NHTSA recalls & complaints · 2007–2013

BMW 128i recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns and 184 owner complaints for the BMW 128i, covering model years 2007 to 2013. The 2011 model year drew the most complaints (50), and Air Bags is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your BMW 128i VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

7 recall campaigns on file
184 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
7 model years with data (2007–2013)

most complaints: 2011 (50 for that model year)
top component: Air Bags (88 complaints)
latest recall 22V119000 (reported Mar 2, 2022)

4 complaints reporting a crash (2.2%)
9 complaints reporting a fire (4.9%)
2 complaints reporting an injury (1.1%)
0 complaints reporting a death (0.0%)

BMW 128i complaints by model year

7 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2011 model year has the most complaints: 50 of 184, or 27.2%. Next come 2013 (36) and 2012 (31). The fewest are for 2007, with 1 complaint.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years

BMW 128i complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death

BMW 128i complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model year	Complaints	Reporting a crash	Reporting a fire	Reporting an injury
2007	1	0	0	0
2008	18	0	2	0
2009	26	0	1	0
2010	22	1	2	0
2011	50	0	3	0
2012	31	2	0	1
2013	36	1	1	1
All model years	184	4	9	2

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported BMW 128i components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Air Bags is the component named most often, in 88 complaints (47.8% of all 184), followed by Engine (31) and Engine and Engine Cooling (30).

Components named most often in BMW 128i complaints (top 15)

Components named most often in BMW 128i complaints (top 15)
Component	Complaints	Share of complaints
Air Bags	88	47.8%
Engine	31	16.8%
Engine and Engine Cooling	30	16.3%
Electrical System	19	10.3%
Exterior Lighting	10	5.4%
Unknown or Other	8	4.3%
Structure	7	3.8%
Visibility/Wiper	6	3.3%
Fuel/Propulsion System	5	2.7%
Seat Belts	5	2.7%
Service Brakes	5	2.7%
Power Train	4	2.2%
Vehicle Speed Control	4	2.2%
Visibility	3	1.6%
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)	2	1.1%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

BMW 128i recalls

7 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name 128i, newest first. The 7 campaigns cover model years 2008 to 2013. The 2010 and 2011 model years appear in the most campaigns (7 each).

7 recall campaigns

BMW 128i recall campaigns covering each model year
2008: 6 campaigns	2009: 6 campaigns	2010: 7 campaigns	2011: 7 campaigns	2012: 5 campaigns	2013: 3 campaigns

Highlighted: the model years with the most campaigns.

NHTSA campaign 22V119000
Reported Mar 2, 2022
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (PCV)
Model years 2008–2013
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Consequence:
An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.
Remedy:
This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Vehicles previously repaired under the prior recalls will need to come back for the new recall remedy. The remedy is currently being developed. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 1, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 22, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Filed by BMW of North America, LLC
NHTSA campaign 20V017000
Reported Jan 15, 2020
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module
Model years 2008–2013
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Consequence:
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy:
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Filed by BMW of North America, LLC
NHTSA campaign 19V579000
Reported Aug 6, 2019
Electrical System › Wiring
Model years 2008–2012
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2012 BMW 128i, 135i, 135is Coupes and 128i, 135i Convertible vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors in the blower-regulator wiring harness may overheat.
Consequence:
Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.
Remedy:
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the blower-regulator wiring harness, and replace it with a new part, free of charge. The recall began October 4, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion of an earlier recall number 17V-676.
Filed by BMW of North America, LLC
NHTSA campaign 17V683000
Reported Oct 30, 2017
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (PCV)
Model years 2008–2011
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Consequence:
An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
Remedy:
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Filed by BMW of North America, LLC
NHTSA campaign 16V071000
Reported Feb 5, 2016
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module
Model years 2008–2013
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive, 335is and M3 Coupes and Convertibles, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i SAVs, 2007-2010 X3 xDrive30i SAVs, 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M SAVs, 2009-2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d SAVs, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M SACs, 2010-2011 BMW X6 xDrive50i SACs and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Consequence:
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy:
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Filed by BMW of North America, LLC
NHTSA campaign 14V176000
Reported Apr 10, 2014
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Model years 2010–2011
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 128i Coupe, 128i Convertible, 328i Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 328i Coupe, 328i Convertible, 328i Sports Wagon and Z4 sDrive 30i, 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 135i Convertible, 335i Sedan, X5 xDrive 35i, and X6 xDrive 35i, 2011 335i xDrive Sedan, 335i Coupe, 335i Convertible, 528i Sedan, 535i Sedan, 535i xDrive Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, and X3 xDrive 35i, 2010 X3 xDrive 30i, and X5 xDrive 30i, 2012 640i Coupe, and 640i Convertible and 2010-2012 535i Gran Turismo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and may possibly break.
Consequence:
If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy:
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four VANOS housing bolts for both VANOS units (intake and exhaust), free of charge. In addition, owners of approximately 170,172 model year 2010-2012 BMW vehicles equipped with inline 6 cylinder engines not covered by this recall, will receive an extended warranty to address this condition. The recall began on September 24, 2014. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.
Filed by BMW of North America, LLC
NHTSA campaign 13V044000
Reported Feb 7, 2013
Electrical System › Wiring › Fuses and Circuit Breakers; Electrical System › 12V/24V/48V Battery › Cables; Electrical System
Model years 2008–2012
BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011. In February 2013, BMW recalled 504,545 vehicles. In July 2013, BMW informed the agency that it was adding 1-Series, 3-Series, and Z4 vehicles, representing an additional 12,094 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 516,791. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle.
Consequence:
If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy:
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means

What each recall field means
Field	What it tells you
Campaign number	NHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
Component	The system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
Summary	What the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
Consequence	The safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
Remedy	What the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.

Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

BMW 128i questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the BMW 128i have?

NHTSA lists 7 vehicle recall campaigns for the BMW 128i, covering model years 2007 to 2013. The most recent, 22V119000, was reported on March 2, 2022 and is filed under “Engine and engine cooling”. The 2010 and 2011 model years are covered by the most campaigns (7 each).

Which BMW 128i model year has the most complaints?

The 2011 model year, with 50 of the 184 complaints in NHTSA’s file (27.2%). The next are 2013 (36) and 2012 (31). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common BMW 128i complaint?

Air Bags is the component named most often: 88 complaints, or 47.8% of all 184. Engine (31) and Engine and Engine Cooling (30) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my BMW 128i?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a BMW dealer.

How many BMW 128i complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 184 complaints, 4 report a crash, 9 a fire, 2 at least one injury and 0 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

8 models · most complaints first

The BMW models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the BMW VIN decoder with every BMW model page, WMI code and VIN note.

BMW X5 1999–2026 · 103 recalls · 3,138 complaints
BMW 328i 1996–2016 · 27 recalls · 2,576 complaints
BMW X3 2004–2026 · 60 recalls · 1,989 complaints
BMW 325i 1995–2012 · 20 recalls · 1,281 complaints
BMW Z4 2002–2023 · 28 recalls · 1,280 complaints
BMW 3 Series 1995–2023 · 8 recalls · 841 complaints
BMW 528i 1997–2016 · 14 recalls · 831 complaints
BMW 330i 1999–2026 · 38 recalls · 813 complaints

All BMW models and WMI codes Look up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.