278 of the 1,136 complaints filed about the BMW 335I are about the fuel system — 24% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2007.
278
Complaints
24%
Share of all complaints
5
Crashes
1
Fires
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The car died without warning on highway. Lost control because of no power. Car was towed. no codes found. Car died again on highway, lost control no power to brakes and steering. Car was hit trying to got off into breakdown lane. High pressure fuel pump no good.
NHTSA complaint #11718453 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
SUBJECT: Catastrophic Steering Failure and Erroneous Safety Recall Notification - 2014 BMW 335i 105,000 milles INCIDENT DESCRIPTION: While driving, the vehicle completely lost steering control. The electronic steering rack disengaged due to a failure in the aluminum mounting bolts. This incident resulted in a near-fatal accident in which the vehicle almost left the road and fell into a ravine. I have 360-degree camera video showing my steering wheel locking up and me struggling to survive. If you contact me, I can provide the video evidence. TECHNICAL BASIS: This failure matches the criteria described in BMW Technical Service Bulletin TSB 01 15 16 (and the previous NHTSA recall 14V-632), regarding corrosion and shearing of the aluminum bolts of the EPS (Electronic Power Steering) system. SAFETY REPORT VIOLATION (CRITICAL): The primary concern of this investigation is a significant discrepancy in the safety reports. When checking the official NHTSA.gov portal for this specific VIN, the system shows "0 open recalls." Similarly, the BMW recall portal also shows 0 open recalls. However, a thorough search of the history through third-party vehicle audit systems reveals four ACTIVE SAFETY RECALLS that have never been addressed: Driver's Front Airbag (Takata): High risk of shrapnel. Inflatable Side Curtain Airbag: Deployment failure. Fuel Pump: Risk of sudden engine stalling. Exterior Lighting/Reflectors. DAMAGES: As a result of this mechanical failure and BMW's failure to accurately report the open safety recalls for this vehicle, I have been diagnosed with severe Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and am currently under medical treatment. I have my medical diagnosis, which states that I developed PTSD as a result of my accident. I now depend on my mother to drive; the mere thought of getting into a car causes me intense fear. I cannot drive without being afraid. The vehicle is currently insured and available for inspection as evidence of this catastrophic failure.
NHTSA complaint #11716516 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel sending unit has broken and began to expel fuel out upwards within the rear bottom of the back seat were the sending unit is located. The plastic that ensembles the gas sending unit itself cracks over a certain period amount of time and causes gasoline to spray in that area. Gas has began to accumulate outside the gas tank right above the sending unit part, which causes harmful and incredibly strong gasoline odor inside the car and outside the car, predominantly on the back seat of the driver area. Very dangerous for even a small amount of fire to be near it. The problem cause a harmful and overwhelming amount of dangerous gasoline fumes to tolerate breathing near that area or the car itself.
NHTSA complaint #11700227 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
As of recently I've been smelling a gas smell after driving my vehicle. No matter the distance or time I smelled the odor of gas. I am a certified automotive technician, so I decided to diagnose the problem myself. I put my vehicle in the air and spotted a wet spot of gas on the bottom left side of my fuel tank. To continue my diagnosis process I googled to see if anyone dealt with a similar issue. Seen a decent amount of people confirming the problem. A leak from the D/S fuel sending unit. So I take off my rear seats, and takeoff the fuel sending unit cover. Once the cover was off seen multiple cracks along side top of the unit. No warning lights was present, however did notice MPG was getting worse and worse. the little cracks makes my vehicle a fire hazard. I was able to have the replacement part ordered for about $140.
NHTSA complaint #11617068 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2007 BMW 335I. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the yellow check engine warning light displayed on the instrument panel. Due to the failure, the vehicle behind him came to a screeching halt to avoid causing a major accident. Multiple attempts to restart the vehicle failed, resulting in the vehicle being towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic determined the failure to be a defective high-pressure fuel pump. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 177,000.
NHTSA complaint #11505769 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The high pressure fuel pump failed. I still have the vehicle but it does work. It cannot be driven with a bad high pressure fuel pump. To repair it is over $2000.00.
NHTSA complaint #11499513 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The oil filter housing gasket, the mechatronic transmission and the electrical system failed. Yes, it is available for inspection. My safety and the safety of others were put at risk as a result of my vehicle losing power suddenly while I was driving on the highway. I was driving at the highway speed limit and my vehicle malfunctioned and lost power while others were at high speeds. I had to abruptly stop almost causing an accident. The problem has been reproduced and confirmed by the BMW service center. The vehicle has been inspected by the BMW dealer service department. The warning lamps that came on my dashboard were the check engine light, oil level light, and the transmission light. The car was running poorly. The engine wouldn’t crank and then it would jolt after driving. I would smell oil occasionally. The symptoms first appeared in 2011. I had my vehicle serviced at BMW regularly. In 2016 the symptoms got worse despite having my vehicle serviced for the same issue. I had the repairs done at BMW and when I drove it for the first time after getting it repaired it still failed.
NHTSA complaint #11476287 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 335I. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle independently entered limp mode with the service transmission warning message on the instrument panel. The contact restarted the vehicle and cleared all warning codes before he resumed normal driving. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not under recall. A DTC reader determined that the cause of the failure was related to a defective fuel pump. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
NHTSA complaint #11469415 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The engine and all electrical components including power steering spontaneously cutout while driving, usually while engine isnt being stressed at all, sometimes while idling. If the car is rolling, i have to restart the engine while driving and using manual power to steer. Obviously, this is a huge safety problem. I've just had the alternator and battery replaced, and they test fine. This has happened at least 50 times and I've reduced time driving vehicle until I solve the issue, which has persisted at least 6 months. I asked the BMW dealer about the following recall, and they claim they already performed it years ago after I already owned the car, without my recalling being told it was done. However, the symptoms are back, and BMW refuses to do anything about it at this time: Report Receipt Date: FEB 07, 2013 NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V044000 Component(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Potential Number of Units Affected: 504,545 All Products Associated with this Recall Details 2 Associated Documents Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC SUMMARY: BMW is recalling 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011. 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. CONSEQUENCE: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash. REMEDY: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in March 2013.
NHTSA complaint #11460407 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I bought a 2007 BMW 335i convertible on March 10th 2022. On March 18th I left my house and as I was pulling out of my neighborhood the vehicle cut off at about 25 miles an hour and as I pulled over I noticed black smoke coming out from under the hood. There were no warning lights on with the exception of a random airbag light that came on the day after I bought the car and a tire pressure monitor light. My wife and I pulled over and I ran to a nearby house and took a case of Dasani water from painters who were working (with their permission). I got the fire put out within minutes of its starting but the wiring harness is completely melted together along with all of the induction piping to the turbos and the intake manifold and fuel line. I told the car home and had my insurance agent look at it. She said because it was a fire it would be a mechanical issue and needed to go to the BMW dealership. I paid to have it towed there that day. The dealer called me about an hour after the car showed up there and said that they would not service or inspect the vehicle for damage because I have the wrong insurance company. I was forced to tow the car back home after being turned away by several other dealerships and collision centers due to the high volume of mechanical work already on their lots. BMW has open recalls on 3 series vehicles because they can have engine fires. My car for some reason is not one of the ones they cover under that recall. Still have no resolution from my insurance company on what to do because the car hasn't been officially inspected by a BMW technician. I've now towed the car three times and I'm exactly where I was at the beginning of this claim.
NHTSA complaint #11458127 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel system leaks when full. It emits a strong odor both in the car and in the garage. Visible fuel leak on exterior of tank. This poses health, environmental, and safety concerns. This is, after internet searching, a fairly common issue.
NHTSA complaint #11447635 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I am experiencing a know issue others have complained about related to the high pressure fuel injector failure in my vehicle. There have been previous recalls for this and my vehicle should fall within the recall dates and is showing all of the symptoms of this failure yet is it some how not part of the recall. What is happening is on cold starts or even idle the car is shaking and has a very apparent misfire, I have checked the spark plugs and they indeed have fuel on them. The injectors are causing excessive fuel in the cylinder this leads to a host of problems that are potentially, catastrophic like the engine seizing while driving due to oil dilution from the fuel
NHTSA complaint #11444214 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Loss of power failure, it lights up several times when turning corners and then accelerating.
NHTSA complaint #11442737 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Multiple misfiring due to faulty injectors. Bmw has revised the part 12 times. This is a very common and known problem in the EU where a recall was issued.
NHTSA complaint #11437010 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP GOES OUT WITHOUT WARNING. ITS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS WHEN TRAVELING 70 MPH DOWN THE INTERSTATE AND ALL SUDDEN THE CAR STALL AND SHUTS DOWN AND YOU HAVE TO MAN HANDLE THE STEERING WHEEL. THAT BEING SAID AN 18 WHEELER HAD TO PULL A MAGIC TRICK TO NOT SMASH ME AND MY 3 KIDS!!! I'M HIGHLY BOTHERED BY THIS. IV SEEN REVIEWS OF THE HPFP GOING BAD WHY HAS BMW NOT FIXED THE ISSUE YET???????😡😡😡
NHTSA complaint #11413997 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN MY CAR STARTED TO LOSE ACCELERATION. I COULD NOT ACCELERATE UP AN INCLINE. THEN I HEARD A RATTLING. THE NEXT EXIT WAS A REST STOP AND AS I WAS EXITING MY VEHICLE FAILED AND SHUT DOWN. I HAD NO POWER AT ALL. I COASTED TO A PARKING STALL AND TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AFTER PARKING IT SAFELY. WHEN I OPENED THE HOOD THE VEHICLE WAS NOT HOT OR SMOKING SO I TRIED TO START IT. THE CAR STARTED BUT WITH A VERY LOUD KNOCKING AND RATTLING SO I SHUT IT OFF AGAIN AND PHONED THE DEALERSHIP. I TOWED THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP OVER 30 DAYS AGO AND HAVE NOT BEEN CONTACTED BY THEM NOT 1X. I HAVE CALLED WEEKLY TO NO AVAIL.
