RoadVitals

2009 BMW 328XI

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

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.
11
Latest May 10, 2018
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
4
Latest Jul 3, 2024
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
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.
0
1 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 11 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2009 BMW 328XI, most frequently naming the electrical, fuel system and engine categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 106 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Electrical527.8%
  • Fuel system422.2%
  • Engine316.7%
  • Airbags211.1%
  • Powertrain (other)211.1%
  • Driver assistance15.6%
  • Exterior lighting15.6%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

4 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL; AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Jul 3, 2024
394,029 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 2009-2011 3 Series Sedan (335d) vehicles. The original steering wheel may have been replaced with a sport or M-sport steering wheel equipped with an inflator that can explode during deployment.
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 30, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Jan 15, 2020
59,965 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS

Jun 19, 2019
16,641 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: A loss of electrical power can cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace and secure the positive battery cable connector, free of charge. The recall began August 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion of a previous recall, number 18V-314.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

ElectricalEngine
Filed May 10, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW 328XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE DEALER (UNION PARK BMW, 1900 PENNSYLVANIA AVE, WILMINGTON, DE 19806, (866) 455-4444) CONFIRMED PART UNAVAILABILITY AND DID NOT KNOW WHEN THEY WOULD BE SUPPLIED FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT EXPERIENCING A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
11092841
Incident
Nov 1, 2017
ElectricalFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed May 4, 2018

2009 328XI BMW FIRST BATTERY GOES DEAD,ONE MONTH LATER CAR STOPS WHILE DRIVING,BMW SAID IT WAS FUEL PUMP AND HOSE,THEY FIXED THAT,WHILE AT DEALER THEY SAID FAULTY CODE CAME UP FOR ALTERNATOR . ALL THIS WITHIN 1 MONTH. NO SIGNS OF LIGHTS DIM,CAR NOT STARTING,HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN ALL AT ONCE AND WITH NO WARNING.SEEMS THERE IS A BIGGER ISSUE.DEALER FIXED FUEL PUMP.BUT HOW DOES ALTERNATOR GO WITH NO SIGNS.

NHTSA ID
11091990
Incident
Apr 27, 2018
Mileage
100,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed May 3, 2018

2009 328 XI BMW WITH 120K FUEL PUMP JUST BREAKS. BMW REPLACED FOR FREE DUE TO ALL THE COMPLAINTS AND RECALL INFO,THIS SUCH BE A NATIONAL RECALL AS SOMEONES CAR CAN JUST STOP WHILE DRIVING,AND THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE.

NHTSA ID
11091478
Incident
Apr 27, 2018
Mileage
120,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Apr 25, 2018
1 injury reported

I WAS DRIVING MY CAR AND IT JUST COMPLETE LOST POWER,I CALLED ROAD SIDE ASSISTANCE AND THEY DID SOME TESTING. KEEP IN MIND I JUST GOT A NEW BATTERY THREE MONTHS AGO,HAVE SHOWN NO SIGNS OF ANY POWER ,START UP ISSUES,. I JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW A CAR WITH A HIGHER STANDARD JUST DIES. THEY SAID IT WAS THE FUEL PUMP. ITS SEEMLY INTERESTING HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE AND BMW SHOULD BE ASHAMED WITH THEMSELVES NOT TO RECALL THIS ISSUE ,AT LEAST ADDRESS THE PEOPLE WHO ARE HAVING THE ISSUE..FUEL PUMP ISN'T SOMETHING THAT SHOULD GO AT 100K.VERY DISAPPOINTED. THE CAR WILL NOT START,I CAN GET A CRANK BUT NOTHING MORE.

NHTSA ID
11090003
Incident
Apr 24, 2018
Mileage
100,000 mi
ElectricalEngine
Filed Mar 28, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW 328XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. CONCOURS MOTORS IN MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN 53209 WAS MADE AWARE OF THE RECALL AND STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
11081823
Incident
Dec 1, 2017
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Feb 7, 2018

THERE IS A BLUE LEAK ON THE GROUND COMING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE, MY WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID WAS FILLED UP AND WENT EMPTY WITH INT WEEKS.

NHTSA ID
11067360
Incident
Jan 19, 2018
Mileage
120,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Aug 21, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW 328XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALER PATRICK BMW LOCATED AT 700 E GOLF RD SCHAUMBURG IL 60175, PHONE NUMBER: 847-843-4000. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. (PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT).

NHTSA ID
11016493
Incident
Feb 5, 2017
Fuel system
Filed May 18, 2017

I WAS DRIVING WEST DOWN ROUTE 66 IN VIRGINIA. CAR HAD STALLED 5 TIMES IN A 60 MILE TRIP STATING WITH A MESSAGE FUEL PUMP FAILURE CONTINUED DRIVING IS POSSIBLE. IT LEFT ME WITH NO POWER STEERING OR BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WILL RESTART AFTER A 5 MINUTE COOL DOWN PERIOD AND CONTINUED DRIVING IS THEN POSSIBLE. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING WITH THIS VEHICLE SINCE 70K MILES.

NHTSA ID
10990475
Incident
May 18, 2017
Mileage
101,100 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

B510819

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.

B611305

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle “discharged battery” complaints.

B610322

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The footwell module (FRM) cannot be encoded after replacement.

B340414

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC; STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR

Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles: 1. Visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses during rapid heating and cooling of the brake discs. Braking from high speed with cold brake components (less than 212 degrees F) increases the likelihood of cracks to form.

B611305

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Discharged Battery Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed: The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle "discharged battery" complaints. In order to properly repair the vehicle the first time in the workshop, it is very important that the diagnostic test plans are performed to completion, with all results taken into consideration. Without performing the energy diagnosis test plan, the root cause of the discharged battery cannot be identified. This increases the chances of a repeat repair.

B110208

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Power Reduction, FC2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC2A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Fault: The ?Service Engine Soon? (MIL) lamp is illuminated and engine power reduction is perceived. This situation can occur after driving for some time with the engine at full operating temperature. If theignition is cycled, the engine then usually performs normally.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

BMW 328XI by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2016411
2015142154.9
2014173156.0
2013272152.5
2012140
2011673053.2
2010173049.5
2009Viewing114047.6
2008993054.3
20071984049.3
2006530
2005003

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.