Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 57 | −26% | 1 | Engine | Average |
| 2015 | 125 | typical | 4 | Engine | Average |
| 2014 | 152 | 1.6× | 8 | Engine | Caution |
| 2013 | 257 | 2.7× | 5 | Engine | Avoid |
| 2012 | 130 | 1.4× | 6 | Engine | Average |
| 2011 | 577 | 4.6× | 7 | Engine | Avoid |
| 2010 | 155 | 1.3× | 6 | Engine | Average |
| 2009 | 193 | 1.9× | 6 | Engine | Caution |
| 2008 | 239 | 1.4× | 5 | Engine | Caution |
| 2007 | 399 | 3.7× | 6 | Electrical | Avoid |
| 2006 | 0 | −97% | 3 | — | Good |
| 2001 | 4 | −91% | 3 | Engine | Good |
| 2000 | 112 | −22% | 7 | Airbag | Average |
| 1999 | 98 | −21% | 7 | Airbag | Average |
| 1998 | 26 | −66% | — | Electrical | Good |
| 1997 | 25 | −69% | — | Electrical | Good |
| 1996 | 31 | −53% | — | Engine | Good |
* Complaints compared with the median 328i year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common BMW 328i problems
Latest BMW 328i 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 › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2015 6 Series Gran Coupe, 2014 5 Series Gran Turismo, 2014 5 Series Sedan, 2015 6 Series Convertible, 2015 6 Series Coupe, 2014 X5, 2013-2014 X3, 2014-2015 3 Series Sedan, 2014 4 Series Coupe, 2014 4 Series Convertible, 2014 3 Series Gran Turismo, and 2015 4 Series Gran Coupe…
Remedy: The driver's front air bag will be replaced, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 2009-2011 3 Series Sedan (335d) vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 30, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the BMW 328i should you avoid?
2011, 2007, 2013, 2009, 2014 and 2008 — these years have the most complaints relative to other 328i years at the same age, led by engine & cooling problems in the 2011.
What is the best year for the BMW 328i?
2006 has the fewest complaints compared with other 328i years at the same age, followed by 2001 and 2016. 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 328i problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the engine & cooling (1,076), electrical system (683) and air bags (551). Engine complaints peak in the 2011 model year.
How many recalls has the BMW 328i had?
27 recalls across 1996–2016. The model year with the most is 2014. See all BMW 328i 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.