BMW 320i years to avoid
The BMW 320i years to avoid are 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2017, 2013 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 2005 is the cleanest year on record.
246
Total complaints
13
Recall campaigns
1977–2018
Years covered
6
Years to avoid
Complaints by model year
320i years to avoid
| Year | Why | Complaints | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | High complaints + open investigation | 80 | |
| 2015 | High complaints + open investigation | 46 | |
| 2016 | High complaints + open investigation | 40 | |
| 2018 | High complaints + open investigation | 35 | |
| 2017 | Open safety investigation | 13 | |
| 2013 | Open safety investigation | 13 |
Every 320i year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018avoid | 35 | 0 | |
| 2017avoid | 13 | 0 | |
| 2016avoid | 40 | 0 | |
| 2015avoid | 46 | 3 | |
| 2014avoid | 80 | 7 | |
| 2013avoid | 13 | 3 | |
| 2012 | 5 | 3 | |
| 2005 | 0 | 1 | |
| 2004 | 2 | 1 | |
| 2003 | 0 | 1 | |
| 2002 | 1 | 1 | |
| 2001 | 0 | 1 | |
| 2000 | 0 | 1 | |
| 1982 | 1 | 0 | |
| 1980 | 6 | 0 | |
| 1979 | 1 | 1 | |
| 1978 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1977 | 0 | 4 |
Common questions
What are the worst BMW 320i years?
Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the 320i years to avoid are 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2017, 2013. The cleanest year on record is 2005.
What is the best year for the BMW 320i?
By complaint volume, 2005 has the cleanest NHTSA record among 320i years with enough data to compare.
How many recalls does the BMW 320i have?
Across all model years, the 320i has 13 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 246 consumer complaints on file.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.