AIR BAGS:FRONTAL; AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
2008 BMW 335I
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 201 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2008 BMW 335I, most frequently naming the fuel system, airbags and engine categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 130 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.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 2014 | 2 | 102 |
| Mar 2014 | 4 | 106 |
| Apr 2014 | 2 | 108 |
| Jul 2014 | 3 | 111 |
| Aug 2014 | 4 | 115 |
| Sep 2014 | 1 | 116 |
| Dec 2014 | 2 | 118 |
| Jan 2015 | 1 | 119 |
| Feb 2015 | 1 | 120 |
| Mar 2015 | 3 | 123 |
| Apr 2015 | 1 | 124 |
| May 2015 | 4 | 128 |
| Jun 2015 | 1 | 129 |
| Jul 2015 | 1 | 130 |
| Aug 2015 | 1 | 131 |
| Nov 2015 | 1 | 132 |
| Feb 2016 | 1 | 133 |
| Mar 2016 | 3 | 136 |
| May 2016 | 1 | 137 |
| Jul 2016 | 1 | 138 |
| Aug 2016 | 2 | 140 |
| Sep 2016 | 5 | 145 |
| Oct 2016 | 2 | 147 |
| Nov 2016 | 1 | 148 |
| Dec 2016 | 1 | 149 |
| Jan 2017 | 2 | 151 |
| Feb 2017 | 1 | 152 |
| Mar 2017 | 2 | 154 |
| Apr 2017 | 3 | 157 |
| May 2017 | 1 | 158 |
| Jun 2017 | 3 | 161 |
| Jul 2017 | 1 | 162 |
| Aug 2017 | 2 | 164 |
| Sep 2017 | 1 | 165 |
| Oct 2017 | 1 | 166 |
| Nov 2017 | 1 | 167 |
| Dec 2017 | 2 | 169 |
| Jan 2018 | 4 | 173 |
| Feb 2018 | 1 | 174 |
| May 2018 | 1 | 175 |
| Jun 2018 | 2 | 177 |
| Jul 2018 | 1 | 178 |
| Aug 2018 | 3 | 181 |
| Sep 2018 | 1 | 182 |
| Nov 2018 | 3 | 185 |
| Dec 2018 | 1 | 186 |
| Feb 2019 | 1 | 187 |
| Mar 2019 | 1 | 188 |
| Apr 2019 | 1 | 189 |
| Dec 2019 | 1 | 190 |
| Jan 2020 | 1 | 191 |
| Feb 2020 | 1 | 192 |
| May 2020 | 1 | 193 |
| Jun 2020 | 1 | 194 |
| Jul 2020 | 2 | 196 |
| Aug 2020 | 1 | 197 |
| Dec 2021 | 1 | 198 |
| Apr 2022 | 1 | 199 |
| Sep 2024 | 1 | 200 |
| Apr 2026 | 1 | 201 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Fuel system7628.5%
- Airbags4316.1%
- Engine3814.2%
- Electrical3513.1%
- Interior & seats103.7%
- Driver assistance103.7%
- Exterior lighting93.4%
- Seat belts93.4%
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.govAIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
"I am reporting a failed safety remedy by BMW of Macon regarding Recall 13V-044 (Battery Cable Connector). Following the recall service, the vehicle suffered a systemic digital failure and a legal odometer discrepancy of approximately 20,000 miles 73,547 to around 53,000k (The 53k miles was seen on the dash after the service, but the exact number wasn’t documented by me, but was reported to my service advisor at BMW of Macon) Specifically: 1. Module De-Sync: The recall was allegedly performed without proper voltage stabilization, causing a communication failure ('brownout') between the CAS and Instrument Clustermodules. 2. Vehicle Immobilization: The resulting digital handshake failure has triggered a security lockout, rendering the car unable to crank and locking the transmission in Park (No Neutral). 3. Misdiagnosis: The dealership is refusing to reconcile the software corruption they caused, instead attempting to charge for a mechanical starter motor that was fully operational (CAS 1/1) prior to their intervention. This vehicle entered the dealership for a safety recall and was returned in a digitally compromised, legally unmarketable, and non-operational state. I request a federal investigation into the dealership's failure to provide a safe and effective remedy."
- NHTSA ID
- 11733910
- Incident
- Apr 17, 2026
As of recently I've been smelling a gas smell after driving my vehicle. No matter the distance or time I smelled the odor of gas. I am a certified automotive technician, so I decided to diagnose the problem myself. I put my vehicle in the air and spotted a wet spot of gas on the bottom left side of my fuel tank. To continue my diagnosis process I googled to see if anyone dealt with a similar issue. Seen a decent amount of people confirming the problem. A leak from the D/S fuel sending unit. So I take off my rear seats, and takeoff the fuel sending unit cover. Once the cover was off seen multiple cracks along side top of the unit. No warning lights was present, however did notice MPG was getting worse and worse. the little cracks makes my vehicle a fire hazard. I was able to have the replacement part ordered for about $140.
- NHTSA ID
- 11617068
- Incident
- Sep 28, 2024
The engine and all electrical components including power steering spontaneously cutout while driving, usually while engine isnt being stressed at all, sometimes while idling. If the car is rolling, i have to restart the engine while driving and using manual power to steer. Obviously, this is a huge safety problem. I've just had the alternator and battery replaced, and they test fine. This has happened at least 50 times and I've reduced time driving vehicle until I solve the issue, which has persisted at least 6 months. I asked the BMW dealer about the following recall, and they claim they already performed it years ago after I already owned the car, without my recalling being told it was done. However, the symptoms are back, and BMW refuses to do anything about it at this time: Report Receipt Date: FEB 07, 2013 NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V044000 Component(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Potential Number of Units Affected: 504,545 All Products Associated with this Recall Details 2 Associated Documents Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC SUMMARY: BMW is recalling 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle. CONSEQUENCE: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash. REMEDY: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in March 2013.
- NHTSA ID
- 11460407
- Incident
- Apr 11, 2022
I am experiencing a know issue others have complained about related to the high pressure fuel injector failure in my vehicle. There have been previous recalls for this and my vehicle should fall within the recall dates and is showing all of the symptoms of this failure yet is it some how not part of the recall. What is happening is on cold starts or even idle the car is shaking and has a very apparent misfire, I have checked the spark plugs and they indeed have fuel on them. The injectors are causing excessive fuel in the cylinder this leads to a host of problems that are potentially, catastrophic like the engine seizing while driving due to oil dilution from the fuel
- NHTSA ID
- 11444214
- Incident
- Nov 22, 2021
WHEN I ARRIVED AT MY DESTINATION, I WAS UNABLE TO UNLOCK THE FRONT DOOR OF MY CAR AND EXIT. I COULD NOT UNLOCK IT EITHER MANUALLY OR ELECTRONICALLY. THE UNLOCKING MECHANISM FAILED. I HAD TO ROLL DOWN MY WINDOW AN REACH OUTSIDE TO THE DOOR HANDLE. EVIDENTLY THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE IT REPAIRED IT BY INSTALLING AN "UPDATED DOOR LATCH ON BOTH FRONT DOORS." I AM GRATETFULL THAT I DID NOT HAVE TO GET OUT OF THAT CAR BECAUSE OF AN EMERGENCY.
- NHTSA ID
- 11351274
- Incident
- Jun 17, 1920
- Mileage
- 99,550 mi
I WAS TOLD BY MY MECHANIC MY FUEL INJECTORS HAVE GONE BAD AND I BELIEVE THIS IS FROM A MANUFACTURER'S ISSUE. PLEASE INVESTIGATE AS I KNOW VARIOUS PEOPLE THAT HAVE THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE SAME ENGINE, YEAR AND MAKE. I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP AFTER I TURNED IT ON TO DRIVE AND THE VEHICLE WAS SHAKING A BIT MORE THAN NORMAL, WHEN I ACCELERATED THE CAR WAS VERY VAGUELY RESPONDING TO ME. THIS IS WHY MY VEHICLE BEGAN TO MISFIRE, BECAUSE OF THE FUEL INJECTORS. I WILL KEEP ALL RECEIPTS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE OF THIS ISSUE.
- NHTSA ID
- 11340293
- Incident
- Jun 16, 2020
- Mileage
- 89,000 mi
ENCOUNTERED DIFFICULTY EXITING THE CAR. MANUFACTURER'S DEALER HAD TO INSTALL "UPDATED DOOR LATCH ON BOTH FRONT" DOORS. AT THE TIME THE VECHICLE WAS STATIONARY IN MY DRIVEWAY.
- NHTSA ID
- 11339810
- Incident
- Jun 15, 2020
- Mileage
- 99,559 mi
THIS CAR HAS BEEN TOTALED OUT BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY DUE TO THE FRAME BEING WAPED RADIATOR BUSTED SUSPENSION WARPED ELECTRICAL ISSUES WITH THE BLOWER MOTOR THIS WAS THE 1ST FIRST OF MY 4 BMWS TO LEAVE ME OWING MONEY ON A VEHICLE THAT ISN'T DRIVABLE LOCATION AND ISSUE UNKNOWN
- NHTSA ID
- 11327649
- Incident
- Apr 5, 2017
- Mileage
- 90,000 mi
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
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 âÂÂdischarged batteryâ complaints.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The footwell module (FRM) cannot be encoded after replacement.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT: N54/N54T/N55 ELECTRIC ENGINE COOLANT PUMP . With the court's FINAL approval, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) has entered a nationwide settlement with the plaintiffs in the following class action: Oliver, et al v. BMW NA, et al
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT: N54/N54T/N55 ELECTRIC ENGINE COOLANT PUMP . With the court's FINAL approval, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) has entered a nationwide settlement with the plaintiffs in the following class action: Oliver, et al v. BMW NA, et al
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.
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
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.