VehicleVerdict

2009 BMW 328i problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 297 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.4 times the median 328i year — the 2009 model ranks #5 of 21 328i years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (68), electrical system (67), and airbags (66), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

297

NHTSA complaints

6

Recalls

0

Investigations

11

Crash-involved

15

Fires reported

7

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other 328i years?

See all 328i years to avoid →

What are the most common 2009 BMW 328i problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine6823%
Electrical System6723%
Airbags6622%
Fuel System227%
Seat Belts145%
Other103%
Steering93%
Seats83%
Lighting83%
Transmission83%
Tires & Wheels41%
Speed Control41%
Brakes31%
Body & Structure31%
Visibility & Wipers21%
Suspension10%

Does the 2009 BMW 328i have recalls?

6 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

24V513000AirbagsJuly 3, 2024 · 394,029 units

Defect

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. The original steering wheel may have been replaced with a sport or M-sport steering wheel equipped with an inflator that can explode during deployment.

Consequence

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

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.

20V017000AirbagsJanuary 15, 2020 · 59,965 units

Defect

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.

19V472000Electrical SystemJune 19, 2019 · 16,641 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009 328i and 328xi, 2009-2011 335d, 2008-2012 M3 Coupe and M3 Convertible, and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. The connection of the positive battery cable at the fuse box terminal may degrade, resulting in an intermittent loss of electrical power.

Consequence

A loss of electrical power can cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace and secure the positive battery cable connector, free of charge. The recall began August 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion of a previous recall, number 18V-314.

17V683000EngineOctober 30, 2017 · 740,561 units

Defect

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.

17V676000Electrical SystemOctober 25, 2017 · 702,965 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi and M3, 2007-2011 328i xDrive, 335i xDrive and 335is and 2009-2011 335d vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors for the system that controls air flow for the heating and air conditioning system 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 replace the wiring and electrical connectors, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

13V044000Electrical SystemFebruary 7, 2013 · 516,791 units

Defect

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

Unknown/ Had recall on pcv heater control valve done by authorized BMW DEALER about 2 weeks ago. On date May 5 2023 Parked car, shut of engine,a smell of plastic and smoke started coming from hood area, flames erupted right away . Total loss

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 5, 2023 · fire

vehicle caught on fire while no one was driving and the engine was not on. It was parked for approximately 45 minutes. The fire started at the front under the hood. It destroyed melted the engine parts

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 30, 2022 · fire

AIR BAG LIGHT HAS CAME ON, WHEN I WAS BACKING UP, I HIT A GARBAGE CAN. I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE BUT NO AIR BAG DEPLOYED

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · December 10, 2017 · crash

TAKATA RECALL. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IVE HAD TO FILE A COMPLAINT. MY CAR KEEPS DYING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WHILE I'M DRIVING JUST RANDOMLY. IT GIVES NO WARNING OR ANYTHING I CAN'T DRIVE MY CAR IN THE HEAT OR AT NIGHT. I'VE BEEN TO THE BMW DEALERSHIP HERE AND IT'S BEEN 6MONTHS AND THEY STILL…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · October 27, 2017

THE FRONT RIGHT PASSENGER AIR BAG AND SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHTS ARE ON, INDICATING THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG AND SEAT BELT WAS NOT USED. THIS OCCURRED EVEN WHEN PASSENGER SEAT WAS OCCUPIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THIS FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000. THIS IS UNSAFE... THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · February 15, 2015

2009 BMW 328i — common questions

Is the 2009 BMW 328i reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 297 complaints put the 2009 model at #5 of 21 328i years. It is one of the 328i years to avoid.

What are the most common 2009 328i problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (68 complaints), electrical system (67 complaints), airbags (66 complaints).

Does the 2009 BMW 328i have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns affecting the 2009 BMW 328i. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which BMW 328i years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 328i years to avoid are 2011, 2007, 2013, 2008, 2009, 2014, 2010, 2015, 2012, 2016. The cleanest record among 328i years belongs to 2006.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.