BMW 328 Problems by Year

Source: NHTSA · Updated Sep 17, 2021 · 85 owner complaints analyzed

Years with far more complaints than usual:

NHTSA has 85 owner complaints and 1 safety recall on file for the BMW 328, across 8 model years (2006–2013). The 2011 model year has the most complaints (37). The most reported problem area overall is air bags.

BMW 328
BMW 328 bei der Präsentation der Fahrzeuge zum Gaisbergrennen 2004 in Salzburg.. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Softeis, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Peak: 2011, with 37 complaints
2006: 0200602007: 9200792008: 8200882009: 112009112010: 3201032011: 372011372012: 7201272013: 10201310

n = 85 complaints · Source: NHTSA

BMW 328 years to avoid? What the complaint data shows

These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical 328 year: 2011. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.

Model years with the most complaints

  1. 2011 328: 37 complaints, 1 recall
  2. 2009 328: 11 complaints, 1 recall
  3. 2013 328: 10 complaints, 1 recall

Model years with the fewest complaints

  1. 2010 328: 3 complaints, 1 recall
  2. 2012 328: 7 complaints, 1 recall
  3. 2008 328: 8 complaints, 1 recall

Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.

Most common BMW 328 problems (all years)

Problem areaComplaintsModel yearsCrashes
Air Bags3372
Electrical System2360
Engine1760
Seat Belts940
Electronic Stability Control (esc)532
Fuel/propulsion System430
Power Train420
Steering430
Exterior Lighting310
Seats320
Vehicle Speed Control322
Structure220
Service Brakes111
Suspension110
Visibility110
Wheels110

All BMW 328 model years

Model yearComplaintsRecallsCrash ratingTop problemCompared with other years
2013 328101—EngineAbout as many complaints as other years
2012 32871—Air Bags
2011 328371—Air BagsFar more complaints than other years
2010 32831—Air Bags
2009 328111—Air BagsMore complaints than other years
2008 32881—Air Bags
2007 32891—Electrical System
2006 32801——

More from BMW: all BMW models · BMW VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Which BMW 328 years should you stay away from?

By NHTSA complaints, 2011 (37) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical 328 year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.

What is the biggest problem with the BMW 328?

Air Bags, with 33 complaints across 7 model years.

How many recalls does the BMW 328 have?

1 safety recall across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.