Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 3 | −29% | 2 | Transmission | Average |
| 2021 | 8 | 1.4× | 3 | Headlight | Average |
| 2020 | 3 | −44% | 2 | Wheel & Tire | Average |
| 2016 | 18 | 2.0× | 1 | Electrical | Caution |
| 2015 | 17 | typical | 3 | Electrical | Average |
| 2014 | 7 | −66% | 4 | Fuel System | Good |
* Complaints compared with the median 228i year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common BMW 228i problems
Latest BMW 228i recalls
Air bags › Side/window › Head
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.
Remedy: 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 system › Wiring › Connectors/plugs/receptacles
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.
Remedy: 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.
Air bags › Side/window
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)…
Remedy: 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.
Electrical system › Software
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2022 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, 2022 430i Coupe, 2021-2022 430i, M440i Convertible, and 2020-2022 228i xDrive Gran Coupe vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will update the receiver audio module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 12, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system › Fuel rail
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022 X1 xDrive 28i, X3 xDrive30i, and 228i Gran Coupe vehicles. The high-pressure fuel rail may crack and result in a fuel leak within the engine compartment.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the high-pressure fuel rail, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 19, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the BMW 228i should you avoid?
2016 — this year has the most complaints relative to other 228i years at the same age, led by electrical system problems in the 2016.
What is the best year for the BMW 228i?
2014 has the fewest complaints compared with other 228i years at the same age, followed by 2020 and 2022. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common BMW 228i problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the electrical system (25), engine & cooling (20) and fuel & propulsion system (6). Electrical complaints peak in the 2016 model year.
How many recalls has the BMW 228i had?
8 recalls across 2014–2022. The model year with the most is 2014. See all BMW 228i recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.