NHTSA complaint #11361169 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I WAS TOLD BY MY MECHANIC MY FUEL INJECTORS HAVE GONE BAD AND I BELIEVE THIS IS FROM A MANUFACTURER'S ISSUE. PLEASE INVESTIGATE AS I KNOW VARIOUS PEOPLE THAT HAVE THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE SAME ENGINE, YEAR AND MAKE. I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP AFTER I TURNED IT ON TO DRIVE AND THE VEHICLE WAS SHAKING A BIT MORE THAN NORMAL, WHEN I ACCELERATED THE CAR WAS VERY VAGUELY RESPONDING TO ME. THIS IS WHY MY VEHICLE BEGAN TO MISFIRE, BECAUSE OF THE FUEL INJECTORS. I WILL KEEP ALL RECEIPTS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE OF THIS ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #11340293 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE CAR WAS READING THAT IT HAD GAS, THEN SUDDENLY IT CAME TO A STOP, ON THE HIGHWAY, THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, AND IT WAS FOUND THAT THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR HAD DIED MAKING THE CAR THINK IT HAD GAS WHEN IT IN FACT HAD NONE. THE DEALER WANTS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE TANK FOR $2700, THIS ISSUE IS INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS AS IT CAN LEAVE ANYONE STRANDED ANYWHERE. THIS CAR IS ONLY 6 YEARS OLD AND THIS ISSUE CAN BE FOUND ON BMWS MUCH OLDER THEN THAT. BMW KNOWS ABOUT THE ISSUE, THEY KNOW IT IS DANGEROUS AND THEY CHOOSE TO CONTINUE MAKING CARS WITH THIS IS ISSUE. AS FAR AS I CAN TELL BMW DOES NOT CARE ABOUT THE DRIVERS OF ITS CARS AND ONLY CARES ABOUT MAKING MONEY BY SELLING DEATH TRAPS TO PEOPLE. IF YOU WANT TO BE LEFT STRANDED AND RISK GETTING KILLED ON THE HIGHWAY OR GETTING STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF NO WHERE, BY A BMW. IF NOT, BUY A MERC OR AUDI. THIS ISSUE CAN HAPPEN IF THE CAR IS UNDER WARRANTY AS WELL. ANY BMW THAT USES THE GAS TANK FROM THE F30 3 SERIES IS EFFECTED, AS WELL AS BMWS AS FAR BACK AS THE E46.
NHTSA complaint #11331264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THERE IS ALREADY A RECALL FOR THE FUEL INJECTORS IN VEHICLES LIKE MINE BUT MY VIN NUMBER IS NOT APART OF THE RECALL. I AM HAVING THE SAME ISSUES STATED IN THE RECALL. RECALL SIB 13 01 20 WHICH IS FOR VEHICLES LIKE MINE MANUFACTURED BETWEEN 04/07 AND 11/08. MY VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED IN 07/07 BUT SOMEHOW IT WAS NOT INCLUDED. I HAVE BEEN TROUBLESHOOTING AN ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLE HESITATING AND MISFIRING AND IT IS DUE TO THE FUEL INJECTORS LEAKING INTO THE CYLINDER. I HAVE REPLACED ALL SPARK PLUGS AND IGNITION COILS AND THERE IS EVIDENCE THAT THE SPARK PLUGS HAVE FUEL ON THEM DUE TO THE LEAKING FUEL INJECTOR. WHEN I START THE VEHICLE IT STARTS NORMALLY BUT AFTER IDLING FOR 5 MINUTES IT BEGINS TO MISFIRE WITH WHITE PLUMES OF SMOKE EXITING THE EXHAUST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVEN BEFORE OR WARMED UP BEFORE THIS HAPPENED. I HAVE ALSO HAD THIS EXACT SAME ISSUE HAPPEN TO ME AS I AM SITTING AT A RED LIGHT THE VEHICLE WILL HESITATE, MISFIRE AND A WHITE PLUME OF SMOKE COMES OUT OF THE EXHAUST. THIS HESITATION AND MISFIRE HAS ALSO HAPPENED TO ME WHILE DRIVING IN THE CITY IN MOTION AT ABOUT 40-50MPH. THE CAR MISFIRES/HESITATES AND REGAINS POWER IMMEDIATELY. UPON INSPECTION OF THE SPARK PLUGS, CYLINDER 3 WAS SATURATED IN FUEL.
NHTSA complaint #11331092 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FUEL PUMP LEAKING GASOLINE LEAVING A STRONG ODOR IN THE CAR AND FOOTWELL MODULE IS BAD
NHTSA complaint #11324841 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.