Problems › BMW › 2016 3 Series
2016 BMW 3 Series Problems & Owner Complaints
Age-normalised, this year draws ~8.5 complaints per year on the road — ranking 2 of 8 BMW 3 Series years we track (1 = most complaints per year).
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What owners report
Engine is the most-reported problem area on the 2016 BMW 3 Series, cited in 24 of 93 filed complaints (26%).
Electrical System is next (23 complaints, 25%), followed by Service Brakes (18), Power Train (13), Engine And Engine Cooling (12).
Across all complaints, 12 report a crash, 3 report a fire, 11 report injuries.
The most safety-critical cluster is Air Bags: 7 crash, 8 injury report(s).
Complaints by vehicle system
Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2016 BMW 3 Series, grouped by the vehicle system each cites. A single complaint can name more than one system, so the group totals can add up to more than 93.
Engine 24 3 crash 3 fire 3 injury
“The contact owns a 2016 BMW 328I. The contact stated that after parking and turning the vehicle off, moments later the front end of the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. During the incident, a bystander who attempted to extinguish the flames was treated by EMS at the scene for headaches and smoke inhalation. A fire report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11549243, 2023 · fire · 1 injury(ies)
“Vehicle Information: •Year, Make, Model: 2016 BMW 328i GT •VIN: Provide VIN •Mileage: Insert Mileage Description of the Problem: I am experiencing recurring drivetrain malfunctions and overheating issues with my 2016 BMW 328i GT, which is currently under a nationwide recall issued in August 2024. Despite having coolant in the system, the vehicle overheats and displays a “drivetrain malfunction” warning, forcing me to pull off the road and restart the car to temporarily clear the issue. Additionally, there appears to be a leak causing fluid to drip onto the belt and other components, further co…”
NHTSA complaint #11652992, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“THIS HAPPENED TWO SEPARATE TIMES ABOUT 2 WEEKS APART.. THE CAR WAS STOPPED AT A STOPLIGHT. FOOT ON BRAKE. SUDDENLY ENGINE STARTED REVVING AND CAR LEAPED FORWARD. BRAKE DID NOT STOP IT. THE SECOND TIME, (AUGUST 31, 2020) THE CAR REARED-ENDED THE CAR IN FRONT, POSSIBLY CAUSING INJURY TO THAT DRIVER. NEITHER CAR WAS HARMED.”
NHTSA complaint #11353027, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
Electrical System 23 1 crash 3 fire 2 injury
“The contact owns a 2016 BMW 328I. The contact stated that after parking and turning the vehicle off, moments later the front end of the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. During the incident, a bystander who attempted to extinguish the flames was treated by EMS at the scene for headaches and smoke inhalation. A fire report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11549243, 2023 · fire · 1 injury(ies)
“Vehicle Information: •Year, Make, Model: 2016 BMW 328i GT •VIN: Provide VIN •Mileage: Insert Mileage Description of the Problem: I am experiencing recurring drivetrain malfunctions and overheating issues with my 2016 BMW 328i GT, which is currently under a nationwide recall issued in August 2024. Despite having coolant in the system, the vehicle overheats and displays a “drivetrain malfunction” warning, forcing me to pull off the road and restart the car to temporarily clear the issue. Additionally, there appears to be a leak causing fluid to drip onto the belt and other components, further co…”
NHTSA complaint #11652992, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“known what failed the entire car was on fire= if there was no one near by it could have consumed more cars/buildings it has been inspected by BMW of north america and Geico the car was overheating the night before and had a check engine light. it was taken to the shop immediately and the fire started within less than 24 hours of the initial symptoms occurring.”
NHTSA complaint #11538820, 2023 · fire
Service Brakes 18 2 crash
“I WAS SLOWING DOWN TO APPROACH AND STOP AT A RED LIGHT ON A STREET (NOT HIGHWAY) AND MY CAR WASN'T BRAKING. IT THEN STOPPED. AFTER IT BRAKED AND I WAS SITTING AT THE RED LIGHT WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE FULLY STOPPED AND STATIONARY FOR APPROXIMATELY 10-20 SECONDS MY CAR ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING AND HIT THE BACK OF THE CAR AHEAD OF ME. THE IMPACT CAUSED A TINY SCRATCH ON THE DRIVERS BUMPER FROM MY LICENSE PLATE. HIS CAR WAS OLD AND HIS BUMPER ALREADY DAMAGED, SO HE WASN'T TOO CONCERNED ABOUT THE SCRATCH. WE PULLED OFF TO A NEARBY PARKING LOT AND HE CHECKED UNDER HIS CAR AND UNDER MY CAR TO M…”
NHTSA complaint #11104669, 2018 · crash
“I WAS DRIVING IN A 25 MPH ZONE IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA, DRY ROADS DURING DAYLIGHT AND THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME STOPPED SUDDENLY. I STEPPED ON THE BRAKES, THEY LOCKED AND THE CAR CONTINUED TO SLIDE TOWARDS THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I HAD TO QUICKLY TURN THE WHEEL TO THE LEFT TO AVOID HITTING THE CAR HEAD ON. I HIT THE CAR ON THE LEFT SIDE AND DAMAGE TO MY CAR ON THE RIGHT SIDE. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10930071, 2016 · crash
“Car started to have low coolant when i would replace it instantly and i took it to a shop and they told me it has a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #11678648, 2025
Unknown Or Other 16 1 crash 1 fire 1 injury
“I WAS INVOLVED IN A MAJOR ACCIDENT IN A 2016 BMW 320I WITH FRONT AND PASSENGER SIDE IMPACT. IT WAS SO BAD, IT PUSHED BACK MY ENTIRE AXLE, WHEELS, ETC. MY DRIVER SIDE NOR PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. I WAS TRAVELING 40 MILES PER HOUR WHEN HIT BY ANOTHER DRIVER WHO WAS TRAVELING DOWNHILL AT OR ABOVE THE SAME SPEED. SOS BUTTON DID NOT WORK EITHER. THIS HAPPENED ON A CITY STREET (INTERSECTION). THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS. I HAD TWO MINORS IN THE CAR WITH ME. THE MESSAGE DISPLAYED ON MY DASH, ETC. SAYS SOMETHING ABOUT FAULTY AIRBAGS, ETC. COLLISION EXPERT CONFIRMED SENSORS DEFINITELY SHOUL…”
NHTSA complaint #11324617, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“I was at a red light while driving my car.When I stepped on the gas once the light turned green the car stalled and started jerking i immediately smelled smoked and seen smoke coming through the cabin..lt made a strange sound from the engine The service engine light came on and said reduced engine power/ drive train malfunction get service immediately.I was able to coast the car to a curb luckily in front of a car shop as soon as i can get out of the car a worker from the shop ran outside yelling your car is on fire! We lift the hood and he had a water hose on the side of the shop he then spr…”
NHTSA complaint #11455943, 2022 · fire
“I have been waiting since October 2024 to get a remedy available to fix the recall on this vehicle. Dealership won’t even look at the car since the remedy is unavailable but this is a dangerous issue to have and know about without a fix anywhere in the foreseeable future.”
NHTSA complaint #11674642, 2025
Power Train 13 2 crash 2 injury
“Vehicle Information: •Year, Make, Model: 2016 BMW 328i GT •VIN: Provide VIN •Mileage: Insert Mileage Description of the Problem: I am experiencing recurring drivetrain malfunctions and overheating issues with my 2016 BMW 328i GT, which is currently under a nationwide recall issued in August 2024. Despite having coolant in the system, the vehicle overheats and displays a “drivetrain malfunction” warning, forcing me to pull off the road and restart the car to temporarily clear the issue. Additionally, there appears to be a leak causing fluid to drip onto the belt and other components, further co…”
NHTSA complaint #11652992, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“THIS HAPPENED TWO SEPARATE TIMES ABOUT 2 WEEKS APART.. THE CAR WAS STOPPED AT A STOPLIGHT. FOOT ON BRAKE. SUDDENLY ENGINE STARTED REVVING AND CAR LEAPED FORWARD. BRAKE DID NOT STOP IT. THE SECOND TIME, (AUGUST 31, 2020) THE CAR REARED-ENDED THE CAR IN FRONT, POSSIBLY CAUSING INJURY TO THAT DRIVER. NEITHER CAR WAS HARMED.”
