149 of the
3,777 complaints filed about the BMW 328I
are about the fuel system —
4% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2009.
On XXX, while driving on Interstate XXX with my family near [XXX], the engine shut off and the vehicle lost all power. The event was preceded by a "Reduced Power" error displayed on the dashboard. Traffic was moderate and I was able to pull over to the right shoulder. The engine shutting off while on an interstate highway is obviously quite dangerous. After waiting for a few minutes I was able to restart the car and continue travel. I took my vehicle to a mechanic and several potentially relevant codes were found: 110001: Cylinder injection shutdown: pressure too low in high pressure system 11A002: Fuel high pressure, plausibility: pressure too low 481B03: EKPS control current too low Review of the issue and codes with the mechanic and internet forums indicates the fuel pump control module (EKPS) is failing. This can be exacerbated by hot weather. A failing EKPS can cause sudden stalling at any time, including at highway speeds, making the vehicle unsafe to drive until repaired. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11754958 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When the fuel gauge reads 1/4 of a tank or less the car stalls sporadically and comes to a jerking stop. This causes the cars behind us to either slam on their brakes or swerve to avoid hitting us. We reported this to our local BMW dealer and were told this is a known issue on many models, including ours. However, our car was not included in the existing recalls, so we could either pay for a diagnostic test and the fix OR keep the tank filled. Existing recalls involved the following: In-tank fuel tank sensor getting stuck In-tank fuel line incorrectly attached In-tank fuel pump wires crimped Improper nickel plating within fuel pump Engine control unit software failure
NHTSA complaint #11752072 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The engine intake tract, PCV infrastructure, and the main lower engine wiring harness loom failed due to improper reassembly during Federal Safety Recall 24V-608. The technician left the main intake coupler completely loose and spinning freely by hand, and left the MAF sensor crooked. This introduced a massive unmetered air leak and severe vacuum leaks. Simultaneously, the technician over-tensioned, pinched, or damaged the Cylinder 2 wiring loom components. The vehicle is currently parked dead and untouched at my residence, and it is 100% available for immediate federal or corporate inspection.The unsealed intake tract and damaged wiring harness caused the engine to run dangerously lean at highway speeds. This resulted in sudden, violent engine shuttering, rapid deceleration, severe mechanical engine knocking, and a terminal Cylinder 2 misfire. This component failure caused an immediate loss of vehicle propulsion on a high-speed public highway, creating an extreme risk of a high-speed collision and leaving the vehicle completely disabled. The issue has not yet been physically inspected by a third party because the vehicle is unsafe to drive. I went to the originating dealer (BMW of Henderson) in person on July 16, 2026, to coordinate a safety re-inspection under an active BMW North America Corporate Case. Dealership management actively obstructed the safety process, gave technically impossible justifications regarding the recall execution, and flatly refused to dispatch a complimentary flatbed tow. They attempted to hold the safety re-inspection hostage behind out-of-pocket customer towing costs and upfront retail diagnostic fees. There were 0 mechanical warnings or symptoms prior to the recall. The vehicle was meticulously maintained with 5,000-mile oil changes and a perfectly tight timing chain. The severe drivetrain malfunction warnings, violent front-end shaking, and terminal engine knocking appeared after picking up my car.
NHTSA complaint #11751142 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I Was In My Vehicle Parked Up On January 1st 2026 And The Vehicle Caught On Fire While I Was Inside Of It,The Fire Started From The Right Side Of The Car And Flamed Up Everything,The Car Had A Check Engine Light On And A Lightning System Issue Was Popping Up On The Dash Right Before This Situation Accord I Did Research And Found That The Cause Of The Fire Is Related To NHTSA Recall 24V-608 (Water Pump/Connector Fire Risk).
NHTSA complaint #11737824 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2010 bmw 328i xdrive: Had in for recall PCV 1/08/2025. This vehicle has had a prior recall for same issue before i owned in 2014. Motorwerks BMW failed to complete recall, as parts and repair bulletin from BMW OF AMERICA has parts list. Motorwerks just CHOSE to put items, subtitled under other services/self pay. When I asked about this they responded that CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY ....as build date put it a year out? A RECALL IS A RECALL ITS FOREVER, OR THE LIFE OF CAR. not when they the dealer/shop and BMW right? i have filed and called and complained to numerous places including NCDS, BMW of AMERICA and have gotten no traction or reasonable response. Now I'm having VANOS related issues, serious issues, but no recall listed?, even though the year and style and build date put it in parameters of SAFETY RECALL not just manufacture voluntary recall.
NHTSA complaint #11722638 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, an unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a hole on top of the fuel tank. The contact was informed that the fuel tank needed to be replaced. In addition, the contact was informed that the failure was a known failure with the vehicle. The contact stated that the manufacturer had previously initiated an extended warranty coverage for similar vehicles; however, the repair was not covered under the Extended Warranty. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 56,910.
