2015 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 2015 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
- Engine6334.8%
- Electrical5630.9%
- Fuel system158.3%
- Powertrain (other)137.2%
- Brakes95.0%
- Exterior lighting73.9%
- Driver assistance52.8%
- Airbags21.1%
- Body & structure21.1%
- Other / unspecified21.1%
- Seat belts21.1%
- Suspension21.1%
- Visibility10.6%
- Tires & wheels10.6%
- Steering10.6%
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
The engine intake tract, PCV infrastructure, and the main lower engine wiring harness loom failed due to improper reassembly during Federal Safety Recall 24V-608. The technician left the main intake coupler completely loose and spinning freely by hand, and left the MAF sensor crooked. This introduced a massive unmetered air leak and severe vacuum leaks. Simultaneously, the technician over-tensioned, pinched, or damaged the Cylinder 2 wiring loom components. The vehicle is currently parked dead and untouched at my residence, and it is 100% available for immediate federal or corporate inspection.The unsealed intake tract and damaged wiring harness caused the engine to run dangerously lean at highway speeds. This resulted in sudden, violent engine shuttering, rapid deceleration, severe mechanical engine knocking, and a terminal Cylinder 2 misfire. This component failure caused an immediate loss of vehicle propulsion on a high-speed public highway, creating an extreme risk of a high-speed collision and leaving the vehicle completely disabled. The issue has not yet been physically inspected by a third party because the vehicle is unsafe to drive. I went to the originating dealer (BMW of Henderson) in person on July 16, 2026, to coordinate a safety re-inspection under an active BMW North America Corporate Case. Dealership management actively obstructed the safety process, gave technically impossible justifications regarding the recall execution, and flatly refused to dispatch a complimentary flatbed tow. They attempted to hold the safety re-inspection hostage behind out-of-pocket customer towing costs and upfront retail diagnostic fees. There were 0 mechanical warnings or symptoms prior to the recall. The vehicle was meticulously maintained with 5,000-mile oil changes and a perfectly tight timing chain. The severe drivetrain malfunction warnings, violent front-end shaking, and terminal engine knocking appeared after picking up my car.
The contact owns a 2015 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle caught on fire. The fire originated in the engine compartment. There were no warning lights illuminated. The driver was able to extinguish the fire. The vehicle was towed to the residence and was then towed to an independent mechanic, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with an electrical short circuit in the front water pump connector. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System). The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a claim was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The engine intake tract, PCV infrastructure, and the main lower engine wiring harness loom failed due to improper reassembly during Federal Safety Recall 24V-608. The technician left the main intake coupler completely loose and spinning freely by hand, and left the MAF sensor crooked. This introduced a massive unmetered air leak and severe vacuum leaks. Simultaneously, the technician over-tensioned, pinched, or damaged the Cylinder 2 wiring loom components. The vehicle is currently parked dead and untouched at my residence, and it is 100% available for immediate federal or corporate inspection.The unsealed intake tract and damaged wiring harness caused the engine to run dangerously lean at highway speeds. This resulted in sudden, violent engine shuttering, rapid deceleration, severe mechanical engine knocking, and a terminal Cylinder 2 misfire. This component failure caused an immediate loss of vehicle propulsion on a high-speed public highway, creating an extreme risk of a high-speed collision and leaving the vehicle completely disabled. The issue has not yet been physically inspected by a third party because the vehicle is unsafe to drive. I went to the originating dealer (BMW of Henderson) in person on July 16, 2026, to coordinate a safety re-inspection under an active BMW North America Corporate Case. Dealership management actively obstructed the safety process, gave technically impossible justifications regarding the recall execution, and flatly refused to dispatch a complimentary flatbed tow. They attempted to hold the safety re-inspection hostage behind out-of-pocket customer towing costs and upfront retail diagnostic fees. There were 0 mechanical warnings or symptoms prior to the recall. The vehicle was meticulously maintained with 5,000-mile oil changes and a perfectly tight timing chain. The severe drivetrain malfunction warnings, violent front-end shaking, and terminal engine knocking appeared after picking up my car.
