RoadVitals

2009 BMW 328I Engine Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the engine system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Engine reportsComplaints 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.
66
Latest Mar 13, 2025
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
34%
of 193 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
8
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
1

What this page shows

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2009 BMW 328I submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 66 reports on file name it.

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

Owner reports naming engine

The 25 most recent of 66, in the owner's own words

AirbagsElectricalEngine
Filed Mar 13, 2025
Fire reported

One recall was for air bag deployed I had the light for it on but it was on when I got it the original owner said it popped on him well he was parked and he never fixed it or did anything ... The other was a part of the computer pretty much in charge of cooling the car down it can make fire from melting and cause unfixable/ to constant issues .... Well my hole engine stopped working it was getting too hot miss firing coolent mixing with oil and started to smoke it was white smoke that came out didn't smell like anything crazy maybe mostly coolent and pretty much it had electric issues since I got it so the recall issue makes sense so I took it in to bmw Riverside they said they will fix all that and contact me it's been almost 2 weeks I live in my car I'm disabled and a mom I can't even go drive and see my child over this I have no income disabled type thing and no word what's wrong they said they might charge me a few of 287 but I'm disabled no income yet so that's out it tells me it will be fixed free and if the dealer won't fix the electric system on everything in the car and not charge me later like they said they will then I want to sue big time and if that's not dun when clearly safety was in danger fire issues and crap I want the same car but a new one off the lot not brand new car or fix then I'm sueing for my losses that simple

NHTSA ID
11648232
Incident
Mar 1, 2025
ElectricalEngine
Filed Dec 4, 2024

I was driving my car when all of a sudden the lights in the odometer started flickering and the car started putting and then shut off. Basically broke down on me. I cannot get it to stay on it feels like it has no power.

NHTSA ID
11628933
Incident
Dec 2, 2024
Engine
Filed Jul 25, 2024

BMW told me they would not be covering reimbursement for repairs/part replaced which I believe were damaged/failed directly as a result of failed PCC value. Now the RECALL notice for the PCV value does state that certain parts would be replaced or reimbursement paid if they were damaged /repaired as a result of failed PCV VALUE. Here is a brief summary… I purchased the vehicle in April 2024. At the time had a mechanic check out the car. May 15 - took the car to BMW for outstanding PCV VALUE RECALL. the tech told me they also did courtesy inspection and I would need front shock n tires soon. I opted not to have the work done that day. May 23 - washed the car /checked fluids/tire pressure etc - and found the coolant was nearly empty. I called and texted the BMW tech who I was in contact with for the recall work - no response. June 4 - drive the car 100 miles stop at friends. During the trip the AC was not blowing cold air like it usually did. No check engine lights or any other on the dash. An hour later the car won’t start. Took the car to my mechanic ( not BMW) and end up needing starter/ manifold gasket/ intake throttle gasket. I get the car back and shortly after more problems - when I would start the car the engine would shake for 15-20 seconds when I would start the vehicle while the engine was still warm. Also the fan motor would run extremely loud when in stop n go traffic. After researching online, I found all these issues others had experienced due to faulty PCV value. I contacted local BWM and BMW CORP - was told reimbursement was not available for this latest pcv recall but only reimbursement for previous recall.

NHTSA ID
11604446
Incident
Jul 24, 2024
Engine
Filed Aug 3, 2023

The contact owns a 2009 BMW 328i. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormally loud squeaky sound. The check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the PCV valve had failed. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.

NHTSA ID
11536284
Incident
Apr 19, 2023
Mileage
107,000 mi
Engine
Filed May 31, 2023

The contact owns a 2009 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was white smoke coming from the exhaust. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.

NHTSA ID
11524661
Incident
Nov 15, 2020
Mileage
58,000 mi
Engine
Filed May 7, 2023
Fire reported

Unknown/ Had recall on pcv heater control valve done by authorized BMW DEALER about 2 weeks ago. On date May 5 2023 Parked car, shut of engine,a smell of plastic and smoke started coming from hood area, flames erupted right away . Total loss

NHTSA ID
11520810
Incident
May 5, 2023
Engine
Filed May 4, 2023

The contact owns a 2009 BMW 328i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle started shaking abnormally. The contact drove the vehicle to his residence. Later when the vehicle was started there was a large white cloud of smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was driven to his spouse's medical appointment; however, the vehicle could not be started, and the contact had the vehicle towed to his residence. The contact made several attempts to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle had not been taken to a dealer or independent mechanic. The contact had experienced a similar failure several months prior and had taken the vehicle to a dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID
11520506
Incident
Nov 21, 2022
Mileage
58,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jan 20, 2023

The contact owns a 2009 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11502747
Incident
Jan 20, 2023
Engine
Filed Jan 5, 2023

The contact owns a 2009 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11500279
Incident
Mar 2, 2022
Engine
Filed Dec 16, 2022

The contact owns a 2009 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) 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 contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11497759
Incident
Apr 1, 2022
Engine
Filed Dec 12, 2022

Received written Safety Recall Notice from BMW April 2022. To date, no more contact from BMW, and the NHSTA website has no update about a repair. This has been 8 months with no repair or resolution.

NHTSA ID
11497083
Incident
Apr 4, 2022
Engine
Filed Nov 29, 2022

The contact owns a 2009 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated there was a burning odor coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 119,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11495284
Incident
Apr 29, 2022
Mileage
119,000 mi
Engine
Filed Nov 14, 2022

The contact owns a 2009 BMW 328I. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming out from underneath the hood of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact continued driving to her nearby residence. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring increasingly and she could smell a strong burning odor inside the vehicle while driving. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the failure was associated with the recall. 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 failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11493483
Incident
May 14, 2022
Engine
Filed Oct 28, 2022

The contact owns a 2009 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that the recall was repaired however, while driving approximately 20 MPH, the contact heard a sharp whistling sound coming from the engine. The service engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the valve cover needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 148,161.

NHTSA ID
11491329
Incident
Oct 10, 2022
Mileage
148,161 mi
Engine
Filed Oct 19, 2022

The contact owns a 2009 BMW 328I. The contact received notification NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V1190000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms part not available.

NHTSA ID
11490041
Incident
Apr 19, 2022
Engine
Filed Oct 5, 2022

The contact owns a 2009 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Coolant) however, the contact stated that he smelled a burning odor inside the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The dealer was notified of the recall notice and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. 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 notified of the issue and informed the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer to be diagnosed. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The failure mileage was approximately 123,492.

NHTSA ID
11488006
Incident
Sep 21, 2022
Mileage
123,492 mi
Engine
Filed Aug 16, 2022
Fire reported

The contact owns a 2009 BMW 328i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated on 8/2/2022 while parking at a gas station, he started to smell smoke. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated he inspected under the hood but did not locate where the smoke was coming from. The contact stated while walking away from the vehicle, he saw smoke exiting the rear of the vehicle, but was unable to open the trunk. The contact called the fire department to open the rear trunk with a crowbar and they were able to extinguish the fire. The police also arrived at the scene. The contact was unaware if any police or fire reports were filed. The contact stated no one was injured or sought medical attention. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to a junkyard. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was also associated to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V676000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.

NHTSA ID
11479545
Incident
Apr 1, 2022
Mileage
134,000 mi
Engine
Filed Aug 11, 2022

The contact owns a 2009 BMW 328i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts are not available.

NHTSA ID
11478840
Incident
Aug 11, 2022
Engine
Filed Aug 3, 2022
Fire reported

I'M JUST RECEIVING THE RECALL LETTER THIS APRIL 2022. I'VE CALLED BMW TWICE FOR THE REPAIR AND IT'S STILL UNAVAILABLE. I EXPERIENCED THE ISSUE ALREADY 2 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING MY CAR FROM CARMAXX IN JUNE 2020 BUT BELIEVED I HAD IT REPAIRED BY PUSCHASING A NEW RADIATOR, COILS, WATER PUMP AND THERMOSTAT. I WOULD LIKE FOR BMW TO CHECK AND CHANGE THE CORRECTED PART OUT. I WAS ON THE FREEWAY OUT OF TOWN WHEN THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SMOKE WITHOUT WARNING WITH ME COASTING IT OFF THE FREEWAY AND NOTHING POPPED UP ON SCREEN THEN HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED HOME.

NHTSA ID
11477384
Incident
Jun 24, 2020
Engine
Filed Jul 28, 2022

The contact owns a 2009 BMW 328i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) 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 experienced an unstated failure and the vehicle was no longer being driven. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID
11476427
Incident
Mar 2, 2022
Engine
Filed Jul 8, 2022

The contact owns a 2009 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer had been notified about the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer had been notified of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11472894
Incident
Mar 1, 2022
Mileage
140,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jun 27, 2022

Not a particular incident, but this recall has been active for a little more then two months. While also my car has been affected since Fall of 2021. Not once have BMW even reached out or provide any type of consultation of maybe having a rental car for the time being, or simply buy back the car or something along those sorts.

NHTSA ID
11471158
Incident
Oct 27, 2021
Engine
Filed Jun 14, 2022

I am filing a complaint based on the recalls for my vehicle. There are two recalls with no solutions. My car has not been functional in over 6 months. I have called BMW and they have offered me no solutions. I want to receive compensation so I can be done with this vehicle and get one that I can actually drive.

NHTSA ID
11469159
Incident
Dec 1, 2021
Engine
Filed May 31, 2022

The vehicle hasbeen over heating, my 18 year old son, uses this car for transportation to his school, we are very afraid something can hapen, at this point we need BMW to fix the problem. We are stressing about this problem, every day.

NHTSA ID
11466854
Incident
May 28, 2022
Engine
Filed May 25, 2022

The contact owns a 2009 BMW 328i. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, she saw smoke coming out from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The check engine warning light, the brake warning light, and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that upon turning on the air conditioner, smoke would come inside the vehicle through the vents. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where an unknown repair was completed; however, the failure persisted. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). 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 not made aware of the failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID
11466054
Incident
May 25, 2020

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.

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Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .