This page covers 4 recalls, 119 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2015 BMW 328i.
26–27 mpg combined
8.7–9 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. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
The 2012 to 2015 BMW 328i received a five-star overall rating 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 assessment covers the entire 2012 to 2015 range.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
For the 2015 BMW 328i, electrical system complaints make up the largest share of what owners report, followed by engine and powertrain issues. On the electrical side, owners frequently describe warning messages appearing on the instrument panel cluster, including alerts instructing them to shut off the engine, along with intermittent tire pressure monitoring system warnings that reset on their own without driver input. Engine complaints often involve coolant-related concerns, with some owners describing fluid escaping from the engine compartment. A smaller but notable group of powertrain reports centers on the parking brake cable bracket, which owners describe as a plastic component prone to breaking repeatedly, to the point that aftermarket alternatives have become common. The tire pressure monitoring complaints follow a recurring pattern where the warning illuminates and clears without any confirmed system fault, even after dealer inspection.
119
Total Complaints
6
Crash-Related
7
Fire-Related
2
With Injuries
By System
The 2015 BMW 328i has 4 recalls, the most serious being two separate airbag inflator defects that can send sharp metal fragments into the cabin or out of the vehicle, raising the risk of serious injury or death.
Both airbag recalls involve inflators that can rupture under pressure. The first affects the driver's frontal airbag, where an exploding inflator can scatter metal fragments toward the driver and other occupants. The second involves the side and window airbags, where a ruptured inflator can throw fragments either into the interior or outward through the vehicle body. On the electrical side, a wiring connector defect can cause a short circuit and start a fire. The fourth recall involves the exterior side marker lights, which can fail to illuminate at night, making the car harder for other drivers to see.
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.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
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 →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's air bag inflator may explode when it deploys due to a manufacturing defect.
What the fix does
BMW will replace the driver's front air bag at no cost.
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.
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.
