NHTSA Data Explorer

BMW 128i

Data refreshed May 30, 2026

Select a model year to filter results to that year of the BMW 128i.

Complaints

293

Active records

Recalls

11

Active records

TSBs

207

Active records

Filing history

Monthly totals over the last 20 years. Click a legend item to show or hide that series.

Reported severity

Based on consumer complaints filed since 2000. Recalls and TSBs do not include severity data.

Deaths

0

Injuries

2

Crashes

6

Fires

12

Top reported issues — BMW 128i

Click a category to expand its values.

Safety restraint issue

73

Condition issue

44

Reporting mechanism

39

Operating state

36

Engine behavior

30

Lighting behavior

20

Thermal issue

20

Performance issue

17

Access/entry issue

15

Fluid issue

9

Smell

9

Noise

8

Electrical issue

7

Starting behavior

7

HVAC behavior

4

Infotainment behavior

4

Vibration/harshness

4

Braking behavior

3

Steering behavior

3

Wiper/washer behavior

3

Driver assistance issue

2

Recent change

2

Transmission/drivetrain behavior

2

Ride/handling behavior

1

Recent filings

The 10 most recent filings for each type.

2012 BMW 128I

Filed May 19, 2026


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…

2012 BMW 128I

Filed Mar 24, 2026


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.

2012 BMW 128I

Filed Mar 6, 2026


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…

2013 BMW 128I

Filed Oct 30, 2025


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.

2013 BMW 128I

Filed Sep 19, 2025


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

2013 BMW 128I

Filed Aug 7, 2025


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…

2011 BMW 128I

Filed Mar 19, 2025


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…

2009 BMW 128I

Filed Dec 17, 2024


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.

2010 BMW 128I

Filed Dec 2, 2024


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…

2009 BMW 128I

Filed Oct 30, 2024


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…

Data sourced from NHTSA's public datasets. Issue classifications are generated by Repair Surge. About this data.

Updated May 30, 2026. Refreshed nightly.