U.S. public vehicle records

2009 Bmw 3 SERIES problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

53 owner complaints analyzed

1 distinct recall campaigns

68,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2009 model year. Data updated: 2026-10-01 (October 1, 2026). 37 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Air Bags is the most frequently named component, appearing in 15 of 53 complaints (28.3%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Braking behavior	5	9.4%
Fuel system concerns	5	9.4%
Steering behavior	4	7.5%
Engine operation	3	5.7%
Electrical and battery issues	3	5.7%

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.

Air Bags

Electrical System

Fuel/Propulsion System

Engine

Exterior Lighting

Unknown Or Other

Fuel System, Gasoline

Seat Belts

Air Bags: 15; Electrical System: 8; Fuel/Propulsion System: 6; Engine: 5; Exterior Lighting: 5; Unknown Or Other: 4; Fuel System, Gasoline: 3; Seat Belts: 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: 7; 25,000 to 49,999: 7; 50,000 to 74,999: 8; 75,000 to 99,999: 9; 100,000 to 149,999: 5; 150,000 and above: 1

75,000 to 99,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (9). 16 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.

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2010: 6; 2011: 5; 2012: 2; 2013: 4; 2014: 4; 2015: 6; 2016: 8; 2017: 10; 2018: 7; 2019: 1

Pattern summary

Air Bags leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 5 complaint narratives. Fuel system concerns appears in 5 complaint narratives. Steering 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 10345223 · 2010-07-26 (July 26, 2010)

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…

Owner-reported narrative. 98,790 miles reported. Look up ODI 10345223 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10424808 · 2011-09-08 (September 8, 2011)

2009 BMW 328I. CONSUMER WRITES IN DISCONTENT REGARDING MAINTENANCE PERFORMANCE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE MAINTENANCE WAS NOT PERFORMED AS INDICATED ON THE INVOICE. THE CONSUMER STATED HE DID A COMPARISON OF THE BRAKE FLUID BEFORE HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND AFTER HE RETURNED FROM THE DEALER AND THE PICTURES SHOWED THE BRAKE FLUID HAD NOT BEEN CHANGED. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10424808 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10333875 · 2010-05-30 (May 30, 2010)

2009 BMW 335I, HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILURE. 9500 MILES ON VEHICLE. ENGINE IS SLOW TO START. WHILE DRIVING AND RPM ABOVE 3000, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND ENGINE REDUCES POWER SIGNIFICANTLY. IF PUMP WERE TO FAIL COMPLETELY, ENGINE WOULD DIE, LEAVING DRIVER WITHOUT POWER STEERING. THIS COULD BE A MAJOR SAFETY PROBLEM ON HIGHWAYS WITH DENSE TRAFFIC. AFTER READING INTERNET BLOGS ON VEHICLE, THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT FOR BMW N54 ENGINES. SOME DRIVERS HAVE HAD THE PUMP REPLACED MULTIPLE TIMES WITH SAME OUTCOME EACH TIME. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 9,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10333875 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10422252 · 2011-08-25 (August 25, 2011)

ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011, MY 2009 328I SHUT DOWN WITHOUT NOTICE IN THE MIDDLE LANE OF I-90 AT MILE MARKER 80.002 ABOUT A MILE FROM OHARE AIRPORT IN CHICAGO. IT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART AND I WAS LEFT TO CALL 911 AND SPEND 10 MINUTES WAITING FOR DOT TO TOW ME OFF THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY AND TO A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD TO WAIT ANOTHER HOUR FOR AAA TO TOW MY CAR TO PERILLO BMW IN CHICAGO TO ASSESS THE ISSUE. JUNE 15TH 2011: ABOUT 3 HOURS AFTER BRINGING MY CAR INTO THE ZIMBRICK BMW SERVICE FACILITY TO HAVE A SET OF AFTER-MARKET LED LIGHTS …

Owner-reported narrative. 38,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10422252 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10744390 · 2015-07-28 (July 28, 2015)

WHEN CROSSING AN INTERSECTION ENGINE LOST POWER AND POWER STEERING WENT OUT. TOOK CAR TO BMW DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THE FUEL PUMP WENT OUT AND THE PUMP AND TANK HAVE TO BE REPLACED.

Owner-reported narrative. 104,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10744390 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10345745 · 2010-07-27 (July 27, 2010)

BMW 328I STALLS- NO POWER UPON TAKE OFF AND WHILE DRIVING. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10345745 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10592236 · 2014-05-18 (May 18, 2014)

CAR WAS RUNNING VERY BAD BOTH CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS CAME ON WITH ONE BLINKING TOTAL LOSS OF POWER. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO CERTIFIED BMW DEALER WHO REPLACED FUEL INJECTORS, VALVE AND TUNED IT UP COST 3500 DIDN'T SOLVE THE PROBLEM THEY SAID IT'S GAS TO AIR RATIO IS NOT CORRECT THE CAR MISFIRING ON ALL CYLINDERS THE BMW DEALER WANTS TO CHARGE ME ANOTHER 1600-2700 DOLLARS TO FIX IT. AFTER PICKING THE CAR UP AFTER THE FIRST REPAIRED I WAS BACK IN 2 DAYS LATER. DREYER AND REINBOLD IS THE DEALERSHIP. UPDATED 11/24/2014 *JS

Owner-reported narrative. 58,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10592236 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10556983 · 2013-12-22 (December 22, 2013)

2009 BMW 328I, THE DIRECTIONAL LIGHT AT TIMES BLINKS RAPIDLY AND A WARNING OF LIGHT PROBLEM ILLUMINATES. THE DIRECTIONAL BLINKS FAST AND LIGHT IS DULL ON EXTERIOR TAIL AND FRONT LAMPS. AT TIMES WORKS NORMALLY AND THEN BEGINS TO BLINK RAPIDLY WITH A BELL WARNING AND ELECTRICAL WARNING LIGHT SIGN DISPLAYS. THIS PROBLEM HAS KNOWN TO BMW AS THE SERVICE DEALERS RECEIVED A BULLETIN. WILL NOT COVER IF OUT OF WARRANTY BUT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE ENUMERATED BY MANY CUSTOMERS. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 32,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10556983 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10837318 · 2016-02-20 (February 20, 2016)

NOTICED A VERY SLIGHT TAPPING WHEN THE CAR WAS FIRST CRANKED--BUT NO ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS. AFTER DRIVING IT FOR A FEW MILES, A WARNING LIGHT INDICATING "CHARGING MALFUNCTION" FLASHED ON, AND THE BATTERY SYMBOL APPEARED. BECAUSE I WAS THE PASSENGER, I GOOGLED "BMW 328I CHARGING MALFUNCTION" AND THE FIRST RESULT THAT CAME UP READ "BMW/ JANUARY 2013/ RECALL CAMPAIGN NO. 12V-550: ENGINE BELT IDLER PULLEY BOLT" FOR MYS 2009-2012 BMW X5 XDRIVE 35S SAVS. BEFORE I COULD INFORM DRIVER, HE COMPLAINED THAT HE HAD LOST POWER STEERING. AS WE WERE LITE…

Owner-reported narrative. 89,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10837318 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

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

69.8%Usable mileage37 / 53 records

100.0%Valid incident date53 / 53 records

100.0%Valid filing date53 / 53 records

100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates53 / 53 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
Air Bags	54,000–91,000 mi	75,000 mi	7	ODI 10720954 · 68,000 mi THE CAR WAS STORED OUTSIDE IN EXTREME HEAT DURING THE MONTH OF APRIL - 90+ DEGREES FOR OVER 3 WEEKS. (IN FLORIDA) AIR BAG SENSOR AND SEAT BELT SENSOR ON PASSENGER SIDE, INCORRECTLY ALERTING, WHEN SOMEONE OR NO ONE WAS IN THE SEAT. NOW THE SENSOR IS ON ALL THE TIME. ALSO THE FAN WHICH COOLS THE ENGINE WAS EXTREMELY LOUD AND ON EVERY MORNING WHEN CAR WAS STARTED. Look up ODI 10720954 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10765127 · 75,000 mi I TURNED ON MY VEHICLE ONE DAY AND A MESSAGE SAYING "PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION. CONTINUE TO WEAR SEATBELT. BRING TO LOCAL BMW DEALERSHIP." THE DAY BEFORE NOTHING HAPPEN AS I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM DALLAS TO HOUSTON. OCCASIONALLY AS I DRIVE WITH SOMEONE SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, THE WARNING GOES AWAY BUT THEN THE CHIME GOES OFF AND THE MESSAGE REAPPEARS. THIS HAPPEN ALL IN JUNE, JULY, AND AUGUST. NOW EVEN WHEN NO ONE IS SITTING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, THE WARNING COMES ON AND STAYS ON. THE SEATBELT AS WELL SEEMS TO HAVE NO RESTRA… Look up ODI 10765127 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10819107 · 40,000 mi COUPE OF TIME THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AS THE RESULT SRS & AIRBAG LIGHT NOW STAY ON. Look up ODI 10819107 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	38,125–82,250 mi	68,500 mi	8	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 ↗ ODI 10556983 · 32,500 mi 2009 BMW 328I, THE DIRECTIONAL LIGHT AT TIMES BLINKS RAPIDLY AND A WARNING OF LIGHT PROBLEM ILLUMINATES. THE DIRECTIONAL BLINKS FAST AND LIGHT IS DULL ON EXTERIOR TAIL AND FRONT LAMPS. AT TIMES WORKS NORMALLY AND THEN BEGINS TO BLINK RAPIDLY WITH A BELL WARNING AND ELECTRICAL WARNING LIGHT SIGN DISPLAYS. THIS PROBLEM HAS KNOWN TO BMW AS THE SERVICE DEALERS RECEIVED A BULLETIN. WILL NOT COVER IF OUT OF WARRANTY BUT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE ENUMERATED BY MANY CUSTOMERS. *TR Look up ODI 10556983 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10667652 · 80,000 mi UPON RETURNING TO SEATTLE, WA, SINCE I FLEW DOWN TO BERKLEY, CA TO PURCHASE MY VEHICLE, I NOTICED EXCESSIVE HEADLAMP SHAKE WHEN GOING OVER ANY BUMPS ON THE HIGHWAY, ESPECIALLY EXPANSION JOINTS. BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT HEADLAMPS SHAKE EQUALLY AS BAD, AND I CONSIDER THAT A SAFETY HAZARD WHILE DRIVING. IT IS VERY DISTRACTING AND SEARCHING MANY ONLINE FORUMS, PEOPLE HAVE BEEN HAVING MANY ISSUES WITH THE ADAPTIVE HEADLAMP BRACKET ARMS BEING BROKEN. CPO WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER HEADLAMPS ACCORDING TO BMW, AND THEY ARE NOT WILLING TO PAY FOR BOTH REPLAC… Look up ODI 10667652 at NHTSA ↗
Fuel/Propulsion System	59,700–104,000 mi	89,800 mi	5	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 ↗ ODI 10744390 · 104,000 mi WHEN CROSSING AN INTERSECTION ENGINE LOST POWER AND POWER STEERING WENT OUT. TOOK CAR TO BMW DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THE FUEL PUMP WENT OUT AND THE PUMP AND TANK HAVE TO BE REPLACED. Look up ODI 10744390 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11103364 · 111,318 mi MARCH 28, 2018 - DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, CAR SUDDENLY COMES TO A STOP AND SHOWS MESSAGE FUEL PUMP WITH CAR ON ROCK ICON. CAR GETS TOWED. NEXT DAY MECHANIC SAYS IT RAN OUT OF GAS, ADDED GAS STARTED THE CAR. MARCH 29, 2018 CAR STALLS AFTER 5 MILES NEAR THE RAMP OF EXIT. GET THE CAR TOWED TO ANOTHER MECHANIC. MECHANIC DOES NOT FIND ANY PROBLEMS. APRIL 14TH, 2018 - CAR STOPS ON THE FREEWAY. TOW IT TO MECHANIC MECHANIC SAYS THAT ITS RELATED TO FUEL TANK SENSOR. THIS CAUSES A WRONG READING OF LEVEL OF GAS IN THE CAR. MECHANIC CHANGES IT AND CAR R… Look up ODI 11103364 at NHTSA ↗
Engine	Too few reports for a range	65,350 mi	4 (sparse)	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 ↗ ODI 10592236 · 58,000 mi CAR WAS RUNNING VERY BAD BOTH CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS CAME ON WITH ONE BLINKING TOTAL LOSS OF POWER. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO CERTIFIED BMW DEALER WHO REPLACED FUEL INJECTORS, VALVE AND TUNED IT UP COST 3500 DIDN'T SOLVE THE PROBLEM THEY SAID IT'S GAS TO AIR RATIO IS NOT CORRECT THE CAR MISFIRING ON ALL CYLINDERS THE BMW DEALER WANTS TO CHARGE ME ANOTHER 1600-2700 DOLLARS TO FIX IT. AFTER PICKING THE CAR UP AFTER THE FIRST REPAIRED I WAS BACK IN 2 DAYS LATER. DREYER AND REINBOLD IS THE DEALERSHIP. UPDATED 11/24/2014 JS Look up ODI 10592236 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10663087 · 71,000 mi ON THE HIGHWAY STUCK IN TRAFFIC GOING ABOUT 30-35 MPH THE CAR SUDDENLY SHUTS OFF. THIS HAS HAPPENED 6-7 TIMES NOW. 2 OF THOSE TIMES I WAS TAKING A SLOW LEFT HAND TURN IT HAS DIED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC ALMOST HITTING ME. 2009 BMW 335D. TR Look up ODI 10663087 at NHTSA ↗
Exterior Lighting	Too few reports for a range	52,250 mi	4 (sparse)	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 ↗ ODI 10556983 · 32,500 mi 2009 BMW 328I, THE DIRECTIONAL LIGHT AT TIMES BLINKS RAPIDLY AND A WARNING OF LIGHT PROBLEM ILLUMINATES. THE DIRECTIONAL BLINKS FAST AND LIGHT IS DULL ON EXTERIOR TAIL AND FRONT LAMPS. AT TIMES WORKS NORMALLY AND THEN BEGINS TO BLINK RAPIDLY WITH A BELL WARNING AND ELECTRICAL WARNING LIGHT SIGN DISPLAYS. THIS PROBLEM HAS KNOWN TO BMW AS THE SERVICE DEALERS RECEIVED A BULLETIN. WILL NOT COVER IF OUT OF WARRANTY BUT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE ENUMERATED BY MANY CUSTOMERS. *TR Look up ODI 10556983 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10667652 · 80,000 mi UPON RETURNING TO SEATTLE, WA, SINCE I FLEW DOWN TO BERKLEY, CA TO PURCHASE MY VEHICLE, I NOTICED EXCESSIVE HEADLAMP SHAKE WHEN GOING OVER ANY BUMPS ON THE HIGHWAY, ESPECIALLY EXPANSION JOINTS. BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT HEADLAMPS SHAKE EQUALLY AS BAD, AND I CONSIDER THAT A SAFETY HAZARD WHILE DRIVING. IT IS VERY DISTRACTING AND SEARCHING MANY ONLINE FORUMS, PEOPLE HAVE BEEN HAVING MANY ISSUES WITH THE ADAPTIVE HEADLAMP BRACKET ARMS BEING BROKEN. CPO WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER HEADLAMPS ACCORDING TO BMW, AND THEY ARE NOT WILLING TO PAY FOR BOTH REPLAC… Look up ODI 10667652 at NHTSA ↗
Unknown Or Other	Too few reports for a range	68,000 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 10734246 · 45,000 mi HAVE A 2009, BMW WITH 45,000 MILES AND MY AXEL(BOTH) ARE IN NEED OF REPLACING DUE TO RUST. WHEN I TOOK MY VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIRS I WAS TOLD BY MY SERVICE ADVISOR THAT THIS PROBLEM IS OCCURRING A LOT IN 2009 & 2010 VEHICLES. MARYLAND IS NOT A FLOOD ZONE STATE AND THE VEHICLE IS TOO YOUNG WITH LOW MILEAGE TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM. THIS CLEARLY A FACTORY PROBLEM! IT NO WAY A VEHICLE WITH 45,000 MILES IS IN NEED OF AN AXEL REPLACING DUE TO "RUST". Look up ODI 10734246 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10981589 · 68,000 mi ENGINE SUDDENLY SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING. HAD TO BE PUSHED OFF THE ROAD. VERY DANGEROUS. Look up ODI 10981589 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10992813 · 115,000 mi WE CAME HOME AND PARKED THE BMW IN THE ATTACHED GARAGE. TEN MINUTES LATER I HEARD A NOISE FROM THE GARAGE. I LOOKED INTO THE GARAGE AND FOUND THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF THE BMW ON FIRE. I CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WHO CAME AS QUICKLY AS A VOLUNTEER DEPARTMENT CAN. BY THE TIME THE FIRE WAS OUT BOTH CARS IN THE GARAGE AND THE HOUSE HAD BEEN BADLY BURNED. Look up ODI 10992813 at NHTSA ↗
Fuel System, Gasoline	Too few reports for a range	17,000 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 10333875 · 9,500 mi 2009 BMW 335I, HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILURE. 9500 MILES ON VEHICLE. ENGINE IS SLOW TO START. WHILE DRIVING AND RPM ABOVE 3000, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND ENGINE REDUCES POWER SIGNIFICANTLY. IF PUMP WERE TO FAIL COMPLETELY, ENGINE WOULD DIE, LEAVING DRIVER WITHOUT POWER STEERING. THIS COULD BE A MAJOR SAFETY PROBLEM ON HIGHWAYS WITH DENSE TRAFFIC. AFTER READING INTERNET BLOGS ON VEHICLE, THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT FOR BMW N54 ENGINES. SOME DRIVERS HAVE HAD THE PUMP REPLACED MULTIPLE TIMES WITH SAME OUTCOME EACH TIME. *TR Look up ODI 10333875 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10412296 · 17,000 mi 2009 BMW 328I WITH 17K MILES MALFUNCTIONED CAUGHT FIRE AND EXPLODED. I WAS INJURED BY THE FIRE GETTING OUT. IT WAS A TOTAL LOSS VEHICLE FIRE CAUSING PERSONAL INJURY. IN ADDITION TO THE COST OF THE CAR THERE WAS ADDITIONAL 20K PERSONAL PROPERTY DAMAGE. IT WAS NOT CAUSED BY COLLISION OR OPERATOR ERROR. ON 15 NOV 2010 APPROX 7: 30PM AFTER ABOUT 8 MINS OF DRIVING MY CAR STARTED TO LOSE POWER AND THE SES LIGHT CAME ON. IT ACTED AS IF IT WAS RUNNING OUT OF GAS I PULLED OVER OFF OF THE SHOULDER IN THE GRASS. THE CAR DIED AND WOULD NOT START BACK UP … Look up ODI 10412296 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10422252 · 38,000 mi ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011, MY 2009 328I SHUT DOWN WITHOUT NOTICE IN THE MIDDLE LANE OF I-90 AT MILE MARKER 80.002 ABOUT A MILE FROM OHARE AIRPORT IN CHICAGO. IT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART AND I WAS LEFT TO CALL 911 AND SPEND 10 MINUTES WAITING FOR DOT TO TOW ME OFF THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY AND TO A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD TO WAIT ANOTHER HOUR FOR AAA TO TOW MY CAR TO PERILLO BMW IN CHICAGO TO ASSESS THE ISSUE. JUNE 15TH 2011: ABOUT 3 HOURS AFTER BRINGING MY CAR INTO THE ZIMBRICK BMW SERVICE FACILITY TO HAVE A SET OF AFTER-MARKET LED LIGHTS … Look up ODI 10422252 at NHTSA ↗
Seat Belts	Too few reports for a range	75,000 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 10765127 · 75,000 mi I TURNED ON MY VEHICLE ONE DAY AND A MESSAGE SAYING "PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION. CONTINUE TO WEAR SEATBELT. BRING TO LOCAL BMW DEALERSHIP." THE DAY BEFORE NOTHING HAPPEN AS I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM DALLAS TO HOUSTON. OCCASIONALLY AS I DRIVE WITH SOMEONE SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, THE WARNING GOES AWAY BUT THEN THE CHIME GOES OFF AND THE MESSAGE REAPPEARS. THIS HAPPEN ALL IN JUNE, JULY, AND AUGUST. NOW EVEN WHEN NO ONE IS SITTING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, THE WARNING COMES ON AND STAYS ON. THE SEATBELT AS WELL SEEMS TO HAVE NO RESTRA… Look up ODI 10765127 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10819107 · 40,000 mi COUPE OF TIME THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AS THE RESULT SRS & AIRBAG LIGHT NOW STAY ON. Look up ODI 10819107 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11092723 · 84,000 mi HELLO, MY 2009 BMW E92 328I IS EXPERIENCING AN ISSUE WHERE THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR IS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY, WHICH WILL CAUSE THE AIRBAG AND SEATBELT TO NOT FUNCTION AS INTENDED. THERE HAVE BEEN RECALLS ON OTHER MODELS FOR THE SAME ISSUE, BUT WITH THE SAME DESIGN AND PARTS, I DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW MY CAR IS NOT COVERED. (HTTPS://BRANDILAW.COM/2013/12/26/BMW-RECALLS-76565-VEHICLES-DUE-TO-A-FRONT-PASSENGER-SEAT-ELECTRONIC-SENSING-MAT-FAILURE/) THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM. I HAVE READ ON SEVERAL ONLINE FORUMS THAT IT IS A RECURR… Look up ODI 11092723 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	Air Bags	Electrical System	Fuel/Propulsion System	Engine	Exterior Lighting	Unknown Or Other	Fuel System, Gasoline	Seat Belts
Air Bags	—	1 ODI 10819107 · 40,000 mi COUPE OF TIME THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AS THE RESULT SRS & AIRBAG LIGHT NOW STAY ON. Look up ODI 10819107 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0	0	3 ODI 10765127 · 75,000 mi I TURNED ON MY VEHICLE ONE DAY AND A MESSAGE SAYING "PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION. CONTINUE TO WEAR SEATBELT. BRING TO LOCAL BMW DEALERSHIP." THE DAY BEFORE NOTHING HAPPEN AS I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM DALLAS TO HOUSTON. OCCASIONALLY AS I DRIVE WITH SOMEONE SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, THE WARNING GOES AWAY BUT THEN THE CHIME GOES OFF AND THE MESSAGE REAPPEARS. THIS HAPPEN ALL IN JUNE, JULY, AND AUGUST. NOW EVEN WHEN NO ONE IS SITTING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, THE WARNING COMES ON AND STAYS ON. THE SEATBELT AS WELL SEEMS TO HAVE NO RESTRA… Look up ODI 10765127 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10819107 · 40,000 mi COUPE OF TIME THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AS THE RESULT SRS & AIRBAG LIGHT NOW STAY ON. Look up ODI 10819107 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11092723 · 84,000 mi HELLO, MY 2009 BMW E92 328I IS EXPERIENCING AN ISSUE WHERE THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR IS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY, WHICH WILL CAUSE THE AIRBAG AND SEATBELT TO NOT FUNCTION AS INTENDED. THERE HAVE BEEN RECALLS ON OTHER MODELS FOR THE SAME ISSUE, BUT WITH THE SAME DESIGN AND PARTS, I DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW MY CAR IS NOT COVERED. (HTTPS://BRANDILAW.COM/2013/12/26/BMW-RECALLS-76565-VEHICLES-DUE-TO-A-FRONT-PASSENGER-SEAT-ELECTRONIC-SENSING-MAT-FAILURE/) THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM. I HAVE READ ON SEVERAL ONLINE FORUMS THAT IT IS A RECURR… Look up ODI 11092723 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	1 ODI 10819107 · 40,000 mi COUPE OF TIME THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AS THE RESULT SRS & AIRBAG LIGHT NOW STAY ON. Look up ODI 10819107 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	1 ODI 11131585 · 78,000 mi RECALL # 17V676, 17V683 IT HAS BEEN NEARLY A YEAR AND I'M STILL UNABLE TO MAKE REPAIR APPOINTMENT WITH BMW DEALER FOR REASON OF PARTS UNAVAILABLE. MY AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM COULDN'T KEEP CAR COOL ENOUGH AS HEAT FROM THE ENGINE IS HIGH. Look up ODI 11131585 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 10556983 · 32,500 mi 2009 BMW 328I, THE DIRECTIONAL LIGHT AT TIMES BLINKS RAPIDLY AND A WARNING OF LIGHT PROBLEM ILLUMINATES. THE DIRECTIONAL BLINKS FAST AND LIGHT IS DULL ON EXTERIOR TAIL AND FRONT LAMPS. AT TIMES WORKS NORMALLY AND THEN BEGINS TO BLINK RAPIDLY WITH A BELL WARNING AND ELECTRICAL WARNING LIGHT SIGN DISPLAYS. THIS PROBLEM HAS KNOWN TO BMW AS THE SERVICE DEALERS RECEIVED A BULLETIN. WILL NOT COVER IF OUT OF WARRANTY BUT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE ENUMERATED BY MANY CUSTOMERS. *TR Look up ODI 10556983 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10667652 · 80,000 mi UPON RETURNING TO SEATTLE, WA, SINCE I FLEW DOWN TO BERKLEY, CA TO PURCHASE MY VEHICLE, I NOTICED EXCESSIVE HEADLAMP SHAKE WHEN GOING OVER ANY BUMPS ON THE HIGHWAY, ESPECIALLY EXPANSION JOINTS. BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT HEADLAMPS SHAKE EQUALLY AS BAD, AND I CONSIDER THAT A SAFETY HAZARD WHILE DRIVING. IT IS VERY DISTRACTING AND SEARCHING MANY ONLINE FORUMS, PEOPLE HAVE BEEN HAVING MANY ISSUES WITH THE ADAPTIVE HEADLAMP BRACKET ARMS BEING BROKEN. CPO WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER HEADLAMPS ACCORDING TO BMW, AND THEY ARE NOT WILLING TO PAY FOR BOTH REPLAC… Look up ODI 10667652 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	1 ODI 10819107 · 40,000 mi COUPE OF TIME THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AS THE RESULT SRS & AIRBAG LIGHT NOW STAY ON. Look up ODI 10819107 at NHTSA ↗
Fuel/Propulsion System	0	0	—	1 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 ↗	0	0	0	0
Engine	0	1 ODI 11131585 · 78,000 mi RECALL # 17V676, 17V683 IT HAS BEEN NEARLY A YEAR AND I'M STILL UNABLE TO MAKE REPAIR APPOINTMENT WITH BMW DEALER FOR REASON OF PARTS UNAVAILABLE. MY AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM COULDN'T KEEP CAR COOL ENOUGH AS HEAT FROM THE ENGINE IS HIGH. Look up ODI 11131585 at NHTSA ↗	1 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 ↗	—	0	0	0	0
Exterior Lighting	0	2 ODI 10556983 · 32,500 mi 2009 BMW 328I, THE DIRECTIONAL LIGHT AT TIMES BLINKS RAPIDLY AND A WARNING OF LIGHT PROBLEM ILLUMINATES. THE DIRECTIONAL BLINKS FAST AND LIGHT IS DULL ON EXTERIOR TAIL AND FRONT LAMPS. AT TIMES WORKS NORMALLY AND THEN BEGINS TO BLINK RAPIDLY WITH A BELL WARNING AND ELECTRICAL WARNING LIGHT SIGN DISPLAYS. THIS PROBLEM HAS KNOWN TO BMW AS THE SERVICE DEALERS RECEIVED A BULLETIN. WILL NOT COVER IF OUT OF WARRANTY BUT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE ENUMERATED BY MANY CUSTOMERS. *TR Look up ODI 10556983 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10667652 · 80,000 mi UPON RETURNING TO SEATTLE, WA, SINCE I FLEW DOWN TO BERKLEY, CA TO PURCHASE MY VEHICLE, I NOTICED EXCESSIVE HEADLAMP SHAKE WHEN GOING OVER ANY BUMPS ON THE HIGHWAY, ESPECIALLY EXPANSION JOINTS. BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT HEADLAMPS SHAKE EQUALLY AS BAD, AND I CONSIDER THAT A SAFETY HAZARD WHILE DRIVING. IT IS VERY DISTRACTING AND SEARCHING MANY ONLINE FORUMS, PEOPLE HAVE BEEN HAVING MANY ISSUES WITH THE ADAPTIVE HEADLAMP BRACKET ARMS BEING BROKEN. CPO WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER HEADLAMPS ACCORDING TO BMW, AND THEY ARE NOT WILLING TO PAY FOR BOTH REPLAC… Look up ODI 10667652 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	—	0	0	0
Unknown Or Other	0	0	0	0	0	—	0	0
Fuel System, Gasoline	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	0
Seat Belts	3 ODI 10765127 · 75,000 mi I TURNED ON MY VEHICLE ONE DAY AND A MESSAGE SAYING "PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION. CONTINUE TO WEAR SEATBELT. BRING TO LOCAL BMW DEALERSHIP." THE DAY BEFORE NOTHING HAPPEN AS I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM DALLAS TO HOUSTON. OCCASIONALLY AS I DRIVE WITH SOMEONE SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, THE WARNING GOES AWAY BUT THEN THE CHIME GOES OFF AND THE MESSAGE REAPPEARS. THIS HAPPEN ALL IN JUNE, JULY, AND AUGUST. NOW EVEN WHEN NO ONE IS SITTING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, THE WARNING COMES ON AND STAYS ON. THE SEATBELT AS WELL SEEMS TO HAVE NO RESTRA… Look up ODI 10765127 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10819107 · 40,000 mi COUPE OF TIME THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AS THE RESULT SRS & AIRBAG LIGHT NOW STAY ON. Look up ODI 10819107 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11092723 · 84,000 mi HELLO, MY 2009 BMW E92 328I IS EXPERIENCING AN ISSUE WHERE THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR IS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY, WHICH WILL CAUSE THE AIRBAG AND SEATBELT TO NOT FUNCTION AS INTENDED. THERE HAVE BEEN RECALLS ON OTHER MODELS FOR THE SAME ISSUE, BUT WITH THE SAME DESIGN AND PARTS, I DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW MY CAR IS NOT COVERED. (HTTPS://BRANDILAW.COM/2013/12/26/BMW-RECALLS-76565-VEHICLES-DUE-TO-A-FRONT-PASSENGER-SEAT-ELECTRONIC-SENSING-MAT-FAILURE/) THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM. I HAVE READ ON SEVERAL ONLINE FORUMS THAT IT IS A RECURR… Look up ODI 11092723 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10819107 · 40,000 mi COUPE OF TIME THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AS THE RESULT SRS & AIRBAG LIGHT NOW STAY ON. Look up ODI 10819107 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0	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

4 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

6 mentions · 11.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 89,000 mi (5 usable records).

ODI 10345745

BMW 328I STALLS- NO POWER UPON TAKE OFF AND WHILE DRIVING. *TR

Look up ODI 10345745 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10592236 · 58,000 mi

Look up ODI 10592236 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10744390 · 104,000 mi

WHEN CROSSING AN INTERSECTION ENGINE LOST POWER AND POWER STEERING WENT OUT. TOOK CAR TO BMW DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THE FUEL PUMP WENT OUT AND THE PUMP AND TANK HAVE TO BE REPLACED.

Look up ODI 10744390 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Steering assistance concerns

4 mentions · 7.5% of complaints

Median mileage: 79,500 mi (4 usable records).

ODI 10333875 · 9,500 mi

Look up ODI 10333875 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10744390 · 104,000 mi

WHEN CROSSING AN INTERSECTION ENGINE LOST POWER AND POWER STEERING WENT OUT. TOOK CAR TO BMW DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THE FUEL PUMP WENT OUT AND THE PUMP AND TANK HAVE TO BE REPLACED.

Look up ODI 10744390 at NHTSA ↗

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 ↗

Matching rule

\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

4 mentions · 7.5% of complaints

Median mileage: 45,250 mi (4 usable records).

ODI 10333875 · 9,500 mi

Look up ODI 10333875 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10556983 · 32,500 mi

Look up ODI 10556983 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10592236 · 58,000 mi

Look up ODI 10592236 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Battery drain and no-start mentions

1 mentions · 1.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 17,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10412296 · 17,000 mi

2009 BMW 328I WITH 17K MILES MALFUNCTIONED CAUGHT FIRE AND EXPLODED. I WAS INJURED BY THE FIRE GETTING OUT. IT WAS A TOTAL LOSS VEHICLE FIRE CAUSING PERSONAL INJURY. IN ADDITION TO THE COST OF THE CAR THERE WAS ADDITIONAL 20K PERSONAL PROPERTY DAMAGE. IT WAS NOT CAUSED BY COLLISION OR OPERATOR ERROR. ON 15 NOV 2010 APPROX 7: 30PM AFTER ABOUT 8 MINS OF DRIVING MY CAR STARTED TO LOSE POWER AND THE SES LIGHT CAME ON. IT ACTED AS IF IT WAS RUNNING OUT OF GAS I PULLED OVER OFF OF THE SHOULDER IN THE GRASS. THE CAR DIED AND WOULD NOT START BACK UP …

Look up ODI 10412296 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule