RoadVitals

2009 BMW 328

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

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.
11
Latest Oct 25, 2018
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
1
Latest Feb 5, 2016
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
1 currently open
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
2 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 11 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2009 BMW 328, most frequently naming the airbags, electrical and engine categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 89 manufacturer communications are on file.

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

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Airbags731.8%
  • Electrical522.7%
  • Engine313.6%
  • Driver assistance29.1%
  • Brakes14.5%
  • Fuel system14.5%
  • Interior & seats14.5%
  • Seat belts14.5%

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

Safety recalls

1 campaign cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Feb 5, 2016
840,000 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive, 335is and M3 Coupes and Convertibles, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i SAVs, 2007-2010 X3 xDrive30i SAVs, 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M SAVs, 2009-2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d SAVs, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M SACs, 2010-2011 BMW X6 xDrive50i SACs and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
The risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA21002OpenEngineering Analysis

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Opened Sep 17, 2021

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

AirbagsInterior & seats
Filed Oct 25, 2018

TAKATA RECALL-I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR THE AIRBAG RECALL AND THE BMW OF SOUTH ATLANTA REPAIRED THE DRIVER SEAT-I THINK. WHEN I LEFT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF LIGHT WAS ON AND I ASKED ABOUT IT THE TECH SAID IF YOU HAVE AN ACCIDENT YOU DON'T WANT TO SCHRAPNEL TO HIT THE PASSENGER. FROM THEN ON THE SEAT BELT SIGN STAYED ON EVEN WHEN SOMEONE WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT WITH THEIR SEAT BELT ON. I TOOK MY CAR BACK IN LAST WEEK FOR THE WARNING LIGHT AND WAS TOLD IT IS A SEAT SENSOR AND WOULD COST $1,400.00. DOES THIS HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE AIRBAG RECALL? IF THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND IS A FAULTY PART WITH BMW THEN WHY AREN'T THEY RECALLING AND REPAIRING?

NHTSA ID
11142653
Incident
Oct 16, 2018
ElectricalEngine
Filed Sep 24, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW 328. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT DID NOT NOTIFY A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ID
11130974
Incident
Nov 1, 2017
AirbagsElectrical
Filed Jul 6, 2018
2 injuries reported

THE AIR BAG DID NOT OPEN AND I ALMOST DIED

NHTSA ID
11109931
Incident
Jul 4, 2017
Mileage
120,000 mi
EngineFuel systemSteering
Filed Apr 24, 2018

TAKATA RECALL: JUST CANT BELIEVE MY CAR JUST WENT DEAD WHILE DRIVING. THERE HAVE BEEN ISSUES WITH THE FUEL PUMP BUT NOBODY IS MAKING PEOPLE AWARE OF THIS SO IT CAN GET FIXED.IT WAS REALLY SCARY . BELT TENSIONER WAS REPLACED FROM BMW IN 2014. THEN BELT TENSIONER GOES BAD AGAIN IN 2016. STEERING SUPER TIGHT ,JUST REPLACED POWER STEERING PUMP 10 MONTHS AGO..

NHTSA ID
11089986
Incident
Apr 24, 2018
Mileage
100,000 mi
Engine
Filed Feb 8, 2018

I HAD TO REPLACE THE POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION PCV VALVE HEATER AND HARNESS IN APRIL OF 2017 BECAUSE IT MELTED. THIS COST ME $3000 AT PATRICK BMW IN SCHAUMBURG, IL. I LATER FOUND OUT THAT THERE IS A RECAL # 17V-683 CONCERNING THIS. I NEVER RECEIVED A LETTER FROM BMW ABOUT THE RECALL. HOWEVER, I'M LOOKING TO GET REIMBURSED FOR MY OUT OF POCKET CHARGES. WHEN I TOOK MY CAR TO THE CLOSEST DEALER, I WAS TOLD I HAD TO WAIT TO RECEIVE THE REIMBURSEMENT. THEREFORE, I'D LIKE TO FILE A COMPLAINT. IN ADDITION, I SMELL A BURNT SMELL FROM TIME TO TIME. I KNOW THERE IS A BLOWER MOTOR RECALL AS WELL. I'VE EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE BLOWER MOTOR ON MY CAR SINCE THE FIRST YEAR OF OWNING IT. WHEN I ASKED THE DEALER ABOUT THE SMELL - I WAS TOLD THERE WERE NO SIGNS OF A BURNING SMELL. I'M CONCERNED BECAUSE THE SMELL IS NOT CONSTANT ONLY ON OCCASION. MY FEAR IS MY CAR WILL CATCH ON FIRE AND CAUSE DAMAGE TO ME OR MY PROPERTY. PLEASE TELL ME MY RIGHTS CONCERNING FILING A CLAIM ON BOTH RECALLS. ONE FOR REIMBURSEMENT AND THE OTHER FOR REPLACING THE BLOWER MOTOR.

NHTSA ID
11071754
Incident
Apr 21, 2017
Mileage
67,677 mi
AirbagsElectrical
Filed Jan 23, 2018

HEAT NOT WORKING ON CAR. CONCERNED ABOUT FIRE BEFORE RECALL IS FIXED. PLUS, I AM FREEZING IN WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY DEALERSHIP BMW HAS NOT RELEASED PARTS TO FIX. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE.

NHTSA ID
11064406
Incident
Nov 2, 2017
Mileage
71,000 mi
AirbagsBrakesDriver assistance
Filed Aug 26, 2017
Crash reported

I RECALL THE MOMENT MY CAR ACCIDENT HAPPENED : WHEN I ARRIVED THE PHARMACY PARKING LOT, ABSOLUTELY I SLOWED DOWN MY CAR AND APPROACHING THE PARKING SPACE. WHEN MY CAR 'S FRONT TIRES TOUCH ONE SIDE OF THE PAVEMENT ( THERE ARE 2 PAVEMENTS SEPARATED APART ABOUT 3 FEET WITH SOIL WHERE ARE PLANTED WITH FLOWERS, EACH PAVEMENT IS APPROXIMATELY 1/2 FOOT THICK AND 1/2 FOOT HIGH ). WHILE I STEPPED ON MY CAR'S BREAK PEDAL, I FELT THE CAR SUDDENLY LOST CONTROL AND IT JUMPED ON MY SIDE'S PAVEMENT, AND ALMOST AT THE SAME TIME, BOTH AIR BAGS BURST, MADE THE CAR RAN OVER TO ALMOST A HALF OF THE DISTANCE BETWEEN 2 PAVEMENTS ( ABOUT MORE THAN 2 FEET ) AND HITTING THE REAR OF ANOTHER PARKING CAR ( ON OPPOSITE SIDE OF MY CAR'S PARKING SPACE ( LOT ). THEREFORE : 2 REASONS, THE BREAKING SYSTEM DIDN'T FUNCTION WELL AT FIRST, WHEN THE CAR JUMPED TO THE PAVEMENT, THE AIR BAGS SUDDENLY BURST, MADE THE CAR MADLY JUMP OVER TO ANOTHER SIDE OF PARKING SPACE ( OPPOSITE SIDE ) AND MADE THE ACCIDENT SERIOUS ( 1 CAR'S REAR ALMOST WAS CRASHED, ANOTHER CAR'S REAR ON THE OTHER SIDE OF PARKING SPACE WAS TOUCHED BY THIS CAR' S HEAD ALMOST NO EVIDENCE ). FINALLY, MY CAR STOPPED, CAN'T MOVE ANYMORE !

NHTSA ID
11019915
Incident
Jul 18, 2017
Mileage
10 mi
AirbagsSeat belts
Filed Dec 5, 2016

TAKATA RECALL COMPLAINT ON THE TIME IT TAKES TO GET THIS FIXED. I RECEIVED NOTICED AROUND MARCH 2016, IT IS NOW DECEMBER 2016, WHAT IS CONSIDERED A TIMELY REMEDY TO THIS SITUATION? 1 YEAR? IN OTHER WORDS, HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO PUT MY LIFE AT RISK UNTIL THIS BECOMES REMEDIED? I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT PREVIOUSLY THAT CAUSE MY CAR TO BE A TOTAL LOST, SHOULD I CONSIDER MYSELF LUCKY THAT THE TAKATA RECALL ISSUE DID NOT KILL ME? JUST WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO TELL ME I CAN BRING MY CAR IN IS DRIVING ME NUTS. THE DEALERS DON'T GIVE ME ANY INFORMATION ON HOW I CAN GET THIS FIXED ON MY OWN. AND ALL THEY DO IS ASK ME IF I RECEIVED A LETTER YET. WELL ITS BEEN OVER HALF A YEAR AND STILL NO LETTER. *TR

NHTSA ID
10930009
Incident
Dec 5, 2016

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

B510819

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.

B611305

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle “discharged battery” complaints.

B340414

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC; STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR

Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles: 1. Visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses during rapid heating and cooling of the brake discs. Braking from high speed with cold brake components (less than 212 degrees F) increases the likelihood of cracks to form.

B611305

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Discharged Battery Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed: The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle "discharged battery" complaints. In order to properly repair the vehicle the first time in the workshop, it is very important that the diagnostic test plans are performed to completion, with all results taken into consideration. Without performing the energy diagnosis test plan, the root cause of the discharged battery cannot be identified. This increases the chances of a repeat repair.

B110208

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Power Reduction, FC2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC2A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Fault: The ?Service Engine Soon? (MIL) lamp is illuminated and engine power reduction is perceived. This situation can occur after driving for some time with the engine at full operating temperature. If theignition is cycled, the engine then usually performs normally.

B110208

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN

Power Reduction FC2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC2 A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Fault: The "Service Engine Soon" (MIL) lamp is illuminated and engine power reduction is perceived. This situation can occur after driving for some time with the engine at full operating temperature. If the ignition is cycled the engine then usually performs normally.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

BMW 328 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2013101147.8
2012711
2011371145.4
2010311
2009Viewing111148.4
2008811
2007911
2006011

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.