2010 BMW 328I Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2010 BMW 328I, 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
- Engine8440.6%
- Airbags4320.8%
- Electrical3717.9%
- Fuel system83.9%
- Driver assistance73.4%
- Exterior lighting62.9%
- Visibility41.9%
- Powertrain (other)41.9%
- Seat belts41.9%
- Interior & seats31.4%
- Other / unspecified21.0%
- Body & structure21.0%
- Tires & wheels10.5%
- Steering10.5%
- Brakes10.5%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
I am filing a formal complaint against BMW Seattle for violating federal recall remedy mandates under 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301. The vehicle was delivered for mandatory safety recall 23V-707 after an on-road mechanical shear of the covered VANOS bolts. The dealer has created illegal commercial barriers and failed to fully execute the federal remedy. First, the service department issued a written estimate for $4,405.67, claiming the CAS module and locks failed and required replacement to resolve a no-start condition. I challenged the repair on technical grounds and authorized a new battery and valid key only, the dealer admitted in writing that the electrical sync restored seamlessly and the engine started. They attempted to extract thousands for a functioning module before verifying the recall. Second, the VANOS bolts sheared resulting in certain valve-piston contact. The dealer claimed the engine passed a compression check but refused to provide raw ISTA diagnostic logs to verify this safety threshold. Instead, they demanded an additional out-of-pocket fee of $669.60 to re-perform a test they claimed to have completed, creating a commercial barrier to basic remedy verification. Third, the dealer demanded $2,136.69 to replace a compromised valve cover and PCV valve which functioned without issue pre-failure. Valve cover removal is required for vanos repair and requiring consumer expense for mandatory safety repair is legally prohibited. Indeed, Under BMW SIB 11 09 23, collateral damage must be routed through corporate TSARA, not the consumer. Fourth, the steel VANOS bolt heads sheared completely off. The official remedy mandates dropping the oil pan to locate and remove these fragments to prevent total oil pressure loss. Despite my repeated requests for verification of removal, nothing was provided, the car was inoperable, and I was advised that the recall repair was complete and the vehicle was in outdoor fenced lot awaiting arrangements for removal.
The contact owns a 2010 BMW 328I. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for an unknown recall repair, but the vehicle experienced the failure after the repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was initially diagnosed that the oil cap had failed. The dealer later informed the contact that the camshaft solenoid had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2010 BMW 328I. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V513000 (Air Bags), 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), and 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact stated that while accelerating from the vehicle idling, and turning left or right, the transmission hesitated before shifting hard. Occasionally, while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle unintendedly decelerated, hesitated, and failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle intermittently stalled, and the contact would release the accelerator pedal, depress the brake pedal, and allow the steering wheel failure to self-correct. The failures became more persistent. The ABS, check engine, X-Drive Fluid, ESC, and TPMS warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that after adding fluid, the failure persisted. The driver's front seat air bag failed to activate intermittently while the driver's seat was occupied. The heating system occasionally failed to operate. The contact became aware of fluid under the vehicle. The dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic to be diagnosed, and the air bag and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The certified mechanic recommended an oil change because the engine oil was dirty. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact radiator was repaired to resolve the failure with the heating system, but the failures persisted. The manufacturer was not informed of the failures. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owned a 2010 BMW 328i. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, she crashed into the driver's side of another vehicle that was making a turn. The air bags deployed, and the contact's face struck the steering wheel. The fire department and police arrived on the scene, but the contact was unaware if any reports had been filed. The firefighter escorted the contact out of the vehicle, while smoke came from the engine. The contact was transported to the hospital by ambulance and treated for a fractured nose and teeth, shrapnel in the left eye, bruising on the right shoulder and knee, and a concussion. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard, where the insurance company deemed it totaled and determined that the contact was at fault for the collision. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V513000 (Air Bags). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the original steering wheel had been replaced. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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)
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.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
The car is experiencing rough idles and an imbalance in the overall performance. The PCV valve is not allowing enough air to return to the combustion chamber, creating a rough idle as the levels are imbalanced. It’s also causing a lean air to fuel mixture, oil leaks and increased fuel consumption. The PCV valve hoses became blocked by built-up moisture causing high pressure to be built up in the engine crankcase. The only way for this high pressure to escape is up through the cylinders and out of the gaskets, thus causing the gaskets to lose their seals. Oil is now able to leak out of the gaskets because the seal has been ruptured. I’ve already spent thousands of dollars on services including gasket changes.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2010 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated the vehicle lost motive power, and the contact drifted over to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle was restarted and driven to the intended destination. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,645.
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.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 328I. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH IN THE DARK, THE HEADLIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATED. ALSO, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. UPON OPENING THE TRUNK, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE TRUNK LIGHT WAS BURNED OUT AND A STRONG BURNING ODOR WAS PRESENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,237.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
Around 3:30 pm driving south on I 25, 10 miles north of Trinidad, CO, the panorama sunroof blew out with a loud bang. I pulled over had a quick look, drove to Trinidad and vacuumed up the broken glass from inside the car and broke out small remaining pieces. I was driving around 77 mph the inside sun roof cover was open and the air vents were off.
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.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
My vehicles check engine light came on, and the car started to misfire and idle hard when driving. Jack Furrier Tire and Auto ran the code, and it came back with peoblems with the cam shaft. I brought it to BMW, and VANOS bolt (recall) code was confirmed, but they told me it was a problem with internal piece missing from the oil filter. I asked if the car was safe to drive, and they confirmed and also told me the car is having other mechanical issues I should be aware of. The service agent described possible future problems with transmission and told me that there was no remedy available for recall yet, so I need to wait. I paid to have oil filter replaced. A week later, I was driving myself to work and my daughter to daycare when the car began to stall out and misfire in traffic. After bringing it back to the dealership, they replaced 1 spark plug free of charge and advised me that the car was coming back with other codes. I addressed the safety risk and the continued mechanical breakdown of the car systems if I continued driving it, and I was encouraged to trade the vehicle somewhere. I will attach an email I sent detailing further frustration I have experienced with BMW. After speaking with customer relations, I received the same reply, which is yes, there is a safety risk it is minimal and unfortuanly, there is no remedy available yet. The following was my reply when asked to complete customer survey: I am getting no help with a car that has a recall on it and being told the exact thing at every level I have presented my legtimate concerns. With no viable or reasonable options. I basically have to continue driving my car and risk car further breaking down and put my family's safety at risk with hope that "it's low probabilty". Somehow, these are my only options on a vehicle with a recall.
OVER THE COURSE OF THREE DAYS, WHILE DRIVING MY 2010 BMW 328I ON A HIGHWAY AT A RATE OF SPEED OF 65-70 MPH, THE MOTOR STALLED, SHUT OFF, DIED, LOST POWER CAUSING ME TO HAVE TO GET TO THE BREAKDOWN LANE BY FORWARD MOMENTUM ALONE. VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE THE OTHER CARS ON THE ROAD HAVE NO IDEA THAT MY CAR HAS NO POWER. AFTER SITTING FOR APPROXIMATELY 15 MINUTES, I TRIED STARTING THE CAR AND IT STARTED RIGHT UP AND I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT AS THOUGH NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH IT. I CALLED MY BMW DEALER AND AM BRINGING IT THERE TOMORROW. HE SAID THAT THE REPAIRS MAY BE COVERED AND THAT THEY WOULD KNOW BETTER AFTER LOOKING AT THE FUEL PUMP BECAUSE THERE MAY BE AN ISSUE WITH IT. THE CAR ONLY HAS DIED WHILE TRAVELING ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY AT A HIGHER RATE OF SPEED. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
The airbag light just turned on on me, I was looking to see if there was a recall on it, but since there isn’t, I want to make sure I’m not the only one with this problem. Also the seat belt light is on, I clicked all seat belts in, and the light remains on.
DRIVERS SEAT BELT BUTTON WILL NOT RESET. SEAT BELT WILL NOT ENGAGE AS RELEASE BUTTON REMAINS MASHED IN AND WILL NOT LOCK. CAR DINGS THAT DRIVER IS DRIVING WITHOUT A SEAT BELT TO ALERT.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
My vehicle's Passenger Restraint system has failed affecting the Airbag's deployment, seat belt tensioners, and other safety components. The car currently has warnings on the dashboard in the form of lights and as warning messages in the infotainment system. Lights/warnings appeared randomly while driving qith no prior symptoms. This fault puts the safety of any passengers in my vehicle in jeopardy in the event of a collision. Car is available for inspection at anytime to confirm faults.
THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM IS MALFUNCTIONING, WHICH MAY AFFECT THE AIRBAG. IT DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THAT THE PASSENGER HAS THEIR SEAT BELT ON. RED LIGHTS ARE FLASHING AND IT STATES THAT THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM IS MALFUNCTIONING. I FEEL THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD PROVIDE REPAPIRS FOR A SAFETY SYSTEM AT NO CHARGE. NOT SURE IF IT IS A BAD SENSOR OR WHAT. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS TURNED ON AND A PASSENGER IS SEATED WITH THEIR SEAT BELT ON. DATE BELOW IS APPROXIMATE. I HAVE NOT TAKEN IT INTO A BMW DEALERSHIP YET BECAUSE OVER THE PHONE, THEY SAID IT MAY COST ABOUT $1,400 TO FIX.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN MY CAR (BMW 328XI 2010). THIS ELECTRICAL SHORT CAN NOT BE FOUND EASILY. IT CAUSES MY CAR TO LOOSE POWER WHILE DRIVING OR IT WILL NOT RESTART AFTER ONLY MINUTES AFTER TURNING THE CAR OFF. THE POWER LOSS DUE TO THE ELECTRICAL SHORT/ISSUE OCCURS WITHOUT WARNING.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 328I CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE AND SERVICE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG AND RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED AND THE VEHICLE NEEDED AN OIL CHANGE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE BEGAN MAKING AN ABNORMAL NOISE FROM THE ENGINE. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE SHOOK ABNORMALLY AND HAD ABNORMAL TIRE WEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DELEAR WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT VEHICLE NEEDED NEW TIRES AND AN ALIGNMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE LUG NUT WHEEL BOLTS WERE LOOSE, THE VEHICLE NEEDED NEW TIRES AND AN ALIGNMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 47,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
(INCIDENT #1) I BEGAN HAVING ISSUES WITH MY 2010 328I REPLACEMENT VEHICLE (INITIALLY PURCHASED 2009, BECAUSE OF WATER LEAKAGE BMW REPLACED 2009 WITH CURRENT 2010) HARDTOP, INITIALLY REPORTING SLIPPAGE OUTSIDE OF THE HARDTOP OF RUBBER TRIM HANGING OUT OF THE CONVERTIBLE TOP (SEALS) AT APPROX 17K MILES EARLY MAY 2012. ACCORDING TO THE INVOICE, THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE " HARDTOP ROOF SEALS WERE DEFECTIVE. SEALS WERE REMOVED AND REPLACED AT APPROX 18K MILES AFTER A TWO WEEK WAIT TO RECEIVE REPLACEMENT PARTS ORDERED FROM THE ONLY SUPPLIER IN GERMANY". (INCIDENT #2) A YEAR LATER, MAY 2013, ONCE AGAIN I BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE DEFECTIVE PARTS AFTER HEARING THE HINGE ON THE RIGHT (PASSENGER) REAR OF MY VEHICLE MAKING A GRINDING NOISE, GRATING AGAINST THE GLASS AS THE CONVERTIBLE COLLAPSED INTO THE TRUNK COMPARTMENT OF MY VEHICLE. THIS WAS A NOISE THAT SOUNDED AS IF THE ROOF OF THE VEHICLE, UPON CLOSING WAS TRUNCATING AND COLLAPSING WITHIN ITSELF. FEARING THAT THE ROOF WOULD COLLAPSE ON ME, I EXITED THE VEHICLE AND CLOSED IT UNTIL RECEIVING SERVICE. EXTREMELY FRUSTRATED THAT I HAD ACCEPTED ANOTHER FAULTY BMW, AND UNCERTAIN HOW TO RATIONALIZE WHY THE DEFACTO EXPECTATION WOULD BE THAT THE "CONVERTIBLE" FEATURE WOULD BE THE "SAFEST FEATURE ON THE VEHICLE, AND KNOWING THAT THE "CONVERTIBLE" OPTION WAS THE MAIN REASON FOR PURCHASING THE VEHICLE MAY SOON BE MY MOST EXPENSIVE? REASON FOR WISHING I WOULD HAVE CHOSEN ANOTHER MANUFACTURER OTHER THAN BMW BASED ON MY 2009 EXPERIENCE. I HAVE BEEN CONTINUOUSLY HAUNTED, ANXIOUS, WORRIED, UNABLE TO SLEEP BECAUSE OF THE RECENT BREAKDOWNS WITH REGARD TO THE "SAFETY/INTEGRITY" OF THE ROOFTOP OF MY 2010 REPLACEMENT VEHICLE. IN THE INTEREST OF SAFEGUARDING THE PUBLIC, SHOULDN'T ALL CONVERTIBLES HAVE THE OPTION OF A "SPECIAL WARRANTY" TO THE CONSUMER TO ENSURE THE INTEGRITY OF THE VEHICLE?
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TIRES WITH LARGE BUBBLES ON SEVERAL TIRES AFTER TIRE PURCHASE. *TR
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
TAKATA RECALL ON DECEMBER 25, 2015 AT APPROXIMATELY 5:20 A.M. MY 2010 328I BMW SKIDDED OFF HWY 99 SOUTHBOUND GOING TOWARDS LAX. VEHICLE SKIDDED AS CAUSED BY THE BLACK ICE ON ROAD, RESULTING IN US CRASHING INTO THE LEFT GUARD RAIL. MY MOTHER AND I FELT THE ENTIRE IMPACT OF VEHICLE . I, AS THE DRIVER, HIT MY HEAD ON THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW CAUSING SEVERE WHIPLASH AND A SPRAINED NECK. I HAD TO CRAWL OUT OF THE VEHICLE BECAUSE I WAS TRAPPED INSIDE, DUE TO IMPACT OF CRASH BEING ON THE LEFT SIDE OF VEHICLE. ONCE CHP ARRIVED, MY CAR WAS TOWED OFF THE HWY. THE BMW'S AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AT THE TIME OF IMPACT CAUSING ME SEVERE NECK AND HEAD INJURIES. I WAS TRAVELING 65 MPH, NO HIGHER THAN SPEED LIMIT. WANT TO KNOW WHY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND IF MY NECK AND HEAD INJURIES COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED . I HAVE HOSPITAL DOCUMENTS IF NECESSARY.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2010 BMW 328I. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V513000 (Air Bags), 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), and 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact stated that while accelerating from the vehicle idling, and turning left or right, the transmission hesitated before shifting hard. Occasionally, while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle unintendedly decelerated, hesitated, and failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle intermittently stalled, and the contact would release the accelerator pedal, depress the brake pedal, and allow the steering wheel failure to self-correct. The failures became more persistent. The ABS, check engine, X-Drive Fluid, ESC, and TPMS warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that after adding fluid, the failure persisted. The driver's front seat air bag failed to activate intermittently while the driver's seat was occupied. The heating system occasionally failed to operate. The contact became aware of fluid under the vehicle. The dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic to be diagnosed, and the air bag and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The certified mechanic recommended an oil change because the engine oil was dirty. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact radiator was repaired to resolve the failure with the heating system, but the failures persisted. The manufacturer was not informed of the failures. The failure mileage was unknown.
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
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .