10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
44,428 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2011 BMW 328 drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2011 BMW 328 Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #22

Jun 192021

328

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Vanos System Camshaft gear Bolts sheared causing loss of power in the freeway.

- Chandler, AZ, USA

problem #21

Feb 152021

328

  • 112,000 miles
My vehicle is experiencing the same symptoms and is reporting the same trouble codes related to recall number: 17V683000. However, my vehicle is not included in this recall. I would appreciate it if this matter could be investigated and my vehicles VIN included in this recall.

- River Falls, WI, USA

problem #20

Jul 082020

328 6-cyl

  • 37,000 miles
The vehicle lost the ability to shift from P to R to N to D and vice versa due to a malfunction of the gear shifter mechanism while driving. This BMW model uses a mechanical cable to move the automatic transmission gear selector. The cable assembly is held in place by a metal clip (BMW securing plate, part number 25161421252) so the gear knob can push or pull the cable from P to R to N to D and vice versa inside the cabin when the driver selects different gears. This clip can easily fall off as the cable assembly bends the metal clip over time. This issue could be fatal if the automatic transmission shifts gears suddenly from drive to neutral or reverse while driving at speed.

- Coral Springs, FL, USA

problem #19

Nov 152018

328

  • 75,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My BMW does not idle smooth, it hesitates like it is choking on gas, its idle gauge goes from 0 to 15 constantly. At first I thought it was a transmission problem. I had it tunes=D up and the problem still exists. It has little power on and off. You have to accelerate hard to get it to go up hills and it is not a smooth shift when your riding it hard to get the idle up to par to go faster.

- Elizabeth, PA, USA

problem #18

Oct 032019

328

  • 67,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328xi. While driving at a low rate of speed, the vehicle stalled and shut off without warning. Also, the service engine indicator illuminated. The contact associated NHTSA campaign number: 13V044000 (electrical system) with the failure. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.

- Powell, OH, USA

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problem #17

Mar 012019

328

  • 80,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. While driving various speeds, the vehicle would not immediately accelerate and sputtered when depressing the accelerator pedal. On several occasions, smoke was present inside the cabin. The vehicle was taken to classic BMW (2571 som center rd, willoughby hills, oh), but the cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 80,000.

- Cleveland, OH, USA

problem #16

Dec 292017

328

  • 6,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The engine light would come on, but nothing would be wrong with the car at least I thought.

- Waco, TX, USA

problem #15

Apr 112018

328

  • 85,000 miles
Cam bolts shear off and fall into engine resulting in complete loss of power on the freeway while in drive, extended warranty should fix this however all they did at BMW tri cities was put new bolts on and there are massive issues happening related to bolts failing, they will do nothing about this

- Ellensburg, WA, USA

problem #14

Sep 192017

328

  • miles
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. While driving approximately 25 mph, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17V683000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the part needed for the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact called BMW of rockville at (301) 476-0126 (1300 rockville pike, md 20852) and was informed that the part was not available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

- Fredrick, MD, USA

problem #13

Nov 182017

328

  • 84,306 miles
As I came to a stop at a red light the screen showed red saying transmission issues take to nearest repair facility asap I drove thru intersection about 1000 ft made a U-turn to get off road turned car off for safety and car would not restart had to have it towed to nearest dealer where I was informed 4 days later that their diagnostics said it has had at least 2 faults on battery and possibly 3 faults on transmission it will cost $2500. Plus to repair depending on what they find now my issue is that I just purchased this car 84 days prior to this thinking that all I've heard is how great a vehicle these are dependable, sharp, etc. Foolish me since my purchase I had to get a new gas cap no problem replace front brakes and noticed that front passenger door doesn't unlock or lock with auto key trunk doesn't open from inside vehicle just little annoying things the fox report came with no reports of accidents but not the case when replacing brakes showing signs of accident so here I sit with a car parked in my driveway that I'm afraid to drive because I can't afford to fix for possibly 6 months inconvenient perplexed disappointed just todays feelings I don't think I would recommend this brand of vehicle to anyone. Because I was going for a weekend trip with friends plans already set we were forced to rent a car to get thru weekend at a cost of $130. And then it costs me $ 163. For diagnostics and an additional $399. To have it towed back to my residence because I couldn't afford repair work at this time this vehicle only has 83,000 miles to have this many issues just doesn't set right with me. So from BMW's viewpoint how can I get these issues resolved without going bankrupt

- West Melbourne, FL, USA

problem #12

Jan 152017

328

  • 57,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Ac/heat blower motor and final stage unit, vehicle at 5700 miles burned out resistor/harness connections. While in motion, blower suddenly stop and saw smoke come out of the vent with a burning smell due to the electrical shortage. I immediately turned the fan switch off. The resistor burned out and frayed the wires of the blower motor. Researched the issue and this is a common problem to the 2013 and earlier models. Due to this issue, the manufacturer changed their design/ harness but did not perform a recall on any vehicles. This issue is a safety concern due to internal cabin fires and total vehicle loss due to electrical fires. I did have my parts replaced at my own expense due to vehicle out of warranty.

- Westampton, NJ, USA

problem #11

Apr 172017

328

  • 53,500 miles
2011 328I with 53,500 miles. Engine cold start hesitation with vibrations while idling stationary. Took vehicle in to dealership to diagnose issue, oil change. Was told that it was the eccentric shaft sensor/gaskets, battery tested low to include vvt sensors and left pad brake sensor due to wire cut. Total cost $2300 dollars. Next day, continued to have the same problem. Went back to dealer and stated they didn't find any further issues. Did research into the issue with other BMW owners which had the vehicles serviced for replacements of vanos, mass air flow sensors, etc. These codes weren't showing up on my vehicle. Decided to take a look at my engine myself and noticed oil leaking from the valve cover gasket area and could see oil that had leak on the bottom of the engine bay, now at 60K miles, took it in early for an oil change and diagnosis again due to possible fire if oil spills on mounting struts. This replacement will cost me another $2K+ for a valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket replacements, yet this wasn't made known when I had gotten my oil changed previously. The safety issue is the possibility of an engine fire and BMW's negligence in taking responsibility for the manufacturing flaws, especially when so many owners are having problems with these issues starting early at 40K miles.

- Westampton, NJ, USA

problem #10

Oct 012014

328 6-cyl

  • 32,000 miles
Shortly after the warranty on this vehicle expired in September, 2014, I noticed a shutter while accelerating in the 35-45 mph range, however no warning lights were illuminated. I took the vehicle to an authorized BMW mechanic, and, initially, the mechanic could not resolve the problem. On October 27, 2016, I returned to the mechanic for some minor repairs, and the mechanic informed me that the shutter problem was due to a defect in the transmission (torque) converter. He said that he is seeing this problem arise with more and more frequency in bmws that are brought to him for service and maintenance. This may be a serial defect in BMW transmissions. While accelerating in my vehicle, the shutter impairs both driving pleasure and performance. It also raises safety concerns.

- Coral Gables, FL, USA

problem #9

Aug 252016

328

  • 47,000 miles
This vehicle has stalled numerous time when driven (in motion) at low speed on a city street. It has happened again 2 days ago when I was driving (in motion) and tried to make a right turn. The engine stopped and the steering wheel refused to turn. I would have been dead if another vehicle was coming from the other side of the road. This vehicle was taken to a BMW dealer's service numerous time for the exact same problem when it was under manufacturer warranty but the service and BMW usa always said that none of the other customers have ever reported this issue and they never heard of it from another customer.

- Katy, TX, USA

problem #8

Sep 222014

328 6-cyl

  • 43,000 miles
While driving along at approximately 35mph, my 2011 328I shut off. Due to my given relatively low speed and location (back road) I was able to pull the car safely to the shoulder. Once stopped, I attempted to start the engine. The car would start. Subsequently, the car was towed to the nearest BMW service facility. The BMW repair technician advised an internal fuel link cracked, thus the car had effectively run out of gas. The entire fuel tank and pump had to be replaced. A simple google search for "2011 BMW 328I swollen fuel pump" reveals others have had this issue as well. This is a serious safety concern as the car could have shut off and failed at any time. I could have been travelling at 65mph on the interstate, which may have caused an accident. I want to know if the replacement fuel tank and pump that BMW installed in my car address what is clearly an engineering and design fault, or am I at risk of this happening in the future as well? I've contacted BMW usa but have not received a response as of this submission.

- West Chester , PA, USA

problem #7

Jun 012014

328

  • 23,000 miles
A letter from BMW came in June 2014 stating that my vehicle is effected for important safety recall and that I would be notified when the parts become available to have it fixed. The recall was for vanos assembly bolts. The letter states that I may hear increased noise, check engine light may come on leading to reduced power leading to engine stall. I noticed on this website many people have had similar complaints and leading to steering wheel to lock and engine to shut off which can lead to injury and death of anyone on the roads. I have called my dealer as well BMW headquarters and both state that they have no idea when the parts will become available. So for now I have to drive a car with a safety recall and I can do nothing about it other than hope I don't cause an accident due to my car malfunctioning. This is criminal of BMW and needs to be addressed. I asked them if I could bring my car in and have a loaner instead till the parts become available but was turned down, unless I want to pay out of my own pocket. This needs to be addressed! thank you for protecting americans on the road!

- Cleveland, OH, USA

problem #6

Jun 062014

328

  • 101,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving 30 mph, there was an abnormal noise coming from the vehicle and it shook excessively. The contact mentioned that the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the housing bolt of the variable camshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 101,000.

- Atlanta , GA, USA

problem #5

Jan 112013

328 6-cyl

  • miles
This vehicle was purchased Nov. 2011. Ever since, we've experienced the following: The mechanism/gear seems to want to shift to a faster gear when riding the brake at a lower speed to come to a stop, which in turn causes the car to surge forward. I had an accident due to this problem. I was injured and still suffering from the accident. BMW mechanics/engineer inspected the car but could not find the problem. Also, the car sags on the right side rear, which was seen and acknowledged by the BMW. They said that the sag is within BMW specs. This vehicle was purchased with only 3,684 miles. We were told that one of their wealthy clients leased it while waiting for his porch to arrive. We discovered later from the car fax that the vehicle had a prior owner and was purchased for commercial use. We feel that this vehicle came with a defect from the manufacturer. We continue to experience this problem with the vehicle, which we feel is a danger to us and the public. We've already had two accidents due to this problem; one by me and the other by my husband. We drive it with the awareness of its danger but are not always in a situation to control the vehicle with it surges forward. Thank you for your assistance in this matter.

- Vero Beach, FL, USA

problem #4

Mar 152013

328 6-cyl

  • 49,500 miles
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 mph, the vehicle would not accelerate. The contact continued depressing the accelerator pedal until the vehicle responded. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis where the technician was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 49,500.

- Bristow, VA, USA

problem #3

Dec 042012

328 6-cyl

  • 17,000 miles
I was driving on free way around 65-70 mph, suddenly the car lost control, veering, jerking, steering wheel lost control.

- Northville, MI, USA

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