The contact owns a 2015 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle caught on fire. The fire originated in the engine compartment. There were no warning lights illuminated. The driver was able to extinguish the fire. The vehicle was towed to the residence and was then towed to an independent mechanic, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with an electrical short circuit in the front water pump connector. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System). The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a claim was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
On XXX, while driving on Interstate XXX with my family near [XXX], the engine shut off and the vehicle lost all power. The event was preceded by a "Reduced Power" error displayed on the dashboard. Traffic was moderate and I was able to pull over to the right shoulder. The engine shutting off while on an interstate highway is obviously quite dangerous. After waiting for a few minutes I was able to restart the car and continue travel. I took my vehicle to a mechanic and several potentially relevant codes were found: 110001: Cylinder injection shutdown: pressure too low in high pressure system 11A002: Fuel high pressure, plausibility: pressure too low 481B03: EKPS control current too low Review of the issue and codes with the mechanic and internet forums indicates the fuel pump control module (EKPS) is failing. This can be exacerbated by hot weather. A failing EKPS can cause sudden stalling at any time, including at highway speeds, making the vehicle unsafe to drive until repaired. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The engine intake tract, PCV infrastructure, and the main lower engine wiring harness loom failed due to improper reassembly during Federal Safety Recall 24V-608. The technician left the main intake coupler completely loose and spinning freely by hand, and left the MAF sensor crooked. This introduced a massive unmetered air leak and severe vacuum leaks. Simultaneously, the technician over-tensioned, pinched, or damaged the Cylinder 2 wiring loom components. The vehicle is currently parked dead and untouched at my residence, and it is 100% available for immediate federal or corporate inspection.The unsealed intake tract and damaged wiring harness caused the engine to run dangerously lean at highway speeds. This resulted in sudden, violent engine shuttering, rapid deceleration, severe mechanical engine knocking, and a terminal Cylinder 2 misfire. This component failure caused an immediate loss of vehicle propulsion on a high-speed public highway, creating an extreme risk of a high-speed collision and leaving the vehicle completely disabled. The issue has not yet been physically inspected by a third party because the vehicle is unsafe to drive. I went to the originating dealer (BMW of Henderson) in person on July 16, 2026, to coordinate a safety re-inspection under an active BMW North America Corporate Case. Dealership management actively obstructed the safety process, gave technically impossible justifications regarding the recall execution, and flatly refused to dispatch a complimentary flatbed tow. They attempted to hold the safety re-inspection hostage behind out-of-pocket customer towing costs and upfront retail diagnostic fees. There were 0 mechanical warnings or symptoms prior to the recall. The vehicle was meticulously maintained with 5,000-mile oil changes and a perfectly tight timing chain. The severe drivetrain malfunction warnings, violent front-end shaking, and terminal engine knocking appeared after picking up my car.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
My 2015 BMW 328i xDrive (VIN [XXX] ) experienced an engine-compartment fire that began shortly after coolant sprayed from the front of the vehicle. This incident occurred before BMW’s official recall announcement for NHTSA Campaign 24V-608 / BMW 24V-608:474 (Safety: Engine Coolant Pump Electrical Connector). The fire originated near the coolant pump area, consistent with the recall’s described defect involving electrical shorting and overheating at the pump connector. The vehicle was declared a total loss by my insurance company. I believe this event was caused by the same defect identified in the recall and request that this incident be investigated and documented under campaign 24V-608. Supporting photos and insurance documentation are available upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Virtually all parking brake cable attachment clips fail on this BMW product years 2012 to 2019. Complaints are easy to find online. Upon failure, the parking brake cable drops down onto the drive shaft creating a safety hazard for the brake system as well as the drive shaft mechanism. The piece that fails (breaks) costs less than $20, but replacement costs $1200 due to labor intensive access. I have repeatedly contacted BMW of North America, but they refuse to own this serious issue. Even the people at the BMW dealership here are surprised that there has been no recall. Please advise.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
My 2015 BMW 328i has a broken "plastic" parking brake cable bracket. It breaks so often on the BMW lineup of cars that businesses have made better work-arounds to fix the problem than a plastic part. A fantastic video explain it can be found at AGATools.com search BMW parking brake. It is on Youtube as well. When the plastic parking cable holder breaks, which it will, BMW has to lower or remove the gas tank to fix a $5 part...the labor is over $800. The parking brake cable becomes loose and wears on the drive shaft, making noise throughout the cabin, but more importantly will wear and fail over time.
Virtually all parking brake cable attachment clips fail on this BMW product years 2012 to 2019. Complaints are easy to find online. Upon failure, the parking brake cable drops down onto the drive shaft creating a safety hazard for the brake system as well as the drive shaft mechanism. The piece that fails (breaks) costs less than $20, but replacement costs $1200 due to labor intensive access. I have repeatedly contacted BMW of North America, but they refuse to own this serious issue. Even the people at the BMW dealership here are surprised that there has been no recall. Please advise.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
i went online because i was having troubles with my vehicle battery alternator and other electronics , i found out other bmws with the same symptoms as my car led to having a bad footwell module , currently interior lights work when they want to if any constant battery dying from lights not turning off none of the parking sesnors work no back up camera the rear windows do not work some times the power mirrors work , i have had the vehicle tested with a new alternator and battery each window motor works its the footwell module but i noticed that the extended warranty is for 2014 and older models sadly it also effects the 2015 models as well
I Was In My Vehicle Parked Up On January 1st 2026 And The Vehicle Caught On Fire While I Was Inside Of It,The Fire Started From The Right Side Of The Car And Flamed Up Everything,The Car Had A Check Engine Light On And A Lightning System Issue Was Popping Up On The Dash Right Before This Situation Accord I Did Research And Found That The Cause Of The Fire Is Related To NHTSA Recall 24V-608 (Water Pump/Connector Fire Risk).
