NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The head air bag inflator may fail at a weld joint, causing gas to leak or the inflator to rupture.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the head air bags at no cost.
851 vehicles affected
This page covers 3 recalls, 16 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2015 BMW 228i.
26–27 mpg combined
8.7–9 L/100km
Subcompact Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
Electrical complaints dominate the 2015 BMW 228i owner reports, with the water pump electrical connector being the central concern. Multiple owners describe smoke coming from the engine compartment, specifically tracing it to the connector area under the hood. In some cases the master warning light illuminated beforehand; in others there was no warning at all before smoke appeared. Engine complaints account for a couple of additional reports, though the specifics across those are less consistent. The tire category shows a single report, too isolated to represent a pattern. The recurring thread here is the water pump connector producing visible smoke, with owners noting the issue had gone unaddressed for an extended period.
16
Total Complaints
2
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
2
With Injuries
By System
The 2015 BMW 228i has 3 recalls, the most serious involving airbag inflators that can rupture and send metal fragments through the cabin or out of the vehicle, raising the risk of serious injury to occupants or bystanders.
Two separate recalls cover airbag inflator failures. One affects the side airbags, where a rupturing inflator can scatter sharp metal fragments inside or outside the car. The other affects the head airbag specifically, where the inflator can fail at a weld joint, either leaking propellant gas or rupturing outright with the same risk of metal fragmentation. Prior repair attempts did not fully resolve both issues, which is why multiple campaigns remain open. There is also an electrical concern: a wiring connector can develop a short circuit, which raises the risk of a vehicle fire.
At a glance
What can fail
The head air bag inflator may fail at a weld joint, causing gas to leak or the inflator to rupture.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the head air bags at no cost.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The electrical connector on the water pump may not be properly sealed, allowing water to enter and cause an electrical short circuit.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the water pump, replace it and the connector if needed, and install a protective shield.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The head air bag inflator may crack at a weld joint, causing gas to leak or the inflator to rupture.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the head air bags at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.