NHTSA complaint #11713400 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On November 17, 2025, my 2015 BMW 328i (VIN: [XXX] ) caught fire while parked, locked, and turned off inside my enclosed residential garage in Irvine, California. The vehicle had been parked for approximately 90 minutes prior to the incident. No flammable materials were stored in or around the vehicle. Responding police and fire personnel identified the vehicle itself as the source of the fire, with ignition originating in the engine bay. The building’s fire sprinkler system activated, and residents were evacuated due to smoke and fire conditions. No injuries occurred, but the incident posed a serious risk to life and property due to the residential setting. The vehicle was a total loss. While the exact technical cause of ignition could not be determined at the scene, first responders confirmed that the fire originated within the vehicle’s engine compartment. BMW of North America was notified of the incident and represented that an inspection would be coordinated. I remained in contact with all involved parties and relied on BMW’s stated intent to contact the tow facility directly to arrange inspection. Despite this, BMW did not make contact with the tow company prior to the vehicle’s disposal. After the vehicle had already been sold by the tow yard, BMW indicated that coordination had not occurred and that inspection was no longer possible, resulting in loss of physical evidence. This complaint is submitted due to concern regarding a vehicle fire occurring while the vehicle was not in operation, inside a residential structure, and due to the manufacturer’s handling of the matter in a way that prevented timely inspection and meaningful safety review despite early notification and cooperation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11711412 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Car running lean oil leak getting hot,loss of power,jolting forward also my car has been in dealership shop for 2 years I'm being charged for services I know weren't done,overcharged,and my car still isn't fixed also the service manager told me he was aware of the recalls,when I told him to this was 4 days ago,however my car is being withheld from me,recalls have been known if it's been two yrs,they filed a lien June of last year I opposed it and they never responded back! My car still sits there causing injury to my livilyhood I've missed almost 1year of work I live in the Sierra's where it snows I can't get to work with no car!
NHTSA complaint #11682618 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Engine coolant pump recall (August 2024) with no remedy to this day. Has caused major smoking issues from exhaust and engine. The turbocharger has been affected and deemed inoperable. Fluid leaks from chassis and engine bay. The car is inoperable. Prior to being unable to drive I was experiencing transmission issues, went for a few repairs but would experience the car coming to a complete stop on its own at highway speeds. Experienced this on the bridge, being left stuck and almost causing a wreck. Made the bridge very unsafe for others. I had a “drive train malfunction” warning& check engine light that I thought was fixed with multiple mechanic trips but problems have only gotten worse. No inspections have been done in regards to the recall. The car has sat unable to drive for 2 full months now.
NHTSA complaint #11668307 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 328i. The contact stated that while coming to a stop, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. 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 dealer was not contacted. 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 failure. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11665821 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 328I. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with a fuel pressure low warning message displayed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System ); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer confirmed that parts were not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000. VIN tool confirms part not available.
NHTSA complaint #11654185 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dear NHTSA, I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious safety issue with my [Your BMW Model & Year]. My vehicle was recalled due to an issue with the engine coolant pump, which could lead to a short circuit and, in rare cases, a fire. •The recall was issued over a month ago, but BMW has not provided a solution or a repair date. •On March 26th, 2025, I visited an authorized BMW service center for an oil change and to address the recall, but they informed me that the necessary parts were not available and gave no timeline for the repair. •For the past three weeks, white smoke has been coming from the hood, and there is a noticeable burning smell. •I have a video documenting this issue. •My vehicle is in active use, and the problem is getting worse daily, increasing the risk of engine failure or fire. BMW’s delay in addressing this recall is putting my safety and the safety of others at risk. I request immediate action to ensure that BMW prioritizes this repair and prevents further damage to my vehicle. I would appreciate your urgent attention to this matter. Please let me know how I can proceed with this complaint. Best regards, Name: [XXX] Phone: [XXX] Vin Number : [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11650665 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE COOLANT PUMP: The electrical connector of the engine coolant pump could become damaged. Small drops of liquid from the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system could drip down onto the electrical connector of the pump. Safety Risk Over time, this could lead to a short circuit and, in rare cases, a thermal event or a fire. We took it to a car shop and they charged us over $800 fixing something else that was not the issue. We haven’t been able to drive this car for months and it has caused tremendous inconveniences.
NHTSA complaint #11635825 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL TANK LEAKS GASOLINE. an alarming amount of fuel leaks and this is an issue that seams common among BMW F30 chasis. In my case when my car is ful tank it starts dripping fuel, visible. the problem seems to be a seal that is made to flex but with time that seal fails and creates a fire hazard due to high volatile fumes and liquid gas leakage. I was able to notice as I parked my car when arriving home due to the strong smell of fuel. -The issue is reproducible. -On the safety side, it puts a risk of Fire. -The vehicle unfortunately has not been inspected by police or insurance -There is an error code un the computer of the vehicle that has to do with detection of fuel leakage.
NHTSA complaint #11630651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328i. The contact stated while parking the vehicle, a parking lot attendant advised the contact that the vehicle could not be parked in the lot because fuel was leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed fuel injection system. The contact was informed that the fuel injection system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer advised the contact not to drive the vehicle because the vehicle was unsafe to drive due to the significant fuel leak that could cause a fire. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 113,439.
NHTSA complaint #11623593 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I purchased the vehicle with no issues upon driving the vehicle for about 3 months i started having issues with the vehicle overheating and low coolant warning messages one day i was driving home and the engine suddenly started smoking i turned the vehicle off and opened the hood the vehicle had not started ever since. i realized the vehicle has a recall for the engine coolant pump doing further research made me realize a faulty engine coolant pump can cause engine failure by overheating the engine, which can lead to serious damage.
NHTSA complaint #11615074 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.