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
i went online because i was having troubles with my vehicle battery alternator and other electronics , i found out other bmws with the same symptoms as my car led to having a bad footwell module , currently interior lights work when they want to if any constant battery dying from lights not turning off none of the parking sesnors work no back up camera the rear windows do not work some times the power mirrors work , i have had the vehicle tested with a new alternator and battery each window motor works its the footwell module but i noticed that the extended warranty is for 2014 and older models sadly it also effects the 2015 models as well
I was driving hearing music, I did a reverse and hit the poll
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2015 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the front passenger’s side air bag warning light illuminated. The failure persisted with a passenger seated in the front passenger’s seat. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
The contact owns a 2015 BMW 328I. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the air bags warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that water had leaked into the trunk of the vehicle and onto the amplifier causing electrical shortage in the vehicle to stop functioning as designed. The contact was informed that an extensive diagnostic test was needed to locate the leak. Additionally, the contact was informed that the air bag positive terminal cable and the seat belt battery cable and amp needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that there were no recalls on the VIN for the failure. The failure mileage was 97,500.
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
INTERMITTENTLY IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO OPEN THE DOORS FROM THE INSIDE OF MY VEHICLE USING THE DOOR HANDLE.. THE DOOR REMAINS LOCKED AND WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE BY PULLING THE DOOR HANDLE. THE ONLY KNOWN WORKAROUND IS TO FIND THE "UNLOCK ALL DOORS" BUTTON ON THE DASHBOARD TO UNLOCK THE DOORS AND IT'S NOT CLEAR THAT THIS IS A VIABLE SOLUTION FOR ALL CASES. HERE IS A VIDEO OF THE ISSUE: HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=V7_UBSGJTQQ THIS IS A WIDESPREAD ISSUE FOR THE F30 GENERATION OF BMW PASSENGER CARS (2011'2019). WHAT I 'M TRYING TO UNDERSTAND IS: HOW IS SOMETHING THIS CRITICAL TO SAFETY (BEING ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE, ESPECIALLY IN AN EMERGENCY) NOT SUBJECT TO A RECALL OR A AT THE VERY LEAST A TSB? I WAS TOLD THAT THIS REPAIR FOR MY VEHICLE WHICH IS JUST OUTSIDE OF THE FACTORY WARRANTY WOULD COST OVER $1000. SEE THE FOLLOWING SEARCH RESULTS FROM GOOGLE FOR AN IDEA FOR HOW WIDESPREAD THIS ISSUE IS: HTTPS://WWW.GOOGLE.COM/SEARCH?RLZ=1C1GGRV_ENUS759US759&BIW=1745&BIH=807&SXSRF=ACYBGNTJHYHICQSR6M1A49NA0N40U5TD0G%3A1569262080808&EI=AAQJXCXUMIR4SGX-P7_YBW&Q=F30+DOOR+WON%27T+UNLOCK+SITE%3AF30.BIMMERPOST.COM&OQ=F30+DOOR+WON%27T+UNLOCK+SITE%3AF30.BIMMERPOST.COM&GS_L=PSY-AB.3...215545.216457..216631...0.3..0.92.611.7......0....1..GWS-WIZ.......0I71.D3HEQY0Q1_U&VED=0AHUKEWJF7ORNXOFKAHUKVKWKHF7TD3SQ4DUDCAS&UACT=5
REAR SPOILER MALFUNCTION APPEARED ON MY SCREEN WHILE I WAS DRIVING ROUGHLY 30 MILES PER HOUR, THEN THE REAR SPOILER BEGAN TO SMOKE WITHIN 60 SECONDS. I PULLED THE CAR OVER TO PARK IT, AND AFTER ANOTHER 100 SECONDS, THE SPOILER CAUGHT FIRE AND WITHIN 180 MORE SECONDS THE WHOLE REAR OF THE CAR WAS ON FIRE. BY THIS TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT SHOWED UP AND EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES.
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
Tire Pressure Monitor failure intermittently reported while driving. The error lights up on the dashboard. Sometimes the TMP resets without my resetting the system. I took the car to the dealer and was told nothing is wrong with the system. The dealer told me to drive the car more frequently. This has happened over the last several years. Driver's door intermittently fails to lock and/or will not open (intermittently) using the interior door latch handle mechanism. The door will unlock using the electronic locking and unlocking switch/button located on the center of the dashboard. The problem would be exiting the vehicle in an emergency without electrical systems functioning. This has happened starting in the first year of purchase - 2017 continuing through 2025.
GREETINGS: WE HAVE A 2015 BMW328I WHICH CAME WITH CONTINENTAL SPORT/CONTACT TIRES INSTALLED SINCE NEW. THE VEHICLE HAS APPROXIMATELY 26000 MILES. DURING A RECENT REGULAR MAINTENANCE VISIT IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE TIRES HAVE BECOME UNSAFE DUE TO BROKEN/SEPARATED CORD WHICH HAS CAUSED THE TREAD TO RAISE UNEVENLY CAUSING EXCESSIVE ROAD NOISE AND VIBRATION WHILE DRIVING. THE TIRES WERE DETERMINED TO BE UNSAFE AND WERE REPLACED. WE ALSO HAD THIS SAME ISSUE ON A 2015 HONDA CIVIC EQUIPPED WITH OEM CONTINENTAL TIRES AND HAD THE SAME SYMPTOMS WHEN NEW AND THOSE TIRES WERE REPLACED PRIOR TO 1000 MILES WITH NEW CONTINENTAL OEM TIRES AND AGAIN SHOWED SCALLOPING AND UNEVEN TREAD RAISE BY 12000 MILES. WE FIND THIS A TREND WITH THESE TIRES AND HAVE PREEMPTED A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THESE TIRES BY REPLACING THEM, AT OUR EXPENSE, SINCE THE DEALERSHIPS WILL NOT HONOR A TIRE WARRANTY. WE ALSO FEEL THAT THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN THAT THE CONSUMER AND OPERATORS OF VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THESE TIRES BE MADE AWARE OF.
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
I was driving hearing music, I did a reverse and hit the poll
WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ATTACH A CHILD SEAT OR A CHILD BOOSTER SEAT IN THE REAR SEATING AREA IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO ATTACH THE SEAT BELT BECAUSE THE STRAP FROM THE BUCKLE TO WHERE THE BUCKLE IS ATTACHED TO THE BODY UNDER THE SEAT IS TOO SHORT . YOU CAN NOT HOLD THE BUCKLE AND INSERT THE BELT WITH OUT THE BUCKLE BEING FORCED INTO AND UNDER THE SEAT. I HAVE ATTACHED A CORD TO ASSIST THIS BUCKLING ISSUE BUT IT IS STILL DIFFICULT TO BUCKLE
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
After consulting many others that own or previously owned 328i bmw from around the same years (2015-2017); a common issue was found and assumed to be the timing belt. when i press on the accelerator moderately/ as per usual, my RPMs and speedometer hesitate for a solid second then it will catch up and start shaking. i suspect its the timing belt.
CHASSIS STABILIZATION LIGHT ON. DRIVE MODERATELY. ABS LIGHT ON. BRAKE LIGHT ON. PICTURE OF A CAR SKIDDING. THESE WARNINGS COME ON WHEN VEHICLE IS STATIONARY OR IN MOTION.
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
GLASS SUNROOF EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 80MPH. GLASS SHATTERED AND FELL ONTO ME (DRIVER), THE PASSENGER SEAT, CONSOLE, AND BACK SEAT. THERE WERE NO OTHER CARS AROUND ME AT THE TIME, AND THERE WAS NO DEBRIS ON THE ROAD. IT WAS A CLEAR DAY, ON A CLEAR ROAD. I WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT, ON A SMOOTH STRETCH OF HIGHWAY, NO BUMPS ON THE ROAD, AND THE ROAD WAS CLEAR. TINY SHARD OF GLASS CAUSED A MINOR CUT ON PALM OF HAND, OTHERWISE NO INJURIES TO REPORT.
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
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 BMW 3281 EQUIPPED WITH BRIDGESTONE TURANZA EL 400 TIRES, SIZE: 205/50/R17 (NA). WHILE AT A CAR WASH, A TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE TREAD WAS SEPARATING FROM AN UNKNOWN TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE TREAD SEPARATED. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED. THE TIRE WAS ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT. IN ADDITION, WHILE FUELING THE VEHICLE, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNDETERMINED. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED. THE TIRE WAS ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000 AND THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE AND DOT NUMBER WERE UNKNOWN.
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
TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF A CLIENT WHO OWNS A 2015 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE OWNER WAS STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE LOSS POWER STEERING FUNCTIONALITY. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE OWNER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A.R.T.S. AUTO SERVICE (1899 GRAND CENTRAL AVE, HORSEHEADS, NY 14845) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT CORROSION CAUSED THE STEERING RACK TO SEPARATE AND DETACHED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,115.
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 .