2016 BMW 228I
Only 18 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 18 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 7 |
| 2015 | 16 |
| 2016 | 18 |
| 2020 | 3 |
| 2021 | 7 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 18 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
10 of 18 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 228I. The contact stated that intermittently, while driving at undisclosed speeds and depressing the brake pedal, there was an abnormal odor of smoke. The braking lamp malfunction light was illuminated.
NHTSA ODI report, 20241227
9 of 18 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 228I. The contact stated that intermittently, while driving at undisclosed speeds and depressing the brake pedal, there was an abnormal odor of smoke. The braking lamp malfunction light was illuminated.
NHTSA ODI report, 20241227
2 of 18 total reports mention: service brakes.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 228I. The contact stated that intermittently, while driving at undisclosed speeds and depressing the brake pedal, there was an abnormal odor of smoke. The braking lamp malfunction light was illuminated.
NHTSA ODI report, 20241227
REAR BRAKE PADS REPLACED AT 6,000 AND 20,000 MILES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171018
2 of 18 total reports mention: seat belts.
Show complaint excerpts
AFTER MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH THE DRIVER SEAT BELT GETTING TANGLED AND NOT WORKING PROPERLY, I WENT TO MY LOCAL BMW DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE ISSUE FIXED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200421
BOTH FRONT SEAT BELTS BECOME EASILY TANGLED/TWISTED AND WILL NOT RETRACT. THE ONLY WAY TO GET OUT OF THE BELT IS TO PULL IT ALL THE WAY OUT AND THEN IT GETS STUCK ALL THE WAY OUT AND WILL NOT RETRACT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171017
1 of 18 total reports mentions: wheels.
SAFETY TIMELINE
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
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.
Campaign 24V608000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2016 BMW 228I — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 24V608000 (electrical system, engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2016 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 2016 BMW 228I?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 56% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 BMW 228I have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.