Is the 2015 BMW 228I reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 2015 BMW 228I?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 47% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2015 BMW 228I have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

2015 BMW 228I

○ Not enough data

2015 BMW 228I
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:45:53.449Z

Only 17 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 17 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 17
Recalls: 3
Investigations: 1
Top problem: —

Complaints per year

2015: 17 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2014	7
2015	17
2016	18
2020	3
2021	8
2022	3
2023	2
2024	0

Known problem areas

Only 17 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Electrical system

8 of 17 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing fuses and circuit breakers.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2015 BMW 228I. While driving various speeds, the windshield wipers started to function independently and then stopped in the middle of the windshield.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-10-05

Also filed under Power train

Left rear taillight assembly failed. Needed a whole new taillight assembly, as well as an additional ground cable retrofit repair. This was a known problem and would have been covered under warranty if the problem had surfaced much earlier.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-11

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 228I. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the instrument panel went blank and there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-10-30

Also filed under Engine and engine cooling

Engine and engine cooling

5 of 17 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.

Engine

3 of 17 total reports mention: engine.

Show complaint excerpts

The engine quit running while on interstate highway. A message appeared on the dashboard screen "Maximum drivetrain output not available." The engine re-started after pulling off the highway and placed in "Park".

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-02

Power train

2 of 17 total reports mention: power train.

FIRE

Air bags

2 of 17 total reports mention: air bags.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2015 BMW 2281. The contact stated that when attempting to park the vehicle with the brake pedal engaged, the vehicle suddenly accelerated, went down an embankment, and the vehicle came to a stop after crashing into a tree.

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-09-17

Also filed under Vehicle speed control

BMW hit vehicle directly in front while emergency braking from approximately 60 MPH and was subsequently hit directly from behind in i-70 4 car pile-up.

NHTSA ODI report, 2016-10-26

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

I
2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
R

2024-11-04Air bags24V288000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2015 2 Series Coupe (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i), 3 Series Sedan (320i, 320i xDrive, 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335i xDrive, M3, 328d, 328d xDrive), 4 Series Coupe (428i, 428i xDrive, 435i, 435i...

Remedy: Dealers will replace the head air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 4, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2025-03-28Electrical system, engine and engine cooling24V608000 BMW of North America, LLC.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2026-02-12Air bags25V871000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014 4 Series Coupe (428i, 428i xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive), 3 Series Sedan (320i, 320i xDrive, 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335i xDrive), and 2014-2015 2 Series Coupe (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i, M235i...

Remedy: Dealers will replace the head air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 12, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2015 BMW 228I — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Electrical system: 8 reports on file for this year.
Engine and engine cooling: 5 reports on file for this year.
Engine: 3 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 24V288000 · Air bags
Recall 24V608000 · Electrical system, engine and engine cooling
Recall 25V871000 · Air bags

FAQ

Is the 2015 BMW 228I reliable?: There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2015 BMW 228I?: The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 47% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2015 BMW 228I have?: 3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.