2009 BMW 3 Series
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › BMW › 3 Series › 2009
These records cover every 2009 BMW 3 Series. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2009 BMW 3 Series. Newest first.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3…
Risk and remedy
Risk
An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.
Remedy
This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Vehicles previously repaired under the prior recalls will need to come back for the new recall remedy. The remedy is currently being developed. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 1, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 22, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by Valeo. Valeo is recalling certain engine cooling fans, part numbers 696121, 696273, and 696275, used as service replacement parts for model year 2008-2011 BMW 1-Series, 2006-2011 BMW 3-Series, 2000-2009 BMW 5-Series, 2004-2005 BMW 6-Series, and 2006-2007 BMW 7-Series vehicles. A metal-oxide semiconductor may…
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition could cause the fan motor to become inoperative, or cause the motor circuit board in the assembly to overheat, potentially leading to a fire in the engine compartment.
Remedy
Valeo will notify owners and replace the fans free of charge. The safety recall began on August 22, 2012. This recall is being conducted by Valeo, not by BMW. For further information, owners may contact Valeo at 1-888-718-2536.
Owner complaints
53 complaints4 involved a crash2 involved a fire9 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel/propulsion system
4 months ago my car stopped suddenly mechanic changed fuel pump , couple weeks after that it happens again I took it back and the mechanic said everything IS ok , I went home and today I was driving on the highway when the car suddenly stopped again, I was so scared I just want to know if you going to fix this problem
- Fuel/propulsion system
I took my car to a BMW dealership in cannonsburg, pa. Had no issues whatsoever dropping it off. I had driven 3 hours to get to the dealership for the recall. by the end of the day I received a call telling me my car was over heating and not drivable. How IS that my responsibility? When obviously I…
I took my car to a BMW dealership in cannonsburg, pa. Had no issues whatsoever dropping it off. I had driven 3 hours to get to the dealership for the recall. by the end of the day I received a call telling me my car was over heating and not drivable. How IS that my responsibility? When obviously I drove it a long distance to get 3 recalls taken care of. I was told the water pump, I think was not working? it was working when I dropped it off? If it was overheating I could have never been able to drive it. Please help me figure out our to resolve this issue. I need my car and I'm regretting taking it in for a recall now.
- Electrical system · Engine
Recall # 17v676, 17v683 it has been nearly a year and I'm still unable to make repair appointment with BMW dealer for reason of parts unavailable. my air conditioning system couldn't keep car cool enough as heat from the engine IS high.
- Engine
In november 2017 I received two (2) recall notices for my 2009 BMW 328I. I was advised that the blower motor wiring (recall campaign # 17v-676) and pcv valve heater (recall campaign # 17v-676) were defective. I was further notified that no remedy for either defect was available at that time.…
In november 2017 I received two (2) recall notices for my 2009 BMW 328I. I was advised that the blower motor wiring (recall campaign # 17v-676) and pcv valve heater (recall campaign # 17v-676) were defective. I was further notified that no remedy for either defect was available at that time. it IS now september 2018. I have contacted BMW and been advised that at this time a remedy remains unavailable. I am considering selling or trading in my vehicle but because this recall has not yet been completed my resale price may be lowered. if two (2) recall repairs have not been performed 10 months after a recall notice has been issued, why bother issuing the recall notice in november 2017 if it IS for any other purpose than bureaucratic paper shuffling for BMW to claim to the nhtsa that BMW IS going to fix a defect while actually doing nothing to remedy the defect?
- Fuel/propulsion system
Fuel injectors began leaking and have become faulty causing mis-firing. BMW had a similar recall involving cars with the same model year and engine as my car but has refused to claim it was also involved in the recall.
