RoadVitals

2016 BMW 228I Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
18
Latest Aug 7, 2025
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
10
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
1

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2016 BMW 228I, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Electrical1136.7%
  • Engine930.0%
  • Seat belts26.7%
  • Brakes26.7%
  • Powertrain (other)13.3%
  • Steering13.3%
  • Visibility13.3%
  • Fuel system13.3%
  • Exterior lighting13.3%
  • Other / unspecified13.3%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2016 BMW 228I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID 11679128 · filed Aug 7, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 BMW 228I. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle jerked back and forth and choked. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact called another local dealer, Century West BMW Service Department (4245 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91602) who confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA ID 11677845 · filed Aug 1, 2025
All 11 reports naming electrical

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2016 BMW 228I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID 11679128 · filed Aug 7, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 BMW 228I. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle jerked back and forth and choked. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact called another local dealer, Century West BMW Service Department (4245 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91602) who confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA ID 11677845 · filed Aug 1, 2025
All 9 reports naming engine

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

AFTER MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH THE DRIVER SEAT BELT GETTING TANGLED AND NOT WORKING PROPERLY, I WENT TO MY LOCAL BMW DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE ISSUE FIXED. WHILE IT WAS FIXED FOR A PERIOD OF ABOUT THREE DAYS IT GOT TANGLED AGAIN, AND NOW IS COMPLETELY NONFUNCTIONAL DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE MECHANISM HOLDING THE SEATBELT IN PLACE APPEARS FAULTY. I CANNOT, MY LETTER OF THE LAW, DRIVE MY AUTOMOBILE WITH A SEAT BELT BUT THAT DOES NOT WORK.

NHTSA ID 11321837 · filed Apr 21, 2020

BOTH FRONT SEAT BELTS BECOME EASILY TANGLED/TWISTED AND WILL NOT RETRACT. THE ONLY WAY TO GET OUT OF THE BELT IS TO PULL IT ALL THE WAY OUT AND THEN IT GETS STUCK ALL THE WAY OUT AND WILL NOT RETRACT. THIS HAPPENS ON AVERAGE EVERY 50 TIMES OF USING THE BELT. I HAVE RETURNED IT TO DEALER 5 TIMES AND UNTWIST IT, BUT TOLD ME THERE IS NO WAY TO FIX IT. THIS HAPPENS TO BOTH SEAT BELTS (DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE FRONT BELTS). THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING ON THIS VEHICLE SINCE I PURCHASED IT A YEAR AGO. I HAVE RETURNED IT TO THE DEALER FOR THIS SAME REPAIR 5 TIMES SO FAR. IT IS CURRENTLY STUCK AGAIN.

NHTSA ID 11034081 · filed Oct 17, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2016 BMW 228I. The contact stated that intermittently, while driving at undisclosed speeds and depressing the brake pedal, there was an abnormal odor of smoke. The braking lamp malfunction light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined the failure was related to the engine, engine cooling, and electrical system. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID 11632741 · filed Dec 27, 2024

REAR BRAKE PADS REPLACED AT 6,000 AND 20,000 MILES.

NHTSA ID 11034360 · filed Oct 18, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THAT ALERT CAME UP SAYING YOUR CAR IS NOT WORKING AT ITS FULL CAPACITY YOUR POWER TRAIN IS DEFECTIVE. THAT MAY NOT BE THE EXACT WORDING HOWEVER, VERY CLOSE TO IT. AFTER THE WARNING CAME ON, MY CAR SLOWED DOWN AS THOUGH IT DID NOT WANT TO DRIVE AND I HAD A VERY DIFFICULT TIME TO GET OVER ON THE FREEWAY.. IT WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. IT WAS VERY TERRIFYING. IT HAPPENED ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION APPROXIMATELY THREE TIMES AND WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP THE DEALER SAID THIS WAS RELATED TO THE FUEL SYSTEM . I GOT IT FIXED APPROXIMATELY THREE WEEKS AGO AND AS OF YET IT HAS NOT HAPPENED AGAIN. I WILL CONTINUE TO WATCH IT BECAUSE THIS WOULD NOT HAPPEN EVERY TIME I DROVE THE CAR, IT HAPPENED SPORADICALLY.

NHTSA ID 11374097 · filed Nov 11, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I recently needed to have my Steering Rack replaced since the internal control unit had a fault. There was no warning prior to the failure and the sudden fault resulted in complete loss of power steering. Luckily, I was driving at a slow speed and was close to my house. I'm concerned because I have read of several other BMW models having similar problems and someone driving at a higher rate of speed could cause a significant accident if they are unable to control the vehicle. My BMW has 50,000 miles on it and I do not drive it aggressively, so it is very alarming to have a steering rack fail at such low mileage. I have since had the part replaced, but want the NHTSA to be aware in case a larger issue is occurring.

NHTSA ID 11480526 · filed Aug 22, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AROUND 65MPH. THERE WERE NO CARS OR TRUCKS AROUND ME. AS I WAS DRIVING I SUDDENLY HEARD A LOUD EXPLOSION TYPE SOUND. I HEARD GLASS SHATTER AND WIND START TO ENTER MY CAR. I WAS ABSOLUTELY SHOCKED AND ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE. I TOOK THE NEXT EXIT OFF THE HIGHWAY AND PARKED MY CAR. UPON EXITING, I SAW A HUGE GAPING HOLE IN MY GLASS SUNROOF, ALONG WITH THE REMAINING GLASS COMPLETELY SHATTERED AND CRACKED. THERE IS CURRENTLY A LAWSUIT ON-GOING ABOUT MANUFACTURER DEFECTS ON BMW CAUSING SUNROOFS TO EXPLODE. I BELIEVE I WAS A VICTIM OF THIS. AS SEEN IN THE PICTURES, WHATEVER CAUSED THE GLASS TO "EXPLODE" PUSHED THE GLASS TO AN OUTWARD DIRECTION, WHERE AS A ROCK WOULD NOT CAUSE THIS TYPE OF PATTER.

NHTSA ID 11246307 · filed Aug 26, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THAT ALERT CAME UP SAYING YOUR CAR IS NOT WORKING AT ITS FULL CAPACITY YOUR POWER TRAIN IS DEFECTIVE. THAT MAY NOT BE THE EXACT WORDING HOWEVER, VERY CLOSE TO IT. AFTER THE WARNING CAME ON, MY CAR SLOWED DOWN AS THOUGH IT DID NOT WANT TO DRIVE AND I HAD A VERY DIFFICULT TIME TO GET OVER ON THE FREEWAY.. IT WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. IT WAS VERY TERRIFYING. IT HAPPENED ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION APPROXIMATELY THREE TIMES AND WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP THE DEALER SAID THIS WAS RELATED TO THE FUEL SYSTEM . I GOT IT FIXED APPROXIMATELY THREE WEEKS AGO AND AS OF YET IT HAS NOT HAPPENED AGAIN. I WILL CONTINUE TO WATCH IT BECAUSE THIS WOULD NOT HAPPEN EVERY TIME I DROVE THE CAR, IT HAPPENED SPORADICALLY.

NHTSA ID 11374097 · filed Nov 11, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

VEHICLE GAVE WARNING OF "LEFT REAR TURN SIGNAL MALFUNCTION" AND "LEFT BRAKE LAMP MALFUNCTION". CHECKED LIGHTS AND THEY ARE VERY DIM AND NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. REMOVED TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY AND THE GROUND WIRE TERMINAL IS PARTIALLY MELTED.

NHTSA ID 11399992 · filed Mar 9, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

In 2019, I purchased a pre-owned BMW 228i from BMW Northwest. Recently, it was discovered that an incorrect front-sized rim has been installed on the rear wheel of my car. This has resulted in having three front rims and only one rear rim on my vehicle. The car has exclusively inspected or received servicing only at BMW Northwest and BMW Seattle until the error was discovered at BMW San Diego. In response to this problem, I reached out to BMW North America to have the incorrect rim replaced. However, I was informed that they would not take responsibility for the replacement, even though they acknowledged that it is highly improbable for me to have an extra rim of the exact same model and mistakenly place it on the wrong wheel of my car. Unfortunately, they did not provide any specific reason for their decision. As I don't have access to BMW records before I purchased my car, I lack comprehensive information to pinpoint where the error occurred within BMW. However, I am genuinely concerned about the safety implications of having an incorrect-sized rim on one side of my car. Given the gravity of the situation, I am reaching out here, hoping for your intervention to resolve this matter promptly and ensure the safety of my vehicle. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

NHTSA ID 11535957 · filed Aug 1, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .