YearToAvoid

2023 BMW 228i Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

No verdict

Complaint Index

29/100

#6 most-complained of 8 228i years

The 2023 BMW 228i has 2 NHTSA complaints and a complaint index of 29, ranking 6th of 8 model years. It has 1 recall for front structure bolts that may not have been tightened properly.

Complaints
2
Recalls
1
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
27.5
23.5 city / 33.5 hwy

Top 2023 BMW 228i problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Brakes1 (50%)
  2. Engine1 (50%)
  3. Collision Avoidance & Cameras1 (50%)
  4. Lane Departure1 (50%)
  5. Transmission & Powertrain1 (50%)

What owners report

  • Shifter can slip from Drive into Neutral with only slight wrist movement, cutting acceleration while driving.
  • The shifter does not lock in place, so brushing an arm against it while reaching for the radio or coffee can disengage Drive.
  • Owners report a noise from the brakes and rotors when in reverse at low mileage.
  • One owner reported failure of the frontal crash warning system alongside the brake noise complaint.
2023 BMW 228i complaints: complaints filed per month3Jul 2023May 2024
5 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jul 2023 to May 2024; peak May 2024 (3).

2023 BMW 228i recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 24V711000Sep 25, 2024Structure & Body7 vehicles

    Structure:body

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023-2024 228i, 228i xDrive, and 2025 MINI Countryman S ALL4 vehicles. The bolts that connect the front body structure to the vehicle chassis may not have been tightened properly.

    Risk: A loose front body structure may not adequately protect occupants in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and if necessary, tighten the front structure bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2024. Owners may contact BMW Customer Service at 1-800-525-7417.

2023 BMW 228i fuel economy and fuel cost

City
23.5 MPG
Highway
33.5 MPG
Combined
27.5 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$2,900
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.

2023 compared with other 228i years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)025507510020142015201620202021202220232024
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2021Caution577327.5
2022No verdict1003227.5
2023No verdict292127.5
2024No verdict00127.5

All BMW 228i years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2023 BMW 228i reliable?
NHTSA lists 2 complaints for the 2023 228i with a complaint index of 29, ranking 6th out of 8 model years tracked for this model. That places it in the middle of the pack rather than the best or worst year.
Does the 2023 BMW 228i have any recalls?
Yes, there is 1 recall covering 2023-2024 228i, 228i xDrive, and related 2025 MINI Countryman S ALL4 vehicles for front structure bolts that may not have been tightened. Dealers will inspect and tighten the bolts free of charge, and it is not a do-not-drive recall.
What is the top complaint area for the 2023 228i?
Brakes is listed as the top problem area, tied with Engine, Collision Avoidance & Cameras, Lane Departure, and Transmission & Powertrain, each accounting for 50% of the small complaint sample.
How does the 2023 228i compare to other 228i model years?
The 2023 model's complaint index of 29 is lower than 2015 (86, Avoid) and 2016 (71, Caution), but higher than 2020 (14) and lower than 2022 (100).
What is the fuel economy of the 2023 BMW 228i?
The 2023 228i is EPA-rated at 27.5 mpg combined, 23.5 mpg city, and 33.5 mpg highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,900.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.