NHTSA (USA)Critical
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
This page covers 6 recalls, 27 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2015 BMW 328d.
36 mpg combined
6.5 L/100km
Compact 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.
The 2014 to 2015 BMW 328d received an overall rating of five stars from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program for US-market vehicles. The sedan earned five stars in side crash, rollover, and side pole tests. It scored four stars in frontal crash testing. NHTSA applies these ratings across model years until a significant redesign occurs, so this rating covers the entire 2014 to 2015 range.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The 2015 BMW 328d draws complaints concentrated in the fuel and propulsion systems, with powertrain behavior close behind. Owners frequently report sudden and unexpected loss of power while driving, often accompanied by a drivetrain malfunction warning on the instrument display. Stalling is a recurring theme, vehicles cut out at highway and city speeds alike, sometimes failing to restart afterward. Several owners describe hesitation or a lurching sensation when accelerating from low speeds, where the car briefly loses drive before re-engaging abruptly. The diesel fuel system generates its own cluster of complaints, with owners noting engine noise, poor throttle response, and propulsion issues that don't always trigger a warning light beforehand. A smaller but notable group of owners reports smoke coming from the engine bay or wheel wells after the vehicle sits and is then driven, though no open flame is described in those accounts.
27
Total Complaints
1
Fire-Related
By System
The 2015 BMW 328D has 6 recalls, the most serious being a fire risk from the exhaust gas recirculation system and a side airbag inflator that can rupture and send metal fragments into or out of the cabin.
The EGR cooler can cause the intake manifold to melt, creating conditions for an underhood fire. Alongside that, the high-pressure fuel pump can fail without warning, cutting engine power while the car is moving and leaving the driver without the ability to accelerate out of traffic. These three issues represent the most serious concerns for this vehicle.
On the drivetrain side, this recall only affects xDrive models: the constant-velocity joint connecting the transfer case to the rear driveshaft can wear and lose the ability to send power to the rear wheels, which can affect stability and control, particularly in low-traction conditions.
The remaining recall covers exterior lighting. The side marker lights can stop illuminating, making the vehicle harder to see from the side at night and raising the risk of a collision with cross-traffic or other vehicles changing lanes.
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
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
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 →
Dealers will replace the head air bags at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The exhaust gas recirculation cooler can leak internally, allowing coolant to mix with engine soot and create smoldering particles that may melt the intake manifold.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the EGR cooler and inspect the intake manifold, replacing it if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The high-pressure fuel pump may fail, potentially causing the engine to lose fuel pressure and stop running.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the high-pressure fuel pump at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The constant-velocity joint that transfers power from the transfer case to the rear drive shaft may become damaged, causing loss of power to the rear wheels.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the constant-velocity joint and inspect the transfer case, replacing it if necessary, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The EGR cooler can leak internally, allowing coolant to mix with diesel soot. High temperatures may cause these particles to smolder and damage the intake manifold.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the EGR cooler. If leakage already occurred, the intake manifold will also be replaced at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front side marker lights may not work when the parking lights or headlights are on due to incorrect software programming.
What the fix does
BMW dealers will upload corrected software to restore proper marker light operation at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.