- Fuel/propulsion system
March 28, 2018 - driving on the freeway, car suddenly comes to a stop and shows message fuel pump with car on rock icon. Car gets towed. Next day mechanic says it ran out of gas, added gas started the car. march 29, 2018 car stalls after 5 miles near the ramp of exit. Get the car towed to another…
March 28, 2018 - driving on the freeway, car suddenly comes to a stop and shows message fuel pump with car on rock icon. Car gets towed. Next day mechanic says it ran out of gas, added gas started the car. march 29, 2018 car stalls after 5 miles near the ramp of exit. Get the car towed to another mechanic. Mechanic does not find any problems. april 14TH, 2018 - car stops on the freeway. Tow it to mechanic mechanic says that its related to fuel tank sensor. This causes a wrong reading of level of gas in the car. Mechanic changes it and car runs ok for 2 months. june 21, 2018 - car stops on the freeway with the same message "service engine soon" with the car on rock icon. I get towing service to add gas and wait for an hour. Restart the car and it works. The message IS gone, the icon IS gone. this IS the fourth time I was stranded on the freeway.
- Visibility/wiper
Sunroof exploded while driving home, powerful implosion, glass everywhere.
- Air bags · Seat belts · Seats
Hello, my 2009 BMW E92 328I IS experiencing an issue where the front passenger seat sensor IS not functioning properly, which will cause the airbag and seatbelt to not function as intended. There have been recalls on other models for the same issue, but with the same design and parts, I do not…
Hello, my 2009 BMW E92 328I IS experiencing an issue where the front passenger seat sensor IS not functioning properly, which will cause the airbag and seatbelt to not function as intended. There have been recalls on other models for the same issue, but with the same design and parts, I do not understand how my car IS not covered. (Https://brandilaw.com/2013/12/26/bmw-recalls-76565-vehicles-due-to-a-front-passenger-seat-electronic-sensing-mat-failure/) this IS a very dangerous problem. I have read on several online forums that it IS a recurring problem in the cars after the effective recall date. I am trying my best to do due diligence and inform the ntsb to review this incident within other BMW models and to hopefully remedy any affected cars. The design of the sensor IS very poorly constructed and very expensive to fix, leaving many owners to simply forego making the necessary fixes. In fact, several mechanics informed me that customers typically avoid making the fix due to how expensive it IS, running the risk of their passenger not being protected in the event of a collision. I hope the ntsb can look into this problem. Please feel free to contact me at [xxx] for any additional information. thanks, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Electrical system
My car IS experiencing plastic burning odor and smoke from the cooling vents, BMW has opened a recall but they don't have the parts to complete the repairs.
- Air bags · Seats
Front passenger occupancy seat sensor IS defective because it disables passenger airbag creating a safety hazard rendering vehicle inoperable for passenger occupancy. This IS a known defect experienced by previous models. Cost of repair IS excessive..
- Air bags
Takata recall. I received notice of a recall in 2016 and BMW still has not contacted me to service the recall
- Exterior lighting
Intermittent side light, brake light problem
- Air bags
Takata recall -- I received notification march, 2016, and have yet to have my air bag replaced. when will this be resolved?
- Air bags
Takata recall - received safety recall notice via mail 07-03-2017 that necessary parts to complete this recall were available but BMW dealership in birmingham, al stated parts were not available when I called to make a service appointment. The BMW rep told me to call back in a few weeks - parts might be available. I'm confused as to why I would receive this notice if parts were not available.
- Air bags
The air bag has been recalled for over a year and I am still waiting for my appointment to fix the matter. When the recall first happened I was very pregnant and I called BMW telling them I was concerned. They said that it would be fixed by 9/16 and I am still waiting and my baby will turn 1 on july 1,2017. When will my air bags be fixed? This IS a serious and dangerous matter.
- Unknown or other
We came home and parked the BMW in the attached garage. Ten minutes later I heard a noise from the garage. I looked into the garage and found the engine compartment of the BMW on fire. I called the fire department who came as quickly as a volunteer department can. by the time the fire was out both cars in the garage and the house had been badly burned.
- Unknown or other
Engine suddenly shut down while driving. had to be pushed off the road. very dangerous.
- Air bags
Takata recall it has been over 1Y. Since officially notified of recall. Dealer has not contacted me on repair.
- Air bags
Takata recall. I live in a high humidity area 5 miles from the gulf of mexico in north west florida. because of the high humidity I feel I am at high risk of a takata airbag rupture. in march of 2016 I received my initial letter from BMW USA informing me of the potential dangerous takata airbag module in my 2009 BMW 328I. I am requesting immediate replacement of the takata airbag module in my car.
- Air bags
Recall on february 5, 2016, BMW has failed to replace the airbag in almost nine months! what good IS a possible death recall if the manufacturer does not replace the airbag?
- Air bags
Spoke to BMW today they are now talking about the parts not coming in until 2017. They have no idea what month so I could still be over a year away from resolving this. I cant even sell the car or trade it in because they cant resale it without correcting the recall. Acura was paying for a loaner car until the recall was corrected I guess BMW feels its owners are more expendable??
- Air bags
Takata recall: my local dealer still says they do not have the parts to service my car. I was notified last winter that my car was unsafe, and I still do not have the airbag fixed. I checked the recall site and it says interim parts are available but the dealer will not install them! when will this be complete. Am I driving a time bomb?
- Exterior lighting
The right tail lights' turn signal start flickering with the light error signal in the dash, I researched it to find out that they have been several service bulletins out about the rear turn signals getting corrosion. I called the dealer and they stated it was out of warranty and they would not pay…
The right tail lights' turn signal start flickering with the light error signal in the dash, I researched it to find out that they have been several service bulletins out about the rear turn signals getting corrosion. I called the dealer and they stated it was out of warranty and they would not pay to fix it. They stated they knew the service bulletins were out but it was not a recall. After further searching I found out the older models had a recall to fix this issue. If they know they have an issue then why don't they fix it. *Tr
- Electrical system · Electronic stability control (esc) · Steering
Noticed a very slight tapping when the car was first cranked--but no engine warning lights. after driving it for a few miles, a warning light indicating "charging malfunction" flashed on, and the battery symbol appeared. because I was the passenger, I googled "BMW 328I charging malfunction" and…
Noticed a very slight tapping when the car was first cranked--but no engine warning lights. after driving it for a few miles, a warning light indicating "charging malfunction" flashed on, and the battery symbol appeared. because I was the passenger, I googled "BMW 328I charging malfunction" and the first result that came up read "BMW/ january 2013/ recall campaign no. 12V-550: engine belt idler pulley bolt" for mys 2009-2012 BMW X5 xdrive 35S savs. before I could inform driver, he complained that he had lost power steering. as we were literally yards from our destination, we parked, and returned to the car two hours later. when we recranked the car, same warnings. we decided to drive to local BMW service station. at a stop light a few miles further, many warning lights turned on simultaneously, the windshield wipers turned on, but the panel said it was still drivable and needed service soon. when the light changed, the panel went off, and the car was stopped dead in the middle of a major road. pushed it to the side of the road to find the bolt broken and the pulley and belt loose. upon having it towed to BMW repair, we were told the a/c compressor w/clutch, belt tensioner and belt, and oil filter housing gasket needed to be replaced to the tune of about $5090. (car had been given a clean bill of health during last oil change, and the a/c was working well earlier that morning.) wondering why the ebip bolt was recalled in so many other BMW models that year but not in ours. information contained in their recall notification exactly matched the description of our problem.
