Owners have filed 799 complaints
about the 2011 BMW 328I with NHTSA between 2011 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 15 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 — 100
Against the median year of the BMW 328I. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 58
11.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 26
15% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Crankcase (Pcv)
924.3%
Body
924.3%
Occupant Classification
513.5%
Front Underhood
513.5%
Front Passenger
38.1%
Crank/Camshaft Position Sensor
25.4%
Fan/Motor
25.4%
Engine
25.4%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
154.1%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
92.5%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
133.6%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
4512.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
6016.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
7219.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
11330.9%
150,000+ miles
3910.7%
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.
Oct 2011peak 29Aug 2026
Recalls on the 2011 BMW 328I
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
24V513000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
20V017000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
17V683000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Risk: An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
17V676000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi and M3, 2007-2011 328i xDrive, 335i xDrive and 335is and 2009-2011 335d vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors for the system that controls air flow for the heating and air conditioning system may overheat.
Risk: Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.
14V176000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 128i Coupe, 128i Convertible, 328i Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 328i Coupe, 328i Convertible, 328i Sports Wagon and Z4 sDrive 30i, 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 135i Convertible, 335i Sedan, X5 xDrive 35i, and X6 xDrive 35i, 2011 335i xDrive Sedan, 335i Coupe, 335i Convertible, 528i Sedan, 535i Sedan, 535i xDrive Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, and X3 xDrive 35i, 2010 X3 xDrive 30i, and X5 xDrive 30i, 2012 640i Coupe, and 640i Convertible and 2010-2012 535i Gran Turismo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and may possibly break.
Risk: If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
13V044000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011. In February 2013, BMW recalled 504,545 vehicles. In July 2013, BMW informed the agency that it was adding 1-Series, 3-Series, and Z4 vehicles, representing an additional 12,094 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 516,791. 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.
Risk: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
11V476000
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 328I XDRIVE AND 335I XDRIVE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 8, 2011, THROUGH JULY 29, 2011. THE FRONT DRIVESHAFT ATTACHMENT BOLTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATION. IF THE BOLTS WERE NOT TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATION, THEY MAY BECOME LOOSE.
Risk: IF THE BOLTS LOOSEN, IT COULD LEAD TO A LOSS OF POWER TO THE FRONT WHEELS AND ULTIMATELY A VEHICLE BREAKDOWN, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 120,000 milesMt Airy, NCFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owned a 2011 BMW 328i x Drive. The contact stated her son was driving home from a friend's house and refueling the vehicle. The contact stated when the son parked the vehicle at the residence, the son noticed smoke was coming from the front of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The son attempted to open the hood of the vehicle but saw flames coming from the front hood of the vehicle. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. A report was filed by the fire department. No one was injured during the fire and the vehicle was destroyed. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) as a possible solution. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000
NHTSA complaint #11576542 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Warrenville, ILCrash
STEERING
I got up to leave my house and entered my vehicle and proceeded to start my car. I started it and moved the gear shift so that I can reverse out my driveway. With my foot on the brake I attempted to put the car in reverse and soon as I took the car out of park, my car accelerated forward and the brakes completely locked up. It accelerated so hard and fast that it broke through my gate and knocked down my other gate. I turned the car off when it accelerated because the brakes locked and even with the power off the car accelerated. There is no possible way my foot was on the gas because I was pulled in my driveway facing my house and had that been the case I would’ve went backwards not forward. The very second I took the car out of park it accelerated forward and would not stop. Luckily I thought to turn it off as a last resort and even then it continued to accelerate and knock down my second gate as well. I was very scared and as a safety precaution, I will no longer drive the car. Had I been anywhere but home this could’ve caused serious injury to myself or others and had it been parked a few feet over it would’ve accelerated into my living room where my son was sitting.
NHTSA complaint #11571775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Warrenville, ILCrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I got up to leave my house and entered my vehicle and proceeded to start my car. I started it and moved the gear shift so that I can reverse out my driveway. With my foot on the brake I attempted to put the car in reverse and soon as I took the car out of park, my car accelerated forward and the brakes completely locked up. It accelerated so hard and fast that it broke through my gate and knocked down my other gate. I turned the car off when it accelerated because the brakes locked and even with the power off the car accelerated. There is no possible way my foot was on the gas because I was pulled in my driveway facing my house and had that been the case I would’ve went backwards not forward. The very second I took the car out of park it accelerated forward and would not stop. Luckily I thought to turn it off as a last resort and even then it continued to accelerate and knock down my second gate as well. I was very scared and as a safety precaution, I will no longer drive the car. Had I been anywhere but home this could’ve caused serious injury to myself or others and had it been parked a few feet over it would’ve accelerated into my living room where my son was sitting.
NHTSA complaint #11571775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Warrenville, ILCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
I got up to leave my house and entered my vehicle and proceeded to start my car. I started it and moved the gear shift so that I can reverse out my driveway. With my foot on the brake I attempted to put the car in reverse and soon as I took the car out of park, my car accelerated forward and the brakes completely locked up. It accelerated so hard and fast that it broke through my gate and knocked down my other gate. I turned the car off when it accelerated because the brakes locked and even with the power off the car accelerated. There is no possible way my foot was on the gas because I was pulled in my driveway facing my house and had that been the case I would’ve went backwards not forward. The very second I took the car out of park it accelerated forward and would not stop. Luckily I thought to turn it off as a last resort and even then it continued to accelerate and knock down my second gate as well. I was very scared and as a safety precaution, I will no longer drive the car. Had I been anywhere but home this could’ve caused serious injury to myself or others and had it been parked a few feet over it would’ve accelerated into my living room where my son was sitting.
NHTSA complaint #11571775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesFort Washington, MDFire
ENGINE
The contact owned a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact stated that the vehicle was at an independent mechanic having minor body repairs completed; however, while the vehicle was being test driven, the engine caught on fire. The independent mechanic extinguished the fire. The contact was no Police or Fire Department report filed. The contact reported the failure to the dealer. The dealer informed the contact that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The dealer informed the contact that the VIN was included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and deemed the vehicle a total loss. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
NHTSA complaint #11570976 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesDanbury, CTFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owned a 2011 BMW 328i. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact's son noticed smoke coming from underneath the hood. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact's son exited the vehicle. The engine exploded and caught on fire. The fire department extinguished the fire. There were no injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The vehicle was deemed totaled by the insurance. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #11520019 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Chester, PA
ENGINE
I believe my car is effected by the active bmw recall NHTSA Campaign 23V-707. I have called bmw and gave them my vin number and was rudely rushed off the phone being told my car has no active recalls. I have done a ton of research and the car sounds just like every other car effected by this recall. The car starts and idles fine initially but as soon as it drops to normal idle rpms it makes a loud clanking noise and vibrates really bad. When i go into the engine bay i hear the noise coming directly from the vanos area. The car had one code which was 2a7c before the noise. I cleared the code it has not come back but the noise is still there and therefore the vehicle is unsafe to drive. It feels and sounds like if i drive this car on public roads something catastrophic will happen. I believe that my vehicle should be covered under this recall even though they are saying my vin has no outstanding recalls. This is literally the same exact issue for the recall in the first place and it would be amazing if they could help me out.
NHTSA complaint #11757230 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FT Washington, MD
ENGINE
I brought my vehicle to an authorized dealer for three open safety recalls. Two were performed at no charge. The third, the VANOS adjustment unit screw connection recall, was not performed. The dealer stated in writing on the repair order that the vehicle has a broken valve cover bolt, that the valve cover will not seal properly, and that a new valve cover is recommended to complete the recall. They quoted $1,077.43 for a valve cover as a customer-pay repair and stated the recall could not be completed until that was done. I declined the valve cover. The recall was not performed. The bolt is not broken and the valve cover is not broken. The threads in the cylinder head bolt boss are stripped, and a larger bolt was installed that holds. There is no oil leak. A new valve cover would thread into the same stripped hole in the cylinder head and would not repair the damaged threads. The dealer's proposed repair does not address the condition they described. The manufacturer's dealer bulletin for this recall lists a cylinder head cover profile seal as a recall part and does not list a valve cover in any parts list. The remedy requires removing the cylinder head cover regardless. I left without signing the repair order. The recall remains open. I am reporting that a free safety recall remedy was conditioned on a customer-pay repair. The dealer could have performed the recall, documented the pre-existing thread damage on the repair order, noted that the customer was advised and declined the valve cover, and disclaimed responsibility for any future seepage at the cover. I would have accepted that. Instead they performed neither the recall nor any repair, and left a federal safety recall open.
NHTSA complaint #11751109 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 157,637 milesWalnut Creek, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the low oil pressure warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the VANOS bolts had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact related the failure to TSB Number: SIB 11 04 14. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was covered under the TSB. The failure mileage was approximately 157,637.
NHTSA complaint #11727018 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesEast St Louis,, IL
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving on the streets and the highway, the vehicle lost automotive power. There were no warning lights illuminated at the time of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked unexpectedly, stalled, and failed to accelerate over 30 MPH. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The mechanic referred the contact to the dealer for further assistance and stated that the failure could be related to a recall. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure started after the vehicle was repaired under an air bag recall by the dealer, and the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #11722916 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 133,000 milesLancaster, CA
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a burning odor coming from the vehicle. The odor was more prominent while the vehicle was idling. The RPM fluctuated while idling, causing the vehicle to stall. The contact would depress the brake pedal, place the vehicle in neutral, turn off, and restart the vehicle to accelerate and continue driving. The air bag warning light was illuminated, and the message, "Check Engine Soon," was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, and a diagnostic code was retrieved for Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) failure; however, no repairs were completed. The contact completed some research and learned that the failure could be occurring due to air entering the brake lines. The contact also found information about NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer, diagnosed, or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.
NHTSA complaint #11723007 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mountain View, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel Pump Control Module and Fuel Pump Failed at highway speeds. There was a notification warning for a failed fuel pump and then the engine shut down and stalled at highway speeds within seconds.
NHTSA complaint #11721526 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pittsburgh, PA
ENGINE
> While driving the car, low oil pressure indicator came on and within less than a mile later there was a sudden loss of power, engine stalled and then would not start again, requiring vehicle to be towed off the road and to a repair garage. Yes, vehicle is available for inspection upon request. >Vehicle was immobile on the road putting driver of vehicle and other vehicles on the road at risk of accident and injury. > Attached documentation reviews the issue. > Vehicle originally inspected by non-dealership garage that strongly recommended the vehicle be evaluated by BMW. Vehicle was towed to and inspected by BMW Sewickley [XXX] . BMW states not covered under Vanos recall. >Only immediately prior to stall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11720328 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pittsburgh, PA
ENGINE
> While driving the car, the low oil pressure indicator came on, and within less than a mile later there was a sudden loss of power, engine stalled and then would not start again, requiring the vehicle to be towed off the road and to a repair garage. > Vehicle was immobile on the road putting driver of this vehicle and other vehicles on the road at risk of an accident and injury. > Vehicle originally inspected by non-dealership garage that strongly recommended the vehicle be evaluated by BMW. Vehicle was towed to and has been inspected by BMW Sewickley [XXX] . > Only immediately prior to stall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11719240 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port Hueneme, CA
ENGINE
Engine lost all oil pressure, smoke came through vents with the smell of burnt oil. Engine stalled, intake camshaft no longer moves when the engine is trying to turn over. Vanos system failed.
NHTSA complaint #11714100 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oak Creek, WI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The power cable to my battery needed to be replaced from the front to the rear. This seems like the recall NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 13V044000 but my car was not listed for it.
NHTSA complaint #11713877 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesIndian Orchard, MA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle hesitated and stalled. The vehicle was restarted several times but continually stalled. The vehicle was later towed to the residence. The contact examined the engine and discovered metal shavings in the VANOS solenoid engine oil. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #11705161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 91,000 milesWestmont, IL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed an abnormal dinging sound coming from underneath the hood. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a detached VANOS bolt. The contact was informed that the failure was due to unrepaired recall NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The recall repair was performed. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that when the vehicle was released to the contact, the contact stated that the vehicle was shaking violently, and the RPM was fluctuating. In addition, the engine shut off while idling. The contact stated that the failure occurred before leaving the dealer. The dealer requested that the vehicle remain at the dealer for inspection. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer the following day. The vehicle was inspected, and the contact was informed that the failure was not related to the recall. The contact was requested to provide a diagnostic fee for further diagnostic tests and the contact declined. The contact stated that the vehicle was in worse condition after the recall repair was performed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 91,000.
NHTSA complaint #11702719 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
American Falls, ID
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Footwell module (FRM) module went out after negative battery disconnect to change fuse. Module being inoperable is causing windows to not operate,interior lighting not working, headlights stay dim (not good for nightime driving), blinkers inoperable (not good for driving with windows not working- no arm signals), dash light also inoperable.
NHTSA complaint #11699451 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
American Falls, ID
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Footwell module (FRM) module went out after negative battery disconnect to change fuse. Module being inoperable is causing windows to not operate,interior lighting not working, headlights stay dim (not good for nightime driving), blinkers inoperable (not good for driving with windows not working- no arm signals), dash light also inoperable.
NHTSA complaint #11699451 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
American Falls, ID
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Footwell module (FRM) module went out after negative battery disconnect to change fuse. Module being inoperable is causing windows to not operate,interior lighting not working, headlights stay dim (not good for nightime driving), blinkers inoperable (not good for driving with windows not working- no arm signals), dash light also inoperable.
NHTSA complaint #11699451 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Antonio, TX
STRUCTURE:BODY
Door handle plastics are disintegrating in to a soft sticky matter. Please advice as this seem to a poor decision on the type of material need in the door handles.
NHTSA complaint #11694622 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 126,657 milesLauderhill, FL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The recall repair was completed; however, on the drive home after the vehicle was retrieved, while driving 60 MPH, the engine seized. The contact stated that the vehicle was sluggish and hesitated before stalling in the middle lane of the highway. The oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, and after several attempts, the vehicle failed to restart. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was determined that the incorrect oil filter was installed on the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired. The contact towed the vehicle back to the residence. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered the contact a 10% discount on a new engine. The failure mileage was 126,657.
NHTSA complaint #11691679 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 134,184 milesLas Cruces, NM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact had received various unknown notifications of NHTSA recalls. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the vehicle was repaired. The contact stopped by the dealer to pick up the vehicle, and when the vehicle was started, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that the vehicle was idling abnormally. The contact left the vehicle at the dealer. The contact believed that the dealer had damaged the vehicle. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle had other issues that the contact needed to repair for the dealer to repair the vehicle again. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 134,184.
NHTSA complaint #11687727 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Spokane, WA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11668656 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 116,000 milesAuburn, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the electrical system failed to function as intended. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle eventually started; however, the failure occurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and transferred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V044000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.
NHTSA complaint #11662192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 106,000 milesArlington, VA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and attempting to slow down, the vehicle started to jerk abnormally, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer and was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the camshaft adjusting unit was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 106,000.
NHTSA complaint #11659754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 106,000 milesArlington, VA
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and attempting to slow down, the vehicle started to jerk abnormally, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer and was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the camshaft adjusting unit was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 106,000.
NHTSA complaint #11659754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Metairie, LA
AIR BAGS
RE: Recall on 2011 328i Vin# [XXX] I drove the car to run an errand, car was running ok but had a miss. During my drive home, the car stalled. I had to quickly coast to a parking lot in order not to get hit by the car behind me. I tried to restart the car, but it acted as if it needed a jump. Tried to jump the car but it turned over slowly without starting. Ended up getting it towed to Metairie very early the next morning, due to parades. Had a friend of mine, a BMW shop owner, take a look at the car. He told me that he found out that it had a few recalls and he thought that may be the problem. I spoke with a service advisor at BMW dealer that checked the vin and said the recalls would be taken care of along with anything it caused. I made the appointment and had it towed to BMW dea;er. I was assigned to Erin C, Service Advisor, when I made my appointment. My appointment was for 7:30 AM on the 28th of March. I heard from Erin at 4:30 that afternoon with an update. She told me that I had a seized engine and it was going to cost ten thousand or more to replace the engine. I asked if the recall was done on it, because the recall stated that one of the indicators of the Vanos issue was that it would not start any more. I also found information saying that stalling, engine seizing, and oil starvation can be dangerously caused by the recall. Erin stated that they would take the valve cover off to confirm. Didn’t hear from her on Friday, or over the weekend. I got her on the phone Monday evening at 5:30 PM. Erin told me the same information that after they took off the valve cover and videoed it (have not seen that video yet). That my engine was seized. She assured me that they hooked up the car to communicate with the engineers who confirmed, from all the evidence, that the engine seizing was not caused by the recall but lack of oil circulation. If she had a diagnostic done on the car, she had not shared any codes found with me at this INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATIO
NHTSA complaint #11657961 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Metairie, LA
ENGINE
RE: Recall on 2011 328i Vin# [XXX] I drove the car to run an errand, car was running ok but had a miss. During my drive home, the car stalled. I had to quickly coast to a parking lot in order not to get hit by the car behind me. I tried to restart the car, but it acted as if it needed a jump. Tried to jump the car but it turned over slowly without starting. Ended up getting it towed to Metairie very early the next morning, due to parades. Had a friend of mine, a BMW shop owner, take a look at the car. He told me that he found out that it had a few recalls and he thought that may be the problem. I spoke with a service advisor at BMW dealer that checked the vin and said the recalls would be taken care of along with anything it caused. I made the appointment and had it towed to BMW dea;er. I was assigned to Erin C, Service Advisor, when I made my appointment. My appointment was for 7:30 AM on the 28th of March. I heard from Erin at 4:30 that afternoon with an update. She told me that I had a seized engine and it was going to cost ten thousand or more to replace the engine. I asked if the recall was done on it, because the recall stated that one of the indicators of the Vanos issue was that it would not start any more. I also found information saying that stalling, engine seizing, and oil starvation can be dangerously caused by the recall. Erin stated that they would take the valve cover off to confirm. Didn’t hear from her on Friday, or over the weekend. I got her on the phone Monday evening at 5:30 PM. Erin told me the same information that after they took off the valve cover and videoed it (have not seen that video yet). That my engine was seized. She assured me that they hooked up the car to communicate with the engineers who confirmed, from all the evidence, that the engine seizing was not caused by the recall but lack of oil circulation. If she had a diagnostic done on the car, she had not shared any codes found with me at this INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATIO
NHTSA complaint #11657961 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 240,000 milesAnnville, KY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328i. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. The contact stated that upon returning to pick up the vehicle, he was informed that the vehicle would no longer start, requiring the vehicle to be towed back to the residence. The dealer diagnosed a failure with the VANOS solenoid. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the recall repair, and the dealer seemed to concur with the sentiments but had not provided any further assistance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 240,000.
NHTSA complaint #11653678 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.