What year BMW 328 should I avoid?

The 2011 BMW 328 is the year to avoid based on NHTSA data, with 37 complaints and a Complaint Index of 100, the highest among 2010-2013 model years.

Is the 2011 BMW 328 reliable?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2011 BMW 328 has more reported problems than other years in its range, including airbag failures and electrical system fires, plus 2 crashes and 2 fires reported.

Which BMW 328 year is the best choice?

The 2012 BMW 328 rates Good, with only 7 complaints and a Complaint Index of 33, the lowest among the 2010-2013 years covered.

Does the 2011 BMW 328 have an airbag recall?

Yes, NHTSA recall campaign 16V071000 covers the 2011 BMW 328 for airbag module or inflator replacement, part of a wider recall spanning multiple BMW 3 Series model years.

What problems were reported on the 2013 BMW 328?

The 2013 BMW 328 is a Caution year, with 10 complaints and a Complaint Index of 67, and engine issues listed as the top problem area.

BMW 328 Best and Worst Years (2010–2013)

Among 2010-2013 BMW 328 model years, 2011 stands out as the year to avoid, with 37 complaints and a Complaint Index of 100, the highest of the group, plus 2 crashes and 2 fires. 2012 rates Good with only 7 complaints and an index of 33, while 2013 is a Caution year due to engine-related reports.

Avoid 2011

Model years: 4; 2010–2013
NHTSA complaints: 57
Recall campaigns: 1
Crashes reported: 3
Fires reported: 2
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
2010	No verdict	0	3	0	0	1	Airbags	—	—
2011	Avoid	100	37	2	2	1	Airbags	—	—
2012	Good	33	7	0	0	1	Airbags	—	—
2013	Caution	67	10	1	0	1	Engine	—	—

328 years to avoid: what went wrong

2011 BMW 328 Index 100 · 37 complaints · 1 recalls

The 2011 BMW 328 logged 37 complaints, far more than any other year in this range, giving it a Complaint Index of 100 and the worst rank of the group. Airbags were the top problem area, at 35% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 43,958 miles; owners described airbags failing to deploy in crashes. Electrical system issues made up 30% of complaints, including reports of engine compartment fires and burning odors near the dashboard, with a median mileage of 76,725. Two crashes and two fires were reported for this year. One airbag-related recall covers this model year.

Most common BMW 328 problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Airbags19 (33%)
Electrical System13 (23%)
Engine12 (21%)
Other8 (14%)
Seat Belts6 (11%)
Transmission & Powertrain4 (7%)
Fuel System3 (5%)
Structure & Body3 (5%)
Brakes2 (4%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (4%)

Frequently asked questions

What year BMW 328 should I avoid?: The 2011 BMW 328 is the year to avoid based on NHTSA data, with 37 complaints and a Complaint Index of 100, the highest among 2010-2013 model years.
Is the 2011 BMW 328 reliable?: Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2011 BMW 328 has more reported problems than other years in its range, including airbag failures and electrical system fires, plus 2 crashes and 2 fires reported.
Which BMW 328 year is the best choice?: The 2012 BMW 328 rates Good, with only 7 complaints and a Complaint Index of 33, the lowest among the 2010-2013 years covered.
Does the 2011 BMW 328 have an airbag recall?: Yes, NHTSA recall campaign 16V071000 covers the 2011 BMW 328 for airbag module or inflator replacement, part of a wider recall spanning multiple BMW 3 Series model years.
What problems were reported on the 2013 BMW 328?: The 2013 BMW 328 is a Caution year, with 10 complaints and a Complaint Index of 67, and engine issues listed as the top problem area.