Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
321.4%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
214.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
428.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
535.7%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Feb 2017peak 4Aug 2025
NHTSA investigations into the 2016 BMW 228I
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C...
Recalls on the 2016 BMW 228I
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
24V608000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:PUMP
BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.
Risk: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 13,000 milesGloucester, MAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
ON FEB 2, 2017 MY CAR (2016 BMW 228I) SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUSTED IN MY DRIVEWAY AFTER BEING PARKED FOR APPROXIMATELY 4-1/2 HOURS. THE VEHICLE HAD LESS THAT 13,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER, AND WAS LAST SERVICED (WHICH WAS THE 1ST SCHEDULED SERVICE) THREE MONTHS PRIOR AT THE BMW DEALERSHIP. I PURCHASED (JAN 2016) THE VEHICLE NEW WHICH WAS SPECIAL ORDERED AND DELIVERED FROM GERMANY (MAR 2016). I HAD NO MECHANICAL OR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES AND DESTROYED IN APPROXIMATELY 10-15 MINUTES FROM THE FIRE IGNITION TIME (MUFFLED EXPLOSION AND FLAMES OBSERVED FROM MY LIVING ROOM WINDOWS) AS A RESULT OF THE CAR FIRE, MY TOWNHOUSE HOME ALSO CAUGHT FIRE AND SUFFERED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE. IN ADDITION, MY WIFE'S CAR WHICH WAS PARKED ADJACENTLY WAS ALSO DAMAGED. I BELIEVE THAT 2016 WAS THE FIRST YEAR THAT THE 228I MODEL WAS IMPORTED INTO THE U.S., BUT I WOULD ALSO POINT OUT THAT THERE ARE NUMEROUS REPORTS ON THE INTERNET INDICATING SIMILAR FIRE INCIDENTS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD FOR PERHAPS THE LAST 6-7 YEARS WITH VARIOUS BMW MODEL CARS. I ONLY FOUND THIS INFORMATION (THROUGH A SEARCH) AFTER MY INCIDENT (SEE: HTTPS://BMWPROBLEMS.WORDPRESS.COM/BMWOWNERSBEWARE/). I WAS RECENTLY CONTACTED BY VOICEMAIL BY ABC NEWS INVESTIGATIVE OFFICE INDICATING THAT THEY WERE ALSO IN THE PROCESS OF RESEARCHING BMW FIRES. AS SUCH, THIS FAILURE APPEARS SYSTEMIC OF AN INHERENT DESIGN FLAW. THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE FIRE MARSHALL WAS AT THE SCENE AND HAD THE CAR TOWED AWAY FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION. AT THE TIME, HE INDICATED TO ME THAT AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WAS A PROBABLE CAUSE. I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY FINAL REPORTING FROM THE STATE. MY INSURANCE COMPANY IS ALSO INVESTIGATING. IN ADDITION, BMW NA HAS ALSO RESPONDED TO MY REPORTING THE INCIDENT BY INDICATING THAT THEY WOULD ALSO BE SENDING AN INVESTIGATOR.
NHTSA complaint #10953688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Scottsdale, AZ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 228I. 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 complaint #11679128 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Scottsdale, AZ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 228I. 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 complaint #11679128 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesCastaic, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 228I. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle jerked back and forth and choked. There were no warning lights illuminated. 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 called another local dealer, Century West BMW Service Department (4245 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91602) who confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. 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 failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #11677845 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesCastaic, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 228I. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle jerked back and forth and choked. There were no warning lights illuminated. 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 called another local dealer, Century West BMW Service Department (4245 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91602) who confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. 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 failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #11677845 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greenville, SC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 228I. 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11676926 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greenville, SC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 228I. 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11676926 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Diego, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 228I. 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. No further information was 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11669710 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Diego, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 228I. 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. No further information was 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11669710 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Henryville, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owned a 2016 BMW 228I. 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 dealer confirmed that the part to do the recall repair was not available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11650473 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Henryville, PA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owned a 2016 BMW 228I. 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 dealer confirmed that the part to do the recall repair was not available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11650473 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ormond Beach, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 228I. 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11646178 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ormond Beach, FL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 228I. 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11646178 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Northbrook, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 228I. 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11645581 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Northbrook, IL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 228I. 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11645581 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oklahoma City, OK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 228I. 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 dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11641994 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oklahoma City, OK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 228I. 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 dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11641994 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesLake Worth, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 228I. The contact stated that intermittently, while driving at undisclosed speeds and depressing the brake pedal, there was an abnormal odor of smoke. The braking lamp malfunction light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined the failure was related to the engine, engine cooling, and electrical system. 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 made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11632741 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesLake Worth, FL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 228I. The contact stated that intermittently, while driving at undisclosed speeds and depressing the brake pedal, there was an abnormal odor of smoke. The braking lamp malfunction light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined the failure was related to the engine, engine cooling, and electrical system. 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 made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11632741 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesLake Worth, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 228I. The contact stated that intermittently, while driving at undisclosed speeds and depressing the brake pedal, there was an abnormal odor of smoke. The braking lamp malfunction light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined the failure was related to the engine, engine cooling, and electrical system. 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 made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11632741 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seattle, WA
WHEELS
In 2019, I purchased a pre-owned BMW 228i from BMW Northwest. Recently, it was discovered that an incorrect front-sized rim has been installed on the rear wheel of my car. This has resulted in having three front rims and only one rear rim on my vehicle. The car has exclusively inspected or received servicing only at BMW Northwest and BMW Seattle until the error was discovered at BMW San Diego. In response to this problem, I reached out to BMW North America to have the incorrect rim replaced. However, I was informed that they would not take responsibility for the replacement, even though they acknowledged that it is highly improbable for me to have an extra rim of the exact same model and mistakenly place it on the wrong wheel of my car. Unfortunately, they did not provide any specific reason for their decision. As I don't have access to BMW records before I purchased my car, I lack comprehensive information to pinpoint where the error occurred within BMW. However, I am genuinely concerned about the safety implications of having an incorrect-sized rim on one side of my car. Given the gravity of the situation, I am reaching out here, hoping for your intervention to resolve this matter promptly and ensure the safety of my vehicle. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
NHTSA complaint #11535957 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Beverly, MA
STEERING
I recently needed to have my Steering Rack replaced since the internal control unit had a fault. There was no warning prior to the failure and the sudden fault resulted in complete loss of power steering. Luckily, I was driving at a slow speed and was close to my house. I'm concerned because I have read of several other BMW models having similar problems and someone driving at a higher rate of speed could cause a significant accident if they are unable to control the vehicle. My BMW has 50,000 miles on it and I do not drive it aggressively, so it is very alarming to have a steering rack fail at such low mileage. I have since had the part replaced, but want the NHTSA to be aware in case a larger issue is occurring.
NHTSA complaint #11480526 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 7,900 milesLongmont, CO
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
VEHICLE GAVE WARNING OF "LEFT REAR TURN SIGNAL MALFUNCTION" AND "LEFT BRAKE LAMP MALFUNCTION". CHECKED LIGHTS AND THEY ARE VERY DIM AND NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. REMOVED TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY AND THE GROUND WIRE TERMINAL IS PARTIALLY MELTED.
NHTSA complaint #11399992 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 7,900 milesLongmont, CO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
VEHICLE GAVE WARNING OF "LEFT REAR TURN SIGNAL MALFUNCTION" AND "LEFT BRAKE LAMP MALFUNCTION". CHECKED LIGHTS AND THEY ARE VERY DIM AND NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. REMOVED TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY AND THE GROUND WIRE TERMINAL IS PARTIALLY MELTED.
NHTSA complaint #11399992 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 49,000 milesLancaster, CA
POWER TRAIN
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THAT ALERT CAME UP SAYING YOUR CAR IS NOT WORKING AT ITS FULL CAPACITY YOUR POWER TRAIN IS DEFECTIVE. THAT MAY NOT BE THE EXACT WORDING HOWEVER, VERY CLOSE TO IT. AFTER THE WARNING CAME ON, MY CAR SLOWED DOWN AS THOUGH IT DID NOT WANT TO DRIVE AND I HAD A VERY DIFFICULT TIME TO GET OVER ON THE FREEWAY.. IT WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. IT WAS VERY TERRIFYING. IT HAPPENED ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION APPROXIMATELY THREE TIMES AND WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP THE DEALER SAID THIS WAS RELATED TO THE FUEL SYSTEM . I GOT IT FIXED APPROXIMATELY THREE WEEKS AGO AND AS OF YET IT HAS NOT HAPPENED AGAIN. I WILL CONTINUE TO WATCH IT BECAUSE THIS WOULD NOT HAPPEN EVERY TIME I DROVE THE CAR, IT HAPPENED SPORADICALLY.
NHTSA complaint #11374097 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 49,000 milesLancaster, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THAT ALERT CAME UP SAYING YOUR CAR IS NOT WORKING AT ITS FULL CAPACITY YOUR POWER TRAIN IS DEFECTIVE. THAT MAY NOT BE THE EXACT WORDING HOWEVER, VERY CLOSE TO IT. AFTER THE WARNING CAME ON, MY CAR SLOWED DOWN AS THOUGH IT DID NOT WANT TO DRIVE AND I HAD A VERY DIFFICULT TIME TO GET OVER ON THE FREEWAY.. IT WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. IT WAS VERY TERRIFYING. IT HAPPENED ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION APPROXIMATELY THREE TIMES AND WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP THE DEALER SAID THIS WAS RELATED TO THE FUEL SYSTEM . I GOT IT FIXED APPROXIMATELY THREE WEEKS AGO AND AS OF YET IT HAS NOT HAPPENED AGAIN. I WILL CONTINUE TO WATCH IT BECAUSE THIS WOULD NOT HAPPEN EVERY TIME I DROVE THE CAR, IT HAPPENED SPORADICALLY.
NHTSA complaint #11374097 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.