Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

Bmw M235I recalls by model year

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

19 owner complaints analyzed

5 distinct recall campaigns

29,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2014 to 2022 model years. Data updated: . 12 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Compare model years

Recalls by model year

All campaigns in the snapshot affecting each model year, including recalls announced years later.

Recall campaigns

Shared campaigns appear once in each affected model year.

2014
3
2015
2
2016
0
2020
1
2021
2
2022
0
Recall campaigns data
CategoryCount
20143
20152
20160
20201
20212
20220

2014: 3; 2015: 2; 2016: 0; 2020: 1; 2021: 2; 2022: 0

Year-by-year records

Bmw M235I model-year comparison
Model yearComplaintsRecallsChange in recalls
201453Not available
201552-1
201680-2
202001Not available
202102+1
202210-2

Recall history

5 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

15V189000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump

Reported: 2015-03-31 (March 31, 2015) · Model years: 2014

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

Consequence: If the fuel pump fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owners were mailed interim notices on May 28, 2015. The recall began on July 6, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
24V288000 · Air Bags:Side/Window

Reported: 2024-04-24 (April 24, 2024) · Model years: 2014, 2015

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

Consequence: An inflator that ruptures may cause sharp metal fragments to enter or exit the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, an inflator that leaks gas may only partially inflate during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

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

NHTSA campaign record ↗
25V871000 · Air Bags:Side/Window:Head

Reported: 2025-12-17 (December 17, 2025) · Model years: 2014, 2015

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

Consequence: An inflator that ruptures may cause sharp metal fragments to enter or exit the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, an inflator that leaks gas may only partially inflate during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

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

NHTSA campaign record ↗
21V091000 · Visibility:Sun/Moon Roof Assembly | Visibility:Power Window Devices And Controls

Reported: 2021-02-18 (February 18, 2021) · Model years: 2020, 2021

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 228i, 228i xDrive, and M235i xDrive vehicles. If the driver initiates an automatic closure of the sunroof, and the vehicle key status is changed to "off" or "lock," the sunroof may continue to close. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 118, "Power-operated Window Systems."

Consequence: If the sunroof continues to close after the vehicle is shut off, it may increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the sunroof electronic coding software, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
21V554000 · Seat Belts

Reported: 2021-07-21 (July 21, 2021) · Model years: 2021

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 2 Series (230i, 230i xDrive, M240i, M240i xDrive), 330e, 330e Xdrive, 4 Series Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive) M4 Coupe, M4 Competition Coupe, BMW 4 Series Convertible (430i, M440i), BMW X1 sDrive28i, xDrive28i, 2 Series Gran Coupe (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i xDrive), M2 Competition Coupe, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, M3, M3 Competition, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, MINI Hardtop 2 Door (Cooper, CooperS, JCW), X2 sDrive28i, X2 xDrive28i, X2 M35i, Z4 sDrive30i, Z4 M40i, MINI Hardtop 2 Door (Cooper SE), MINI Convertible (Cooper, Cooper S, JCW), MINI Clubman (Cooper S, Cooper S All4, JCW), MINI Countryman (Cooper, Cooper All4, Cooper S, Cooper S All4, JCW All4), Rolls Royce Ghost, MINI Countryman (Cooper S E All4), Rolls Royce Phantom, Rolls Royce Cullinan, and Toyota Supra vehicles. The passenger seat belt Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) may deactivate early, before the webbing fully retracts. As such, these assemblies fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence: During a crash, a seat belt retractor that does not function as intended increases the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the seat belt retractors (including the seat belts) and, if necessary, replace the retractors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417; 1-866-825-1525 (MINI); 1-877-877-3735 (Rolls Royce); and 1-888-270-9371 (Toyota).

NHTSA campaign record ↗
Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

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

63.2%Usable mileage12 / 19 records
100.0%Valid incident date19 / 19 records
100.0%Valid filing date19 / 19 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates19 / 19 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.

