RoadVitals

2009 BMW 335I Owner Complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers, shown in full

Data refreshed

Complaints on fileComplaints 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.
85
+1 complaint in 30 days
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.
7
Filed in the last 12 monthsReports filed with NHTSA in the trailing 365 days. Recent volume reflects attention and vehicle age as much as anything else.
2
Reports on file since Feb 8, 2010

What this page shows

Our database holds 85 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2009 BMW 335I. Each one is a report filed by an owner or driver and published by NHTSA without most of them being verified. A complaint is not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. Narratives are shown exactly as filed.

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

Complaints, most recent first

Showing 1–25 of 85 · page 1 of 4

Airbags
Filed Jul 16, 2026

The contact owns a 2009 BMW 335I. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the air bag warning illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the result was unknown. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.

NHTSA ID
11750849
Incident
Jul 16, 2026
Mileage
67,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Mar 21, 2026

2009 BMW 3 Series with factory optioned Sport Steering wheel has no recalls, but still has a 2017 production Takata PSDI-5 airbag with the yellow sticker. This airbag was replaced during the interim period, before the revised design was released. It was manufactured in 2017, but used the same design as the original. This airbag is now 9 years old, and I fear it has the same shrapnel risk as the original unit replaced in 2017. East Bay BMW did not take my concern seriously when I made an appointment, citing the fact that there were no recalls for my VIN. There was no inspection performed. The only option I have is buying a used airbag with a 2018+ production date and white sticker. I would like reassurance that my airbag won't kill me, or some help from the manufacturer.

NHTSA ID
11725997
Incident
Jan 16, 2026
Airbags
Filed Mar 10, 2025

The contact owns a 2009 BMW 335I. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V017000 (AIR BAGS); however, shortly after the vehicle was retrieved, the air bag warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 102,000.

NHTSA ID
11647370
Incident
Feb 10, 2025
Mileage
102,000 mi
Electrical
Filed May 27, 2023
Fire reported

Car caught fire in driveway spontaneously. It had not been used since the previous day and had been sitting atleast 16 hours since last use. We woke up and black smoke and flames coming from car taller than our house. Significant damage to other three cars in driveway and side of our house. Car that caught fire is totaled

NHTSA ID
11524106
Incident
May 27, 2023
AirbagsInterior & seats
Filed Nov 4, 2022

My car randomly started throwing an error for a failure with the passenger restraint system. From what I have read it has something to do with the OC3 Mat in the seat that detects if there is an occupant, and if the weight of the occupant is considered to be that of an adult, so the airbag does not deploy in the wrong circumstances, which is potentially dangerous to anyone that may ride in the passenger seat. There has been an extended warranty, and recall for previous years of E90 BMWs, but 2009 may not be included, even though the seats should be the same. I plan on contacting the dealership for further investigation, but I know I cannot afford to have this safety feature fixed out of my pocket at this time. Thank you for your time.

NHTSA ID
11492216
Incident
Oct 27, 2022
EngineFuel system
Filed Jun 15, 2022

The contact owns a 2009 BMW 335I. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle independently entered limp mode with the service transmission warning message on the instrument panel. The contact restarted the vehicle and cleared all warning codes before he resumed normal driving. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not under recall. A DTC reader determined that the cause of the failure was related to a defective fuel pump. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

NHTSA ID
11469415
Incident
Jan 1, 2021
Mileage
55,000 mi
ElectricalExterior lightingPowertrain (other)
Filed Apr 15, 2022
Fire reported

Positive battery cable heat up cause fire above battery. Blow off wire worked blowing off. Distribution box and power pole connection sparking heating up causing arc fire. No recalls for my specific Vin but 2008 through 2012 recalls this part but not for my vehicle. 2009 335 convertible. ? $1132 to fix. 9 months ago 2021 BMW could not find problem recommended changing my alternator never recommended changing the recalled part that I am now having changed at my own expense. Very scary I have the car returned to me but I was only able to drive limited distances as the cable deteriorated I was limited more and more use of the vehicle until ultimately I drove to BMW to have it fixed and the wire exploded a mile before exiting the freeway very scary.

