2010 BMW 328I Electrical Problems

The vehicle constantly and increasingly exhibits the symptoms described in RECALL CAMPAIGN 13V-044: REPAIR BATTERY POSITIVE CABLE, dated XXX , i.e., various electrical malfunctions, including flickering of the instrument cluster, and brief loss of engine power. However, VIN [XXX] is NOT included in this campaign. It appears that the next possibility, even though deemed "extremely isolated" by the recall, is that "the engine may shut off while driving, which leads to a loss of power steering assistance." BMW and NHTSA each state that the other is responsible for including VINs in a recall, yet I am the one at risk of crash. Do I need to seek legal action against both BMW and NHTSA to determine who is responsible for adding the VIN to the recall so BMW can eventually reimburse me for the needed repairs? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11746698

Incident

Jun 26, 2026

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2010 BMW 328I. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 107,414. The contact stated that, while driving 25 MPH over a pothole, several systems in the vehicle unexpectedly reset; however, the speedometer had not reset. The contact stated that the vehicle had not been driven a whole lot. The mileage was reset to approximately 120,000 miles. The contact attempted to retrieve a Carfax Report for the vehicle and became aware that the most recent information on the VIN was posted by the seller. The contact called the seller. No other agencies were contacted.

NHTSA ID

11733199

Incident

Apr 23, 2026

Mileage

120,000 mi

2010 bmw 328i xdrive: Had in for recall PCV 1/08/2025. This vehicle has had a prior recall for same issue before i owned in 2014. Motorwerks BMW failed to complete recall, as parts and repair bulletin from BMW OF AMERICA has parts list. Motorwerks just CHOSE to put items, subtitled under other services/self pay. When I asked about this they responded that CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY ....as build date put it a year out? A RECALL IS A RECALL ITS FOREVER, OR THE LIFE OF CAR. not when they the dealer/shop and BMW right? i have filed and called and complained to numerous places including NCDS, BMW of AMERICA and have gotten no traction or reasonable response. Now I'm having VANOS related issues, serious issues, but no recall listed?, even though the year and style and build date put it in parameters of SAFETY RECALL not just manufacture voluntary recall.

NHTSA ID

11722638

Incident

Mar 2, 2026

I believe it was an electrical problem, my car caught fire in the trunk on the passenger side above the battery and behind the trunk lining. My safety was out at risk because I started the car a next thing you know I started smelling smoke, I looked back and my car was on fire from the trunk. I popped the trunk open and it was nothing but smoke an fire. Lucky there was a fire extinguisher Around, so I was able to detain the fire for the most part. But there has already been excessive damage inside the trunk. I just found out there was a recall for this car in March of 2022, but we had got this car in August of 2022. An we have never received anything in the mail stating it had a recall. There was no warning lamps or anything.

NHTSA ID

11542113

Incident

Aug 31, 2023

The contact owns a 2010 BMW 328i. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, he felt a sudden surge and observed white smoke emitting from the rear passenger seat. As a result of the distraction, the contact stated that the vehicle crashed into a tree at approximately 35 MPH; the driver's steering wheel and driver's seat air bags both deployed. Upon exiting and inspecting the trunk of the vehicle, the contact observed flames engulfing the trunk liner. The contact stated that he was able to extinguish the fire himself with water. No warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel. No police report was filed. No fire report was filed. No injuries were reported. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence, where it remained. The failure had not been diagnosed. After investigating the issue, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V314000 (Electrical System). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 120,000.

NHTSA ID

11526613

Incident

Jun 8, 2023

Mileage

120,000 mi

2010 328i bmw That I own. Vehicle will not start. I had to leave it where it sits as we speak at my baby mamas apartment complex in Lacey Washington. Very dangerous and strong smell a burning smell I am finally after getting the trunk open come to find out that my battery was more than just “smoldering” and the positive terminal was melted all the way to the point where we panic and I had to disconnect it because it was red hot actually the bolts are melted together im sure and probably won’t be coming apart. I had to leave my key in the ignition and I left the car there after speaking to the apartment complex managers asking them not to do it. I’ve been trying to contact the BMW dealer and ask them what my next step is and getting it fixed as there is an active Recall on it because of the PCV valve not being up to specifications and could cause a short and “an extremely rare cases can you catch fire. Which unfortunately happen to be my luck. The car is still in Lacey Washington and I don’t know whether to get it towed to the dealer in Tacoma Washington being that the guy on the phone was a complete a******* and told me to not get it towed there that they’re just going to get it towed out of there. At this point I do not know what to do but I need help in expressing the amount of Beyond safe and liability on this recall through BMW to

NHTSA ID

11497509

Incident

Dec 12, 2022

1.) What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Answer: My motor/engine gave out on me. No the vehicle is not available due to the fact that it was towed and too expensive for me to take out of the impound. My vehicle was then taken from me since I couldn’t pay to have it taken out ! 2.) How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? ANSWER: I was put at risk by being broken down on the side of the turnpike/highway in my state for over an hour without a cell phone to call for help. I had no choice but to accept a ride from a stranger, putting my life at jeopardy for a second time 3.) Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? ANSWER: Im not familiar with the details of this question. But yes the dealer was made aware 4.) Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? ANSWER: The car was brought to a bmw dealership where nothing was done to resolve the problem Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? ANSWER: YES

NHTSA ID

11471067

Incident

Aug 16, 2018

Have been made aware recently a recall has been required on my vehicle although no remedy is available yet. PCV Crankcase Valve is defective which can cause several issues with vehicle...after learning this my car was having issues cranking and not starting, thinking it was the battery I had it replaced and still to no avail..replaced fuel pump thinking it may be a fuel issue and now no power..battery chargers get extremely hot when trying to charge car...B+ Battery Cable has been recalled in the past although I did not own this vehicle when BMW was mad aware in 2011, and my vehicle is a 2010! So many recalls, defective components with fuel related issues and electrical problems that can leave owners stranded. I have been lucky my car is at my home, although I now have to rely on others for transportation now....

NHTSA ID

11470792

Incident

Jun 3, 2022

Had my car checked at the dealer to confirm PCV heater issue (22V-119) after smelling burning plastic while driving in cold weather. I was told nothing was wrong and I need several different repairs totaling nearly $2000. Car overheated with a failed water pump days later. Dealer is outright refusing to provide any resolution outside of paying out of pocket for towing, repair, and rental.

NHTSA ID

11464842

Incident

May 2, 2022

After running errands and car had been parked for an hour or so, I returned to my vehicle and it would crank but would not start. After trying to start a few times it finally started and I was able to make it home without having to call a tow truck (Or being abandoned in a mall parking lot in the middle of the night). My car drove fine the next day, after driving for about an hour I parked at my parents home during a visit that lasted an hour or so. When returning to my vehicle to leave the same thing happened as before. It would crank but would not start. It took a few tries to start and then it ran fine and I was able to make it home with no issue. It started okay the following day and I was able to drive to and from work (approx. 8 miles). After parking over night I went to start vehicle and it would not start at all. It would crank but would not start. I had the battery replaced thinking it was an old battery (2010 vehicle) this would still not work, the car was also not able to be jumped from the engine compartment, may have something to do with the battery lines or fuel pump?Previous recall? I did not own this vehicle prior to 2018 so I am not sure if this could be the issue? Or properly repaired previous recall? recently APRIL 2022 Recall-PCV Valve Heater.The recall information claims that it is only activated in "cold weather climates" and that it may not have been produced to specifications by the supplier. Over time this could lead to overheating in the engine compartment. In some cases, this could lead to fire! This recall's remedy is unavailable at this time which is extremely concerning. I am actually scared to attempt to continue to inspect, as this recall can cause a fire. If this was a recall regarding windows, or windshield wipers that would be a little easier to deal with, but fires! The recall info requested drivers and passengers to dial 911 and immediately move to a safe location away from traffic if you see smoke/funny smell no remedy availabl

NHTSA ID

11460608

Incident

Apr 9, 2022

SOME OF THE BMW FOOTWELL MODULE FOR THE E7X TO E9X MODELS CONTAINING A DEFECTIVE MICROCHIP THAT UPON JUMP-START OF THE VEHICLE WHEN THE BATTERY LEVEL IS LOW WOULD CORRUPT ITS MEMORY. WHEN CORRUPTION OCCURS, THE CAR WILL DISABLE TURNING SIGNAL BLINKERS, POWER WINDOWS, INTERNAL LIGHTS, AND MORE. THOSE AFFECTED FUNCTION WILL RENDER THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. BMW HAS ISSUED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY TO COVER THE PART, BUT ONLY FOR OWNERS WHO RUN INTO THE PROBLEM (IE: JUMP-STARTED) WITHIN THAT TIME FRAME IS COVERED. I DID NOT REALIZE THIS INFAMOUS DEFECT UNTIL RECENTLY AND BMW FAILED TO INFORM ME OF THIS ISSUE PROACTIVELY. I'M THE ORIGINAL OWNER. AFTER I READ HUNDREDS OF ARTICLES ONLINE, THIS IS A PART THAT WARRANTS A BRODER RECALL.

NHTSA ID

11387038

Incident

Dec 25, 2020

Mileage

106,800 mi

I STARTED OVERHEATING AND LOOSING ALOT A POWER

NHTSA ID

11374499

Incident

Oct 1, 2020

Mileage

150,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH ATTEMPTING TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED WHILE STILL IN MOTION. THE CONTACT CALLED AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO THOUGHT THAT THE ISSUE WAS WITH THE B-PLUS BATTERY CABLE. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO RESTART VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET. THE VEHICLE REMAINED UNREPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

NHTSA ID

11344285

Incident

Aug 1, 2016

Mileage

90,000 mi

BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC (BMW) IS RECALLING CERTAIN 2009 328I AND 328XI, 2009-2011 335D, 2008-2012 M3 COUPE AND M3 CONVERTIBLE, AND 2008-2011 M3 SEDAN VEHICLES. THE CONNECTION OF THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE AT THE FUSE BOX TERMINAL MAY DEGRADE, RESULTING IN AN INTERMITTENT LOSS OF ELECTRICAL POWER. CONSEQUENCE: A LOSS OF ELECTRICAL POWER CAN CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO STALL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. *TR

NHTSA ID

11330233

Incident

Jun 21, 2020

Mileage

100,000 mi

I WAS SLOWING TO A STOP IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC, WENT TO BRAKE AND THE ENGINE REVVED UP TO 300 RPMS AND LURCHED FORWARD, ALMOST HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. TRAFFIC WAS CRAWLING SO I WAS ONLY GOING ABOUT 20 MPH BEFORE I WAS ABOUT TO MAKE A COMPLETE STOP.

NHTSA ID

11288220

Incident

Dec 9, 2019

Mileage

60,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, WHICH WAS A SAFETY CONCERN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FIELDS BMW SOUTH ORLANDO (LOCATED AT 9750 S ORANGE BLOSSOM TRAIL, ORLANDO, FL 32837, (407) 956-6300) AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL FOR THE AIR BAGS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE REPAIRS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER AGAIN AND WAS INFORMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID

11141814

Incident

Oct 11, 2017

Mileage

110,000 mi

IN NOVEMBER 2017, I RECEIVED 2 RECALL NOTICES FROM BWM (17V-683 AND 17V-676). AS OF LAST WEEK, THEY ARE STILL SAYING THAT NO REMEDY FOR THESE DEFECTS ARE AVAILABLE. AFTER ALMOST 1 COMPLETE YEAR, THAT IS ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS! THESE ARE SAFETY HAZARDS AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN SOLVED LONG AGO!

NHTSA ID

11139200

Incident

Nov 1, 2017

Mileage

100,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE REPAIRS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BMW OF MOUNTAIN VIEW (150 E EL CAMINO REAL MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA 94040, (650) 200-0149), BUT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID

11120436

Incident

Jun 13, 2018

THERE'S BEEN A RECALL ON THE PARTS THAT CONTROL THE FLOW OR SPEED OF THE AC UNIT IN THE CAR, ALSO THE AIRFLOW. THERE'S SEVERAL OTHER RECALLS ON THIS CAR. A NOTICE WAS ORIGINALLY SENT OUT TO ME IN NOVEMBER OF 2017. IT'S NOW AUGUST OF 2018 AND ANOTHER NOTICE HAS NOT BEEN SENT OUT. I'VE REACHED OUT TO BMW ON THIS ISSUE WAS SIMPLY TOLD THAT IF SMOKE OR A FIRE STARTS IN MY CAR, TO PULL OVER AND DIAL 911. THE FACT I CAN'T USE MY AC IN ARIZONA IS OUT OF CONTROL, IT'S EXTREMELY HOT HERE. EARLIER IN THE YEAR IT WAS OKAY SINCE IT WAS COOLER BUT NOW TEMPS ARE REACHING OVER 110 DEGREES. I DID FIND THE PART BUT ALSO ASKED FOR A REIMBURSEMENT IF I WERE TO PURCHASE IT AND WAS TOLD I'D STILL HAVE TO WAIT FOR A SECOND LETTER. WHY SHOULD I NEED TO WAIT FOR A SECOND LETTER FOR SOMETHING THERE'S A RECALL ON? ESPECIALLY SOMETHING THAT CAN PUT MYSELF OR CHILD IN DAMAGE OR OTHER PEOPLE.

NHTSA ID

11115557

Incident

Jul 20, 2018

Mileage

115,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE AND DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO TAKEN TO BMW OF MOUNTAIN VIEW (150 E EL CAMINO REAL, MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA 94040, 650-943-1000) WHO INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NEED TO BE DIAGNOSED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT AUTHORIZED THE DEALER TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 18V314000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND 13V044000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL CAMPAIGN TO PROVIDE A REMEDY AND ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND REPAIR. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

NHTSA ID

11109905

Incident

May 16, 2018

Mileage

60,000 mi

THE RECALLS WERE POSTED IN OCT 2017.... WHAT IS TAKING THEM SO LONG TO GET PARTS AVAILABLE? ARE THEY WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO GET HURT?

NHTSA ID

11103005

Incident

Oct 25, 2017

RECALL CAMPAIGN NO 17V-683: PCV VALVE HEATER AND 17V-676: BLOWER MOTOR WIRING. THE NEW RECALL BMW CALL STALLING WHILE DRIVING. CAR SHUTS OFF. I TOOK MY BMW TO SOUTH MOTORS BMW WAS DUE TO THE 3 RECALLS CAUSE BY THE MANUFACTURES DEFECT. THE LAST RECALL WAS RISK OF ENGINE COMPLETELY STALLING(STOPPING) WHILE DRIVING WHICH HAPPEN TO ME WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET WITH CHILDREN IN THE CAR. WE MET WITH A BMW SERVICE ADVISOR AND HE SAID THAT SOUTH MOTORS BMW SERVICE MORE THAN 100 BMW SINCE LAST YEAR AND THEY ARE ONLY FIXING THE BMW'S AS A COURTESY. HE THAN STATED HE HAD TO ORDER A COUPLE OF PARTS FOR THE RECALL, TO GIVE HIM A COUPLE OF DAYS. HE CALLED THE VERY NEXT DAY AND SAID THE PARTS WERE IN AND ADVISE THAT HE HAVE TO CHARGE A FEE BECAUSE HIS TECHNICIAN HAVE TO GET PAID. HE GAVE US A PRICE OF MORE THAN $3,000 AND SAID THIS IS NOTHING, WE CHARGE THE LAST CUSTOMER FOR HER BMW $12,000 WE ARE GIVING YOU A GOOD PRICE. IT GETS WORSE THEY KEPT MY BMW FOR ANOTHER 5 DAYS, SMASH THE FRONT OF MY BMW. THE MANAGER STATED HE IS NOT SURE WHO SMASH THE FRONT OF MY BMW, HE SAID ABOUT 7 WORKERS WERE DRIVING MY CAR WHILE IT WAS BEING SERVICE FOR THE RECALLS. I WAS IN TEARS, HE LOOKED AT ME AND SAID IT'S JUST A CAR.

NHTSA ID

11101998

Incident

Jun 8, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE DEFROSTER, HEAT, OR AIR CONDITIONER WERE ACTIVATED, THEY FAILED TO OPERATE AND AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATIONS FOR THE RECALLS. THE DEALER (BMW OF ROCHESTER, 4250 HENRIETTA RD, ROCHESTER, NY 14623) WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID

11101935

Incident

Oct 1, 2017

Mileage

130,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 328I. WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED HESITATION. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS ACTIVATED, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED LACK OF ACCELERATION AND VIOLENT VIBRATION. ALSO, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND COULD NOT CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 95,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID

11101466

Incident

Oct 25, 2017

Mileage

95,000 mi

I HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED BY BMW OF BLOWER MOTOR WIRING RECALL IN OCT. 2017, AND HAVE YET TO HEAR FROM BMW ABOUT ANY FURTHER PROCESS IN ADDRESSING THEIR PROBLEM. ARE THEY REALLY REQUIRED TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT FIXING THEIR PROBLEM, OTHER THAN SENDING OUT A NOTICE?

NHTSA ID

11088657

Incident

Oct 30, 2017