Owners have filed 93 complaints
about the 2004 BMW 3 Series with NHTSA between 2004 and 2019.
The largest single group is the lights.
Across this model's run it ranks 7 of 13 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 54
Against the median year of the BMW 3 Series. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 39
7.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 22
13% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
11.6%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1626.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
813.1%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1524.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1626.2%
150,000+ miles
58.2%
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.
Nov 2004peak 6Mar 2019
NHTSA investigations into the 2004 BMW 3 Series
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.
EA09019Opened 18 Dec 2009Closed 28 Sep 2011EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Rear Lamp Illumination
In a letter submitted to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) dated August25, 2011, BMWindicated that it will conduct a voluntary recall campaign to remedy the subject vehicles.The issue involves the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel.Through normal vehicle use over time, the rear lamps ground wiring and associated 8-pin connector can experience an increase of the resistance at the electrical contact points.This can lead to intermittent or permanent loss of the rear lamp functions which include tail, brake, and turn signal operation.The recall consists of modifying the rear lamps in th...
PE09036Opened 7 Aug 2009Closed 22 Dec 2009EXTERIOR LIGHTING
REAR LAMP ILLUMINATION
ODI HAS RECEIVED COMPLAINTS FROM CONSUMERS STATING THAT THEIR TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY IS NOT PROPERLY ILLUMINATING.THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY CONSISTS OF A TURN SIGNAL LAMP, A TAIL LAMP AND A BRAKE LAMP.THE COMPLAINANTS HAVE INDICATED THAT THE ISSUE IS WITH AN 8 PIN CONNECTOR AND ASSOCIATED GROUND WIRING.THESE COMPONENTS ARE ALLEGEDLY OVERHEATING AND MELTING DUE TO EXCESSIVE ELECTRICAL CURRENT THAT RUNS THROUGH THE SYSTEM.BMW ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) SIB-630306 ON FEBRUARY 2007 TO ADDRESS THE CONDITION BY ADDING SUPPLEMENTARY GROUND WIRING TO THE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY.ODI IS UPGRADING T...
DP09002Opened 8 Apr 2009Closed 6 Aug 2009EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS
REAR LAMP ILLUMINATION
IN MARCH 2009, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) RECEIVED A PETITION FROM MR. MARK PETERS REQUESTING AN INVESTIGATION OF REAR LAMP FAILURE IN MODEL YEAR 2002-2005 BMW 3-SERIES VEHICLES.AN INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER WAS SENT TO BMW IN APRIL 2009, AND ODI RECEIVED BMW'S RESPONSE IN JUNE 2009.THE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY CONTAINS LIGHTING FOR THE BRAKE LAMPS, TAIL LAMPS, AND TURN SIGNALS.A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) WAS ISSUED BY BMW IN JANUARY OF 2007 INSTRUCTING SERVICE TECHNICIANS TO EXAMINE AN 8 PIN ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR HEAT-RELATED DAMAGE AND TO INCORPORATE ADDITIONAL GROUND WIRI...
Recalls on the 2004 BMW 3 Series
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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202000920,070 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: This recall is for certain vehicles that had an airbag inflator replaced as a part of an earlier recall campaign. This recall provides a final repair. Long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger-front airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. If the airbag inflator ruptures, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants or cause damage to the airbag assembly, preventing its proper function. Safety Risk: If the vehicle is involved in a crash requiring an airbag deployment, the airbag inflator could rupture and create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: Owners will be notified by mail and instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to inspect the passenger-front airbag module. The passenger-front airbag module will be replaced as necessary. Note: The Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. This recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk. It is expected that all airbag inflators will be replaced before their function would be affected.
Recall 201523030,668 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: 2023 Update - BMW has updated this recall and issued a do not drive advisory for all vehicles that that not yet been repaired. Long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the driver-front airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. If the airbag inflator ruptures, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants or cause damage to the airbag assembly, preventing its proper function. Note: This recall supersedes special service campaign 2014-587. Correction: Dealers will replace the airbag module. Safety Risk: If the vehicle is involved in a crash requiring an airbag deployment, the airbag inflator could rupture and create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: BMW advises not to drive your vehicle unless this recall repair has been completed. BMW will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to inspect the driver-front airbag inflator. The driver-front airbag module or inflator will be replaced as necessary. To learn if your vehicle requires repair, owners may: • Visit https://www.bmw.ca/en/ssl/VehicleRecall.html • Contact your preferred or local BMW Retailer • Call BMW Customer Relations Recall Services at 1-855-217-3002
Recall 201458711,131 units in Canada
Airbag
BMW Canada is conducting a voluntary Safety Improvement Campaign concerning the driver's airbag inflator on certain vehicles equipped with Takata airbags. BMW will replace the driver's inflator on affected vehicles. This action is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Note: This special service campaign was replaced by recall 2015230. Please see recall 2015230 for more information: <a href="http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/7/VRDB-BDRV/search-recherche/detail.aspx?lang=eng&&rn=2015230">Click here for more information</a>
Recall 201429940,915 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the passenger (frontal) airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment during a crash where deployment is warranted, increasing the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will replace the passenger airbag. Note: This is an expansion of recall 2013148.
Recall 201132220,127 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
Certain vehicles may experience the loss of one or more rear lamp functions (tail, brake, turn signal) on the portion of the rear lamp assemblies that are mounted in the body (the portion of the lamps mounted on the trunk are not affected). Failure of any rear lamp function may result in the following road users being unaware of the driver's intentions, as well as reducing vehicle conspicuity during hours of darkness, which could increase the risk of a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will install an additional electrical ground connection to the rear lamp circuitry. Rear lamp function will be checked and, if necessary, further electrical repair may be necessary, including the replacement of the 8-pin connector housing.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 30 milesChatsworth, CACrash2 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
NEW DEFECTIVE BRAKE PADS CAUSED A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT WITH TOTAL LOSS OF THE VEHICLES INVOLVED. BRAKE PADS ARE CONTAMINATED AND EMBEDDED WITH A SLIPPERY SUBSTANCE. PADS ARE FROM PRIME CHOICE AUTO PARTS 42832 STATE ROUTE 12, ALEXANDRIA BAY, NY, 13607-2216 CAN YOU INVESTIGATE AND ANALYZE THE BRAKE PADS IN ORDER TO STOP THE SELLING OF DEFECTIVE AND DANGEROUS BRAKE PADS? I AM ABLE TO SHIP TO YOU A BRAKE PAD SAMPLE. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, BUT UNABLE TO STOP BEFORE TURNING ON A CITY STREET.
NHTSA complaint #11118862 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 204,000 milesEast Bethel, MNFire1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY STARTED ON FIRE AS MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING TO SCHOOL. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE, AND RESULTED IN THE CAR BEING TOTALED. THE 2004 MODELS NEED TO BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL (NOT THAT IT WILL HELP WITH THE LOSS OF MY CAR).
NHTSA complaint #11044451 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 74,000 milesOlathe, KSFire
SEATS
THE HEATING ELEMENT ON MY 2004 BMW X3 CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I DON'T USE IT OFTEN, BUT HAD NOTICED A HOT SMELL WHEN I DID USE IT AND THAT IT WOULD BE TOO WARM IN THE LUMBAR AND HIP REGION. THE FIRE ACTUALLY BURNED ABOUT A DIME SIZE HOLE IN THE DRIVER SIDE LEFT SEAT PANEL (UNDER THE THIGH). AFTER READING OF MANY OTHERS HAVING THE SAME OR WORSE EXPERIENCES, I AM GLAD I IMMEDIATELY SHUT IF OFF, ALTHOUGH IT STILL BURNED ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE LEATHER. PLEASE ADVISE ME OF NEXT STEPS I SHOULD TAKE. I HAVE SHUT OFF THE HEATER AND WILL NO LONGER USE IT. WITH SO MANY COMPLAINTS, I WOULD THINK THIS WOULD RESULT IN A RECALL. THANKS FOR YOUR ADVICE.
NHTSA complaint #10652062 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 74,000 milesOlathe, KSFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE HEATING ELEMENT ON MY 2004 BMW X3 CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I DON'T USE IT OFTEN, BUT HAD NOTICED A HOT SMELL WHEN I DID USE IT AND THAT IT WOULD BE TOO WARM IN THE LUMBAR AND HIP REGION. THE FIRE ACTUALLY BURNED ABOUT A DIME SIZE HOLE IN THE DRIVER SIDE LEFT SEAT PANEL (UNDER THE THIGH). AFTER READING OF MANY OTHERS HAVING THE SAME OR WORSE EXPERIENCES, I AM GLAD I IMMEDIATELY SHUT IF OFF, ALTHOUGH IT STILL BURNED ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE LEATHER. PLEASE ADVISE ME OF NEXT STEPS I SHOULD TAKE. I HAVE SHUT OFF THE HEATER AND WILL NO LONGER USE IT. WITH SO MANY COMPLAINTS, I WOULD THINK THIS WOULD RESULT IN A RECALL. THANKS FOR YOUR ADVICE.
NHTSA complaint #10652062 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 71,000 milesNEW Orleans, LAFire
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 330. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PLASTIC REFLECTOR BOWL USED FOR THE HEADLIGHTS WERE BURNED AND SCORCHED BY THE HEAT OF THE BULBS USED ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE COVERING BEFORE AND WITHIN A YEAR, IT BURNED THROUGH AGAIN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAND COVERING THAT WAS FAILING WAS THE ZKW BRAND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY THE DEALER OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 71,000.
NHTSA complaint #10410126 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 120,000 milesWhittier, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
HEADLAMP BULB OUT AND UPON REPLACEMENT IT WAS NOTED THE COATED WIRING TO THE XENON SYSTEM TO RIGHT AND LEFT HEADLIGHT IS BRITTLE (THE WIRES PLASTIC COATING IS FALLING OFF)AND IN SOME PLACES EXPOSED WIRING WAS FOUND. ELECTRICAL TAPE NEED TO WRAP THE WIRING TO AVOID POTENTIAL FIRE. LATE NOTICE TO THIS SITE I WAS UNAWARE TO FILE A REPORT. OTHERS ALSO HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THE SAME ISSUES.
NHTSA complaint #11190961 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30 milesChatsworth, CACrash2 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
NEW DEFECTIVE BRAKE PADS CAUSED A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT WITH TOTAL LOSS OF THE VEHICLES INVOLVED. BRAKE PADS ARE CONTAMINATED AND EMBEDDED WITH A SLIPPERY SUBSTANCE. PADS ARE FROM PRIME CHOICE AUTO PARTS 42832 STATE ROUTE 12, ALEXANDRIA BAY, NY, 13607-2216 CAN YOU INVESTIGATE AND ANALYZE THE BRAKE PADS IN ORDER TO STOP THE SELLING OF DEFECTIVE AND DANGEROUS BRAKE PADS? I AM ABLE TO SHIP TO YOU A BRAKE PAD SAMPLE. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, BUT UNABLE TO STOP BEFORE TURNING ON A CITY STREET.
NHTSA complaint #11118862 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesSAN Diego, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
VEHICLE ADAPTIVE XENON HEADLIGHT WIRING IS FAULTY . WIRE INSULATION IS CRACKING/DETERIORATING AND ENTIRE WIRES ARE BREAKING APART. SYMPTOMS START WITH FLICKERING XENON HEADLIGHT EVENTUALLY (ABOUT A WEEK LATER) STOPS WORKING AT ALL. VEHICLE IS MOVING OR STATIONARY, ENGINE ON. THE FAULTY WIRES ARE IN A WEATHER SEALED COMPARTMENT OF THE HEADLIGHT AND HAVE NEVER (TO MY KNOWLEDGE) EVEN BEEN UNSEALED/ACCESSED SINCE LEAVING THE FACTORY. THE ISSUE IS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, UNKNOWN IF IT IS ON THE DRIVER SIDE AS WELL. THE ATTACHED PHOTO SHOWS BACK SIDE OF THE HEADLIGHT HOUSING LOOKING DOWN, WITH THE WEATHER-SEALED COMPARTMENT OPEN. ALL EXPOSED WIRE IS AS A RESULT OF THE ISSUE, NOBODY HAS ACTIVELY CUT OR STRIPPED THE WIRES. PROBLEM FIRST NOTICED IN SEPT OF 2016, ATTEMPTS WERE MADE TO REPAIR BUT NOW IT HAS HAPPENED AGAIN, WORSE.
NHTSA complaint #11047229 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 204,000 milesEast Bethel, MNFire1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY STARTED ON FIRE AS MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING TO SCHOOL. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE, AND RESULTED IN THE CAR BEING TOTALED. THE 2004 MODELS NEED TO BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL (NOT THAT IT WILL HELP WITH THE LOSS OF MY CAR).
NHTSA complaint #11044451 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NHTSA complaint #10945043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greenbrae, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
HEADLIGHTS PROJECT ALMOST NO LIGHT. JUST PAID $130 TO HAVE LENSES CLEANED, NO IMPROVMENT. I THOUGHT IT WAS MY EYES AND COMPLAINED TO OPTHAMOLOGIST TWICE BUT MY EYES ARE OK. I'VE READ THT THE REFLECTOR BOWLS IN THIS MODEL MELT FROM THE HEAT OF THE BULB. I NEED TO REMEDY THIS SITUATION ASAP SO I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO WAIT FOR AN INVESTIGATION.
NHTSA complaint #10939058 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Roswell, GA
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL I RECEIVED A LETTER DATED JULY 2015 CONCERNING THE RECALL OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG. I CALLED MY LOCAL BMW ON 11/24/15 AND THEY SAID THEY PUT MY NAME ON THE LIST AND WOULD CALL ME WHEN THE REPLACEMENT CAME IN. I CALLED AGAIN ON 4/14/16 AND [XXX] SAID SHE WOULD CHECK TO MAKE SURE MY NAME IS ON THE LIST AND WOULD CALL ME BACK WHEN THE PARTS ARRIVED. IT'S BEEN A YEAR AND A HALF AND I HAVE NOT RECEIVED A CALL BACK. THIS IS SO CONCERNING TO ME AS THIS CAR IS MY MAIN MODE OF TRANSPORTATION AND I AM SO AFRAID I WILL HAVE A FRONT END COLLISION RESULTING IN DEATH OR DISMEMBERMENT. IF THAT SHOULD HAPPEN I OR MY ESTATE WILL MOST CERTAINLY SUE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10934783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hermosa Beach, CA
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL I RECEIVED A AIR BAG RECALL NOTICE FROM BMW IN JUNE 2015 AND ANOTHER RECALL NOTICE IN SEPTEMBER 2016.OVER A YEAR + I HAVE BEEN CALLING SOUTH BAY BMW IN TORRANCE CA. AND THEY KEEP ON TELLING ME THEY DO NOT HAVE THE PARTS YET. CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME..
NHTSA complaint #10915874 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cartersville, GA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
MY HEADLIGHTS ARE SO DIM AT NIGHT IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE WITHOUT HIGH BEAMS ON AT ALL TIMES. THE FOG LIGHTS ARE BRIGHTER THAN MY NEW HEADLIGHT BULBS. ONLY SOLUTION SEEMS TO REPLACE THE WHOLE ASSEMBLY BUT AFTER RESEARCHING THIS SEEMS TO BE AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH BMW SO WHY SHOULD I HAVE TO SPEND OVER 1500.00 WHEN THEY SHOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THEM WITH A RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10915585 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,000 milesDecatur, GA
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL. THIS COMPLAINT IS DUE TO THE SLOW RESPONSE OF NALLEY BMW IN DECATUR GEORGIA TO REPLACE MY AIRBAG. I RECEIVED MY RECALL LETTER AND IMMEDIATELY CALLED THE BMW DEALER ON SEPT 7TH. I WAS TOLD THAT PARTS WERE ORDERED AND I WOULD BE CALLED WHEN THEY ARRIVED. BY SEPT 16TH I HAD HEARD NOTHING AND CALLED AGAIN. NALLEY SAID THEY HAD NO RECORD OF MY HAVING ORDERED PARTS. I WAS TRANSFERRED TO THE PARTS DEPARTMENT WHERE NO ONE ANSWERED THE PHONE. SO I CALLED BMW NATIONAL CUSTOMER RELATIONS. THEY SAID THEY WOULD CONTACT THE DEALER AND HAVE THEM GET IN TOUCH WITH ME DIRECTLY. NOTHING HAPPENED, SO TODAY VISITED THE DEALER PERSONALLY TO GET THE PARTS ORDERED. I WAS TOLD IT WOULD TAKE AN ADDITIONAL TWO WEEKS TO RECEIVE PARTS. THIS IS UNACCEPTIBLE. MY RECALL LETTER FROM BMW CLEARLY STATES "WE HAVE THE NECESSARY PARTS TO COMPLETE THIS RECALL," "PLEASE CONTACT YOUR AUTHORIZED BMW CENTER IMMEDIATELY TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THIS IMPORTANT FREE RECALL PERFORMED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE," AND "...METAL FRAGMENTS STRIKING THE DRIVER OR OTHER PASSENGERS POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH." BMW HAS BUILT CARS WITH SHRAPNEL GRENADES INSTEAD OF AIRBAGS AND NOW THEY DON'T CARE ABOUT FIXING IT. BMW SHOULD NOT E ALLOWED TO SELL ANOTHER VEHICLE IN THE US UNTIL THEY HAVE COMPLETED ALL OF THESE CRITICAL RECALLS.
NHTSA complaint #10910699 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atlanta, GA
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL - NOTIFIED JULY 2015 - A YEAR AGO - ABOUT DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG, STILL NO PARTS AVAILABLE AND I LIVE IN ONE OF THE MOST HUMID STATES IN THE SOUTH. IT IS IRRESPONSIBLE AND RIDICULOUS THAT WE HAVE TO WAIT OVER A YEAR FOR PART REPLACEMENTS THAT IF RUPTURED, COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. BMW NORTH AMERICA WEBSITE STATES: REMEDY AVAILABLE BUT GLOBAL IMPORTS ATLANTA IS REPORTING THEY STILL DO NOT HAVE ANY REPLACEMENT DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAGS.
NHTSA complaint #10885914 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesChicago, IL
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL: IN JULY, 2015 I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM BMW (RECALL NOTICE 15V-318) STATING THAT MY DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG SHOULD BE REPLACED, BUT THAT THERE WAS NO REMEDY AVAILABLE AND I WOULD BE CONTACTED WHEN ONE IS. I'VE HAD A COUPLE OF SERVICE APPOINTMENTS AT MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP (PERILLO BMW IN CHICAGO) AND EACH TIME ASKED IF THERE WAS ANY UPDATE ON RESOLUTION AND EACH TIME I WAS EITHER REFERRED TO BMW'S CORPORATE CUSTOMER SERVICE OR POLITELY TOLD THAT THERE WAS NO UPDATE. I HAVE ALSO CALLED THE 1-800-525-7417 BMW SERVICE CENTER MULTIPLE TIMES OVER THE COURSE OF THE LAST YEAR, MOST RECENTLY TODAY (7/1/16), AND THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE. AT THIS POINT, I AM FRUSTRATED BY THE LACK OF RESOLUTION AND WOULD APPRECIATE ANY ASSISTANCE HELPING ME WITH THIS RECALL NOTICE. THANK YOU.
NHTSA complaint #10882125 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clayton, NC
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL. THE AIRBAG REPLACEMENT HAS NOT BEEN PERFORMED AS OF 04-25-16
NHTSA complaint #10861196 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Torrington, CT
AIR BAGS
IN JULY 2015 I RECEIVED A NOTICE OF RECALL CAMPAIGN NO. 15V-381: DRIVER SIDE FRONT AIR BAG MODULE. IT SAID IF DEPLOYED METAL FRAGMENTS COULD STRIKE THE DRIVER OR OTHER PASSENGERS CAUSING DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY. IT SAID I'D GET A 2ND LETTER WHEN THE PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. I'VE NEVER GOTTEN THE SECOND LETTER, AND WHEN I CALLED MY DEALER AT THE BEGINNING OF THIS MONTH TO SCHEDULE THE REPAIR THEY SAID THAT THE PARTS WERE STILL NOT AVAILABLE! THAT'S ALMOST A YEAR LATER. I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR BUT I HAVE NO CHOICE!
NHTSA complaint #10860267 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fairfield, CT
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 3 SERIES. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS); 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. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10851342 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Monroe, NY
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 3 SERIES. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. UPDATED 2/4/16 *CN UPDATED 02/16/16
NHTSA complaint #10812029 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 42,000 milesWoodside, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE POWER DOOR LOCK ON PASSENGER SIDE CANNOT BE UNLOCKED EITHER VIA REMOTE OR INSIDE BUTTON. WORSE, OFTEN WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE DOOR CANNOT BE OPENED EVEN BY PULLING ON THE HANDLE FROM THE INSIDE! A PASSENGER CANNOT GET OUT OF THE CAR VIA THE DOOR. FURTHERMORE, REPEATEDLY ATTEMPTS TO HAVE THIS FIXED ALL FAIL WITHIN A SHORT TIME.
NHTSA complaint #10780159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,000 milesLAS Vegas, NV
VISIBILITY/WIPER
HEADLIGHT REFLECTORS ON HID BEING BURNT THEREFORE NOT GIVING ENOUGH LIGHT WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH OWNERS OF THIS MODEL THAT HAS THE ZKW BRAND.
NHTSA complaint #10732847 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesSpring Green, WI
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
HEAD LIGHTS ARE VERY DIM. REFLECTORS ARE BURNED. HEADLIGHTS DO NOT PROJECT ON THE ROAD. CANNOT SEE AT NIGHT.
NHTSA complaint #10703876 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesQueens, NY
AIR BAGS
I DROVE MY CAR OVER A VERY MINUSCULE CRACK IN THE ROAD AT AN EXTREMELY LOW SPEED AS I WAS MAKING A TURN AND THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. THE CAR DID NOT HAVE A PASSENGER AT THE TIME BUT THE EXPLOSION OF THE AIRBAG SIMULTANEOUSLY BLOCKED MY VIEW OF THE RIGHT SIDE WINDOW WHILE I WAS MAKING A TURN, PUT ME INTO A STATE OF SHOCK AND CUT ALL POWER FROM MY CAR. I WAS VERY LUCKY TO HAVE BEEN THE ONLY PERSON IN THE CAR WHILE THIS HAPPENED AND I WAS ALSO FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO NOT HAVE CRASHED INTO ANYTHING WHILE MY LIFE WAS PUT IN SUCH SEVERE DANGER FROM THE STATE OF CHAOS THIS AIRBAG CAUSED. I CALLED BMW NORTH AMERICA AND THEY HAD STATED THAT EVEN THOUGH THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG MATCHING MY CAR'S VIN NUMBER, THEY SAID THAT THE RECALL ONLY COVERS THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AIRBAG AND NOT THE SIDE AIRBAG!
NHTSA complaint #10694898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesSAN Diego, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
ZKW HID XENON LOW BEAM REFLECTORS BURNT OR CORRODED CAUSING A SIGNIFICANT DECREASE IN LIGHT OUTPUT THAT BMW WANTS ~$3000 TO FIX. LIGHTS WERE A PREMIUM OPTION AND CANNOT BE CORRECTED BY XENON BULB REPLACEMENT. THE OUTPUT HAS DIMMED AS TO BE UNSAFE.
NHTSA complaint #10691116 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Midway City, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
THE VERY FIRST TIME I TRIED TO DRIVE THE CAR AT NIGHTTIME TO GO BACK HOME, MY WIFE AND KIDS WERE ON BOARD, AND WE WERE MORE THAN 200 MILES FROM HOME. AFTER I TURNED ON THE LOW-BEAM HEAD LAMPS AND STARTED ROLLING, I COULD BARELY SEE THE ROAD BECAUSE THE HEADLAMPS WERE NOT PROPERLY ILLUMINATING. I FLIPPED THE SWITCH SEVERAL TIMES TO NO AVAIL.' PUTTING LIVES AND PROPERTIES AT RISK, I CONTINUED DRIVING UNTIL WE GOT HOME, ALL THE WHILE DRIVING WITH THE HIGH-BEAM LAMPS ON AND APPARENTLY GETTING THE OTHERS DRIVERS ON THE ROAD FUMING. I TOOK THE CAR TO BOTH A LAMP-ADJUSTING STATION AND A BMW DEALER WHERE I WAS TOLD THE LAMPS COULD NEITHER BE ADJUSTED NOR THEIR BULBS MERELY REPLACED BECAUSE THE PROBLEM WAS THE REFLECTOR BOWLS WERE DEFECTIVE AND HAD LOST THEIR ABILITY TO PROJECT LIGHT PROPERLY. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT BOTH THAT THE REFLECTOR BOWLS COULD NOT BE REPLACED INDIVIDUALLY, AND THAT BOTH (LEFT AND RIGHT SIDES) ASSEMBLIES MUST BE REPLACED AT A TOTAL COST OF MORE THAN $2000.00. MANY POSTERS IN THE BMW FORUMS HAVE VOICED OUT EXACTLY THE SAME PROBLEMS, AND I WISH THAT ALL WOULD FILE A COMPLAINT TO NHTSA. I NEVER DROVE THIS CAR AGAIN AT NIGHT UNTIL I HAD ? IN AUGUST 2014 ? PURCHASED AND FINALLY RECEIVED AND INSTALLED THE HEAD LAMPS ASSEMBLIES IN OCTOBER 2014. I HAVE IN MY POSSESSION THE HEADLAMP ADJUSTING STATION'S INVOICE AND RECOMMENDATION PLUS THE RECEIPT AND INVOICE FOR THE NEW HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES THAT HAD TO BE SPECIALLY ORDERED FROM GERMANY. ON NOVEMBER 17, 2014, BY CERTIFIED MAIL, I SENT BMW OF NORTH AMERICA MY REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT, BUT I HAVE YET TO RECEIVE A RESPONSE. DUE TO THIS DEFECT WHICH AFFECTS SAFETY, I STRONGLY AND RESPECTFULLY SUGGEST THAT A RECALL BE ISSUED ON THIS BMW MODEL, OR SOME SORT OF DIRECTIVE BE ISSUED FOR BMW TO REIMBURSE THOSE OWNERS 'SUCH AS I' WHO HAD ALREADY REPLACED THEIR LAMP ASSEMBLIES AT THEIR OWN EXPENSE.
NHTSA complaint #10680367 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cape Coral, FL
SEAT BELTS
I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE DATED SEPTEMBER 2014 FROM BMW REGARDING A DEFECT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG. I CALLED MY LOCAL DEALER IN FT MYERS FL ON 10/28/14 TO SET UP AN APPOINTMENT TO GET THE REPAIR DONE. I WAS TOLD THE PART WAS OUT OF STOCK AND ASKED TO LEAVE MY NAME AND PHONE NUMBER AND I WOULD RECEIVE A CALL WHEN IT BECAME AVAILABLE. SINCE I DID NOT HEAR FROM THE DEALER I DECIDED TO FOLLOW UP AND CALLED THEM ON JANUARY 8, 2015. I WAS TOLD THE PART WAS OUT OF STOCK. THE WOMAN SAID THEY ONLY RECEIVE SMALL QUANTITIES AT A TIME. AGAIN, I WAS ASKED TO LEAVE MY NAME AND PHONE NUMBER AND WOULD BE CALLED WHEN THE PART WAS RESTOCKED. HOW CAN BMW SEND OUT A RECALL NOTICE ASKING YOU TO CALL IMMEDIATELY TO HAVE THE NECESSARY REPAIR PERFORMED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE WHEN THEY DON'T SUPPLY THE DEALER WITH THE PART? I EXPECTED MORE FROM BMW. I CERTAINLY HOPE THEY DO SOMETHING TO RECTIFY THE PROBLEM AND EXPEDITE THE REPAIR!
NHTSA complaint #10671452 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cape Coral, FL
AIR BAGS
I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE DATED SEPTEMBER 2014 FROM BMW REGARDING A DEFECT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG. I CALLED MY LOCAL DEALER IN FT MYERS FL ON 10/28/14 TO SET UP AN APPOINTMENT TO GET THE REPAIR DONE. I WAS TOLD THE PART WAS OUT OF STOCK AND ASKED TO LEAVE MY NAME AND PHONE NUMBER AND I WOULD RECEIVE A CALL WHEN IT BECAME AVAILABLE. SINCE I DID NOT HEAR FROM THE DEALER I DECIDED TO FOLLOW UP AND CALLED THEM ON JANUARY 8, 2015. I WAS TOLD THE PART WAS OUT OF STOCK. THE WOMAN SAID THEY ONLY RECEIVE SMALL QUANTITIES AT A TIME. AGAIN, I WAS ASKED TO LEAVE MY NAME AND PHONE NUMBER AND WOULD BE CALLED WHEN THE PART WAS RESTOCKED. HOW CAN BMW SEND OUT A RECALL NOTICE ASKING YOU TO CALL IMMEDIATELY TO HAVE THE NECESSARY REPAIR PERFORMED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE WHEN THEY DON'T SUPPLY THE DEALER WITH THE PART? I EXPECTED MORE FROM BMW. I CERTAINLY HOPE THEY DO SOMETHING TO RECTIFY THE PROBLEM AND EXPEDITE THE REPAIR!
NHTSA complaint #10671452 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 128,000 milesUnion City, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I WAS NOT ABLE TO UNLOCK MY CAR WITH MY CAR KEY. I WAS ABLE TO HEAR THE CLICK SOUND ON PRESSING THE UNLOCK BUTTON ON THE KEY BUT NOTHING WAS HAPPENING. AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES CAR GOT UNLOCKED. NOW I'M HAVING THIS PROBLEM ON/OFF BASIS. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE LOCAL BMW DEALER. AFTER DIAGNOSE THEY SAID I HAVE A FAILED GENERAL MODULE WHICH WILL COST ME AROUND $1000. THIS IS WAY TOO MUCH FOR CAR FOR IT'S TOTAL VALUE OF AROUND $7000. THIS IS SCARY SINCE I'M NOT ABLE TO TRUST THE LOCKING SYSTEM ON MY CAR. SOMETIME I'M NOT ABLE TO LOCK AT ALL AND AT SOMETIME I'M NOT ABLE TO UNLOCK ANYTHING.
NHTSA complaint #10671485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.