BMW 128i Complaints

196 consumer complaints on file.

#11759010August 24, 2026
SEAT BELTS
My mother was in the passenger seat and the seat belt buckle would not allow the tongue to be inserted. After several attempts we got it in but when we got home I tried to engage the seat belt several times, I tried to lubricate the buckle no luck... I ordered a new buckle. The BMW dealer said there had been no other complaints and it was not under recall. As soon as I get the new part I will retain the buckle if needed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11738803May 19, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Prior to August 2024, this vehicle operated with zero check engine lights or drivetrain faults. In August 2024, BMW of Pittsburgh executed federally mandated Safety Recall 23V-707, which required opening the cylinder head. Immediately following this service, the Check Engine Light began illuminating persistently.On or about October 3, 2024, an independent diagnostic scan at Bobby Rahal BMW pulled BMW Factory Code 002A89: Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Mechanism Fault (Mechanical Sticking/Flow Restriction). Technicians at Bobby Rahal BMW explicitly instructed me to return the car to BMW of Pittsburgh because they suspected the original VANOS safety recall repair was botched.On October 28, 2024, I returned the vehicle to BMW of Pittsburgh to address this issue. Their technicians opened the engine block assembly a second time, yet failed to correct the defect. Following this second visit, the check engine light continued to come on intermittently. The vehicle began suffering rough idling, difficulty starting, and dangerous stalling events during operation. Cycling the ignition on and off provided only temporary relief.The check engine light has now become permanently illuminated. The safety hazards have severely escalated into a protective engine "limp mode," causing violent drivetrain shuddering and a catastrophic loss of driveability. BMW of Pittsburgh refuses to honor the recall workmanship, demanding a predatory $6,000 out-of-pocket teardown fee to bypass their liability. The manufacturer (BMW North America) has been notified under Case Reference VH78028, but the safety defect remains unaddressed, and the vehicle is completely unsafe to drive.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11726596March 24, 2026
ENGINE
Due to BMW using plastic parts when you live in Hot and cold environments the plastic begins to mold to other plastic parts and pvc diaphragms tear rather easy causing rough idle , stalls and can cause over revving and send a car into another car while in gear. The cheap plastic cause oil leaks and when oil gets low cause engine failure as well.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11722577March 6, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
On February 25, 2026, BMW of South Miami performed the VANOS safety recall repair on my vehicle. The repair order documented that VANOS bolts were missing and retrieved from the engine oil pan and that VANOS components were serviced. Within approximately 24–48 hours of picking up the vehicle, the check engine light illuminated and the vehicle began operating abnormally, including rough idle and irregular shifting. The vehicle stored diagnostic fault code P054B (camshaft position timing over-retarded), which directly relates to camshaft timing and the VANOS system involved in the recall repair. I returned the vehicle to the dealership for further diagnosis. The dealership stated an aftermarket camshaft position sensor with two O-rings was installed and removed one O-ring to correct the gap between the sensor and the camshaft reluctor wheel. The faults were cleared and the vehicle was returned to me. However, the check engine light returned again the following morning upon cold start, indicating the issue was not corrected. My service advisor has since stated that replacing the camshaft position sensor is not part of the recall repair and the dealership has declined to repair the vehicle under the recall. Because the malfunction appeared immediately after the VANOS safety recall repair and involves the camshaft timing system connected to VANOS operation, I believe the recall repair may not have been properly completed or corrected. I am requesting that NHTSA review this matter as a potential recall effectiveness issue, as the safety recall repair appears unresolved and the vehicle continues to experience faults related to the system that was repaired.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11696560October 30, 2025
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 128I. The contact stated that the air bag warning light remained illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure was a recurring failure, and the vehicle was parked and no longer driven due to safety concerns. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688526September 19, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, STRUCTURE:BODY, ENGINE
On or about 2022 I was given notice of recall which told me to go to any BMW dealer for repair. I went to Niello BMW in Sacramento. I was getting car processed and then told to summarily leave. They refused to repair my car per recall notice
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679043August 7, 2025
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 128I. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that while his wife was seated in the front passenger’s seat, the passenger’s side air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the front passenger’s side seat occupancy mat had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the part was no longer being manufactured. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11649325March 19, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 128I. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated. The contact stated that on one occasion while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated and then stalled. The vehicle was not able to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11631292December 17, 2024
ENGINE
VANOS chamshaft bolts broke, and had to pay $3,200 to replace assembly, and restore timing in engine. There is currently an open recall for 2010+ models but the problem still occurs on 2009 models as well. This is a huge risk for drivers as the car can randomly stall and cause fatal accidents and/or financial burden. This problem has been addressed for earlier models, and needs to be held to the same standard for later models with the same engine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11628349December 2, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
The contact owns a 2010 BMW 128I. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the headlights and taillights became inoperable. The engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V579000 (Electrical System). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the bulbs. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the failure was electrical. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to assist. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11622707October 30, 2024
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 128I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11614818September 16, 2024
AIR BAGS
Front passenger air bag seat occupancy sensor (OC3) mat warning "Passenger restraint system. Fault in passenger restraint system affecting airbag" BMW has an extended warranty for this exact issue on several other models, but not the 1 series which should be included. This is a huge safety issue and shouldn't be the customer's responsibility.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11611643August 29, 2024
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, POWER TRAIN
See attached document for complaint.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11609838August 20, 2024
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My electric water pump failed and my car overheated 3 times (once resulting in thick white smoke coming from the engine) tow trucks were called and fire department notified. Car is now unused on drive way as it just overheats constantly when turned on.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11603452July 19, 2024
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2018 BMW 128I. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. While at a stop sign, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11600565July 9, 2024
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2012 BMW 128I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11594438June 14, 2024
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 128I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed no parts were available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11594093June 13, 2024
ENGINE
First notified of recall in October, 2023. After 8 months, BMW tells me there is no remedy available. Eight months is more than a reasonable amount of time to remedy this defect. Please help! Thank you.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11592796June 6, 2024
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 128I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11589620May 20, 2024
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2010 BMW 128I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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