2009 BMW 128i Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2009 BMW 128i has a complaint index of 50, ranking 4th out of 7 model years, with a Caution verdict. Owners most often reported airbag and electrical problems, and NHTSA lists 6 recalls including two Takata airbag campaigns.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 50/100
- #4 of 7 128i years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 26
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 6
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Airbags
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 18 city / 28 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2009 BMW 128i problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Airbags10 (38%)
- Electrical System10 (38%)
- Engine8 (31%)
- Visibility & Wipers5 (19%)
- Fuel System1 (4%)
- Other1 (4%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report Takata airbag recall parts were unavailable for extended periods, leaving the driver or passenger airbag unrepaired.
- Some owners describe the airbag warning light staying on while the vehicle unexpectedly lost speed as if it might stall.
- Rear parking lights and tail lights have failed suddenly, including LED tail light segments going dark with no dealer fix offered.
- One owner reported the rear window caving in without warning, which a technician said the glass wasn't built to withstand.
- A Takata airbag recall notice was tied to an engine cooling campaign complaint that also involved a fire.
2009 BMW 128i recalls
6 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 22V119000Mar 2, 2022Engine917,106 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:crankcase (pcv)
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Risk: An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.
Remedy: This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Vehicles previously repaired under the prior recalls will need to come back for the new recall remedy. The remedy is currently being developed. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 1, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 22, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- NHTSA 20V017000Jan 15, 2020Airbags59,965 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
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, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
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. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- NHTSA 19V579000Aug 6, 2019Electrical System41,981 vehicles
Electrical system:wiring
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2012 BMW 128i, 135i, 135is Coupes and 128i, 135i Convertible vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors in the blower-regulator wiring harness may overheat.
Risk: Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the blower-regulator wiring harness, and replace it with a new part, free of charge. The recall began October 4, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion of an earlier recall number 17V-676.
2009 BMW 128i fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 18 MPG
- Highway
- 28 MPG
- Combined
- 21 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,800
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2009 compared with other 128i years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2009 BMW 128i reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2009 128i a complaint index of 50, ranking it 4th worst of 7 model years for the 128i, with a Caution verdict relative to other years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2009 BMW 128i?
- Airbags and the electrical system are tied as the top problem areas, each accounting for 38% of complaints, followed by engine issues at 31%.
- Does the 2009 BMW 128i have an airbag recall?
- Yes. NHTSA lists two airbag-related recalls, campaigns 20V119000 and 16V071000, both involving Takata driver or passenger airbag replacement.
- How many recalls does the 2009 BMW 128i have?
- NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2009 128i, covering airbags, electrical wiring, and engine components.
- Should I avoid the 2009 BMW 128i compared to other years?
- The 2009 model carries a Caution verdict, but the 2011 and 2012 128i have higher complaint indexes of 100 and 83 and Avoid verdicts, making 2009 a relatively lower-risk choice among later years.