RoadVitals

2016 BMW 328I Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints 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.
56
Latest Jul 22, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
13
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
12

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2016 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

  • Engine2733.8%
  • Electrical2126.3%
  • Brakes810.0%
  • Driver assistance56.3%
  • Steering33.8%
  • Airbags22.5%
  • Visibility11.3%
  • Body & structure11.3%
  • Fuel system11.3%
  • Interior & seats11.3%
  • Seat belts11.3%
  • Suspension11.3%

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.

27
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2016 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not 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.

NHTSA ID 11686515 · filed Sep 11, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); 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.

NHTSA ID 11685911 · filed Sep 9, 2025
All 27 reports naming engine

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

21
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2016 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not 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.

NHTSA ID 11686515 · filed Sep 11, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); 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 not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID 11679405 · filed Aug 8, 2025
All 21 reports naming electrical

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Parking brake retainer Clio failed in highway causing car to lose control in the highway.

NHTSA ID 11734197 · filed Apr 27, 2026

Car started to have low coolant when i would replace it instantly and i took it to a shop and they told me it has a recall.

NHTSA ID 11678648 · filed Aug 6, 2025
All 8 reports naming brakes

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Vehicle Information: •Year, Make, Model: 2016 BMW 328i GT •VIN: Provide VIN •Mileage: Insert Mileage Description of the Problem: I am experiencing recurring drivetrain malfunctions and overheating issues with my 2016 BMW 328i GT, which is currently under a nationwide recall issued in August 2024. Despite having coolant in the system, the vehicle overheats and displays a “drivetrain malfunction” warning, forcing me to pull off the road and restart the car to temporarily clear the issue. Additionally, there appears to be a leak causing fluid to drip onto the belt and other components, further compromising the vehicle’s functionality and safety. My belt slips because of the leak and it has been severely deteriorated because of even after replacing it. The dealership has consistently advised me to repair this issue at my expense, quoting costs exceeding the value of the car. Only recently did I learn about the recall addressing this defect. The dealership has failed to provide timely solutions, leaving me without a drivable vehicle. Safety Concerns: These persistent issues pose serious safety risks. The drivetrain malfunction and overheating increase the likelihood of sudden breakdowns while driving, endangering myself and other road users. Pulling off unexpectedly also creates hazardous situations on highways or busy roads. Request for Action: I request that BMW resolve this recall promptly. If repairs cannot be completed within a reasonable timeframe, I demand compensation for my inability to use the vehicle, including reimbursement for expenses incurred during this period. Alternatively, BMW should provide me with a rental vehicle or replace my car with another comparable model free of defects. Failure to do so will prompt me to seek legal arbitration to recover damages and ensure accountability. Contact Information: [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11652992 · filed Apr 6, 2025

car stops while driving, battery also draws while not in use. which is very dangerous. Already filed report with dealer ship for car. We will be having an another baby this winter and it is getting to the point where It can be very dangerous for my family. We got it checked but since it’s a manufacturer issue is what they said. Since this car doesn’t have any recalls dealer doesn’t want to do anything. We noticed that many other cars of same year have the same problem.

NHTSA ID 11554684 · filed Nov 11, 2023
All 8 reports naming powertrain (other)

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

ON MARCH 22, 2021, I WAS PARKING MY 2016 BMW GRAN TURISMO 328X AT A PARKING GARAGE. II HAD COMPLETED THE INITIAL TURN-IN, WHEN THE CAR FELT LIKE THE ACCELERATOR HAD BEEN PUSHED TO THE FLOOR. THE CAR WENT FROM APPROXIMATELY 5 MILES AN HOUR TO ABOUT 20 MPH IN THE LENGTH OF A PARKING SPOT. THE CAR HIT THE CONCRETE BARRIER HEAD ON, WITH THE SIDE CURTAIN, STEERING WHEEL AND LEG AIR BAGS DEPLOYING. THE CAR WAS FULLY MAINTAINED AND SERVICED BY THE BMW DEALER WITH BRAND NEW TIRES. IT HAD ABOUT 78K MILES ON IT. THE FORWARD COLLISION WARNING DID NOT GO OFF NOR DID THE AUTOMATIC BRAKING OCCUR. I ASKED THE REPAIR FACILITY TO CHECK OUT WHY THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, BUT WAS TOLD THAT ACCIDENTS HAPPEN AND THAT THE CAR WAS TOTALED ANYWAY. I DID NOT PRESS THE ACCELERATOR 'ACCIDENTALLY'. I HAVE HAD HUNDREDS OF HOURS OF DRIVERS TRAINING AND EVASIVE MANUVERING BECAUSE OF MY JOB AND DO NOT MAKE MISTAKES LIKE THAT. I AM GRATEFUL THAT NO ONE OTHER THAN I WAS HURT AND THAT THERE WAS THE CONCRETE BARRIER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT MADE. THE CAR HAS BEEN TOTALED AS THERE WAS MORE THAN 15K DAMAGE. USAA HAS THE CAR.

NHTSA ID 11405636 · filed Mar 30, 2021

ENGINE REVVED UNCONTROLLABLY WITHOUT MY FOOT ON THE GAS PEDAL, I WAS FORCED TO SHUT THE ENGINE OFF. THE CAR BEHAVED NORMALLY ONCE THE ENGINE WAS RESTARTED: I WAS TURNING LEFT INTO A PARKING SPACE IN A PARKING LOT AT A VERY SLOW SPEED. MY FOOT WAS OFF THE GAS PEDAL AS I WAS BRAKING AND COMING TO A STOP. SUDDENLY (WITH FOOT STILL ON THE BRAKE AND NOT THE GAS PEDAL) THE ENGINE REVVED TO A HIGH RPM WHICH LURCHED THE CAR FORWARD A BIT. SINCE I WAS ALREADY BRAKING, I WAS ABLE TO REACT QUICKLY AND PRESS DOWN EVEN HARDER ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, WHICH STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND KEPT IT IN PLACE. THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO REV AND I SHIFTED INTO PARK. THE ENGINE STAYED REVVED AT VERY HIGH RPMS AS IF I WAS FLOORING THE GAS PEDAL, EVEN THOUGH I COULD LOOK DOWN AND CONFIRM THAT MY FOOT WAS ONLY ON THE BRAKE. AT THIS POINT I SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AND WAITED SEVERAL MINUTES. I CHECKED THE FLOOR MAT AND CONFIRMED THAT IT WAS NOT OUT OF PLACE OR AFFECTING THE PEDALS IN ANY WAY. I THEN STARTED THE ENGINE AGAIN AND THE CAR IDLED NORMALLY WITH NO ISSUES. I TESTED DRIVING AT A SLOW SPEED AND PULLED INTO SEVERAL MORE PARKING SPOTS TO SEE IF THE ISSUE WOULD REOCCUR, BUT IT DID NOT. I DROVE HOME NORMALLY AND PARKED WITHOUT FURTHER PROBLEMS, AND WILL BE TAKING THE CAR TO A MECHANIC AS SOON A POSSIBLE.

NHTSA ID 11291436 · filed Dec 27, 2019

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Received recall notice 5 months ago from BMW. Why is it taking so long for them to address this issue?

NHTSA ID 11636154 · filed Jan 15, 2025

The steering rack in the car failed prior to 100,000 miles. BMW has had issues from models 2012 to 2015 and recalled their steering racks. The same issue was happening in the 2016 year.

NHTSA ID 11527449 · filed Jun 16, 2023

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

MY WIFE AND I WERE IN AN ACCIDENT ON 2/14/2018 IN WHICH WE WERE REAR ENDED AND SHOVED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF US. THE AIRBAG ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE DASH DISCHARGED INSIDE THE DASH BUT DID NOT DEPLOY INTO THE CABIN OF THE CAR. WE WERE SITTING STILL IN TRAFFIC WHEN WE WERE REAR ENDED BY A FULL SIZE CHEVROLET PICK UP TRUCK THAT HIT US ABOUT 35-40 MPH. WE WERE BOTH TRANSPORTED TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM AND SHE IS SUFFERING FROM SEVERE BACK AND NECK PAIN, AS WELL AS BRUISING TO HER ARM, SHOULDER, AND BREAST.

NHTSA ID 11075360 · filed Feb 28, 2018

FRONT OF VEHICLE INVOLVED IN ACCIDENT. MY CAR REAR ENDED A CAR AND DAMAGE WAS ENOUGH TO FRACTURE MY STERNUM AND BREAK 2 RIBS TO ME. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND FRONT END WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED. FRONT IS PUSHED OVER FRONT TIRES AND HOOD FOLDED. I HAVE PHOTOS. VEHICLE WAS SLOWING FOR TRAFFIC AND TURN ON A CITY STREET.

NHTSA ID 10887878 · filed Jul 22, 2016

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

SUNROOF GLASS EXPLODED. NO INJURY AS ROOF SLIDER (THIN SLIDE PANEL UNDERNEATH GLASS) WAS CLOSED. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON HIGHWAY TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH. NO APPARENT IMPACT POINT, GLASS APPEARS TO BE EXPANDED OUTWARD (VS. INWARD).

NHTSA ID 11063253 · filed Jan 17, 2018

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

Sunroof exploded while driving on the highway

NHTSA ID 11455939 · filed Mar 9, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

When the fuel gauge reads 1/4 of a tank or less the car stalls sporadically and comes to a jerking stop. This causes the cars behind us to either slam on their brakes or swerve to avoid hitting us. We reported this to our local BMW dealer and were told this is a known issue on many models, including ours. However, our car was not included in the existing recalls, so we could either pay for a diagnostic test and the fix OR keep the tank filled. Existing recalls involved the following: In-tank fuel tank sensor getting stuck In-tank fuel line incorrectly attached In-tank fuel pump wires crimped Improper nickel plating within fuel pump Engine control unit software failure

NHTSA ID 11752072 · filed Jul 22, 2026

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

MY WIFE AND I WERE IN AN ACCIDENT ON 2/14/2018 IN WHICH WE WERE REAR ENDED AND SHOVED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF US. THE AIRBAG ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE DASH DISCHARGED INSIDE THE DASH BUT DID NOT DEPLOY INTO THE CABIN OF THE CAR. WE WERE SITTING STILL IN TRAFFIC WHEN WE WERE REAR ENDED BY A FULL SIZE CHEVROLET PICK UP TRUCK THAT HIT US ABOUT 35-40 MPH. WE WERE BOTH TRANSPORTED TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM AND SHE IS SUFFERING FROM SEVERE BACK AND NECK PAIN, AS WELL AS BRUISING TO HER ARM, SHOULDER, AND BREAST.

NHTSA ID 11075360 · filed Feb 28, 2018

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

Hi BMW I have noticed issues with my seatbelts but more specifically my engine light keeps turning on. My driving seat will not buckle. Simple last Saturday.

NHTSA ID 11497362 · filed Dec 13, 2022

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

THE VEHICLE FRONT END WILL SHAKE AND LURCH LEFT AND RIGHT WHEN DRIVING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS. WHEN DRIVING AT OR BELOW 25MPH, AND A SMALL BUT SHARP BUMP IN THE ROAD IS DRIVEN OVER, THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN WILL SHAKE AND THE SUSPENSION IN THE FRONT (IN PARTICULAR THE DRIVERS SIDE) WILL MAKE A LOUD CLUNKING/POPPING SOUND. I'VE HAD THE VEHICLE INSPECTED BY THE DEALERSHIP 2 TIMES. THEY TELL ME THAT THE NOISE IS NORMAL AND COMMON ON THIS YEAR AND MAKE. WHEN GOING ONLINE AND TYPING INTO GOOGLE "2016 BMW 328I STEERING NOISE/SUSPENSION NOISE" THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF REPORTS OF EXACTLY WHAT I'M EXPERIENCING. I'M AFRAID THAT THE VEHICLE WILL LOSE CONTROL AT SOME POINT IF THE STEERING OR SUSPENSION FAILS.

NHTSA ID 11162347 · filed Dec 18, 2018

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

Data on this page last refreshed .