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Model year record

2015 BMW 228i recalls & problems

The 2015 BMW 228i has 3 safety recalls and 17 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is electrical system (8 complaints).

Recalls3safety recalls
Complaints17filed by owners
Crashes · fires2 · 1reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths3 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Air bagsDec 17, 2025

Side/window › Head

Recall 25V871000851 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014 4 Series Coupe (428i, 428i xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive), 3 Series Sedan (320i, 320i xDrive, 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335i xDrive), and 2014-2015 2 Series Coupe (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i, M235i xDrive) vehicles. The head air bag inflator may fail at the weld joint, which can cause gas to leak from the inflator or result in an inflator rupture.
Risk
An inflator that ruptures may cause sharp metal fragments to enter or exit the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, an inflator that leaks gas may only partially inflate during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will replace the head air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 12, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Electrical systemAug 13, 2024

Wiring › Connectors/plugs/receptacles

Recall 24V608000720,796 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.
Risk
An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Components: Electrical system › Wiring › Connectors/plugs/receptacles; Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Pump

Air bagsApr 24, 2024

Side/window

Recall 24V2880005,761 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2015 2 Series Coupe (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i), 3 Series Sedan (320i, 320i xDrive, 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335i xDrive, M3, 328d, 328d xDrive), 4 Series Coupe (428i, 428i xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive, M4), and 2015 4 Series Gran Coupe (428i, 428i xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive) vehicles. The head air bag inflator may fail at the weld joint, which can cause gas to leak from the inflator or result in an inflator rupture.
Risk
An inflator that ruptures may cause sharp metal fragments to enter or exit the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, an inflator that leaks gas may only partially inflate during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will replace the head air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 4, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2015 BMW 228I Xdrive 2 DR RWD

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
RolloverNot Rated

Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional

2015 BMW 228I Xdrive 2 DR AWD

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
RolloverNot Rated

Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

228i

27mpg combined
City / highway23 / 35 mpg
FuelPremium Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S8) · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,050/year to fuel

228i xDrive

27mpg combined
City / highway23 / 34 mpg
FuelPremium Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S8) · All-Wheel Drive · about $3,050/year to fuel

228i

26mpg combined
City / highway22 / 33 mpg
FuelPremium Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,150/year to fuel

228i Convertible

26mpg combined
City / highway23 / 33 mpg
FuelPremium Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S8) · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,150/year to fuel

228i xDrive Convertible

26mpg combined
City / highway22 / 32 mpg
FuelPremium Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S8) · All-Wheel Drive · about $3,150/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Electrical systemWiring › Fuses and circuit breakers801050,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling500091,000 mi
Engine3000—
Air bags2203—
Power train2010—
Seat belts1000—
VisibilityWindshield wiper/washer › Motor1010—
Fuel/propulsion system1000—
Wheels1000—
Tires1000—
Unknown or other1000—
Exterior lighting1000—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations