Transmission complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 8 | 14% | 30,000 miles |
| 2015 | 13 | 10% | 16,000 miles |
| 2014 | 9 | 6% | 28,000 miles |
| 2013 | 23 | 9% | 70,000 miles |
| 2012 | 20 | 15% | 68,000 miles |
| 2011 | 24 | 4% | 54,000 miles |
| 2010 | 4 | 3% | 105,000 miles |
| 2009 | 8 | 4% | 90,000 miles |
| 2008 | 7 | 3% | 70,000 miles |
| 2007 | 7 | 2% | 25,000 miles |
| 2001 | 1 | 25% | 36,000 miles |
| 2000 | 27 | 24% | 129,000 miles |
| 1999 | 12 | 12% | 136,000 miles |
| 1998 | 3 | 12% | 143,000 miles |
| 1997 | 1 | 4% | — |
| 1996 | 4 | 13% | 80,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Need to recall as it is Common Knowledge among the BMW technicians that these vehicles are plagued with hazard of Parking / Emergency Break line clip breaking and for the line contacting the rotating drive shaft. The holding clip Mfg Part # 34406854898 breaks regularly ! the plastic parking brake retaining clip (BMW part # 34 40 6 854 898) deforms due to age/heat. The cable guide does not hold the cable in place anymore and Hazardously starts to rub against the rotating driveshaft, causing the Emergency parking lines which makes a noise that and sounds like coming from the center console. This is endangering the occupants, and also it is very costly replacement with the same plastic part again. This is such a prevalent issue that there are alternative clips being sold to replace for this manufactures omission of quality: [redacted] also there are videos on this [redacted]
car stops while driving, battery also draws while not in use. which is very dangerous. Already filed report with dealer ship for car. We will be having an another baby this winter and it is getting to the point where It can be very dangerous for my family. We got it checked but since it's a manufacturer issue is what they said. Since this car doesn't have any recalls dealer doesn't want to do anything. We noticed that many other cars of same year have the same problem.
My 2015 BMW 328i xDrive (VIN [redacted] ) experienced an engine-compartment fire that began shortly after coolant sprayed from the front of the vehicle. This incident occurred before BMW's official recall announcement for NHTSA Campaign 24V-608 / BMW 24V-608:474 (Safety: Engine Coolant Pump Electrical Connector). The fire originated near the coolant pump area, consistent with the recall's described defect involving electrical shorting and overheating at the pump connector. The vehicle was declared a total loss by my insurance company. I believe this event was caused by the same defect identified in the recall and request that this incident be investigated and documented under campaign 24V-608. Supporting photos and insurance documentation are available upon request.
I own a 2015 BMW 328i xdrive with 86k miles. While reversing out of my driveway, onto a main road during rush hour, my vehicle unexpectedly stopped working with the message "drivetrain malfunction". I had the car towed to a BMW dealership and was told there was a fault found in VANOS intake and that my car needed a timing chain replacement. I called BWM NA and was informed that there is a VANOS recall, but not for my car. They did however tell me that BMW would compensation for timing chain repairs for my 2015 328i if the car fell within certain parameters, low miles and within 7 years. While my car has low miles, I was told that my recall for the part had been "cleared" because I'm outside of the 7 year allotment for compensation on timing chain repairs. BMW will not help fix the timing chain nor compensate in anyway. …
2014 BMW 328i Xdrive, 62K miles. Routine oil change and filter change serviced at BMW dealership Feb 2022. March 2022 (<30 days later), suffered catastrophic engine failure related to camshaft oil starvation and sudden loss of power while driving on highway at 60 mph. Dealership investigation unable to determine the cause, ruled out N20 timing chain and oil pump chain issues. Neither BMW NA nor dealership would stand behind engine failure - BMW NA stated the "car is too old." Full engine replacement completed at the expense of the customer ($11K). Very disappointing that an engine would suffer catastrophic failure related to oil starvation within one month of dealership oil service with multi-point inspection. BMW F30 N20 engines have numerous reports of failures.
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 328I. The contact stated while driving at speeds above 55 MPH, the rear end of the vehicle was shaking and vibrating abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the rear differential, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back the dealer who later determined that the transfer case was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact was also informed that the suspension arms and bushing also needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was 39,800.
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The drivetrain and passenger's side air bag warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate above 25 MPH and the vehicle was shaking erratically. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 174,775.
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 172,000.
Related recalls (1)
Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft
BMW is recalling certain model year 2011 328i xdrive and 335i xdrive vehicles manufactured from February 8, 2011, through July 29, 2011. The front driveshaft attachment bolts May not have been tightened to specification. If the bolts were not tightened to specification, they May become loose.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft attachment bolts free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during October 2011.
Frequently asked questions
Which BMW 328i years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2000 (27), 2011 (24), 2013 (23), 2012 (20) and 2015 (13) model years. Transmission complaints make up 24% of all complaints for the 2000.
Is there a recall for BMW 328i transmission problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 11V-476 (driveshaft, Sep 15, 2011). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do BMW 328i transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles; 31% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (28 mentions), followed by the driveline › differential unit (4).
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.