- Electrical system · Steering
He tenido varios problemas con el carro, corriendo al voltear SE me apago dos veces y fue muy peligroso porque los carros que iban atras casi me pegan y claro SE molestaron mucho al sacar la vuelta rapido para no golpear mi carro, lo lleve al mecanico y tardo mucho para hallar el problema, la…
He tenido varios problemas con el carro, corriendo al voltear SE me apago dos veces y fue muy peligroso porque los carros que iban atras casi me pegan y claro SE molestaron mucho al sacar la vuelta rapido para no golpear mi carro, lo lleve al mecanico y tardo mucho para hallar el problema, la flecha derecha (blinking light) esta quebrada lo hace muy rapido y al checar me dijeron que SE tiene que reparar todo incluido el foco de atras, problema con los cables de bateria eso si me lo arreglaron gratis porque tiene recall, pero luego la bateria empezo a fallar y hubo que cambiarla, el volante esta muy duro y al voltear tengo que hacerlo con mucho cuidado para no pegarle al del otro carril, el mecanico no ha podido componer ese problema, a veces SE hacelera solo cuando estoy haciendo un alto y no SE ni porque lo hace, y tampoco SE cuando va a pasar.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10249437The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- 10249027The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle discharged battery complaints.
- 10240305Spl Parts, Inc. communications index accompanying MCP uploads 23mc40464 & 23mc40471
- 10240273This is the companion to SPL Parts, Inc.'s SB 23-01 mailed by private label independent distributor Turner Motorsports.
- 10240266SPL Parts, Inc. manufacturers and distributes aftermarket lower control arms for dedicated competition vehicles and "track day" cars some of which may be used on both track and highway. SB 23-01 adresses proper installation torque of cap bolt fasteners attaching SPL's aftermarket lower control arms, recurring inspection and confirmation of torque setting and removal and replacement of damaged or under torqued fasteners to reduce risk of premature failure and accident. SB-23-01 was mailed, emailed and posted on SPL website to known resellers, race teams and users of the affected parts and is being submitted here as required by part 579.5. Vehicle Applications include: BMW series 1,2,3,& 4, 2008-2023; Chevrolet Camaro 26-2023, Cadillac ATS, CTS 2016-2019; Ford Mustang 2015-2023; Toyota Supra 2020-2023.
- 10182619Discharged Battery Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed: The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle "discharged battery" complaints. In order to properly repair the vehicle the first time in the workshop, it is very important that the diagnostic test plans are performed to completion, with all results taken into consideration. Without performing the energy diagnosis test plan, the root cause of the discharged battery cannot be identified. This increases the chances of a repeat repair.
- 10143557Retractable hardtop status request supplement
- 10057568BMW: on some vehicles, when starting, low beam, with 0552 option, would briefly flashes, due to a faulty led main light module that needs replacing. Model 2008-14 F01, F02, F06, F07, F10, F12, F13, F25.
- 10057527BMW: selective catalyst reduction module (scr) has a stored fault, pressure build up IS low, causing service engine soon light to illuminate. *
- 10056099BMW: when using iphone, various connectivity failures occur, such as disconnection of call, list of contacts incomplete, due to the variants and software used. Model 2008-2014.
- 10053485BMW: service engine and engine malfunction light illuminates. Vehicle may have reduced power output. Fault code may not clear from dme fault memory. Updated on 11/8/2013. Updated 2/21/2014 updated 3/11/14.
- 10052365BMW: warning lamps are illuminated for the dsc, ABS and brake and a possible warning in control display for chassis control system failure. Models 2012 F25, 30, 01, 02, 07, 10, 12, 13, E70, 71, 84.
- 10052012BMW: battery has an increased demand due to developemental process of the electrical system. This IS causing the batter to need to undergo an energy diagnosis.
- 10051519BMW: the high-voltage (hv) battery cells could be damaged if the vehicle IS prevented from entering sleep mode for an extended period of time. Updated 03/11/2013
- 10051459BMW: dsc warning light IS on. The warning lamps for dsc, ABS and brake warning illuminated. There may also be a warning in the control display for chassis control system failure.
- 10051359BMW: vehicle does not start: loose ground z6000 *4B. Covered under the terms of the BMW new vehicle/sav limited warranty.
- 10046861BMW: see document search button for owner letter. The replacing and/or checking of emissions monitoring components to increase emissions stability, high pressure (hp) egr valve restriction of excessive soot and improved diesel exhaust fluid (def) mixture introduced in exhaust system from scr mixer. Model 2008-2009 E70, E90. Updated 5/10/13.
- 10045283BMW: experiencing loss of engine power, service engine soon lamp IS illuminated, a noise, like rattling, coming from engine compartment. Updated 10/31/12. Models 2010 E70, 71, 82, 88, 90, 92, 93, F07, 10, 12, 13, 25. Updated 1/18/13. Updated 4/18/2013. Updated 05/13/2013 updated 5/19/15.
- 10045279BMW: a failure of the turbocharger wastegates, caused by a defect, has an emissions extended warranty, 8 years or 82,000 miles, whichever comes first, not otherwise falling within coverage exclusion.
- 10044032BMW: the left or right rear light in the side panel has condensation concerning vehicles produced up to february 27,2012.
- 10043862BMW: electronic malfunction and various check control messages are displayed in cid (central information display) and instrument cluster. Models 2009-2012 E70, E71, E72, E82, E88, E90, E91, E92, E93, F01, F02, F04, F07, F10, F12, F13, F25. Updated 11/2/12.
- 10043687BMW: the evaporative system leakage IS found, when using the nvld tank leakage test plan. Updated 1/18/13.
- 10042686BMW: on certain vehicles, the jbe (junction box electronics) module fails programming during a software update of the vehicle.
- 10042684BMW: on some vehicles, the high pressure fuel pump has an internal component that may fail and causing drivability symptoms such as erratic engine operation and longer starting times.
- 10041411BMW: E92. The seat belt extender on the front drivers or passenger side failed to deliver the belt. The safety belt extender extends but the belt slips off. The hand on the extender fails. The safety belt IS twisted. The extender will not operate and makes noise while extending.
- 10041407BMW: service engine soon light IS on and the engine has reduced power with trouble codes stored. Updated on 4/24/2013.
- 10041280BMW: the rear led lights are inoperative. There IS connection corrosion in the tail lamp.
- 10041277BMW: the door cannot be locked or unlocked when using the key or key remote. Lubrication of the door can cause defects.
- 10041276BMW: service engine soon light IS on with a fault code stored. Internal dmtl pump failure.*rm
- 10040854BMW: the vehicle electrical system fails and the vehicle fails to start. The central locking system fails to operate with the remote key. The key cannot be inserted into the key slot. Communication to the vehicle IS not possible. The positive battery cable connection at the front power distribution box loses connection.
- 10040853BMW: a grinding noise IS coming from the differential during slow cornering. When turning a slip/stick effect IS created on the lining and steel discs incorporated in the differential clutch causes a grinding noise.
- 10040852BMW: the service engine soon light IS on. There are trouble codes stored for the crankshaft sensor. No driveability issues.
- 10040736BMW: various functions in the vehicle are not working including: instruments, door locks, wipers, and other electrical functions. There may also be warning lights on. K-can wiring in the vehicle shorted. Updated 10/5/11.
- 10040368BMW service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. There may be a problem with the fuel pump which could not meet emissions requirements. There may be a long crank and a service engine soon light.
- 10040173BMW: poor electrical connections are causing the instrument cluster to show the doors are open while driving even though they are closed.
- 10040170BMW: a software error IS causing the the service engine soon light to come on. There will be stored trouble codes.
- 10040057BMW: wiring on the headlights may have deteriorated due to environmental conditions and the cover not being secured properly. E60/e92. Updated 9/30/11.
- 10040047BMW: the seal on the rear lamps in the side panel emits a gas and causes damage to the electrical connectors on the leds inside the lamp. E91.
- 10040045BMW: a new technical support process has been created regarding transmission concerns.
- 10039765BMW: the service engine soon light IS on while driving. This IS a programming issue. Updated 1/4/12. Updated 4/24/12.
Every BMW 3 Series model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.