*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Electrical systemFire
VIN [XXX] 2011 BMW 328i 4dr. Disabled widow, and on [XXX] while driving with my 3 minor children in vehicle, vehicle attempted to stall/loss of complete electrical power, smoke from trunk/rear seat. After stopping, got the trunk opened and discovered that the Battery Safety Terminal (BST) box and Battery Distribution Box in my trunk was on fire. After researching, it came to my attention that this incident matches NHTSA Recall 13V-044 (positive battery cable to fuse box stall/loss) and 2012 battery cable fire recall (1.3M BMW 5/6/3 series - BMW stated "can result in electrical malfunction, failure to start and, in some cases, to charring or fire") re-expanded 2019. Obviously, I contacted…
Oct 8, 2026Engine
"My vehicle is experiencing a complete mechanical breakdown with a fast-crank, no-start condition and an active fault code for exhaust valve timing. This matches the exact failure mode of active Safety Recall 23V-707 (VANOS Bolts). BMW's official safety recall report states that if a vehicle shows these symptoms, owners must not drive it and must contact them to arrange pickup and transportation. However, BMW Corporate Case Manager Jasmine has officially refused to cover the tow, stating over the phone that the transport language in the recall letter 'doesn't mean they cover a tow.' BMW is failing to execute its federally mandated safety recall remedy for an inoperable, broken-down vehicle."
Sep 3, 2026Engine
I took my car to the Tigard Oregon bmw dealership for my three recalls that were needing addressed. I turned my car over to them in good working order. After picking it up after the repairs my service engine light came on. My car started knocking and rattling louder and louder. I returned to the dealership and requested they fix the issue. After a few days they contacted my and told me it needs a new engine. They say they checked over their work and the problem isn't their fault. I disagree. They say they found metal shavings in my oil. They did an oil change a week earlier and mentioned no metal in my oil.
Aug 27, 2026Exterior lighting › Headlights
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact stated that the headlights and taillights remained illuminated after the vehicle was turned off. Additionally, the vehicle intermittently failed to start up. The contact stated that AAA jump-started the vehicle, and it was determined that the battery was in good working condition. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact associated the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V676000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Aug 1, 2025 · 110,000 milesEngine
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…
Aug 13, 2026Engine
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…
Jul 16, 2026Engine 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.
Mar 12, 2026 · 157,637 milesEngine
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…
Dec 9, 2025 · 133,000 miles
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.