YearToAvoid

2009 BMW 328 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Avoid The 2009 BMW 328 has a complaint index of 86, ranking 2nd worst out of 8 model years, and carries an Avoid verdict. Airbags are the top problem area, cited in 64% of complaints, followed by electrical system issues.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
86/100
#2 of 8 328 years
Verdict
Avoid
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
11
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
1
distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes
1
reported in complaints
Fires
0
Injuries
2
Top issue
Airbags
Best nearby year
2007
rated Good

Top 2009 BMW 328 problems

Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Airbags7 (64%)
  2. Electrical System5 (45%)
  3. Engine3 (27%)
  4. Brakes2 (18%)
  5. Other2 (18%)
  6. Fuel System1 (9%)
  7. Seat Belts1 (9%)
  8. Steering1 (9%)
  9. Structure & Body1 (9%)

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 repairs delayed for extended periods after notification, leaving drivers concerned about safety.
  • Some describe the vehicle losing power or stalling suddenly while driving, including on highways, tied to electrical system faults.
  • One owner reported a battery wire pulling loose from the fuse box, cutting power to brakes and steering while the car was moving.
  • Engine complaints include a melted PCV valve heater and harness, later linked to a separate recall campaign.
  • A few owners noted parts needed for recall repairs were unavailable for a long stretch of time, delaying fixes.
  • One report described the passenger airbag warning light staying on after a recall repair, with unclear guidance from the dealer.
2009 BMW 328 complaints: complaints filed per month2Aug 2016Dec 2016Jan 2018Apr 2018Sep 2018
11 complaints filed with NHTSA from Aug 2016 to Oct 2018; peak Nov 2016 (2).

2009 BMW 328 recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 16V071000Feb 5, 2016Airbags840,000 vehicles

    Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive, 335is and M3 Coupes and Convertibles, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i SAVs, 2007-2010 X3 xDrive30i SAVs, 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M SAVs, 2009-2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d SAVs, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M SACs, 2010-2011 BMW X6 xDrive50i SACs and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

    Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with 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's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

2009 compared with other 328 years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)025507510020062007200820092010201120122013
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2007Good4391—
2008Caution5781—
2009Avoid86111—
2010No verdict1431—
2011Avoid100371—

All BMW 328 years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2009 BMW 328 reliable?
NHTSA data shows the 2009 BMW 328 has a complaint index of 86, the second highest among the 8 model years with data, and it carries an Avoid verdict relative to other 328 years.
What is the top problem area for the 2009 BMW 328?
Airbags are the top problem area, appearing in 64% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 71,000 for the model year overall and 61,250 for airbag-specific complaints.
Does the 2009 BMW 328 have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2009 BMW 328, an airbag recall (campaign 16V071000) covering the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator; it is not a do-not-drive recall.
How does the 2009 328 compare to other years?
The 2009 328 ranks 2nd worst out of 8 years by complaint index (86), behind only the 2011 model (complaint index 100, also Avoid). Years like 2007 and 2012 rate Good, with much lower complaint indexes of 43 and 29.

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.