10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 11
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
33,896 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2011 BMW 328 engine problems

engine problem

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2011 BMW 328 Owner Comments (Page 2 of 11)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #190

Apr 102024

328

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

VANOS related service light has been on for months. BMW refuses to quickly and expeditiously resolve an open recall on said VANOS bolts. Technicians inform me that there are NO open recalls on this vehicle, which is clearly untrue.

- Broomfield, CO, USA

problem #189

Jul 242023

328

  • miles
See attached document for complaint

- Lake Oswego, OR, USA

problem #188

Jul 082023

328

  • miles
Hi. I am filing a report regarding the recall shown below. After several calls to BMW they still have no fix or parts, or an estimate of when they will have anything to adress this recall notice. It's coming up on 6 months since the recall was issued. My Vanos bolts on the exhaust camshaft have failed and my car no longer can drive. Oct 20,2023 Manufacturer Recall Number NA NHTSA Recall Number 23V707 Recall Status Recall Incomplete, remedy not yet available Summary VANOUS BOLTS: The VANOS assembly (engine) bolts may, over time, loosen, and eventually break. If this occurred, a reduced engine power (safe mode) may be activated. In some cases, the engine may not be able to be restarted after switching off and, in rare cases, the engine could stall which could increase the risk of a crash. Safety Risk

- Royal Oak, MI, USA

problem #187

Apr 022024

328

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

BMW issued a recall for VANOS bolts on Oct 20, 2023. Vehicle had service engine soon light illuminate. Vehicle was diagnosed by Tucson BMW as having issue with VANOS bolts shortly before (within a month) recall being issued. At that time car was not repaired-but BMW suggested bolts be replaced at a cost of approximately $6,000. BMW advised car was not safe to drive. BMW had a solution- but wanted to charge for it (as the recall had not yet been issued). Now that recall has been issued BMW seems to be waiting out the clock and hoping owners get rid of the car before they have to repair the vehicle. Also they are now saying we can drive the vehicle until the remedy is available, which directly conflicts with dealers advice when they wanted to charge for the repair. They have not given any indication of time frames. We do not feel comfortable driving the car on highways due to risk of stalling. BMW states "The VANOS Assembly (Engine) Bolts May, Over Time, Loosen, And Eventually Break. If This Occurred, A Reduced Engine Power (Safe Mode) May Be Activated. In Some Cases, The Engine May Not Be Able To Be Restarted After Switching Off And, In Rare Cases, The Engine Could Stall Which Could Increase The Risk Of A Crash." In the meantime it has been over 6 months with no updates as to when the recall remedy will be made available. I want BMW repair the car as soon as possible. I have been in contact with BMW customer care who have not given any viable solutions/time frame for the repair.

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

problem #186

Dec 292023

328

  • miles
Recently there is a grind/rubbing noise coming from the engine compartment on my vehicle, Ive recieved a SAFETY RECALL notice from BMW in regards to the VANOS bolts coming loose. Notice states that remedy is unavailable, recently visited my local BMW dealership in Milford DE, and was simply told that they cant help. The recall clearly states the possibility of crashing or vehicle not turning on after shutting off. I've also gone ahead and purchased an endoscope and can clearly see that some bolts are loose in my engine, meaning that is only a matter of time before it gets really bad. A remedy is needed now, if the VANOS bolts are not available, simply replace the sprockets assembly( these are available and include the bolts on them). Solution needed ASAP, please help!

- Felton, DE, USA

problem #185

Oct 202023

328

  • miles
vanos bolts my engine is currently roughing very very rough and im sure its due to the recall and its been over 5 months still so solution.

- Midlothian, VA, USA

problem #184

Dec 152023

328

  • 123,200 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328XI. The contact stated that on several occasions when the vehicle was started, the vehicle started shaking abnormally. Additionally, while driving on several occasions at slow speeds, the vehicle was shaking abnormally. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 123,200.

- Topeka, KS, USA

problem #183

Dec 042023

328

  • miles
I currently have my service engine light on because of VANOS issues. I took my vehicle to a BMW service center where I was informed that the issue is because of a faulty VANOS unit that would be fixed when the 'Recall Campaign No. 23V-707' has a remedy to be performed. My registration expired January 1st of this year, but can't get a new one since the vehicle won't pass emissions (I live in Arlington, VA). The BMW service center told me to go to DMV to get a possible emissions waiver. The DMV told me to contact Virginia DEQ. I've been in contact with Vehicle Emissions Compliance Officer trying to receive an emissions waiver. He has told me to reach out to BMW of North America to try to get parts expedited to perform the recall, but they told me that I would have to wait until a remedy is available. He has now told me to contact you all to file a complaint. This recall was sent to me in early December of last year, and there is still no update on when the remedy will be available. I'm paying taxes (high ones because of where I live) on a car that is perfectly drivable, but can't pass emissions because of it having the service engine soon light on. I need this recall to happen sooner rather than later. Thanks

- Arlington, VA, USA

problem #182

Feb 022024

328

  • miles
There is a known issue with my vehicles Vanos assembly (bolts). BMW issued recall 23V-707 in October 2023. To date both local dealerships and bmw North America will not make the necessary repairs to the vehicle as they claim parts are not available. My vehicle is sporadically experiencing the issues related to this recall which includes sudden power loss while driving which is a major safety issue. Continued driving could result in complete engine failure. As the vehicle is needed and self cost of repair is cost prohibitive it also leaves owners with no choice but to drive the vehicle.

- Madison, CT, USA

problem #181

Dec 012023

328

  • miles
Received letter of recal Dec 2023 For recall Campaign No 23V-707 Is been almost two months and BMW not communicating with me to find solution letter said remedi unavailable Engine bolts may over time loosen and eventually break how they want public to drive like that this should be a priority is dangerous

- Riverside, CA, USA

problem #180

Nov 272023

328

  • 60,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owned a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact stated that the vehicle was at an independent mechanic having minor body repairs completed; however, while the vehicle was being test driven, the engine caught on fire. The independent mechanic extinguished the fire. The contact was no Police or Fire Department report filed. The contact reported the failure to the dealer. The dealer informed the contact that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The dealer informed the contact that the VIN was included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and deemed the vehicle a total loss. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

- Fort Washington, MD, USA

problem #179

Dec 042023

328

  • miles
There is a recall campaign no. 23v-707 Vanos assembly bolts on this car that began with correspondence in December 2023. This is a dangerous situation if the bolts break, therefore I have parked the car upon receipt of the letter. I contacted both BMW of North America and a local dealer in both December and February and they have stated that there is not a remedy for this and have no information as to when one may be available. When contacting BMW, they have me call the dealer, and the dealer recommends that I call BMW. I am concerned with the car sitting for this time period, seals and the like are going to deteriorate and BMW will not cover the cost.

- Oak Ridge, NJ, USA

problem #178

Jan 242024

328

  • miles
2011 BMW 328i stalled in an intersection, car then started to act bogged down. Waring light came on. I took the car to a mechanic shop where they found a bolt head inside / bottom of our oil pan. I then researched online and found that BMW has a recall for a (Vanos failure sheared bolts/recall). I contacted my local dealership and received a very unwelcomed response to this issue. They told me because another mechanic worked on this vehicle other than a certified BMW mechanic/location that the recall would not be valid. I called BMW customer service line and was told that is not true. It is a safety recall and to try calling another dealership to set up an appointment. Unfortunately, other dealerships won't even call me back to set anything up. It seems no one cares even though we have the proof with this bolt in hand. We cannot drive the car based on the BMW's recall information as to a safety risk, yet no one wants to help. There's no offer to get us a rental car or any solution to when we can take our car in for repair. Shame on you BMW for your lack of empathy to your millions of customers who have supported and purchased your product through the years.

- Marina, CA, USA

problem #177

Jan 192024

328

  • miles
i was driving to work and the car stalled in the middle of traffic when i slowed the vehicle down, the idle is rough and all over the place, car is very hesitant to accelerate and vibrates or shakes when approaching any speed. then the check engine light popped on and is still on, i-??ve parked the car since the incident to do some research on what the cause could be.

- Batavia, NY, USA

problem #176

Jan 172018

328

  • 90,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact stated that several attempts were needed to restart the vehicle before being able to accelerate forward. The contact stated that while accelerating, the engine was louder than expected while revving. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The air bags warning light was also illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was more persistent during the winter months. The vehicle had been taken to an independent mechanic however, the cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been made aware of the failure and it was confirmed that there no recalls associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was 90,000.

- Plainsboro Township, NJ, USA

problem #175

Sep 012023

328

  • miles
1) Vehicle idling problem, it automatically accelerate while vehicle is idle and pcv valve problem is very prominent during the winter. 2) Airbag problem, automatically airbag is popping up.

- Plainsboro, NJ, USA

problem #174

Mar 012023

328 6-cyl

  • miles
I reported this failure to NHTSA at the time of the incident as well. You should have a record of it. The engine failed under the exact circumstances as the recall it's under. Upon inspection our BMW dealer service department determined that our engine experienced extensive damage and would need repairs beyond that of simply replacing the VANOS bolts or mechanism. BMW NA is refusing to repair my vehicle under the guise of the "remedy is not available" it is almost a year that we have been without the use of our car so please instruct them to begin repairs now as the new bolts will surely be available by the time the rest of the engine is either repaired or replaced. Thank you.

- Wellington, FL, USA

problem #173

Dec 012023

328

  • 122,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328XI. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking excessively from the engine compartment. The contact stated while driving, the 4WD, brakes, and Service engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that while the warning lights were illuminated, the cruise control was inoperable. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 122,000.

- Covert, MI, USA

problem #172

Nov 042023

328

  • miles
NHTSA Recall Number23V707 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available. This recall has been open for over 2 months and I can not drive my car since then. When will there be a fix? I cant afford to keep renting a car to wait for this fix.

- Cocoa, FL, USA

problem #171

May 312023

328

  • 138,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that a bolt had fractured in the engine. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who replaced the engine. While at the local dealer, the inspector noticed that the mechanic had fractured another bolt. The manufacturer was not notified about the failure. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.

- Jackson, MS, USA

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