Component complaint heatmap
Component201420152016202020212022
Electrical System
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

120.0%
ODI 11635190

The headlight and tail light went out unexpectedly. I brought my vehicle to a shop and they told me that my headlight got water inside of it. The shop informed me that this is a known issue with multiple BMW models. The headlight seal will slowly fail allowing moisture inside the housing which damages the electronics. The taillights have to have their electronics replaced due to some defect form the factory. This defect was covered under warranty but my car is out of warranty.

Look up ODI 11635190 at NHTSA ↗

225.0%
ODI 11429433

Rear brake light failure due to faulty wiring. Identical to the details located in this article (https://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/01/bmw-recalling-241-000-3-series-models-over-faulty-tail-lights/) for which the NHTSA had issued a recall for older BMW models in the past. This issue is common and wide-spread amongst bmw models produced between 2014 - mid 2016. After which BMW modified the wiring harness for the brake lights to fix the electrical shorting failures. This failure renders the entire housing inoperable - Brake light, turn signal and r…

Look up ODI 11429433 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

1100.0%
ODI 11497889

According to the dealer, a transmission sensor underneath the gear shifter got wet due to a liquid spill from the cupholders. While driving on the highway returning from scheduled dealer maintenance on the car, the informations screen showed a warning that there was a drive train malfunction and that the car would not be drivable after the current drive ended. The cupholders were not in use at this time so the spill must have occurred earlier, the fault apparently did not occur at the same time as the spill. I was able to drive to a safe place …

Look up ODI 11497889 at NHTSA ↗

Exterior Lighting
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

120.0%
ODI 11635190

The headlight and tail light went out unexpectedly. I brought my vehicle to a shop and they told me that my headlight got water inside of it. The shop informed me that this is a known issue with multiple BMW models. The headlight seal will slowly fail allowing moisture inside the housing which damages the electronics. The taillights have to have their electronics replaced due to some defect form the factory. This defect was covered under warranty but my car is out of warranty.

Look up ODI 11635190 at NHTSA ↗

225.0%
ODI 10903794 · 14 mi

THE CAR HAS INSTRUMENTS (SPEEDOMETER AND TACH) WITH LOW CONTRAST BETWEEN THE BACKGROUND AND LETTERING. THE INSTRUMENTS ARE HIGHLY VISIBLE WHEN THE INSTRUMENT LIGHTING IS ENABLED, BUT ARE NEARLY INVISIBLE WHEN THE LIGHTING IS OFF. THERE IS AN AMBIENT LIGHT SENSOR THAT TURNS THE INSTRUMENT LIGHTING ON AND OFF AS YOU DRIVE IN MIXED SUN AND SHADE, SO AS YOU DRIVE FROM A SHADED AREA TO A SUN-LIT AREA, THE INSTRUMENTS ALTERNATE BETWEEN VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE. IT IS DISCONCERTING AND DANGEROUS TO SUDDENLY LOSE INSTRUMENT VISIBILITY AS YOU DRIVE. TH…

Look up ODI 10903794 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Power Train
240.0%
ODI 10715621 · 6,599 mi

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AROUND 11 AM AT 35 MPH AND THE CAR WARNING LIGHT CAME ON STATING DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION SEE AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE CAR JUST STALLED. YOU COULD NOT START ENGINE BECAUSE LATER ON ABOUT A WEEK WE LEARNED THAT IT WAS A BMW RECALL OF THE FUEL PUMP WHICH THE DEALER WASN'T EVEN INFORMED ON BY BMW CORPORATE. I COULDN'T EVEN GET THE CAR IN NEUTRAL BECAUSE THE ENGINE WOULDN'T START SO THE CAR KEPT GOING BACK INTO PARK SO THE CAR WOULDN'T ROLL AS SAFETY FEATURE. WE NOTIFIED BMW EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE AND IT TOOK THEM 7 HOURS TO …

Look up ODI 10715621 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

112.5%
ODI 11448099

Our M235I has a transmission leak "thru the wall of the case" (i.e. THROUGH THE METAL CASE) as determined by a local BMW Dealer. They are not able to provide any Technical Service Bulletins or etc. from BMW for this "leaky case" issue. But they are saying this is a KNOWN problem with the transmission cases. They are advising a new transmission for $10K. Only alternative is to install used transmission and take old electronic valve module out of existing trans and place into used transmission and hope for the best. Loss of transmission fluid cou…