NHTSA ID
11460971
Incident
Apr 12, 2022
AirbagsSeat belts
Filed Apr 15, 2022

I turned my car on an out of nowhere a seatbelt and airbag light came on. I did not get into a bump up or disconnect any sensors it just popped up one day.

NHTSA ID
11460954
Incident
Feb 17, 2022
Fuel system
Filed Oct 16, 2021

Multiple misfiring due to faulty injectors. Bmw has revised the part 12 times. This is a very common and known problem in the EU where a recall was issued.

NHTSA ID
11437010
Incident
Aug 17, 2021
ElectricalEngine
Filed Jun 9, 2021
Fire reported

The contact owned a 2009 BMW 335i. The contact stated that he parked his vehicle in the driveway of his residence and the next morning his wife informed him that the vehicle was engulfed in flames. There was no damage to the residence from the flames. The fire department was contacted and arrived to extinguish the flames. A fire report was made. There was no injury sustained. The police arrived and started an investigating however, a police report was not filed. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the Vin was not under recall. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the fire department. The insurance provider was contacted and informed the contact that fire coverage was not included in his policy. The contact mentioned NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) as a possible solution to the failure however, the Vin was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.

NHTSA ID
11420297
Incident
Dec 8, 2020
Mileage
138,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Jun 9, 2021
Fire reported

The contact owned a 2009 BMW 335i. The contact stated that he parked his vehicle in the driveway of his residence and, the next morning his wife informed him that the vehicle was engulfed in flames. There were no damages to the residence from the flames. The fire department was contacted and arrived to extinguish the flames. A fire report was filed. There were no injuries sustained. A police investigation was started however, a report was not yet provided. A local dealer was contacted and the contact was informed that the Vin was not under recall. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the fire department. The insurance company was contacted however, informed the contact that fire protection was not included in his policy. The contact mentioned NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V676000 (Electrical System) as a possible solution to the failure however, the vin was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.

NHTSA ID
11420296
Incident
Dec 8, 2020
Mileage
138,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Jun 7, 2021
Fire reported

The contact owned a 2009 BMW 335i. The contact stated that he parked the vehicle in the driveway at his residence and the next morning his wife informed him that the vehicle was engulfed in flames. There was no damage to the residence from the flames. The fire department was called out and arrived and extinguished the flames. A fire report was filed. There was no injury sustained. An investigation was started by the local police department however, a police report was not yet filed. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the fire department. The insurance company was contacted however, informed the contact that there was no fire coverage included on his policy. The contact mentioned NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V676000 (Electrical System) as a possible solution to the failure however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, not further assistance was offered. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.

NHTSA ID
11419933
Incident
Jun 6, 2021
Mileage
138,000 mi
Visibility
Filed May 15, 2021

DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY AT 60MPH MY SUNROOF EXPLODED. NO CARS WERE IN FRONT OF MY VEHICLE RULING OUT A ROCK. IT WAS COUPLED WITH A LOUD NOISE AND GLASS FALLING INTO THE CAR AND DOWN THE BACK OF THE CAR.

NHTSA ID
11416667
Incident
May 15, 2021
Mileage
135,000 mi
AirbagsInterior & seats
Filed Mar 17, 2021

THE SEAT MAT SENSOR IS ALSO DEFECTIVE IN THE 2009 MODEL YEAR. BMW HAS INCLUDED ONLY 2007 AND 2008. WE CANNOT PUT A CHILD OR ELDERLY IN THE FRONT SEAT AS THE AIRBAG WILL GO OFF.

NHTSA ID
11403591
Incident
Mar 17, 2020
Mileage
134,000 mi
AirbagsElectricalSeat belts
Filed Nov 20, 2020

RANDOMLY WHILE DRIVING AND SOMETIMES WHEN STATIONARY MY CAR'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM STARTED GOING HAYWIRE INCLUDING MY GAUGES AND THE PASSENGER AIRBAG AS WELL SOME OTHER SAFETY FEATURES WITH TTHE SEATBELT WERE DISABLED WITH & WITHOUT A PASSENGER IN THE CAR. I KEEP GETTING A WARNING SCREEN THAT TREAD AS FOLLOWS: "RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION. FAULT IN PASSENGER-RESTRAINT SYSTEM AFFECTING AIRBAG, BELT TENSIONER OR BELT-FORCE LIMITER. CONTINUE TO WEAR THE SAFETY BELT. HAVE THE SYSTEM CHECKED BY THE NEAREST BMW CENTER." AFTER LOOKING ONLINE IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM BUT FOR SOME REASON MY VIN ISN'T INCLUDED ON THE RECALL.

NHTSA ID
11375586
Incident
Nov 20, 2020
Mileage
160,000 mi
Interior & seats
Filed Nov 12, 2020

PASS. SEAT MAT SENSOR MALFUNCTION IT CRACKS AND CAUSES A SAFTEY ISSUE WHERE IF THE CAR IS TO CRASH THE AIRBAG WOULD NOT GO OFF ON THE PASSENGER SIDE.

NHTSA ID
11374268
Incident
Aug 13, 2020
Mileage
125,000 mi
AirbagsEngineFuel system
Filed Sep 25, 2020

I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN MY CAR STARTED TO LOSE ACCELERATION. I COULD NOT ACCELERATE UP AN INCLINE. THEN I HEARD A RATTLING. THE NEXT EXIT WAS A REST STOP AND AS I WAS EXITING MY VEHICLE FAILED AND SHUT DOWN. I HAD NO POWER AT ALL. I COASTED TO A PARKING STALL AND TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AFTER PARKING IT SAFELY. WHEN I OPENED THE HOOD THE VEHICLE WAS NOT HOT OR SMOKING SO I TRIED TO START IT. THE CAR STARTED BUT WITH A VERY LOUD KNOCKING AND RATTLING SO I SHUT IT OFF AGAIN AND PHONED THE DEALERSHIP. I TOWED THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP OVER 30 DAYS AGO AND HAVE NOT BEEN CONTACTED BY THEM NOT 1X. I HAVE CALLED WEEKLY TO NO AVAIL.

NHTSA ID
11361169
Incident
Aug 12, 2020
Mileage
128,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Aug 29, 2020

I BOUGHT A 2009 BMW 335I OFF OF A FRIEND OF MINE KNOWING THAT THE CAR DID INDEED HAVE FEW ISSUES BACK IN DECEMBER OF 2019. WHEN I HAD RECEIVED THE CAR THE BACK LEFT STRUT WAS OUT. I REPLACED ALL OF THEM INCLUDING THE BRAKES AS WELL AS PREFORMED A SIMPLE SERVICE. I TOOK THE CAR IN FOR A DIAGNOSIS FOR THE CAR NOT WANTING TO START PROPERLY TO BMW FOR A PROPER CHECK UP. I LEGIT GET TWO STARTS BEFORE HAVING TO LET IT SIT FOR A WHILE BEFORE I CAN START IT AGAIN. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE AFTER WHAT I THOUGHT COULD POSSIBLY BE A STARTER ISSUE. BUT IT WASNT, THE CAR DOESNT CRANK; IT CLICKS ALMOST AS IF IT WANTS TO TURN OVER AND RUN AS A SELF SUSTAINING MECHANISM. INSTEAD I MUST LET IT SIT FOR A COUPLE HOURS UNTIL I CAN YET AGAIN START IT BACK UP AND ITS FINE. THIS CAR HAS MADE ME SIT AND WAIT COUNTLESS TIMES AT FRIENDS HOUSES AND PUBLIC PLACES. BMW TOLD ME THAT IT IS THE POSITIVE BATTERY TERMINAL AND CABLE FROM THE START PORT THAT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED DUE TO CORROSION. THEY SENT ME A FULL INSPECTION SUMMARY AS A VIDEO FOR ME TO SEE AND YES THAT RED CABLE DOESNT LOOK TO GOOD BEHIND THE WHEEL WELL LEADING TO THE BATTERY. OF COURSE I DID MY RESEARCH AND FOUND MANY OTHER BMW'S ALIKE HAVE THE SAME EXACT ISSUES. I DONT WANT TO HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET $3000 FOR A PIECE OF HARDWARE THAT IS BOND TO DECAY. THATS A HUGE OBLIGATION FOR MYSELF AND A LARGE SAFETY ISSUE FOR MANY OTHERS. THIS IS MY DAILY AND I DONT WANT TO RISK ANYTHING UPON MYSELF OR ANYONE ELSE THAT MAY OWN THIS SAME MODEL AND OR HAVE THE SAME ISSUE AGAIN. THIS NEEDS TO BE FIXED AND ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY. THE DATE FOR WHEN IT OCCURRED IS THE DATE BMW SENT AN INSPECTION VIDEO BACK FOR MYSELF TO VIEW.

NHTSA ID
11351930
Incident
May 20, 2020
Mileage
100,000 mi
Other / unspecified
Filed Jul 3, 2020

I PURCHASED 4 WHEELS FOR MY VEHICLE WHERE ONE OF THE FOUR FAILED UNDER NORMAL AND REASONABLE USE. A DETAILED DESCRIPTION IS ATTACHED IN THE DOCUMENTS TITLED 20200703_MAS_COMPLAINT.PDF. *TR

NHTSA ID
11337374
Incident
Jun 16, 2020
Mileage
130,000 mi
ElectricalFuel system
Filed May 17, 2020

FUEL PUMP LEAKING GASOLINE LEAVING A STRONG ODOR IN THE CAR AND FOOTWELL MODULE IS BAD

NHTSA ID
11324841
Incident
Jan 15, 2020
Mileage
100,786 mi
AirbagsSeat belts
Filed Feb 21, 2020

WHEN A PASSENGER IS BELTED - WITH CAR RUNNING/DRIVING - AN ALARM COMES ON - BASICALLY NOT RECOGNIZING WHEN BELTED. ALSO THE INACTIVE AIRBAG LIGHT IS NOT ON. WHEN NO PASSENGER, THE CAR USED TO LIGHT UP THE 'AIRBAG NOT ACTIVE' - IT NO LONGER SHOWS THAT (LIGHT IS ALWAYS OFF) WHETHER PASSENGER THERE OR NOT.

NHTSA ID
11310581
Incident
Feb 14, 2020
Mileage
103,000 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Jan 17, 2020

2009 BMW 335I. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE INDEX 9 FUEL INJECTORS. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE INDEX 9 FUEL INJECTORS WERE DISCONTINUED. ALL 6 FUEL INJECTORS HAD TO BE REPLACED WITH AN INDEX 12. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE REIMBURSED THE REPAIR COSTS. *JS *JS

NHTSA ID
11298770
Incident
Oct 29, 2019
ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Jul 1, 2019

THE VEHICLE'S WIRING HARNESS WITHIN THE HEADLIGHT HOUSING ARE EXPOSED, IT NO LONGER HAS THE RUBBER COATING THAT SURROUNDS THE WIRES.I AFRAID THIS COULD CAUSE A SHORT CIRCUIT OR FIRE!

NHTSA ID
11228591
Incident
Jun 3, 2019
Mileage
50,300 mi
AirbagsInterior & seatsSeat belts
Filed Jun 20, 2019

AFTER A PERSONAL INVESTIGATION INTO THIS ISSUE, BMW SEEMS TO STILL DENY THAT MY MODEL HAS THE SAME ISSUES DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL. "RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION!" APPEARS ON THE CAR EVERY 20 SECONDS FRIGHTING DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS THE AIRBAGS AND SEATBELTS MIGHT NOT WORK. THIS IS AN AMERICAN CAR CURENTLY IN CANADA.

NHTSA ID
11221579
Incident
Mar 5, 2019
Electrical
Filed Nov 14, 2018
Fire reported1 injury reported

BLOWER MOTOR WIRING CAUGHT FIRE AND SPREAD THROUGHOUT REMAINDER OF CAR. INITIALLY SAW SMOKE COMING FROM VENTS WHILE VEHICLE WAS COMING TO A STOP IN A STAPLES PARKING LOT. FIRE SPREAD INTO ENGINE AND INTERIOR OF CAR, BURNING MY HAND AND BRINGING CAR TO A TOTAL LOSS. EXISTING RECALL NUMBER: 17V-676

NHTSA ID
11151514
Incident
Nov 11, 2018
Mileage
98,000 mi

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.

Narrow this down by component

Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .