Which BMW 328 years should I avoid?

NHTSA complaint data points to 2009 and 2011 as the years to avoid, with complaint indexes of 86 and 100 respectively, the two highest across the model's history.

What is the best BMW 328 year?

2007 and 2012 carry Good verdicts, with complaint indexes of 43 and 29, the lowest among model years with reported complaints.

What is the main problem with the BMW 328?

Across all years, airbags are the top complaint area at 39% of total complaints (33 of 85), followed by electrical system issues at 29% (25 complaints).

Does the BMW 328 have a recall?

NHTSA lists one recall campaign covering the 328 lineup, tied to Takata airbag inflators, affecting model years including 2009 and 2011.

Is the 2011 BMW 328 reliable?

The 2011 328 has the highest complaint index (100) of any year in the model line, with 37 complaints, two crashes, and two fires reported to NHTSA, making it a year to avoid relative to other 328 model years.

BMW 328 Best and Worst Years (2006–2013)

Avoid the 2009 and 2011 BMW 328 — 2011 has a complaint index of 100 and 37 complaints, the highest in the lineup, and 2009 posts a complaint index of 86 with 11 complaints. 2007 and 2012 rate Good, while 2008 and 2013 are Caution years.

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.

Avoid 2009 Avoid 2011

Model years: 8; 2006–2013
NHTSA complaints: 85
Recall campaigns: 1
Crashes reported: 4
Fires reported: 3
Top problem area: Airbags

328 Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

BMW 328 problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2006	No verdict	0	0	0	0	1	—	—	—
2007	Good	43	9	0	0	1	Electrical System	—	—
2008	Caution	57	8	0	1	1	Airbags	—	—
2009	Avoid	86	11	1	0	1	Airbags	—	—
2010	No verdict	14	3	0	0	1	Airbags	—	—
2011	Avoid	100	37	2	2	1	Airbags	—	—
2012	Good	29	7	0	0	1	Airbags	—	—
2013	Caution	71	10	1	0	1	Engine	—	—

328 years to avoid: what went wrong

2011 BMW 328 Index 100 · 37 complaints · 1 recalls

The 2011 328 has the highest complaint index of any year at 100, with 37 total complaints, the most in the model's history. Airbags accounted for 35% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 43,958, and electrical system problems made up 30%, with a median mileage of 76,725. Owners reported airbag non-deployment during crashes, engine surging at idle, and electrical fires including one where flames came from underneath the dashboard. NHTSA recorded two crashes and two fires for this year, more than any other 328 model year.

2009 BMW 328 Index 86 · 11 complaints · 1 recalls

NHTSA lists 11 complaints for the 2009 328, with a complaint index of 86, the second-highest of the eight model years. Airbags were the top problem area, making up 64% of complaints for this year, with a median failure mileage of 61,250. Electrical system issues followed at 45% share, with a median mileage of 95,000. Owners reported airbag modules tied to a Takata-related recall campaign, plus electrical faults including a battery wire pulling loose from the fuse box and causing loss of power while driving. One crash and two injuries were reported for this year.

Most common BMW 328 problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.

Airbags33 (39%)
Electrical System25 (29%)
Engine19 (22%)
Other11 (13%)
Seat Belts9 (11%)
Brakes5 (6%)
Structure & Body5 (6%)
Fuel System4 (5%)
Steering4 (5%)
Transmission & Powertrain4 (5%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

Frequently asked questions

Which BMW 328 years should I avoid?: NHTSA complaint data points to 2009 and 2011 as the years to avoid, with complaint indexes of 86 and 100 respectively, the two highest across the model's history.
What is the best BMW 328 year?: 2007 and 2012 carry Good verdicts, with complaint indexes of 43 and 29, the lowest among model years with reported complaints.
What is the main problem with the BMW 328?: Across all years, airbags are the top complaint area at 39% of total complaints (33 of 85), followed by electrical system issues at 29% (25 complaints).
Does the BMW 328 have a recall?: NHTSA lists one recall campaign covering the 328 lineup, tied to Takata airbag inflators, affecting model years including 2009 and 2011.
Is the 2011 BMW 328 reliable?: The 2011 328 has the highest complaint index (100) of any year in the model line, with 37 complaints, two crashes, and two fires reported to NHTSA, making it a year to avoid relative to other 328 model years.