NHTSA complaint #11353027, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“The clip holding the emergency brake line is made out of plastic and mine broke (which I found out is common with these cars). When this happens, it rubs on the driveshaft which can wear through and sever the emergency brake line. This is a very dangerous situation and easily be avoided if BMW used a metal part vs. the current, plastic flimsy one.”
NHTSA complaint #11549479, 2023
Engine And Engine Cooling 12
“The contact owns a 2016 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.”
NHTSA complaint #11650543, 2025
“The contact owns a 2016 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.”
NHTSA complaint #11647307, 2025
“The contact owns a 2016 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that upon driving and coming to a stop, there was an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle, and there was smoke coming front the A/C vents. The contact stated that a passenger who was occupying the front passenger's side seat and became aware of the abnormal burning odor. There was no warning light illuminated. An unknown local dealer was contacted. The…”
NHTSA complaint #11660445, 2024
Air Bags 8 7 crash 8 injury
“MY WIFE AND I WERE IN AN ACCIDENT ON 2/14/2018 IN WHICH WE WERE REAR ENDED AND SHOVED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF US. THE AIRBAG ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE DASH DISCHARGED INSIDE THE DASH BUT DID NOT DEPLOY INTO THE CABIN OF THE CAR. WE WERE SITTING STILL IN TRAFFIC WHEN WE WERE REAR ENDED BY A FULL SIZE CHEVROLET PICK UP TRUCK THAT HIT US ABOUT 35-40 MPH. WE WERE BOTH TRANSPORTED TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM AND SHE IS SUFFERING FROM SEVERE BACK AND NECK PAIN, AS WELL AS BRUISING TO HER ARM, SHOULDER, AND BREAST.”
NHTSA complaint #11075360, 2018 · crash · 2 injury(ies)
“TAKATA RECALL - A SAFETY RECALL HAS NOT YET BEEN ISSUED FOR THIS VEHICLE AND/OR ITS TAKATA AIRBAG SYSTEM. DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED ON A TWO LANE HIGHWAY ATTEMPTING TO TAKE A LEFT HAND TURN WHEN SHE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH. AFTER IMPACT, HER VEHICLE TRAVELED ACROSS THE YELLOW LINE, ACROSS A SOUTHBOUND LANE AND OFF THE ROADWAY INTO A 4 FOOT DITCH. THE AIRBAG SYSTEM FAILED TO DEPLOY BOTH WHEN STRUCK BY THE OTHER VEHICLE AS WELL AS THE IMPACT WITH THE DITCH. DRIVER WAS INJURED AND TAKEN TO EMERGENCY ROOM. PASSENGER IN HER VEHICLE WAS REMOVED BY…”
NHTSA complaint #11166339, 2017 · crash · 2 injury(ies)
“I WAS INVOLVED IN A MAJOR ACCIDENT IN A 2016 BMW 320I WITH FRONT AND PASSENGER SIDE IMPACT. IT WAS SO BAD, IT PUSHED BACK MY ENTIRE AXLE, WHEELS, ETC. MY DRIVER SIDE NOR PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. I WAS TRAVELING 40 MILES PER HOUR WHEN HIT BY ANOTHER DRIVER WHO WAS TRAVELING DOWNHILL AT OR ABOVE THE SAME SPEED. SOS BUTTON DID NOT WORK EITHER. THIS HAPPENED ON A CITY STREET (INTERSECTION). THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS. I HAD TWO MINORS IN THE CAR WITH ME. THE MESSAGE DISPLAYED ON MY DASH, ETC. SAYS SOMETHING ABOUT FAULTY AIRBAGS, ETC. COLLISION EXPERT CONFIRMED SENSORS DEFINITELY SHOUL…”
NHTSA complaint #11324617, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
Vehicle Speed Control 7 1 crash
“I WAS TURNING INTO A PARKING SPACE WHEN THE CAR ACCELERATED OVER THE PARKING BARRIER AND CRASHED INTO A POST.”
NHTSA complaint #11062671, 2018 · crash
“Vehicle disengaged itself from gear while driving on hwy going between 75-85 mph. Failed to re engage into gear when stepping on accelerator causing vehicle to just coast and slow down as fast moving traffic (semis) we’re approaching. Construction zone didn’t have shoulders to pull aside which made situation worst. Car did accelerate after a few attempts. The car did illuminate a “unable to recharge batteries, stop carefully and contact your nearest service shop” just prior to the situation. Seems like the i3 models are currently under a class action lawsuit for a similar defect and I fear th…”
NHTSA complaint #11488500, 2022
“ENGINE REVVED UNCONTROLLABLY WITHOUT MY FOOT ON THE GAS PEDAL, I WAS FORCED TO SHUT THE ENGINE OFF. THE CAR BEHAVED NORMALLY ONCE THE ENGINE WAS RESTARTED: I WAS TURNING LEFT INTO A PARKING SPACE IN A PARKING LOT AT A VERY SLOW SPEED. MY FOOT WAS OFF THE GAS PEDAL AS I WAS BRAKING AND COMING TO A STOP. SUDDENLY (WITH FOOT STILL ON THE BRAKE AND NOT THE GAS PEDAL) THE ENGINE REVVED TO A HIGH RPM WHICH LURCHED THE CAR FORWARD A BIT. SINCE I WAS ALREADY BRAKING, I WAS ABLE TO REACT QUICKLY AND PRESS DOWN EVEN HARDER ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, WHICH STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND KEPT IT IN PLACE. THE E…”
NHTSA complaint #11291436, 2019
Structure 6 2 crash 3 injury
“TAKATA RECALL - A SAFETY RECALL HAS NOT YET BEEN ISSUED FOR THIS VEHICLE AND/OR ITS TAKATA AIRBAG SYSTEM. DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED ON A TWO LANE HIGHWAY ATTEMPTING TO TAKE A LEFT HAND TURN WHEN SHE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH. AFTER IMPACT, HER VEHICLE TRAVELED ACROSS THE YELLOW LINE, ACROSS A SOUTHBOUND LANE AND OFF THE ROADWAY INTO A 4 FOOT DITCH. THE AIRBAG SYSTEM FAILED TO DEPLOY BOTH WHEN STRUCK BY THE OTHER VEHICLE AS WELL AS THE IMPACT WITH THE DITCH. DRIVER WAS INJURED AND TAKEN TO EMERGENCY ROOM. PASSENGER IN HER VEHICLE WAS REMOVED BY…”
NHTSA complaint #11166339, 2017 · crash · 2 injury(ies)
“I WAS INVOLVED IN A MAJOR ACCIDENT IN A 2016 BMW 320I WITH FRONT AND PASSENGER SIDE IMPACT. IT WAS SO BAD, IT PUSHED BACK MY ENTIRE AXLE, WHEELS, ETC. MY DRIVER SIDE NOR PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. I WAS TRAVELING 40 MILES PER HOUR WHEN HIT BY ANOTHER DRIVER WHO WAS TRAVELING DOWNHILL AT OR ABOVE THE SAME SPEED. SOS BUTTON DID NOT WORK EITHER. THIS HAPPENED ON A CITY STREET (INTERSECTION). THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS. I HAD TWO MINORS IN THE CAR WITH ME. THE MESSAGE DISPLAYED ON MY DASH, ETC. SAYS SOMETHING ABOUT FAULTY AIRBAGS, ETC. COLLISION EXPERT CONFIRMED SENSORS DEFINITELY SHOUL…”
NHTSA complaint #11324617, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“While replacing the battery, the battery well was rusty. If allowed to continue I have no doubt the very heavy battery will fall through to the ground causing an accident and very hazardous materials will spill on the roadway (acids and lead from a ruptured battery).”
NHTSA complaint #11621820, 2024
Fuel/Propulsion System 5
“(1) Failed component: High Pressure Fuel Pump (2) The vehicle complete shut down without warning leaving the driver stranded on the road. (3) The problem has been assessed and confirmed. (4) The vehicle has been inspected by a certified BMW mechanic. (5) There was no warning prior to failure. Description: While driving at approximately 30 mph, the vehicle shut down. I was told by a certified BMW mechanic that the high pressure fuel pump imploded, sending metal chards through the fuel injection line thereby disabling the vehicle entirely. I inquired as to whether or not a recall had been issu…”
NHTSA complaint #11584611, 2023
“BMW released a SIB 01 03 22 Plastic Fuel Tank (B58/N20/N55/S55) Ltd Emission Wty Ext To 15 Yrs/150,000 Miles. I have a plastic fuel tank with this problem but the range for the warranty is for models F30 2013 to 2016 320i and xDrive Sedan that are produced between July 02, 2012 to April 30, 2016 . My vehicle was produced on May 2016 but has the same plastic fuel tank. Upon calling BMW north america they said they said they can not make exceptions and there is no escalation path. My point is if the same plastic fuel tank is used for the vehicles with in the warranty date range, why isn't m…”
NHTSA complaint #11525692, 2023
“The high-pressure fuel pump failed causing the engine to stop completely without any prior warning and the car put itself in park on the highway and would not get out of park to go into neutral or any other gear. This could have caused a very serious crash and highly increased my risk of injury or death. You are more than welcome to inspect it. It is currently sitting at the dealership waiting for a resolution. My safety and the safety of many others on the 65mph highway were put at risk when the car completely stopped in the middle of the road and would not move until the tow truck arrived…”
NHTSA complaint #11489096, 2022
Steering 4 1 crash 1 injury
“I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WITH A HIT AND RUN VEHICLE AND RESULTING IN THE ACCIDENT, MY STEERING WHEEL CAME OFF IN THE PROCESS HITTING ME IN MY PELVIC AREA AND NOW I AM HAVING TROUBLE URINATING AND I HAVE BLEEDING. THE AIR BAGS ALSO BURNED THROUGH MY CLOTHES AND ONTO MY SKIN. I SUFFERED FIRST DEGREE BURNS TO MY ARM, STOMACH AND THIGH.”
NHTSA complaint #11277528, 2019 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“Received recall notice 5 months ago from BMW. Why is it taking so long for them to address this issue?”
NHTSA complaint #11636154, 2024
“The steering rack in the car failed prior to 100,000 miles. BMW has had issues from models 2012 to 2015 and recalled their steering racks. The same issue was happening in the 2016 year.”
NHTSA complaint #11527449, 2023
Forward Collision Avoidance 2 1 crash
“ON MARCH 22, 2021, I WAS PARKING MY 2016 BMW GRAN TURISMO 328X AT A PARKING GARAGE. II HAD COMPLETED THE INITIAL TURN-IN, WHEN THE CAR FELT LIKE THE ACCELERATOR HAD BEEN PUSHED TO THE FLOOR. THE CAR WENT FROM APPROXIMATELY 5 MILES AN HOUR TO ABOUT 20 MPH IN THE LENGTH OF A PARKING SPOT. THE CAR HIT THE CONCRETE BARRIER HEAD ON, WITH THE SIDE CURTAIN, STEERING WHEEL AND LEG AIR BAGS DEPLOYING. THE CAR WAS FULLY MAINTAINED AND SERVICED BY THE BMW DEALER WITH BRAND NEW TIRES. IT HAD ABOUT 78K MILES ON IT. THE FORWARD COLLISION WARNING DID NOT GO OFF NOR DID THE AUTOMATIC BRAKING OCCUR.…”
NHTSA complaint #11405636, 2021 · crash
“Collision warning is often inaccurate. Signaling collision when no obstacles are present. Also, EGR Cooler recall still pending.”
NHTSA complaint #11474829, 2022
Seat Belts 2 1 crash
“I WAS DRIVING IN A 25 MPH ZONE IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA, DRY ROADS DURING DAYLIGHT AND THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME STOPPED SUDDENLY. I STEPPED ON THE BRAKES, THEY LOCKED AND THE CAR CONTINUED TO SLIDE TOWARDS THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I HAD TO QUICKLY TURN THE WHEEL TO THE LEFT TO AVOID HITTING THE CAR HEAD ON. I HIT THE CAR ON THE LEFT SIDE AND DAMAGE TO MY CAR ON THE RIGHT SIDE. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10930071, 2016 · crash
“Hi BMW I have noticed issues with my seatbelts but more specifically my engine light keeps turning on. My driving seat will not buckle. Simple last Saturday.”
NHTSA complaint #11497362, 2022
Seats 2 1 crash 2 injury
“MY WIFE AND I WERE IN AN ACCIDENT ON 2/14/2018 IN WHICH WE WERE REAR ENDED AND SHOVED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF US. THE AIRBAG ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE DASH DISCHARGED INSIDE THE DASH BUT DID NOT DEPLOY INTO THE CABIN OF THE CAR. WE WERE SITTING STILL IN TRAFFIC WHEN WE WERE REAR ENDED BY A FULL SIZE CHEVROLET PICK UP TRUCK THAT HIT US ABOUT 35-40 MPH. WE WERE BOTH TRANSPORTED TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM AND SHE IS SUFFERING FROM SEVERE BACK AND NECK PAIN, AS WELL AS BRUISING TO HER ARM, SHOULDER, AND BREAST.”
NHTSA complaint #11075360, 2018 · crash · 2 injury(ies)
“I have referred to the owner's manual of my vehicle and it does not show me nor indicate how to get access to the trunk from the inside of the vehicle in an emergency situation. I've looked for a seat release latch handle and there is not one. I've researched and contacted BMW experts and they state normally it should have one, other times it may not... I've pulled the middle seat armrest down to expose the plastic access hatch and when I pulled it out of the way, it exposed a metal frame that was in the way and appeared it was part of the backseat metal frame. I've felt around, looked and…”
NHTSA complaint #11493280, 2022
Visibility/Wiper 2
“I WAS DRIVING DOWN ROUTE 295 IN VIRGINIA WITH NO OVERPASSES OR ELEVATIONS AROUND ME AND NO CARS IN FRONT OF ME ONLY BEHIND ME, WHEN SUDDENLY THE SUNROOF GLASS SHATTERED. LUCKILY SINCE MY SUNROOF WAS CLOSED I HAD THE INSIDE COVER PULLED FORWARD SO THE GLASS DID NOT FALL ON TOP OF ME. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A DISASTER FOR ME IF THE GLASS HAD FALLEN ON ME AND CREATED OR CAUSED ME TO TURN INTO OTHER TRAFFIC. PHOTO”
NHTSA complaint #11081593, 2018
“SUNROOF GLASS EXPLODED. NO INJURY AS ROOF SLIDER (THIN SLIDE PANEL UNDERNEATH GLASS) WAS CLOSED. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON HIGHWAY TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH. NO APPARENT IMPACT POINT, GLASS APPEARS TO BE EXPANDED OUTWARD (VS. INWARD).”
NHTSA complaint #11063253, 2018
Wheels 2
“DAMAGE TO 1 TIRE FROM A CITY STREET POTHOLE RESULTED IN ALL 4 TIRES REQUIRING REPLACEMENT, AT SIGNIFICANT COST; DESPITE PURCHASING A WHEEL & TIRE PROTECTION PACKAGE. AT THE TIME OF REPLACEMENT OF ALL 4 TIRES, THE MILEAGE ON MY VEHICLE WAS 9949 MILES. EITHER MY VEHICLE IS DEFECTIVE AND/OR MY VEHICLE'S TIRES ARE DEFECTIVE. MY VEHICLE'S TIRES WERE MANUFACTURED BY CONTINENTAL; HOWEVER MY VEHICLE'S MANUFACTURER BMW NA, RECOMMENDED AND REQUIRED THESE TIRES.”
NHTSA complaint #11073183, 2018
“HIT A POT HOLE & LATER FOR A LARGE BULGE IN THE SIDE WALL OF THE BRIDGESTONE POTENZA S001 RUN FLAT TIRE. THE TIRE WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE SINCE NO ONE(BMW OR BRIDGESTONE WILL TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS TYPE OF DAMAGE. I WILL NEVER BUY A CAR WITH LOW PROFILE TIRES AGAIN. I DID REPLACE A PREVIOUSLY DEFECTIVE TIRE THAT DISPLACED A SIMILAR BULGE EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS NO INSTANCE OF A CSUSE FOR DAMAGE. I PURCHASED A REPLACEMENT AT COSTCO SINCE IT COMES WITH A WARRENTY FOR SAID DAMAGE. NOW COSTCO DOES NOT HAVE THIS TIRE IN THEIR INVENTORY DUE TO THE TIRE NOT CURRENTLY IN PRODUCTION.…”
NHTSA complaint #10958223, 2016
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 1
“I WAS DRIVING WITH AN ADULT PASSENGER ON JUNE 1, 2018 AT APPROXIMATELY 3 PM ON A PUBLIC STREET, TRAVELING STRAIGHT AT APPROX 40 MPH. CONDITIONS WERE DRY AND SUNNY. I PRESSED THE BRAKE AT A STOP LIGHT AND THE CAR STOPPED FOR A BRIEF SECOND AND THEN LUNGED FORWARD WHILE THE BRAKE WAS STILL DEPRESSED. I PUT BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKE AND PUSHED HARD TO THE FLOOR. THE CAR CONTINUED FORWARD SEVERAL FEET AND SLOWED TO A STOP. THE ENGINE WAS REVVING WHILE I TRIED TO STOP AND MY PASSENGER STATED THAT THE RPMS INCREASED RAPIDLY. NO WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON OR ENGINE WARNING. I WAS APPROX 2 MILES FROM THE BMW…”
NHTSA complaint #11100638, 2018
Exterior Lighting 1
“My right turn signal suddenly stopped working. The BMW dealership diagnosed the problem as the fem module failure.”
NHTSA complaint #11520334, 2023
Fuel System 1
“The contact owns a 2016 BMW 328D. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V907000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.”
NHTSA complaint #11471497, 2022
Suspension 1
“THE VEHICLE FRONT END WILL SHAKE AND LURCH LEFT AND RIGHT WHEN DRIVING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS. WHEN DRIVING AT OR BELOW 25MPH, AND A SMALL BUT SHARP BUMP IN THE ROAD IS DRIVEN OVER, THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN WILL SHAKE AND THE SUSPENSION IN THE FRONT (IN PARTICULAR THE DRIVERS SIDE) WILL MAKE A LOUD CLUNKING/POPPING SOUND. I'VE HAD THE VEHICLE INSPECTED BY THE DEALERSHIP 2 TIMES. THEY TELL ME THAT THE NOISE IS NORMAL AND COMMON ON THIS YEAR AND MAKE. WHEN GOING ONLINE AND TYPING INTO GOOGLE "2016 BMW 328I STEERING NOISE/SUSPENSION NOISE" THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF REPORTS OF EXACTLY WHAT I'M EXPERI…”
NHTSA complaint #11162347, 2018
How we read this (methodology)
How to read this: raw complaint totals are not a clean reliability score — a model year with more cars sold, or simply more years on the road, accumulates more complaints regardless of how good it is. So this page leans on two signals that are not distorted by sales volume: the share of complaints falling on each vehicle system (the breakdown above) and NHTSA's own crash / fire / injury / death flags. When we compare model years of the same model, we normalise by years on the road (complaints ÷ vehicle age) rather than comparing raw totals. Age-normalised, the 2016 BMW 3 Series draws about 8.5 complaints per year on the road, ranking 2 of 8 among the BMW 3 Series model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).
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Related
Data source: U.S. NHTSA (nhtsa.gov). SaveVIN surfaces public recall data and is not affiliated with or endorsed by NHTSA.