RoadVitals

1999 BMW 328I

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

NHTSA has issued a “do not drive” advisory affecting this model year.

Campaign 19V851000. Confirm whether your specific vehicle is covered using its VIN before acting on this.

Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov
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.
98
Latest Jun 7, 2022
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.
7
Latest May 27, 2021
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.
0
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.
14
6 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 98 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1999 BMW 328I, most frequently naming the airbags, body & structure and suspension categories. 7 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 15 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

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

7 campaigns cover this model year

View all 7

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
21V401000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

May 27, 2021
4,511 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2001 BMW 3 Series (323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci and 330Ci), 1999-2001 323i, 328i, 330i, 330xi, and 2000 323i, 328i stationwagon vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata. These vehicles are equipped with driver-side air bag inflators that were previously inspected, but not replaced under recall numbers 19V-851, 19V852, or 19V-853. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to explode or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
The risk: The inflator could explode during air bag deployment, resulting in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the driver-side air bag inflator with a newly designed inflator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 12, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov
19V853000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Nov 26, 2019
74,185 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 1999-2001 323i, 325i, 328i and 330i and 2000-2001 323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci, 330Ci, 323iT, and 325iT vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata. These vehicles may have received a replacement driver air bag as part of a vehicle repair. Due to a manufacturing issue, the replacement NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
The risk: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
The remedy: BMW notified owners, and Dealers will replace the driver air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began November 10, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov
19V851000NHTSA advisory: do not drive

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Nov 26, 2019
7,910 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 1999 323i and 328i vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata at one specific inflator production facility. These inflators do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
The risk: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect the driver air bag inflators and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: BMW recommends that owners do not continue to drive their vehicles.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 98
Electrical
Filed Jun 7, 2022

Central locking module failed , car will not lock unlock

NHTSA ID
11467999
Incident
Jun 7, 2022
AirbagsElectrical
Filed May 3, 2021

1999 BMW 328I. VEHICLE IS REGISTERED AND IS A DAILY DRIVER IN MASSACHUSETTS. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON 05/01/2021 IN THE BOSTON AREA ON A SMOOTH ROAD AT NIGHT, THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR & SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. NO ACCIDENT, NO POTHOLES, NOTHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY, JUST DRIVING AND THEN AN EXPLOSION FROM AIRBAGS AND THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO IMMOBILIZED AT THE BATTERY.

NHTSA ID
11414968
Incident
May 1, 2021
Mileage
270,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Nov 12, 2020

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V852000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CHAPMAN BMW CHANDLER (7455 W ORCHID LN, CHANDLER, AZ 85226) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE REMAINED IN THE DEALERS POSSESSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ID
11374250
Incident
Jan 15, 2020
Airbags
Filed Jul 15, 2020

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V852000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. BMW OF ROCHESTER (4250 W HENRIETTA RD, ROCHESTER, NY 14623, (585)359-7373) WAS CONTACTED AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER 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. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
11339550
Incident
Jan 16, 2020
Airbags
Filed Jun 30, 2020

ON JUNE 11, 2020 MY CAR WAS DELIVERED TO CLASSIC BMW IN PLANO, TEXAS FOR 1999 BMW SAFETY RECALL 19V-851 FOR THE TAKATA NON-AZIDE DRIVER INFLATOR. THEY WERE ONLY SUPPOSED TO CHANGE THE IGNITER, BUT WHEN I RECEIVED THE CAR THE NEXT DAY I NOTICED THEY REPLACED THE ENTIRE AIRBAG ASSEMBLY. A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER I TRIED THE HORN AND IT DID NOT WORK AND MADE AN APPOINTMENT TO BRING THE CAR BACK FOR REPAIR. I GOT THE CAR BACK ON JUNE 25.2020 AND WAS TOLD THAT A CONNECTOR WAS NOT COMPLETELY ATTACHED. HOWEVER, THE PAPERWORK THEY GAVE ME STATED - "FIRST VISIT A DUAL STAGE AIRBAG WAS RECEIVED FROM PARTS. VEHICLE HAS A ONE STAGE IGNITER. THE HARNESS WAS DIFFERENT CAUSING HORN TO BE INOP." THE CAR WAS RETURNED WITH THE ORIGINAL AIRBAG (OR ONE THAT LOOKS JUST LIKE IT) AND THE HORN NOW WORKS. EVERYTHING I HAVE RESEARCHED ONLINE STATES THAT THESE 2 SYSTEMS (SINGLE STAGE & DUAL STAGE AIRBAGS) ARE NOT COMPATABLIE WITH WIRING AND COMPUTER SOFTWARE AND WILL NOT FUNCTION. HAD I NOT CHECKED THE HORN THE CAR WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN RETURNED FOR MONTHS UNTIL THE NEXT INSPECTION AND MY WIFE WOULD HAVE BEEN DRIVING WITHOUT A FUCTIONAL AIRBAG. THE SERVICE ADVISOR TOLD ME THIS THAT THE CAR WAS SAFE THAT THEY RETURNED TO ME ON JUNE 12. IF THAT WAS TRUE, WHY DID THEY PUT THE ORIGINAL BAG BACK ON THE CAR. I UNDERSTAND MISTAKES HAPPEN AS BMW CHANGED TO THE DUAL SYSTEM SOMETIME IN 1999 BUT I FEEL THESE GUYS WERE LYING TO ME TRYING TO COVER UP THEIR MISTAKE.

NHTSA ID
11331794
Incident
Jun 11, 2020
Mileage
125,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Jun 22, 2020

I RECEIVED A NOTICE THAT THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG INFLATOR WAS RECALLED IN JANUARY 2020. NO REMEDY IS AVAILABLE. I HAVE BEEN WAITING AND CALLING BMW AND BMW DEALERSHIPS FOR 6 MONTHS. *TR

NHTSA ID
11330058
Incident
Jan 1, 2020
Mileage
119,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Feb 24, 2020

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V851000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT EAST BAY BMW (LOCATED AT 4350 ROSEWOOD DR, PLEASANTON, CA 94588) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ID
11311140
Incident
Dec 20, 2019
Airbags
Filed Feb 19, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION AND OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V851000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED DANIELS BMW DEALER, (4600 CRACKERSPORT RD, ALLENTOWN, PA 18104) AND WAS INFORMED THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFORMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
11310040
Incident
Dec 30, 2019

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.

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.

B651820

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL; EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

SERVICE ACTION - HEAD AIR BAG HOLDER RETROFIT: A rattle noise may develop from the head air bag (ITS) gas generator contacting adjacent component. This noise can be heard while driving on an uneven roadway.

B013118

AIR BAGS

TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL-RELATED SHORT-TERM ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 31 18 dated October 2018.

B013118

AIR BAGS

TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL-RELATED SHORT-TERM ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 31 18 dated October 2018.

B011618

AIR BAGS; AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE

TAKATA CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT. CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM. FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG MODULES.

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 328I by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2016561158.8
20151244166.5
20141518268.5
20132575264.0
20121306155.4
20115737056.1
20101536055.1
20091936056.0
20082395056.0
20073976053.3
2006030—
2005010—
2004010—
2003010—
2002010—
2001430—
20001127051.5
1999Viewing987056.2
1998260040.1
1997250038.9
1996310037.7

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.