Look up ODI 11448099 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Air Bags
120.0%
ODI 11080055 · 32,000 mi

WHILE PARKED I WAS MOVING THE DRIVER SEAT BACK ALL THE WAY BACK AND THEN TRIED TO MOVE IT FORWARD AGAIN AND IT WOULD NOT MOVE. IT WAS STUCK IN THE POSITION. THE SEAT WOULD NOT RESPOND AND AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS AND RESTARTING THE CAR IT FINALLY RESPONDED. AFTER THIS THE AIRBAG SENSOR LIGHT CAME ON AND SAID 'DRIVER RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION'

Look up ODI 11080055 at NHTSA ↗

120.0%
ODI 11015988 · 6,600 mi

JUST RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE MAY APPLY TO ME

Look up ODI 11015988 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine
240.0%
ODI 10715621 · 6,599 mi

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AROUND 11 AM AT 35 MPH AND THE CAR WARNING LIGHT CAME ON STATING DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION SEE AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE CAR JUST STALLED. YOU COULD NOT START ENGINE BECAUSE LATER ON ABOUT A WEEK WE LEARNED THAT IT WAS A BMW RECALL OF THE FUEL PUMP WHICH THE DEALER WASN'T EVEN INFORMED ON BY BMW CORPORATE. I COULDN'T EVEN GET THE CAR IN NEUTRAL BECAUSE THE ENGINE WOULDN'T START SO THE CAR KEPT GOING BACK INTO PARK SO THE CAR WOULDN'T ROLL AS SAFETY FEATURE. WE NOTIFIED BMW EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE AND IT TOOK THEM 7 HOURS TO …

Look up ODI 10715621 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Seat Belts
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

120.0%
ODI 11594245

The seat belt failed due to a short. I am not sure if my safety was really at risk but the car said it was. There was warning on startup on the large display in the middle of the car and a constant warning in the gauge cluster. The fault has been confirmed at the dealership. The seat belt was inspected at the dealership and they are suggesting a replacement for $662.74. The warning did not cause any drivability issues.

Look up ODI 11594245 at NHTSA ↗

112.5%
ODI 11404835 · 18,000 mi

DRIVER SIDE SEATBELT IS SLOW TO RETRACT AND KEEPS GETTING TWISTED WHEN RETRACTING. YOU HAVE TO CAREFULLY HELP FEED THE BELT INTO THE B PILLAR FOR IT NOT TO DO THAT. IF NOT, IT WILL ALMOST GET JAMMED IN THE B PILLAR AND GET STUCK AND BECOMES NON-FUNCTIONAL. IT TAKES A LOT OF STRENGTH AND EFFORT TO PULL TO PULL IT BACK OUT. VERY UNSAFE BECAUSE YOU HAVE TO BE ALWAYS AWARE OF THIS DEFECT WHILE DRIVING. SOMETIMES WE HAVE TO UNFASTEN OUR BELTS WHILE DRIVING TO REACH OR ADJUST SOMETHING. AND IT USUALLY GETS JAMMED AND STUCK IN THE B PILLAR AND …

Look up ODI 11404835 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Unknown Or Other
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

120.0%
ODI 11267818 · 39,500 mi

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, WINDOWS UP, SUNSCREEN CLOSED, AND SUNSCREEN SHADE CLOSED AS WELL. I HEAR WHAT CAN ONLY BE DESCRIBED AS A SHOTGUN BLAST ABOVE MY HEAD AND THEN PIECES OF GLASS BOUNCING OFF THE TOP OF MY CAR. THE EXPLOSION WAS EXTREMELY LOUD, OBVIOUSLY STARTLING, AND CAUSED ME TO SWERVE MY CAR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. I WAS NOT PASSING UNDER A BRIDGE AND THERE WERE NO CARS IN FRONT OF ME EITHER. I SLOW DOWN AND LOOKED UP THROUGH THE VENTS IN THE SUNSCREEN SHADE AND I NOTICED A GAPING HOLE IN THE GLASS OF MY SUN…

