTY, REQUIRED A NEW BATTERY. I WAS DENIED WARRANTY/MAINTENANCE COVERAGE FOR THE BATTERY DUE TO MY 'DRIVING PROFILE' - I DROVE MORE THAN 100 TRIPS OF LESS THAN 5KM IN THE LAST 36 DAYS. HOWEVER, I DROVE A TOTAL OF 2420 MILES IN THE LAST 32 DAYS, AS INDICATED ON TWO CAR REPAIR RECEIPTS. BMWNA STATED THAT DUE TO ME DRIVING SUCH SHORT DISTANCES, THE BATTERY WAS UNABLE TO CHARGE PROPERLY. THIS SOUNDS LIKE AN ENGINEERING DEFECT, NOT A DRIVER-RELATED ISSUE. *TR Look up ODI 10362405 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10466934 · 59,500 mi DRIVER EXITED CAR TO PUMP GAS. PASSENGERS REMAINED IN VEHICLE. GAS DOOR COULD NOT BE OPENED AS MAIN DOOR LOCK WAS ENGAGED (THOUGH DRIVERS DOOR WAS UNLOCKED). KEY FOB UNLOCK FUNCTION WOULD NOT WORK TO UNLOCK CAR / GAS CAP. DRIVER PUSHED KEY FOB BUTTONS TO ATTEMPT UNLOCK, DRIVERS DOOR BECAME LOCKED DURING THIS ACTIVITY. NOW NO DOORS COULD BE UNLOCKED. DUE TO FAILURE ALL DOORS EXPERIENCED "2 PULL" DOOR UNLOCK SYSTEM FAILURE, THIS "2 PULL" SYSTEM, THAT IS SUPPOSED TO ENSURE DOORS CAN BE OPENED FROM INSIDE IF LOCK IS ENGAGED APPARENTLY REQUIRE SAME … Look up ODI 10466934 at NHTSA ↗
Engine	62,835–91,500 mi	72,000 mi	11	ODI 10499301 · 40,000 mi I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 70 MILES AN HOUR WHEN THE ENGINE JUST SUDDENLY STOPPED. WHILE THE CAR WAS SLOWING DOWN I HAVE TO PULL OVER AND RESTART THE CAR. THEN AFTER DRIVING FOR ANOTHER 10 MIN THE ENGINE STOPPED AGAIN THIS TIME I DIDN'T HAVE TIME TO PULL OVER AND STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF A HIGHWAY. I HAVE TO KEEP TRYING BEFORE IT RESTARTED. I STOPPED AT A GAS STATION AND WAS AFRAID TO DRIVE IT AGAIN. FINALLY WITHOUT A CHOICE AFTER AN HOUR I STARTED THE CAR BACK UP AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE BACK HOME. *TR Look up ODI 10499301 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10550802 · 38,000 mi AS AN EXAMPLE, WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE ONTO A MOVING TRAFFIC SITUATION THE CAR HESITATES/LAGS/DELAYS BEFORE THE ENGINE CATCHES, THEN IT TAKES OFF LIKE A RABBIT WHEN YOU DON'T EXPECT IT. THIS VEHICLE BEHAVIOR HAS CAUSED NEAR MISS ACCIDENTS MORE THAN ONCE WHEN I WAS DRIVING. IT'S NOT A DELAY WHICH DECREASES A TRANSIENT SURGE. IT INCREASES THE TRANSIENT SURGE AS THE CAR DOES NOT RESPOND TO THE THROTTLE FOR A HALF SECOND THEN BOLTS FORWARD WITH AN AWKWARD LURCH AND A SLAM. IT'S MUCH ROUGHER THAN A NORMAL TAKEOFF WOULD BE. IT'… Look up ODI 10550802 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10574906 · 75,000 mi NOTICED AN UNUSUAL ENGINE VIBRATION. WENT TO MY MECHANIC WHO INSPECTED VEHICLE. POINTED OUT BROKEN MOTOR MOUNT BOLTS. HIS COMMENT I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL OF THESE OVER THE YEARS. THE BOLTS ARE MADE FROM ALUMINUM -- THEY BREAK. SAID HE THIS WAS AN ONGOING AND WELL KNOWN ISSUE WITH BMW FROM THAT YEAR AND 2009. SAID BMW WOULD NOT COVER IT. HE ALSO STATED THE CAR HAD NO VISIBLE SIGNS OF DAMAGE, TO UNDERCARRIAGE THAT WOULD SUGGEST ANY DAMAGE. HE SAID IT JUST HAPPENS, AND A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE COMPLAINED TO BMW, ALL TO NO AVAIL. INSTEAD OF B… Look up ODI 10574906 at NHTSA ↗
Air Bags	Too few reports for a range	67,500 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 10644528 · 68,000 mi HI, I AM QUITE FRUSTRATED WITH BMW. THEY HAVE EXPERIENCED WIDESPREAD ISSUES WITH THEIR PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEMS HAVE MULTIPLE RECALLS OUT, HOWEVER MY CAR AT THIS TIME IS NOT PART OF IT BUT MY PASSENGER AIRBAGS ARE FAULTY. BMW WANTS TO CHARGE ME $150 DIAGNOSIS INSTEAD OF ENSURING THE SAFETY OF MY PASSENGERS. I'M WRITING YOU AS THIS IS VERY SCARY TO ME THAT BMW IS WILLING TO RISK TEH SAFETY OF THE MY PASSENGERS AND NOT TAKE CARE OF THEIR CUSTOMERS. TR Look up ODI 10644528 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10672466 · 55,000 mi TL THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 318I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000. Look up ODI 10672466 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10883362 · 67,500 mi TAKATA RECALL I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN MARCH FOR MY 2008 BMW 3 SERIES CONVERTIBLE, [XXX] STATING THAT THE DRIVER'S FRONT AIR BAG MODULE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND THAT I WOULD BE NOTIFIED WHEN PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE. I HAVE RECENTLY PURCHASED ANOTHER CAR (NOT A BMW) BUT THE TRADE IN ON THE BMW IS BLOCKED BY THE PENDING RECALL REPAIR. MY LOCAL DEALER, WEATHERFORD IN BERKELEY, CA INFORMS ME THAT THEY STILL DO NOT HAVE THE PARTS AND HAVE NO INFORMATION ON WHEN THEY MAY BECOME AVAILABLE. THERE IS OBVIOUSLY A SAFETY ISSUE FOR ME AND FOR A… Look up ODI 10883362 at NHTSA ↗
Fuel/Propulsion System	69,500–130,200 mi	80,000 mi	5	ODI 10735356 · 52,000 mi I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AROUND 60 MPH SPEED AND SUDDENLY MY CAR COULDN'T SPEED ANY FURTHER AND LUCKY FOR ME I WAS DRIVING NEXT TO CENTER DIVIDE AND COULD PULL IT, I WAS ABLE TO AVOID ANY ACCIDENT. IT WAS PEAK TRAFFIC TIME ( EARLY MORNING COMMUTE ). SO I BELIEVE THIS NEEDS TO LOOKED INTO THAT IF THERE WAS A RECALL WHICH WAS NOT APPLIED TO ALL THE MAKE, MODELS. AFTER DIAGNOSIS IT WAS FOUND THE ISSUE WAS WITH FUEL PUMP ON WHICH THERE ARE CERTAIN RECALLS ON THE NEWER MODELS BUT FOR 2008 MODEL THEY WAS NONE I CONFIRMED WITH THE CUSTOMER SERVI… Look up ODI 10735356 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10864596 · 130,200 mi CURRENTLY I HAVE THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP IN MY 335I (2008). I HAVE MY "SERVICE ENGINE SOON ENGINE MALFUNCTION. REDUCED POWER" LIGHT ON - IT JUST CAME ON YESTERDAY. ORIGINAL WARRANTY WAS 4 YEARS 40,000 MILES. WHICH ACCORDING TO BMW WAS EXTENDED 10 YEARS 120,000. SO I AM OUT OF WARRANTY BECAUSE I ALREADY HAVE 130K, MY CAR WAS BROUGHT TO BMW SEVERAL OCCASION, IT WAS NEVER BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION THAT THERE MAY A POTENTIAL PROBLEMS WITH THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP. Look up ODI 10864596 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11065287 · 69,500 mi THIS IS FOR 2 NHTSA RECALLS ISSUED 10/25/17 AND 10/30/17 NHTSA RECALL NUMBER17V676 AND NHTSA RECALL NUMBER17V683. IT IS NOW 3 MONTHS LATER AND BMW OF NORTH AMERICA STILL HAS NO REMEDY AVAILABLE! BOTH RECALL STATEMENTS CAUTION THAT "OVER TIME" THE PART COULD DETERIORATE, LEADING TO THE CAR CATCHING ON FIRE. SINCE THE CAR IS 10 YEARS OLD, I AM CONCERNED THAT THE BMW DEFINITION OF "OVER TIME" HAS BEEN MET, AND THEREFORE WE ARE LEFT WITH A NON-DRIVEABLE CAR DUE TO THEIR WARNINGS. HOW LONG SHOULD ONE WAIT WITH NO COMPENSATION, EITHER MOBILITY O… Look up ODI 11065287 at NHTSA ↗
Unknown Or Other	Too few reports for a range	145,932 mi	4 (sparse)	ODI 10758905 · 160,000 mi CAR WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, DROVE IT EARLIER THAT DAY FOR ABOUT AN HOUR, PARKED IT 3PM AND 2 HOURS LATER NEIGHBOR CAME KNOCKING SAYING CAR WAS SMOKING. RAN OUTSIDE AND CAR WAS ON FIRE. INTERIOR WAS SMOKED OUT. KEYLESS ENTRY WAS DEAD. BROKE THE WINDOW TO GET THE CAR OPEN, TURNED THE GARDEN HOSE ON TO TRY AND STOP THE CAR FROM BURNING. CALLED 911 FIRE DEPT ARRIVED AND HAD TO PRY THE TRUCK OPEN BECAUSE IT WAS STILL SIZZLING. FIRE DEPT CUT THE BATTERY CABLES AND SAID IT LOOKED LIKE AN ELECTRICAL FIRE UNDER THE DASH. GLOVE BOX AND PASSENGER SI… Look up ODI 10758905 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10779547 · 60,500 mi PURCHASED CAR AUGUST 29 2015. ON SEPTEMBER 15 2015 AFTER FUELING AND TURNING ON CAR THE BRAKE, ABS, TRACTION CONTROL AND SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED. WAS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE VEHICLE OUT OF GAS STATION PARKING LOT. LIGHTS WENT AWAY BUT INTERMITTENTLY WOULD COME ON WHILE DRIVING WHICH CAUSED SUDDEN INABILITY TO ACCELERATE WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC. VEHICLE FEELS LIKE IT CANNOT SWITCH AND GEAR AND IS BEING PUSHED BACK.WHEN THIS HAPPENS THE RESR LIGHTS STOP WORKING SO DRIVERS BEHIND COULD CRASH INTO ME BECAUSE OF SUDDEN DECREASE IN SPEED.TOOK TO… Look up ODI 10779547 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11090858 · 151,864 mi THERE ARE (3) CURRENT RECALLS FOR THIS MODEL, 2008 BMW 328I. ONLY (1) RECALL HAS A 'REMEDY' AVAILABLE. ACCORDING TO MY LOCAL BMW DEALERSHIP, THE 'REMEDIES' FOR THE OTHER (2) RECALLS, BOTH OF WHICH COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE A FIRE EVEN IN A NON-RUNNING PARKED SITUATION, ARE 'NOT YET AVAILABLE'. THESE RECALLS ARE: NHTSA #17V76 AND NHTSA #17V683. BMW USA HAS 'RECOMMENDED' THAT THE AFFECTED VEHICLES ALWAYS BE 'PARKED OUTSIDE'. I DO NOT CONSIDER THIS AN ACCEPTABLE SOLUTION TO THESE <POSSIBLY> DANGEROUS AND SERIOUS RECALL ISSUES, AS I LIVE IN A 'MAR… Look up ODI 11090858 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling	Too few reports for a range	28,000 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10313845 · 1,000 mi ON THREE OCCASIONS SINCE I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE NEW, WHILE DRIVING AND ACCELERATING THE ENGINE CUTS OUT AND RPM'S SUDDENLY DROP. THE DATE REFERENCED BELOW WAS THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE SINCE THEN. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE IN ALL THREE TIMES. THEY CHANGED SOME PARTS, BUT THIS CONTINUES TO HAPPEN. AT ONE TIME, I WAS TRY TO GET THROUGH AN INTERSECTION WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC, ALTHOUGH THERE WAS NOT AN ACCIDENT, IT WAS SCARY. ANOTHER TIME WAS CHANGING LANES ON A HIGHWAY. THIS SEEMS TO BE INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. *TR Look up ODI 10313845 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10452625 · 55,000 mi WHEN TRAVELLING ON HARLEM RIVER DRIVE MIDDLE LANE, MY CAR ALL THE SUDDEN DISPLAYED AN ENGINE OVERHEAT LIGHT YELLOW THAT TURNED RED WITHIN 3 SECONDS AND STARTED LOSING POWER (FROM 50-60 MPH TO 1 MPH) WITHIN 5 SECONDS...THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION, AS I DID NOT HAVE ENOUGH WARNING TIME TO PULL TO THE SHOULDER. THE DEALERSHIP IS STATING THAT THIS IS A WATER PUMP FAILURE. I AM AWARE THAT THERE ARE RECALLS ON X5S BUT NOT ON MY CAR. MY FRIEND WHO OWNS THE SAME CAR AND YEAR HAD THE EX… Look up ODI 10452625 at NHTSA ↗
Tires	Too few reports for a range	43,780 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 10292819 · 8,159 mi CONTINENTAL RUN FLAT TIRES NEW WITH NEW 328I BMW SEDAN PURCHASED IN 2008 HAD TREAD WORN DOWN AFTER 8100 MILES, AS NOTICED WHEN VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT IN FOR SERVICING. TIRES WERE REPLACED BY DEALER. RESEARCH ON THE WEB SHOWED A LARGE NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS REPORTING SIMILAR PROBLEMS: HTTP://WWW.BMWRUNFLATTIRE.COM; HTTP://FORUMS.AUTOMOTIVE.COM/70/6318820/BMW/BMW-RUN-FLAT-TIRES/INDEX.HTML. TR Look up ODI 10292819 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10384670 · 43,780 mi SERIOUS PROBLEM, I CAN NOT DRIVE AND CAN NOT REPLACE BLOWOUT, BROKEN RUN FLAT TIRES FROM BRIDGESTONE ON MY '08 BMW 328I. IT'S THE 4TH WARRANTY COVERAGE REPLACEMENT IN 6MONTHS BUT THIS TIME IT IS OUT OF STOCK AT MY COSTCO TIRE WHERE I PURCHASED THEM AND WAS TOLD BY THE MAKER, BRIDGESTONE TIRES THAT THERE'S 18,000+ BACKORDERS ON THESE TIRES AND THEY HAVE NO IDEA ON ETA. TR Look up ODI 10384670 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10565404 · 56,000 mi TIRE SIDEWALL SEPARATION, JUST BELOW THE TIRE BEAD. THE MAKE OF THE TIRE WAS A MICHELIN PILOT SP, PS2, ZP. *TR Look up ODI 10565404 at NHTSA ↗
Fuel System, Gasoline	Too few reports for a range	25,250 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10242095 · 15,500 mi I TOOK THE VEHICLE FOR THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS: 1.) LONG(ER) CRANK 2.) ENGINE MALFUNCTION, REDUCED POWER 3.) SERVICE ENGINE SOON 4.) HEAVY, ERRATIC SHAKING AND SHUDDERING 5.) ENGINE SOUNDED LIKE A UNION PACIFIC TRAIN WITH LOUD PUMPING SOUND 6.) BECAUSE OF 4 + 5, DECIDE TO TURN-OFF THE ENGINE OR SOMETIMES IT JUST STALLS BEFORE 7.) AFTER RESET, THE CAR BECOMES DRIVABLE BUT SYMPTOMS WILL REOCCUR. 8.) ABLE TO RECREATE PROBLEM WHEN I MASH THE GAS AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ON AN AUTO FORUM, I SUSPECTED THAT THE CAUSED OF THE PROBLEM WAS A… Look up ODI 10242095 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10534385 · 35,000 mi FUEL INJECTORS CONSTANTLY NEED REPLACEMENT EVERY 15,000 MILES OR SO. ALL 6 WERE INITIALLY REPLACED ON RECALL AT 35,000 MILES AND THEN 3 MORE NEEDED REPLACEMENT 49,000 MILES. NOW THE CAR HAS ABOUT 61,000 MILES AND NEEDS ANOTHER 3 REPLACED. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A PROBLEM WITH THE DESIGN OF THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM AND NEEDS TO BE RECALLED AGAIN OR WARRANTIED FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. SAFETY ISSUES ARE THAT WHEN YOU TRY TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE HESITATES PUTTING THE OCCUPANTS IN AN UNSAFE SITUATION. MERGING INTO TRAFFIC OR TURNING ONTO… Look up ODI 10534385 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

ComponentPeriod

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples

Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-10 (partial)	None	No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

2013: 14 complaints · 2023: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2013	9	12	14
2023	0	0	0

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2013	20	0	1
2023	0	0	0

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
Component	Electrical System	Engine	Air Bags	Fuel/Propulsion System	Unknown Or Other	Engine And Engine Cooling	Tires	Fuel System, Gasoline
Electrical System	—	1 ODI 11052943 RECENTLY I GOT A LETTER FROM BMW THAT MY VEHICLE WAS RECALLED FOR TWO ISSUES WHICH I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING SINCE A YEAR. 1 OVERHEATING 2. PLASTIC BURNING SMELL INSIDE THE COMPARTMENT. I BROUGHT THIS TO THEIR BMW'S NOTICE MANY TIMES WHICH THEY IGNORED. AND RECENTLY WHEN I GOT THIS RECALL LETTER FROM BMW I GAVE THEM A CALL(PRINCETON BMW), THEY GAVE ME AN APPOINTMENT SAYING THEY WILL FIX THAT. I TOLD THEM CRYSTAL CLEARLY THAT I WAS THERE FOR THE TWO RECALL ISSUES ONLY AND NOTHING ELSE. AND TO MY SHOCK ,LET ALONE REPAIRING THE MANDATORY RECALL IS… Look up ODI 11052943 at NHTSA ↗	0	1 ODI 11065287 · 69,500 mi THIS IS FOR 2 NHTSA RECALLS ISSUED 10/25/17 AND 10/30/17 NHTSA RECALL NUMBER17V676 AND NHTSA RECALL NUMBER17V683. IT IS NOW 3 MONTHS LATER AND BMW OF NORTH AMERICA STILL HAS NO REMEDY AVAILABLE! BOTH RECALL STATEMENTS CAUTION THAT "OVER TIME" THE PART COULD DETERIORATE, LEADING TO THE CAR CATCHING ON FIRE. SINCE THE CAR IS 10 YEARS OLD, I AM CONCERNED THAT THE BMW DEFINITION OF "OVER TIME" HAS BEEN MET, AND THEREFORE WE ARE LEFT WITH A NON-DRIVEABLE CAR DUE TO THEIR WARNINGS. HOW LONG SHOULD ONE WAIT WITH NO COMPENSATION, EITHER MOBILITY O… Look up ODI 11065287 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 10758905 · 160,000 mi CAR WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, DROVE IT EARLIER THAT DAY FOR ABOUT AN HOUR, PARKED IT 3PM AND 2 HOURS LATER NEIGHBOR CAME KNOCKING SAYING CAR WAS SMOKING. RAN OUTSIDE AND CAR WAS ON FIRE. INTERIOR WAS SMOKED OUT. KEYLESS ENTRY WAS DEAD. BROKE THE WINDOW TO GET THE CAR OPEN, TURNED THE GARDEN HOSE ON TO TRY AND STOP THE CAR FROM BURNING. CALLED 911 FIRE DEPT ARRIVED AND HAD TO PRY THE TRUCK OPEN BECAUSE IT WAS STILL SIZZLING. FIRE DEPT CUT THE BATTERY CABLES AND SAID IT LOOKED LIKE AN ELECTRICAL FIRE UNDER THE DASH. GLOVE BOX AND PASSENGER SI… Look up ODI 10758905 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11052943 RECENTLY I GOT A LETTER FROM BMW THAT MY VEHICLE WAS RECALLED FOR TWO ISSUES WHICH I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING SINCE A YEAR. 1 OVERHEATING 2. PLASTIC BURNING SMELL INSIDE THE COMPARTMENT. I BROUGHT THIS TO THEIR BMW'S NOTICE MANY TIMES WHICH THEY IGNORED. AND RECENTLY WHEN I GOT THIS RECALL LETTER FROM BMW I GAVE THEM A CALL(PRINCETON BMW), THEY GAVE ME AN APPOINTMENT SAYING THEY WILL FIX THAT. I TOLD THEM CRYSTAL CLEARLY THAT I WAS THERE FOR THE TWO RECALL ISSUES ONLY AND NOTHING ELSE. AND TO MY SHOCK ,LET ALONE REPAIRING THE MANDATORY RECALL IS… Look up ODI 11052943 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0
Engine	1 ODI 11052943 RECENTLY I GOT A LETTER FROM BMW THAT MY VEHICLE WAS RECALLED FOR TWO ISSUES WHICH I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING SINCE A YEAR. 1 OVERHEATING 2. PLASTIC BURNING SMELL INSIDE THE COMPARTMENT. I BROUGHT THIS TO THEIR BMW'S NOTICE MANY TIMES WHICH THEY IGNORED. AND RECENTLY WHEN I GOT THIS RECALL LETTER FROM BMW I GAVE THEM A CALL(PRINCETON BMW), THEY GAVE ME AN APPOINTMENT SAYING THEY WILL FIX THAT. I TOLD THEM CRYSTAL CLEARLY THAT I WAS THERE FOR THE TWO RECALL ISSUES ONLY AND NOTHING ELSE. AND TO MY SHOCK ,LET ALONE REPAIRING THE MANDATORY RECALL IS… Look up ODI 11052943 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	1 ODI 11083091 · 140,000 mi WHILE THE CAR WAS TRAVELLING AT A RATE OF ABOUT 45 MPH, IT DID SOMETHING I NEVER EXPERIENCED BEFORE. IT STARTED TO SHAKE, SPUTTER AND LOSE POWER WHILE ASCENDING A ON A PAVED CITY STREET THAT HAD ABOUT A 20 DEGREE UPHILL GRADE. THE VEHICLE BEHIND ME DIDN'T EXPECT MY SUDDEN SPEED CHANGE AND NEARLY REAR ENDED ME.. THE ENGINE ICON APPEARED ON THE DASH AND I SPUTTERED ALL THE WAY HOME. Look up ODI 11083091 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 11052943 RECENTLY I GOT A LETTER FROM BMW THAT MY VEHICLE WAS RECALLED FOR TWO ISSUES WHICH I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING SINCE A YEAR. 1 OVERHEATING 2. PLASTIC BURNING SMELL INSIDE THE COMPARTMENT. I BROUGHT THIS TO THEIR BMW'S NOTICE MANY TIMES WHICH THEY IGNORED. AND RECENTLY WHEN I GOT THIS RECALL LETTER FROM BMW I GAVE THEM A CALL(PRINCETON BMW), THEY GAVE ME AN APPOINTMENT SAYING THEY WILL FIX THAT. I TOLD THEM CRYSTAL CLEARLY THAT I WAS THERE FOR THE TWO RECALL ISSUES ONLY AND NOTHING ELSE. AND TO MY SHOCK ,LET ALONE REPAIRING THE MANDATORY RECALL IS… Look up ODI 11052943 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11220155 · 140,000 mi WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY GOING 80 AND THE CAR JUST SHUT DOWN, WAS UNABLE TO STEER, LEFT ME AND MY 9 YEAR OLD STRANDED FOR ABOUT 30 MINUTES UNTILL IT STARTED BACK UP, EVERYDAY EVERYTIME I DRIVE IT NO MATTER WHAT THE SPEED IT SHUTS DOWN AND HAVE TO PRAY THAT I DON'T GET HIT BY A CAR OR AM ABLE TO GLIDE TO SAFETY, VERY UNSAFE NOT KNOWING WHEN THE CAR WILL SHUT DOWN ON ME, TOOK TO MECHANIC THERE WERE NO CODES NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OR ANYTHING, THEREFORE COULDN'T BE FIXED, SOMETHING IS NOT RIGHT WITH CAR, CAR ONLY STARTED DOING THIS FROM APRIL 2019 TO… Look up ODI 11220155 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0
Air Bags	0	0	—	0	0	0	0	0
Fuel/Propulsion System	1 ODI 11065287 · 69,500 mi THIS IS FOR 2 NHTSA RECALLS ISSUED 10/25/17 AND 10/30/17 NHTSA RECALL NUMBER17V676 AND NHTSA RECALL NUMBER17V683. IT IS NOW 3 MONTHS LATER AND BMW OF NORTH AMERICA STILL HAS NO REMEDY AVAILABLE! BOTH RECALL STATEMENTS CAUTION THAT "OVER TIME" THE PART COULD DETERIORATE, LEADING TO THE CAR CATCHING ON FIRE. SINCE THE CAR IS 10 YEARS OLD, I AM CONCERNED THAT THE BMW DEFINITION OF "OVER TIME" HAS BEEN MET, AND THEREFORE WE ARE LEFT WITH A NON-DRIVEABLE CAR DUE TO THEIR WARNINGS. HOW LONG SHOULD ONE WAIT WITH NO COMPENSATION, EITHER MOBILITY O… Look up ODI 11065287 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 11083091 · 140,000 mi WHILE THE CAR WAS TRAVELLING AT A RATE OF ABOUT 45 MPH, IT DID SOMETHING I NEVER EXPERIENCED BEFORE. IT STARTED TO SHAKE, SPUTTER AND LOSE POWER WHILE ASCENDING A ON A PAVED CITY STREET THAT HAD ABOUT A 20 DEGREE UPHILL GRADE. THE VEHICLE BEHIND ME DIDN'T EXPECT MY SUDDEN SPEED CHANGE AND NEARLY REAR ENDED ME.. THE ENGINE ICON APPEARED ON THE DASH AND I SPUTTERED ALL THE WAY HOME. Look up ODI 11083091 at NHTSA ↗	0	—	0	0	0	0
Unknown Or Other	2 ODI 10758905 · 160,000 mi CAR WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, DROVE IT EARLIER THAT DAY FOR ABOUT AN HOUR, PARKED IT 3PM AND 2 HOURS LATER NEIGHBOR CAME KNOCKING SAYING CAR WAS SMOKING. RAN OUTSIDE AND CAR WAS ON FIRE. INTERIOR WAS SMOKED OUT. KEYLESS ENTRY WAS DEAD. BROKE THE WINDOW TO GET THE CAR OPEN, TURNED THE GARDEN HOSE ON TO TRY AND STOP THE CAR FROM BURNING. CALLED 911 FIRE DEPT ARRIVED AND HAD TO PRY THE TRUCK OPEN BECAUSE IT WAS STILL SIZZLING. FIRE DEPT CUT THE BATTERY CABLES AND SAID IT LOOKED LIKE AN ELECTRICAL FIRE UNDER THE DASH. GLOVE BOX AND PASSENGER SI… Look up ODI 10758905 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11052943 RECENTLY I GOT A LETTER FROM BMW THAT MY VEHICLE WAS RECALLED FOR TWO ISSUES WHICH I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING SINCE A YEAR. 1 OVERHEATING 2. PLASTIC BURNING SMELL INSIDE THE COMPARTMENT. I BROUGHT THIS TO THEIR BMW'S NOTICE MANY TIMES WHICH THEY IGNORED. AND RECENTLY WHEN I GOT THIS RECALL LETTER FROM BMW I GAVE THEM A CALL(PRINCETON BMW), THEY GAVE ME AN APPOINTMENT SAYING THEY WILL FIX THAT. I TOLD THEM CRYSTAL CLEARLY THAT I WAS THERE FOR THE TWO RECALL ISSUES ONLY AND NOTHING ELSE. AND TO MY SHOCK ,LET ALONE REPAIRING THE MANDATORY RECALL IS… Look up ODI 11052943 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 11052943 RECENTLY I GOT A LETTER FROM BMW THAT MY VEHICLE WAS RECALLED FOR TWO ISSUES WHICH I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING SINCE A YEAR. 1 OVERHEATING 2. PLASTIC BURNING SMELL INSIDE THE COMPARTMENT. I BROUGHT THIS TO THEIR BMW'S NOTICE MANY TIMES WHICH THEY IGNORED. AND RECENTLY WHEN I GOT THIS RECALL LETTER FROM BMW I GAVE THEM A CALL(PRINCETON BMW), THEY GAVE ME AN APPOINTMENT SAYING THEY WILL FIX THAT. I TOLD THEM CRYSTAL CLEARLY THAT I WAS THERE FOR THE TWO RECALL ISSUES ONLY AND NOTHING ELSE. AND TO MY SHOCK ,LET ALONE REPAIRING THE MANDATORY RECALL IS… Look up ODI 11052943 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11220155 · 140,000 mi WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY GOING 80 AND THE CAR JUST SHUT DOWN, WAS UNABLE TO STEER, LEFT ME AND MY 9 YEAR OLD STRANDED FOR ABOUT 30 MINUTES UNTILL IT STARTED BACK UP, EVERYDAY EVERYTIME I DRIVE IT NO MATTER WHAT THE SPEED IT SHUTS DOWN AND HAVE TO PRAY THAT I DON'T GET HIT BY A CAR OR AM ABLE TO GLIDE TO SAFETY, VERY UNSAFE NOT KNOWING WHEN THE CAR WILL SHUT DOWN ON ME, TOOK TO MECHANIC THERE WERE NO CODES NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OR ANYTHING, THEREFORE COULDN'T BE FIXED, SOMETHING IS NOT RIGHT WITH CAR, CAR ONLY STARTED DOING THIS FROM APRIL 2019 TO… Look up ODI 11220155 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	—	0	0	0
Engine And Engine Cooling	0	0	0	0	0	—	0	1 ODI 10436491 MY 335I 2008 HAS HAD THREE RECALLS ALL RELATED TO THE FUEL SYSTEM. WITH 24,000 MILES IT NOW HAS ISSUES WITH STARTING.I RECENTLY HAVE TAKEN IT BACK TO MY DEALER,LEFT IT FOR FOUR DAYS, PICKED IT UP WITH "CANNOT DUPLICATE CUSTOMER COMPLAINT". IN LESS THAN A WEEK THE START UP HAS GONE FROM THREE TO FIVE UN,UN,UN,UN,UNS TO CRANK. THE CAR IS ABOUT TO GO OUT OF WARRANTY AND I BELIEVE THAT BMW KNOWS THERE ARE SERIOUS PROBLEMS AND IS REFUSING TO REPAIR UNTIL THEY ARE ABLE TO GET REPAIRS INCOME. I GUESS I SHOULD HAVE CANCELLED MY SPECIAL ORDER WHEN TWO W… Look up ODI 10436491 at NHTSA ↗
Tires	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	0
Fuel System, Gasoline	0	0	0	0	0	1 ODI 10436491 MY 335I 2008 HAS HAD THREE RECALLS ALL RELATED TO THE FUEL SYSTEM. WITH 24,000 MILES IT NOW HAS ISSUES WITH STARTING.I RECENTLY HAVE TAKEN IT BACK TO MY DEALER,LEFT IT FOR FOUR DAYS, PICKED IT UP WITH "CANNOT DUPLICATE CUSTOMER COMPLAINT". IN LESS THAN A WEEK THE START UP HAS GONE FROM THREE TO FIVE UN,UN,UN,UN,UNS TO CRANK. THE CAR IS ABOUT TO GO OUT OF WARRANTY AND I BELIEVE THAT BMW KNOWS THERE ARE SERIOUS PROBLEMS AND IS REFUSING TO REPAIR UNTIL THEY ARE ABLE TO GET REPAIRS INCOME. I GUESS I SHOULD HAVE CANCELLED MY SPECIAL ORDER WHEN TWO W… Look up ODI 10436491 at NHTSA ↗	0	—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

Search patterns

5 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

5 mentions · 7.4% of complaints

Median mileage: 61,250 mi (4 usable records).

ODI 10242095 · 15,500 mi

Look up ODI 10242095 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10263943 · 3,200 mi

THE 08 BMW M3 WITH THE DCT TRANSMISSION STALLS IN 2ND GEAR WHEN GOING AROUND TURNS CAUSING NEAR COLLISIONS. BMW HAS NOT FIXED THIS PROBLEM AS OF YET. *TR

Look up ODI 10263943 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10378357

2008 BMW 328I STALLS WHILE DRIVING. ONCE STALLED UNDER POWER AS I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN ACROSS TRAFFIC - DEALER SAID NO CODE WAS THROWN SO THEY WERE UNABLE TO ADDRESS. THE OTHER STALLS HAVE NOT DURING SLOWDOWN PERIOD, NOT AS CRITICAL BUT THEY COME WITH NO WARNING WHATSOEVER WHICH IS DANGEROUS! NO ACCIDENT FROM IT YET BUT I NO LONGER FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS CAR. FIRST OCCURRENCE IN 2010, TWO MORE RECENTLY DEC 2010 & JAN 2011. *LN

Look up ODI 10378357 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

4 mentions · 5.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 54,500 mi (4 usable records).

ODI 10263719 · 5,000 mi

Look up ODI 10263719 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10608823 · 54,000 mi

MY BRAKES FAILED. I WAS AT A STOPLIGHT ON A SIDE STREET. WITH 3 OTHER CARS IN FRONT OF ME, THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN AND I PROCEEDED TO STEP ON THE GAS PEDAL. AS I PICKED UP SPEED, THE CARS IN FRONT OF ME STARTED TO BRAKE AS THERE WERE PEDESTRIANS AND OTHER TRAFFIC. I WENT TO APPLY MY BRAKES AND THE CAR DID NOT SLOW DOWN OR STOP. I VERED TO THE RIGHT TO AVOID REAR-ENDING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME AND STARTED TO PUMP MY BRAKE PEDAL. IT STILL WAS NOT SLOWING THE CAR. I NOTICED THE BRAKE PEDAL FELT HARD AS I TRIED TO PRESS IT DOWN. I APPLIED THE EMERGE…

Look up ODI 10608823 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10672466 · 55,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 318I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.

Look up ODI 10672466 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Brake response concerns

1 mentions · 1.5% of complaints

Median mileage: 54,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10608823 · 54,000 mi

Look up ODI 10608823 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Fuel smell or leak mentions

1 mentions · 1.5% of complaints

Median mileage: 80,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 11154884 · 80,000 mi

I OWN A 2008 335I TWIN TURBO BMW 3 SERIES, WHILE DRIVING I STARTED SMELLING A FRESH GAS SMELL IN THE BACK OF MY CAR INSIDE AND OUTSIDE, REALLY STRONG SMELL SO MUCH I HAVE TO KEEP MY WINDOWS DOWN AND IT GIVES ME A HEADACHE AND I FEEL LIKE MY CAR IS GOING TO CATCH ON FIRE WITH ANY GIVEN SPARK AND IT COULD, THE CERTIFIED MECHANIC SAID MY FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY IS FAULTY SO I WENT ONLINE AND THERE IS A RECALL ON THE 2008 335I TWIN TURBO BUT FOR SOME REASON WHEN I CALLED BMW THEY SAID MY CAR IS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST SO THEY WONT FIX IT! MY CAR HAS THE …

Look up ODI 11154884 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b

Hard or delayed shifting

1 mentions · 1.5% of complaints

Median mileage: 38,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10550802 · 38,000 mi

AS AN EXAMPLE, WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE ONTO A MOVING TRAFFIC SITUATION THE CAR HESITATES/LAGS/DELAYS BEFORE THE ENGINE CATCHES, THEN IT TAKES OFF LIKE A RABBIT WHEN YOU DON'T EXPECT IT. THIS VEHICLE BEHAVIOR HAS CAUSED NEAR MISS ACCIDENTS MORE THAN ONCE WHEN I WAS DRIVING. IT'S NOT A DELAY WHICH DECREASES A TRANSIENT SURGE. IT INCREASES THE TRANSIENT SURGE AS THE CAR DOES NOT RESPOND TO THE THROTTLE FOR A HALF SECOND THEN BOLTS FORWARD WITH AN AWKWARD LURCH AND A SLAM. IT'S MUCH ROUGHER THAN A NORMAL TAKEOFF WOULD BE. IT'…

Look up ODI 10550802 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule