MYRModel Year Report

2009 BMW 328I

◆ Worse than typical
2009 BMW 328I
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:47:35.416Z

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
193
Recalls
6

Campaigns on file for 2009

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Air bags

34% of complaints

Complaints per year

1996: 31 complaints 1996 1997: 25 complaints 1998: 26 complaints 1999: 98 complaints 1999 2000: 112 complaints 2001: 4 complaints 2002: 0 complaints 2002 2003: 0 complaints 2004: 0 complaints 2005: 0 complaints 2005 2006: 0 complaints 2007: 399 complaints 2008: 239 complaints 2009: 193 complaints 2009 193 2010: 155 complaints 2011: 577 complaints 2012: 130 complaints 2013: 257 complaints 2014: 151 complaints 2014 2015: 125 complaints 2016: 57 complaints
1996: 31 complaints 1996 1997: 25 complaints 1998: 26 complaints 1998 1999: 98 complaints 2000: 112 complaints 2000 2001: 4 complaints 2002: 0 complaints 2002 2003: 0 complaints 2004: 0 complaints 2004 2005: 0 complaints 2006: 0 complaints 2006 2007: 399 complaints 2008: 239 complaints 2009: 193 complaints 2009 193 2010: 155 complaints 2011: 577 complaints 2012: 130 complaints 2012 2013: 257 complaints 2014: 151 complaints 2014 2015: 125 complaints 2016: 57 complaints 2016
1996: 31 complaints 1996 1997: 25 complaints 1997 1998: 26 complaints 1998 1999: 98 complaints 1999 2000: 112 complaints 2000 2001: 4 complaints 2001 2002: 0 complaints 2002 2003: 0 complaints 2003 2004: 0 complaints 2004 2005: 0 complaints 2005 2006: 0 complaints 2006 2007: 399 complaints 2007 2008: 239 complaints 2008 2009: 193 complaints 2009 193 2010: 155 complaints 2010 2011: 577 complaints 2011 2012: 130 complaints 2012 2013: 257 complaints 2013 2014: 151 complaints 2014 2015: 125 complaints 2015 2016: 57 complaints 2016

2009: 193 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
199631
199725
199826
199998
2000112
20014
20020
20030
20040
20050
20060
2007399
2008239
2009193
2010155
2011577
2012130
2013257
2014151
2015125
201657

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Air bags

34% · 66 reports

Most commonly citing occupant classification.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

One recall was for air bag deployed I had the light for it on but it was on when I got it the original owner said it popped on him well he was parked and he never fixed it or did anything ...

NHTSA ODI report, 2025-03-13

Also filed under Electrical system and engine

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

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-01-04

Electrical system

32% · 61 reports
CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owned a 2009 BMW 328I. Shortly after parking and exiting the vehicle, the contact was informed that a fire started under the hood. The flames entered the vehicle and caused catastrophic damage.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-03-19

Tl* I was driving on when my car caught fire. The fire broke out inside the cabin, directly behind the rear passenger-side seat.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-12-31

Also filed under Engine

Engine

24% · 47 reports
FIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 BMW 3281. While the vehicle was idling, smoke and flames emerged from the hood. The air bags did not deploy. The driver sustained injuries to the shoulder and knees; however, medical attention was not provided.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-02-22

Engine and engine cooling

11% · 21 reports
FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

I purchased a 2009 BMW 238I. I took it to get an oil change on 30 sept 11. I dropped it off, got a loaner, and went to work. Before I dropped it off that morning the car ran great, it had no ticking, no engine lights nor loss of power.

NHTSA ODI report, 2011-10-07

Fuel/propulsion system

10% · 20 reports
INJURY

Safety timeline

6 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. ▮
    2009Complaint volume 193 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. R
    2013-03-13Electrical system13V044000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    2018-06-18Engine and engine cooling17V683000 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.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. R
    2018-06-29Electrical system17V676000 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.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. R
    2019-08-14Electrical system19V472000 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.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. R
    2020-03-11Air bags20V017000 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,...

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  7. R
    2024-08-30Air bags24V513000 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.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2009 BMW 328I — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Air bags: 66 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 61 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine: 47 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 13V044000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 17V683000 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 17V676000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 19V472000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 20V017000 · Air bags
  • Recall 24V513000 · Air bags
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2009 BMW 328I reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2009 BMW 328I is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2009 BMW 328I?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 34% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2009 BMW 328I have?
6 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.