Look up ODI 11267818 at NHTSA ↗

112.5%
ODI 11175995 · 45,000 mi

IN LATE FEBRUARY 1, 2019, THE SUNROOF ON MY 2016 BMW M235I XDRIVE EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING ON THE GARDEN STATE PARKWAY. I WAS NOT GOING UNDERNEATH ANY OVERPASS, AND NOTHING HIT THE GLASS. THE EXPLOSION WAS UNPROVOKED. THE SUNSHADE WAS NOT CLOSED, AND THE GLASS FELL ALL OVER ME, LARGE AND SMALL SHARDS. I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 65MPH IN HEAVY MORNING RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC, AND PIECES OF GLASS FLEW OFF THE CAR AND LIKELY HIT OTHER CARS. IT WAS VERY ALARMING AND SCARY. I WAS ABOUT 5 MILES FROM A BMW DEALER AND DROVE RIGHT TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CAR IS …

Look up ODI 11175995 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Fuel System, Gasoline
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

112.5%
ODI 11374618 · 28,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 BMW M235I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE THE ODOR OF FUEL WAS PRESENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL TANK HAD CRACKED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CAUSE OF THE DAMAGED FUEL TANK WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE FUEL TANK WAS REPLACED AND THE FAILURE WAS REMEDIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,000. *LN *AS

Look up ODI 11374618 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

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
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Exterior LightingToo few reports for a range14 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10903794 · 14 mi

THE CAR HAS INSTRUMENTS (SPEEDOMETER AND TACH) WITH LOW CONTRAST BETWEEN THE BACKGROUND AND LETTERING. THE INSTRUMENTS ARE HIGHLY VISIBLE WHEN THE INSTRUMENT LIGHTING IS ENABLED, BUT ARE NEARLY INVISIBLE WHEN THE LIGHTING IS OFF. THERE IS AN AMBIENT LIGHT SENSOR THAT TURNS THE INSTRUMENT LIGHTING ON AND OFF AS YOU DRIVE IN MIXED SUN AND SHADE, SO AS YOU DRIVE FROM A SHADED AREA TO A SUN-LIT AREA, THE INSTRUMENTS ALTERNATE BETWEEN VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE. IT IS DISCONCERTING AND DANGEROUS TO SUDDENLY LOSE INSTRUMENT VISIBILITY AS YOU DRIVE. TH…

Look up ODI 10903794 at NHTSA ↗

Power TrainToo few reports for a range24,800 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10715621 · 6,599 mi

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AROUND 11 AM AT 35 MPH AND THE CAR WARNING LIGHT CAME ON STATING DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION SEE AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE CAR JUST STALLED. YOU COULD NOT START ENGINE BECAUSE LATER ON ABOUT A WEEK WE LEARNED THAT IT WAS A BMW RECALL OF THE FUEL PUMP WHICH THE DEALER WASN'T EVEN INFORMED ON BY BMW CORPORATE. I COULDN'T EVEN GET THE CAR IN NEUTRAL BECAUSE THE ENGINE WOULDN'T START SO THE CAR KEPT GOING BACK INTO PARK SO THE CAR WOULDN'T ROLL AS SAFETY FEATURE. WE NOTIFIED BMW EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE AND IT TOOK THEM 7 HOURS TO …

Look up ODI 10715621 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10958057 · 43,000 mi

AS I WAS MERGING ON TO THE EXPRESSWAY (TRYING TO GET TO 70MPH) THE CAR SUDDENLY WENT INTO LIMP MODE AND A WARNING FLASHED UP SAYING "DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION: DRIVE MODERATELY". I HAVE ATTACHED A PICTURE. AFTER WHICH I WAS RESTRICTED TO 50MPH AND AROUND 1700RPM. CAR WAS SLUGGISH AND SLOW AND WAS DANGEROUS CONSIDERING I WAS ON AN EXPRESSWAY.

Look up ODI 10958057 at NHTSA ↗

Air BagsToo few reports for a range19,300 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 11080055 · 32,000 mi

WHILE PARKED I WAS MOVING THE DRIVER SEAT BACK ALL THE WAY BACK AND THEN TRIED TO MOVE IT FORWARD AGAIN AND IT WOULD NOT MOVE. IT WAS STUCK IN THE POSITION. THE SEAT WOULD NOT RESPOND AND AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS AND RESTARTING THE CAR IT FINALLY RESPONDED. AFTER THIS THE AIRBAG SENSOR LIGHT CAME ON AND SAID 'DRIVER RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION'

Look up ODI 11080055 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11015988 · 6,600 mi

JUST RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE MAY APPLY TO ME

Look up ODI 11015988 at NHTSA ↗

EngineToo few reports for a range45,500 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10715621 · 6,599 mi

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AROUND 11 AM AT 35 MPH AND THE CAR WARNING LIGHT CAME ON STATING DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION SEE AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE CAR JUST STALLED. YOU COULD NOT START ENGINE BECAUSE LATER ON ABOUT A WEEK WE LEARNED THAT IT WAS A BMW RECALL OF THE FUEL PUMP WHICH THE DEALER WASN'T EVEN INFORMED ON BY BMW CORPORATE. I COULDN'T EVEN GET THE CAR IN NEUTRAL BECAUSE THE ENGINE WOULDN'T START SO THE CAR KEPT GOING BACK INTO PARK SO THE CAR WOULDN'T ROLL AS SAFETY FEATURE. WE NOTIFIED BMW EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE AND IT TOOK THEM 7 HOURS TO …

Look up ODI 10715621 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11362413 · 84,400 mi

DUE TO THE POORLY DESIGNED OILING SYSTEM IN THE N55 ENGINE. WHEN THE CAR IS SUBJECTED TO HIGH G FORCES FROM THINGS SUCH AS TRACK DRIVING OR SPIRITED DRIVING. THE OIL SLOSHES IN IN THE PAN AND THE OIL PICK UP DOESN'T GET ANY OIL. THEREFORE THE ENGINE OIL STARVES AND MY CASE PRODUCES ROD KNOCK. WHICH BASICALLY MEANS THE ENGINE IS DESTROYED. I WAS DRIVING MY CAR ON TRACK WHEN THIS HAPPENED. THE CAR HAD FRESH OIL AND WAS FILLED TO THE MAX. GOT A DRIVETRAIN WARNING, COOLED THE CAR DOWN. WOULDN'T RESTART UNLESS A JUMP BOX WAS USED TO GET ENOUGH CRANK…

Look up ODI 11362413 at NHTSA ↗

Seat BeltsToo few reports for a range18,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 11404835 · 18,000 mi

DRIVER SIDE SEATBELT IS SLOW TO RETRACT AND KEEPS GETTING TWISTED WHEN RETRACTING. YOU HAVE TO CAREFULLY HELP FEED THE BELT INTO THE B PILLAR FOR IT NOT TO DO THAT. IF NOT, IT WILL ALMOST GET JAMMED IN THE B PILLAR AND GET STUCK AND BECOMES NON-FUNCTIONAL. IT TAKES A LOT OF STRENGTH AND EFFORT TO PULL TO PULL IT BACK OUT. VERY UNSAFE BECAUSE YOU HAVE TO BE ALWAYS AWARE OF THIS DEFECT WHILE DRIVING. SOMETIMES WE HAVE TO UNFASTEN OUR BELTS WHILE DRIVING TO REACH OR ADJUST SOMETHING. AND IT USUALLY GETS JAMMED AND STUCK IN THE B PILLAR AND …

Look up ODI 11404835 at NHTSA ↗

Unknown Or OtherToo few reports for a range42,250 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 11267818 · 39,500 mi

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, WINDOWS UP, SUNSCREEN CLOSED, AND SUNSCREEN SHADE CLOSED AS WELL. I HEAR WHAT CAN ONLY BE DESCRIBED AS A SHOTGUN BLAST ABOVE MY HEAD AND THEN PIECES OF GLASS BOUNCING OFF THE TOP OF MY CAR. THE EXPLOSION WAS EXTREMELY LOUD, OBVIOUSLY STARTLING, AND CAUSED ME TO SWERVE MY CAR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. I WAS NOT PASSING UNDER A BRIDGE AND THERE WERE NO CARS IN FRONT OF ME EITHER. I SLOW DOWN AND LOOKED UP THROUGH THE VENTS IN THE SUNSCREEN SHADE AND I NOTICED A GAPING HOLE IN THE GLASS OF MY SUN…

Look up ODI 11267818 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11175995 · 45,000 mi

IN LATE FEBRUARY 1, 2019, THE SUNROOF ON MY 2016 BMW M235I XDRIVE EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING ON THE GARDEN STATE PARKWAY. I WAS NOT GOING UNDERNEATH ANY OVERPASS, AND NOTHING HIT THE GLASS. THE EXPLOSION WAS UNPROVOKED. THE SUNSHADE WAS NOT CLOSED, AND THE GLASS FELL ALL OVER ME, LARGE AND SMALL SHARDS. I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 65MPH IN HEAVY MORNING RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC, AND PIECES OF GLASS FLEW OFF THE CAR AND LIKELY HIT OTHER CARS. IT WAS VERY ALARMING AND SCARY. I WAS ABOUT 5 MILES FROM A BMW DEALER AND DROVE RIGHT TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CAR IS …

Look up ODI 11175995 at NHTSA ↗

Fuel System, GasolineToo few reports for a range28,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 11374618 · 28,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 BMW M235I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE THE ODOR OF FUEL WAS PRESENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL TANK HAD CRACKED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CAUSE OF THE DAMAGED FUEL TANK WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE FUEL TANK WAS REPLACED AND THE FAILURE WAS REMEDIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,000. *LN *AS

Look up ODI 11374618 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

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

25V871000 · 2025-12-171 reports2024-112026-10

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
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-011None
ODI 11635190

The headlight and tail light went out unexpectedly. I brought my vehicle to a shop and they told me that my headlight got water inside of it. The shop informed me that this is a known issue with multiple BMW models. The headlight seal will slowly fail allowing moisture inside the housing which damages the electronics. The taillights have to have their electronics replaced due to some defect form the factory. This defect was covered under warranty but my car is out of warranty.

Look up ODI 11635190 at NHTSA ↗

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-12025V871000

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-10 (partial)0None

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.

Age 0Age 1Age 21 reports

2021: 0 complaints · 2022: 1 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2021000
2022111
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
2021000
2022100

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
ComponentElectrical SystemExterior LightingPower TrainAir BagsEngineSeat BeltsUnknown Or OtherFuel System, Gasoline
Electrical System—
2
ODI 11635190

The headlight and tail light went out unexpectedly. I brought my vehicle to a shop and they told me that my headlight got water inside of it. The shop informed me that this is a known issue with multiple BMW models. The headlight seal will slowly fail allowing moisture inside the housing which damages the electronics. The taillights have to have their electronics replaced due to some defect form the factory. This defect was covered under warranty but my car is out of warranty.

Look up ODI 11635190 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11429433

Rear brake light failure due to faulty wiring. Identical to the details located in this article (https://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/01/bmw-recalling-241-000-3-series-models-over-faulty-tail-lights/) for which the NHTSA had issued a recall for older BMW models in the past. This issue is common and wide-spread amongst bmw models produced between 2014 - mid 2016. After which BMW modified the wiring harness for the brake lights to fix the electrical shorting failures. This failure renders the entire housing inoperable - Brake light, turn signal and r…

Look up ODI 11429433 at NHTSA ↗

000000
Exterior Lighting
2
ODI 11635190

The headlight and tail light went out unexpectedly. I brought my vehicle to a shop and they told me that my headlight got water inside of it. The shop informed me that this is a known issue with multiple BMW models. The headlight seal will slowly fail allowing moisture inside the housing which damages the electronics. The taillights have to have their electronics replaced due to some defect form the factory. This defect was covered under warranty but my car is out of warranty.

Look up ODI 11635190 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11429433

Rear brake light failure due to faulty wiring. Identical to the details located in this article (https://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/01/bmw-recalling-241-000-3-series-models-over-faulty-tail-lights/) for which the NHTSA had issued a recall for older BMW models in the past. This issue is common and wide-spread amongst bmw models produced between 2014 - mid 2016. After which BMW modified the wiring harness for the brake lights to fix the electrical shorting failures. This failure renders the entire housing inoperable - Brake light, turn signal and r…

Look up ODI 11429433 at NHTSA ↗

—000000
Power Train00—0
1
ODI 10715621 · 6,599 mi

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AROUND 11 AM AT 35 MPH AND THE CAR WARNING LIGHT CAME ON STATING DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION SEE AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE CAR JUST STALLED. YOU COULD NOT START ENGINE BECAUSE LATER ON ABOUT A WEEK WE LEARNED THAT IT WAS A BMW RECALL OF THE FUEL PUMP WHICH THE DEALER WASN'T EVEN INFORMED ON BY BMW CORPORATE. I COULDN'T EVEN GET THE CAR IN NEUTRAL BECAUSE THE ENGINE WOULDN'T START SO THE CAR KEPT GOING BACK INTO PARK SO THE CAR WOULDN'T ROLL AS SAFETY FEATURE. WE NOTIFIED BMW EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE AND IT TOOK THEM 7 HOURS TO …

Look up ODI 10715621 at NHTSA ↗

000
Air Bags000—0000
Engine00
1
ODI 10715621 · 6,599 mi

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AROUND 11 AM AT 35 MPH AND THE CAR WARNING LIGHT CAME ON STATING DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION SEE AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE CAR JUST STALLED. YOU COULD NOT START ENGINE BECAUSE LATER ON ABOUT A WEEK WE LEARNED THAT IT WAS A BMW RECALL OF THE FUEL PUMP WHICH THE DEALER WASN'T EVEN INFORMED ON BY BMW CORPORATE. I COULDN'T EVEN GET THE CAR IN NEUTRAL BECAUSE THE ENGINE WOULDN'T START SO THE CAR KEPT GOING BACK INTO PARK SO THE CAR WOULDN'T ROLL AS SAFETY FEATURE. WE NOTIFIED BMW EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE AND IT TOOK THEM 7 HOURS TO …

Look up ODI 10715621 at NHTSA ↗

0—000
Seat Belts00000—00
Unknown Or Other000000—0
Fuel System, Gasoline0000000—

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.

2 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

1 mentions · 5.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 6,599 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10715621 · 6,599 mi

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AROUND 11 AM AT 35 MPH AND THE CAR WARNING LIGHT CAME ON STATING DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION SEE AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE CAR JUST STALLED. YOU COULD NOT START ENGINE BECAUSE LATER ON ABOUT A WEEK WE LEARNED THAT IT WAS A BMW RECALL OF THE FUEL PUMP WHICH THE DEALER WASN'T EVEN INFORMED ON BY BMW CORPORATE. I COULDN'T EVEN GET THE CAR IN NEUTRAL BECAUSE THE ENGINE WOULDN'T START SO THE CAR KEPT GOING BACK INTO PARK SO THE CAR WOULDN'T ROLL AS SAFETY FEATURE. WE NOTIFIED BMW EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE AND IT TOOK THEM 7 HOURS TO …

Look up ODI 10715621 at NHTSA ↗

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

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

1 mentions · 5.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 6,599 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10715621 · 6,599 mi

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AROUND 11 AM AT 35 MPH AND THE CAR WARNING LIGHT CAME ON STATING DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION SEE AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE CAR JUST STALLED. YOU COULD NOT START ENGINE BECAUSE LATER ON ABOUT A WEEK WE LEARNED THAT IT WAS A BMW RECALL OF THE FUEL PUMP WHICH THE DEALER WASN'T EVEN INFORMED ON BY BMW CORPORATE. I COULDN'T EVEN GET THE CAR IN NEUTRAL BECAUSE THE ENGINE WOULDN'T START SO THE CAR KEPT GOING BACK INTO PARK SO THE CAR WOULDN'T ROLL AS SAFETY FEATURE. WE NOTIFIED BMW EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE AND IT TOOK THEM 7 HOURS TO …

Look up ODI 10715621 at NHTSA ↗

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