Owner-reported complaints naming the exterior lighting system, filed with NHTSA
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Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2011 BMW 328I submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 18 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.
Shown in the owner’s own words, exactly as filed
Footwell module (FRM) module went out after negative battery disconnect to change fuse. Module being inoperable is causing windows to not operate,interior lighting not working, headlights stay dim (not good for nightime driving), blinkers inoperable (not good for driving with windows not working- no arm signals), dash light also inoperable.
Previously reported on February 20, 2024. NHTSA #1157301 RDC failure caused complete loss of all dashboard functions except the radio - loss of lights/turn signals/ speedometer/ tachometer/ HVAC etc. Received a call from BMW customer service today February 26,2024 at 4:38 EST duration 17 minutes. BMW informed me the conversation was recorded. I request that NHTSA obtain the transcript for that telephone call. This note will be sent to BMW with request to send a transcript of the call to NHTSA. BMW Custom Relations representative was polite. Her purpose for the call - "to inform me that BMW is cooperating with NHTSA".The person assigned had no useful information nor could she obtain any information to answer questions. Though BMW documents all reported parts failures and complications, she had no ability to provide information relevant to the RDC module problems.The call was useless from an owners viewpoint. It did not improve Customer Relations. The VANOS recall was also discussed.NHTSA: #23V-707 Recall notification October 2023 BMW has not provided a date when the repair will be available. Vanos Bolt problems were identified for my vehicle in 2014!!! A 10 year warranty without mileage limitation was created but BMW owners were not notified - unless engine failure occurred and the car presented to a BMW dealership. I am more than frustrated that repairs have not been initiated. The local BMW dealership would like to repair the car but cannot proceed without corporate approval. Parts are indeed available locally. BMW has been aware of the problems for a DECADE. Furthermore, the valve cover gasket has been replaced twice since 2014. The VANOS bolts were never inspected. The valve cover was replaced last at 149,000 miles. A mechanic advised replacing the VANOS bolts but did not inspect them. Cost of repair $1500. I declined. Abysmal customer service!
Tire pressure yellow warning light on. RDC module ordered but repair not completed. After starting the car at a gas station, multiple warning lights appeared in red including "car on a raised lift in red" which signifies car is to be taken directly for service. Drove to local mechanic one mile away. While observing the car with engine running at idle, ALL dashboard lights and functions stopped: No speedometer, No tachometer, No warning lights, No turn signals, No headlights, RDC module subsequently replaced with resolution of the problem. Opening the old RDC module demonstrated significant green corrosion - likely occurred over a long period of time. IF the loss of all dashboard function had occurred while driving, it would have presented very dangerous safety issues. Situation reviewed with local BMW dealership and BMW corporate customer relations. No recalls or warnings have been issued. Expressed my concerns in detail. This is a potentially dangerous problem for the BMW E90 models. The RDC module is located in the passenger rear wheel well and repeatedly exposed to wet/ snow/ slush conditions. This is a dangerous location outside the vehicle for the RDC module. The Tire pressure monitor system is a non-critical function. Repair of the RDC module is considered optional - yellow warning light. This event demonstrates that there is a serious risk when the RDC module is not functioning properly. BMW should make owners aware and offer replacement before dangerous events occur.
The electrical keeps shutting off and own after hitting speed bumps. It shuts off all power on hvac windows seats and the odometer. I have heard this same issue with many owners
While driving at city speed limit the headlights started flicking on-off very difficult to see in the dark. I pulled over to the side of the road for safety but now realized the turn signals not working and also the hazard lights are not working either. I was in a very dangerous situation sitting on the side of the road without any warning light on. Not only for mine safety but also dangerous for other drivers passing by without seen my car in the dark. Its due to well known BMW FOOTWELL MODULE that has high failure incidents rate but BMW refused not to do a recall. Since this a safety issue NHTSA should request BMW to do a recall instead of just extended the warranty to 10/150K miles which my car is not qualify for. I've contacted BMW customer care but they refused to offer any assistance. I feel that BMW has deserted their customer and leaving a high cost burden on their customers although failure/flaw was directly from BMW.
Unable to unlock/lock doors on car (obviously very worrisome), unable to use turn signals, no interior lighting controls or functionality. Unable to control headlights, they still do turn on but I cannot control them. Cannot adjust any mirrors electronically. Some speedometer lighting affect or but the dials do still work, cannot see all buttons inside interior due to electrical issue. Problem: Footwell Control Module (FRM) needs replacement costing around $1300 to do minimum from dealer. This module controls all of the functions above and has gone bad. This FRM module is hidden and not easily gotten to tells me something like a fuse needs to be installed just in case a power surge from the car happens so the car does not break this very expensive equipment. Looked into it online and apparently this happens very often and one guy had to have his replaced twice. This is an obvious issue that will require a remedy.
Prior to this incident with my car i was having alot of power issues,the car was giving me alot of issues starting up or after being parked it sometimes wouldnt want to turn on i took my battery to get checked and battery had no issues and i continued to start to have electrical issues with my turning signals my lightning and windows stopped working until January 7 as i was driving my car just began to slowly slow down and completely stopped working that not even a jump start would help it turn on and it lost complete power and function and 2 months after i was contacted about its most recent recall and prior to that i also remember that my coolant wasnt lasting me as usual After being affected by the pandemic and loosing my job while being pregnant and finding out about my cars recall i was afraid of my safety and my kids safety that i havent felt safe to take to a mechanic out of fear that our lifes can be danger if the vehicle catches on fire the way the recall stated that it could happen and its brought major stress and trouble since nothing has been done because i havent had a vechile since
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Footwell module. Computer system that controls turn signals, headlights, highbeams, windows, door locks etc. Yes it is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I can't use my turn signals, highbeams, headlights, Windows. I can't signal my cars lane changes or see clearly at night. I can't roll the windows down or up which creates a unsafe hazard. My child is able to climb out of the window in the back seat while I'm driving. I have zero control over the windows. I can't determine if my child's door is open or closed when the car is in motion. My car doors no longer lock at all. My child can open up the door at any moment that the car is in motion. I'm unable to see at night without my highbeams. I'm now forced to drive with reduced visibility. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Both by a dealership and independent shop. There have been reconcurring warrantee coverages offered but no recalls despite the clear determinant to safety. Common usage of the vehicle at this point in time is a safety concern of all surrounding users and transportation vehicles. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The manufacturer has inspected this module concern. I'm very sure that there have been accidents associated with this module malfunction. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There are zero signs of this issue prior to it's failure. The failure had no warning.
The FRM module has failed for a 3rd time in my 328xi. This module distributes power to many components and since it has failed I have no headlights, no turn signals, no interior lights, no dashboard lights, and cannot roll my windows up or down. This is a known flaw with these cars and if you look on eBay there are bootleg repair services than can temporarily reset it however they often fail again. There are dozens of these sellers on Ebay and all list +1000 sales for their repair services so clearly this is widespread and affects many BMW owners. BMW denies there is an issue but has placed a 10 year warranty on the part, however all 3 series affected by this part are over 10 years old and not eligible for this warranty. Digging around on BMW forums this seems extremely common and almost anything can cause the FRM to fail. Headlights burning out, weak batteries, replacing interior dome lights, and even BMW connecting to the OBDII port to read the ecu are common causes of the FRM failing. I don't understand how they can get away with putting a limited warranty on this and not a full recall when it's clearly a safety concern as I can't safely or legally drive my car with no working lights, and in the event of an emergency cannot roll down my windows to get out of the car.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE TURN SIGNAL FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER - BMW OF PALM SPRINGS (3737 EAST PALM CANYON DR, PALM SPRINGS, CA 92264, (760) 699-2500) HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURE WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 131,782.
MY VEHICLE WINDOWS ARE INOPERABLE, HAZARD LIGHTS ARE INOPERABLE, SIDE MIRRORS ARE INOPERABLE, TURNING SIGNALS ARE INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION WHILE TURNING SIGNALS ARE INOPERABLE CREATING A HAZARD. IF VEHICLE BREAKS DOWN HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS IS INOPERABLE CREATING A POTENTIAL VEHICLE COLLISION . WINDOWS UNABLE TO ROLL DOWN IN AN EVENT OF BEING PULLED OVER. THE COMPONENT OR PART THAT IS CREATING THIS SAFETY ISSUE IS THE FRM MODULE OR FOOTWELL MODULE OF THE VEHICLE.
ONE DAY MY DRIVER DOOR PANEL JUST STOPPED WORKING I COULD NO LONGER ROLL DOWN MY FRONT WINDOWS AND ONLY THE BACK WINDOWS GO DOWN USING THE BACK WINDOW CONTROLS ONLY. ALSO MY BLINKERS RANDOMLY STOPPED WORKING AND THE LIGHTING IN MY CAR ALSO DOES NOT COME ON IN THE DASH AREA AND INSIDE MIRROR. WHEN DRIVING IT IS A DANGER BECAUSE I CANNOT USE A BLINKER OR ROLL DOWN THE FRONT WINDOW TO SIGNAL THAT I NEED TO MAKE A TURN.
FOOTWELL MODULE FAILED. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE BY BMW. DEVICE CONTROLS ACCESSORY LIGHTING, CENTRAL LOCKING SYSTEM, TURN SIGNALS, AND POWER WINDOWS. BMW SI B01 20 16 RELEASED EXTENDING WARRANTY ON FRM TO 10 YEARS, 152000 MILES. FRM ON MY VEHICLE FAILED AT 195,000. TOTAL REPLACEMENT COST WAS $1,000
THE HEADLIGHTS, BLINKER LIGHTS, DASH LIGHTS, INTERIOR LIGHTS, AND POWER TO THE WINDOWS DOESN'T WORK. FROM MY RESEARCH ONLINE IT IS BECAUSE OF THE FOOTWELL (FRM) MODULE GOING BAD. THE ISSUE JUST STARTED ONCE I STARTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTHING WORKED WHEN IT DID PRIOR TO PARKING.
I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE AND MY 3RD TOP CENTER BRAKE LIGHT HAS NEVER WORKED. MY TIRES THE TREAD SEEMS LOW AND I SHOULD HAVE HAD NEW TIRES ON THE CAR WHEN I PURCHASED IT. THE STEERING SEEMS MORE DIFFICULT WHEN TURNING THAN IT SHOULD BE. ALSO I DIDN'T RECEIVE 2 KEYS. MY OWNERS MANUAL SAYS I SHOULD RECEIVE 2 KEYS. I ALSO HAD TO ORDER MY OWNERS MANUAL AND MY CAR DIDN'T COME WITH IT'S OWNERS MANUAL.
PURCHASED A 2011 BMW 328I USED IT CAME WITH EXTENDED WARRANTY THE FIRST ISSUE I HAD WAS IN MY FOOT WELL MODULE I CAME IN FROM WORK PARKED CAR IN DRIVE WAY WOKE UP THE NEXT MORNING TO NO HEADLIGHTS TURN SIGNALS AND CAR WOULD NOT START I CONTACTED BMW BECAUSE THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE FOOT WELL MODULE TOOK CAR IN TO GET EVERYTHING CHECKED OUT BMW REPLACED FOOT WELL MODULE SAID EVERYTHING WAS OK DROVE CAR HOME THINKING EVERYTHING WAS OK PARKED CAR WOKE UP THE NEXT MORNING CAR WAS COMPLETELY DEAD NO POWER SO I TOOK BATTERY TO GET TESTED AND HAD TO REPLACE THE BATTERY ALSO THE BATTERY TERMINAL CAUSE SAFTEY TERMINAL WENT OFF FROM THERE I REPLACED EVERYTHING THAT WAS NEEDED CAR HAS POWER BUT WILL NOT CRANK HAD IT DIAGNOSTICS SAID IT WAS RELAY REPLACED ALL THE RELAYS IN THE CAR NO START SAME ISSUE HAD THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR REPLACED STILL NO START BATTERY GOOD LOOKED ONLINE TO SEE THAT THE FRM COULD CAUSE ELECTRICAL ISSUES WHICH IS CLEARLY THE ISSUE BUT ALL PROBLEMS TO THIS POINT GOT WORSE SINCE MODULE WAS REPLACED BY BMW DEALERSHIP AND DIAGNOSTICS BY THEM STATING EVERYTHING WAS OK. IVE LITERALLY EXHAUSTED MY OPTIONS OF BUYING AND REPLACING PARTS AND THE PROBLEM PERSIST WHEN I CONTACTED BMW ABOUT THE RECALL ON THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE FOOT WELL MODULE INSTEAD OF THEM JUST REPLACING A MODULE AND SAYING MY ELECTRICAL WAS OK WHEN IT CLEARLY WAS NOT
MY 16 YEAR OLD GRANDDAUGHTER WAS DRIVING HER BMW WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN A MESSAGE POPPED UP ON THE SCREEN TO USE CAUTION AND TAKE THE CAR TO A BMW SERVICE CENTER FOR SERVICE. SHE IS A NEW DRIVER SHE COULD AT THAT TIME COULD NOT DRIVE OVER 20 MPH. SHE WAS TERRIFIED. WE CALLED FOR A TOW AT HER REQUEST. WE SENT FOR HELP
VEHICLE WAS DELIVERED ON 2/3/2011 AND HAS EXPERIENCED ONGOING & UNRESOLVED ELECTRICAL SHORTS, BATTERY DISCHARGE, FAILURES TO START, ERRONEOUS DOOR AJAR MESSAGES, SERVICE ENGINE SOON & ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION MESSAGES LEAVING PASSENGERS STRANDED. VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP(S) 2 TIMES. DATES/MILEAGE OF FAILURE(S): 19FEB2011 / 377 MILES, 18APR2011 / 2,336, 01JUN2011 / 3,816, 12 AUG 2011 / 4,690, 24OCT2011 / 6,867, 21OCT2011 / 6,943. FORMAL NOTICES SERVED TO BRAMAN BMW / MIAMI, SOUTH MOTORS / MIAMI & BMW CORPORATE / NJ TO REPAIR OR REPLACE VEHICLE HAVE GONE UNANSWERED. PENDING LEMON LAW / LEGAL ACTION CURRENTLY PENDING. *TR
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.
Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own
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