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BMWRecalls, problems & years to avoid

NHTSA has 29,561 owner complaints on file for 387 BMW models. The X5 has the most (3,181). Pick a model to see which years to avoid.

Models38760 currently sold
Owner complaints29,561All model years
Most complaintsX53,181 complaints
Latest recall26V-695Oct 21, 2026

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls. Updated daily.

Current BMW models

BMW X5
X51999–2026 · 3,181 complaintsMost complaints: 2012
BMW X3
X32004–2026 · 2,025 complaintsMost complaints: 2013
BMW Z4
Z42003–2025 · 1,280 complaintsMost complaints: 2003
BMW 330i
330i1999–2026 · 818 complaintsMost complaints: 2006
BMW X1
X12012–2026 · 678 complaintsMost complaints: 2016
BMW 530i
530i1978–2025 · 568 complaintsMost complaints: 2004
BMW M3
M31988–2025 · 444 complaintsMost complaints: 2008
BMW X7
X72019–2026 · 317 complaintsMost complaints: 2024
BMW 540i
540i1989–2025 · 253 complaintsMost complaints: 2018
BMW X6
X62006–2026 · 205 complaintsMost complaints: 2012
740i1993–2026 · 131 complaintsMost complaints: 1993
BMW 430i
430i2017–2026 · 127 complaintsMost complaints: 2018
BMW IX
IX2022–2025 · 116 complaintsMost complaints: 2023
BMW M5
M51989–2026 · 106 complaintsMost complaints: 2006
X42014–2026 · 93 complaintsMost complaints: 2015
K 1600 GTL2011–2025 · 72 complaintsMost complaints: 2012
K1600b2017–2025 · 60 complaintsMost complaints: 2018
M42014–2026 · 47 complaints
S 1000 RR2010–2026 · 41 complaints
F800 GS2008–2025 · 39 complaints
230i2017–2026 · 35 complaints
K 1600 GT2011–2025 · 31 complaints
X22018–2026 · 31 complaints
760i2004–2025 · 30 complaints
I52024–2025 · 29 complaints
I72023–2025 · 25 complaints
M240i2017–2025 · 14 complaints
840i2019–2026 · 14 complaints
XM2023–2025 · 13 complaints
M440i2021–2025 · 11 complaints
S1000 R2014–2025 · 8 complaints
I4 EDRIVE402025–2026 · 7 complaints
R 1300 GS Adventure2025–2026 · 3 complaints
I5 XDRIVE402025–2026 · 2 complaints
R 1300 GS2024–2025 · 2 complaints
430i Xdrive2025 · 1 complaint
R 1300 RT2026 · 1 complaint
550e Xdrive2025–2026 · 1 complaint
M 1000 XR2024–2025 · 1 complaint
X5 Plug-in Hybrid2026 · 1 complaint
I7 XDRIVE602023–2026 · 1 complaint
228i Xdrive Gran Coupe2026 · 0 complaints
228i Gran Coupe2026 · 0 complaints
Alpina XB72025 · 0 complaints
840i Xdrive2020–2026 · 0 complaints
760i Xdrive2023–2025 · 0 complaints
750e Xdrive2024–2026 · 0 complaints
F 900 GS2025 · 0 complaints
I4 EDRIVE352025 · 0 complaints
I5 EDRIVE402024–2026 · 0 complaints
I5 M60 Xdrive2024–2025 · 0 complaints
740i Xdrive2023–2025 · 0 complaints
I7 EDRIVE502024–2025 · 0 complaints
K 1600 Grand America2018–2025 · 0 complaints
540i Xdrive2021–2025 · 0 complaints
M 1000 R2024–2025 · 0 complaints
M235i Xdrive Gran Coupe2026 · 0 complaints
530i Xdrive2024–2025 · 0 complaints
M5 Sportswagon2025 · 0 complaints
330i Xdrive2025 · 0 complaints

Past BMW models

BMW 328i
328i1996–2016 · 2,584 complaintsMost complaints: 2011
BMW 325i
325i1992–2012 · 1,359 complaintsMost complaints: 2006
BMW 528i
528i1997–2016 · 833 complaintsMost complaints: 2008
BMW 3 Series
3 Series1999–2023 · 828 complaintsMost complaints: 2006
BMW 335i
335i2006–2016 · 812 complaintsMost complaints: 2007
BMW 323i
323i1998–2011 · 563 complaintsMost complaints: 2000
BMW 535i
535i1989–2017 · 492 complaintsMost complaints: 2011
BMW 750li
750li2005–2021 · 467 complaintsMost complaints: 2006
BMW 328xi
328xi2006–2016 · 460 complaintsMost complaints: 2007
BMW 525i
525i1989–2011 · 438 complaintsMost complaints: 2004
BMW 5 Series
5 Series1996–2023 · 423 complaintsMost complaints: 2008
BMW 325xi
325xi2000–2012 · 306 complaintsMost complaints: 2006
BMW 330ci
330ci2000–2006 · 291 complaintsMost complaints: 2001
X3 SAV2007–2012 · 274 complaintsMost complaints: 2007
R1200 RT2005–2018 · 266 complaintsMost complaints: 2006
BMW 550i
550i2006–2016 · 253 complaintsMost complaints: 2011
R1200 GS2004–2018 · 248 complaintsMost complaints: 2005
BMW 325ci
325ci2000–2006 · 247 complaintsMost complaints: 2004
3251984–2012 · 223 complaintsMost complaints: 2001
K1200lt1999–2009 · 216 complaintsMost complaints: 2000
BMW I3
I32014–2021 · 215 complaintsMost complaints: 2014
328d2013–2018 · 212 complaintsMost complaints: 2014
Z31996–2003 · 207 complaintsMost complaints: 1997
X5 SAV2000–2013 · 203 complaintsMost complaints: 2007
BMW 330xi
330xi1999–2011 · 193 complaintsMost complaints: 2006
BMW 128i
128i2008–2013 · 183 complaintsMost complaints: 2011
X1 SAV2013–2017 · 177 complaintsMost complaints: 2013
BMW 750i
750i1990–2021 · 170 complaintsMost complaints: 2006
BMW 320i
320i1977–2018 · 163 complaintsMost complaints: 2014
BMW 530xi
530xi2006–2007 · 158 complaintsMost complaints: 2006
BMW 428i
428i2014–2016 · 158 complaintsMost complaints: 2015
528xi2008–2014 · 158 complaintsMost complaints: 2013
BMW 335xi
335xi2006–2015 · 154 complaintsMost complaints: 2008
BMW 135i
135i2008–2013 · 153 complaintsMost complaints: 2008
BMW 745li
745li2002–2008 · 144 complaintsMost complaints: 2003
BMW 535xi
535xi2008–2014 · 143 complaintsMost complaints: 2008
740il1993–2001 · 132 complaintsMost complaints: 2001
BMW 745i
745i2002–2008 · 127 complaintsMost complaints: 2002
BMW 7 Series
7 Series1995–2012 · 124 complaintsMost complaints: 2006
545i2004–2005 · 122 complaintsMost complaints: 2005
3181984–2001 · 118 complaintsMost complaints: 1991
BMW 650i
650i2006–2017 · 104 complaintsMost complaints: 2007
1 Series2000–2012 · 98 complaintsMost complaints: 2011
318i1984–2003 · 90 complaintsMost complaints: 1994
3282006–2013 · 85 complaintsMost complaints: 2011
K1200 GT2003–2008 · 83 complaintsMost complaints: 2008
I42022–2024 · 83 complaintsMost complaints: 2023
M340i2019–2023 · 76 complaintsMost complaints: 2020
K1300 S2009–2015 · 74 complaintsMost complaints: 2009
535d2014–2016 · 73 complaintsMost complaints: 2014
5251985–2002 · 72 complaintsMost complaints: 1991
R1200 GS Adventure2005–2018 · 72 complaintsMost complaints: 2007
M Roadster1998–2008 · 66 complaintsMost complaints: 1998
3352006–2013 · 66 complaintsMost complaints: 2011
K1300 GT2009–2011 · 65 complaintsMost complaints: 2009
228i2014–2024 · 58 complaintsMost complaints: 2016
R 1200 R2006–2017 · 57 complaintsMost complaints: 2013
K1200 S2003–2010 · 53 complaintsMost complaints: 2005
530e2017–2023 · 50 complaintsMost complaints: 2018
525xi2006–2011 · 50 complaintsMost complaints: 2006
435i2014–2016 · 49 complaints
C650 GT Maxi-scooter2012–2020 · 46 complaints
F650 GS2001–2012 · 45 complaints
E461990–2004 · 45 complaints
645ci2004–2006 · 45 complaints
BMW1982–2002 · 44 complaints
X5 Diesel SAV2011 · 44 complaints
BMW Motorcycle1988–2001 · 44 complaints
Z3 Roadster1998–2001 · 44 complaints
335d2009–2011 · 43 complaints
R1200c1998–2003 · 43 complaints
K1200rs1997–2003 · 43 complaints
540ia1989–2002 · 42 complaints
328ic1997–2000 · 41 complaints
325is1992–1995 · 39 complaints
7401991–2001 · 38 complaints
330e2016–2024 · 38 complaints
535i US2011 · 36 complaints
740li2011–2022 · 33 complaints
318is1991–1997 · 32 complaints
F 800 ST2007–2010 · 31 complaints
323ci2000–2006 · 31 complaints
530ia1989–2003 · 31 complaints
5281982–2000 · 31 complaints
M22016–2024 · 30 complaints
R1150gs2000–2003 · 30 complaints
R 1250 GS2019–2023 · 29 complaints
735i1987–1995 · 29 complaints
M550i2018–2023 · 29 complaints
750il1990–2001 · 28 complaints
640i2012–2019 · 27 complaints
3201977–2002 · 26 complaints
M61988–2019 · 26 complaints
R Series1985–2007 · 26 complaints
6 Series2004–2012 · 25 complaints
R1150 RT2002–2004 · 25 complaints
M Coupe1999–2002 · 25 complaints
K1200 R2003–2008 · 25 complaints
7351985–1998 · 24 complaints
318ti1995–1999 · 24 complaints
R 1250 RT2019–2024 · 23 complaints
5401994–2002 · 23 complaints
I3 REX2014 · 22 complaints
760li2003–2015 · 22 complaints
E361995–2003 · 21 complaints
5301975–2002 · 21 complaints
335i US2011 · 20 complaints
7501988–2001 · 20 complaints
G650gs2009–2016 · 20 complaints
R1100 RT1996–2001 · 20 complaints
M235i2014–2022 · 19 complaints
5351985–1996 · 19 complaints
340i2016–2024 · 18 complaints
550i Gran Turismo2010–2012 · 18 complaints
850i1991–2019 · 17 complaints
K Series1987–2004 · 17 complaints
440i2017–2020 · 16 complaints
R1200 CL2003–2004 · 15 complaints
F 650 GS US2009 · 15 complaints
8501986–1997 · 15 complaints
335is2007–2013 · 15 complaints
R1150 R2003–2004 · 14 complaints
525ia1989–2002 · 14 complaints
328ci2000–2006 · 14 complaints
RT Series1996–2002 · 14 complaints
750xi2010–2016 · 14 complaints
318ic1992–2003 · 14 complaints
R1100RSL1994–1996 · 13 complaints
F800 S2007–2009 · 13 complaints
F 800 GS US2009 · 12 complaints
R11001994–2000 · 12 complaints
128i US2009–2011 · 12 complaints
I82014–2020 · 10 complaints
R 182021–2024 · 10 complaints
R1100 RS1994–2000 · 10 complaints
528ia1997–2000 · 10 complaints
M3 US2011 · 10 complaints
325XIT2000–2006 · 10 complaints
320xi2012–2016 · 9 complaints
Active Hybrid 32012–2015 · 9 complaints
K1200 R Sport2004–2008 · 9 complaints
F650 CS2003–2005 · 9 complaints
550xi2013–2016 · 9 complaints
G310r2017–2020 · 9 complaints
325ic1992–1995 · 8 complaints
R 1200 ST2005–2008 · 8 complaints
325it2000–2005 · 8 complaints
Z82001–2002 · 7 complaints
435xi2014–2016 · 7 complaints
525ia Sport Wagon2002–2003 · 7 complaints
535i Gran Turismo2010–2012 · 7 complaints
5-SERIES Gran Turismo2010–2011 · 7 complaints
C600 Sport Maxi-scooter2012–2018 · 7 complaints
R1100 S1999–2004 · 7 complaints
X6 SAV2008–2013 · 6 complaints
740ILA1988–2001 · 6 complaints
R1001977–1994 · 6 complaints
325ia1989–1995 · 6 complaints
428xi2014–2016 · 6 complaints
F650gs Dakar2001–2007 · 6 complaints
S 1000 XR2016–2023 · 6 complaints
328xd2014–2015 · 6 complaints
1 Series M2008–2013 · 6 complaints
840ci1994–1997 · 5 complaints
540IAT1999–2001 · 5 complaints
K1001985–1992 · 5 complaints
R1200 S2006–2008 · 5 complaints
X5 Hybrid2021–2022 · 4 complaints
F700 GS2013–2014 · 4 complaints
F800 GT2013–2017 · 4 complaints
F 850 GS2019–2023 · 4 complaints
740ia1989–1999 · 4 complaints
3302000–2011 · 4 complaints
R 1250 GS Adventure2019–2023 · 4 complaints
750LXI2012–2016 · 4 complaints
M82019–2023 · 4 complaints
R1200 RS2015–2017 · 4 complaints
850ci1991–1997 · 3 complaints
3232000–2002 · 3 complaints
F6502001 · 3 complaints
318ia1992–1995 · 3 complaints
G310 GS2018–2020 · 3 complaints
X5 M2010–2018 · 3 complaints
X6 Activehybrid SAC2010–2011 · 3 complaints
G650gs Sertao2013–2015 · 3 complaints
325ISA1987–1995 · 3 complaints
R1100 R1995–1999 · 3 complaints
R Model2003 · 3 complaints
R Nine T2014–2020 · 3 complaints
6351985–1989 · 3 complaints
540d2018 · 3 complaints
Active Hybrid 52013–2014 · 2 complaints
735il1990–1992 · 2 complaints
G650x Challenge2007 · 2 complaints
CE 042022–2023 · 2 complaints
750e2023–2024 · 2 complaints
R 1150 GS Adventure2002–2003 · 2 complaints
M850i2019–2023 · 2 complaints
6331983–1984 · 2 complaints
750ILA1988–1998 · 2 complaints
X6 M2008–2020 · 2 complaints
540it2000 · 2 complaints
R 1250 R2020–2022 · 2 complaints
R1100RT-P1998–2001 · 2 complaints
325ICA1992–1995 · 2 complaints
R100rt1988–1996 · 2 complaints
G 650 X US Moto2007 · 2 complaints
850CSI1991–1995 · 1 complaint
R100rs1977–1988 · 1 complaint
K11990–1992 · 1 complaint
525it1992–2001 · 1 complaint
F 750 GS2020–2023 · 1 complaint
735ILA1988–1995 · 1 complaint
R 1150 RS2003 · 1 complaint
Active Hybrid 72011–2014 · 1 complaint
R1200 HP22006–2008 · 1 complaint
R 1200 RT (authority)2005–2009 · 1 complaint
R 1250 RS2020–2021 · 1 complaint
K751986–1987 · 1 complaint
850CIA1991–1996 · 1 complaint
L71986–1987 · 1 complaint
740LXI2013–2015 · 1 complaint
R8501996–1997 · 1 complaint
740le2018–2020 · 1 complaint
740ld2015 · 1 complaint
C 400 X2019 · 1 complaint
530ITA1989–1995 · 1 complaint
M760i2019–2021 · 1 complaint
X6 SAC2008–2014 · 1 complaint
20021967–1974 · 1 complaint
528it2000 · 1 complaint
R601977 · 0 complaints
R6051971 · 0 complaints
R60/71977 · 0 complaints
R751973–1977 · 0 complaints
R7551971 · 0 complaints
R75/71977 · 0 complaints
R801978–1987 · 0 complaints
R80rt1987 · 0 complaints
R850 R2004 · 0 complaints
R Nine T Pure2019–2020 · 0 complaints
R Nine T Racer2018 · 0 complaints
R Nine T Scrambler2018–2020 · 0 complaints
320ia1977–1978 · 0 complaints
318ISA1992–1995 · 0 complaints
318ICA1992–1995 · 0 complaints
30SIA1976 · 0 complaints
30si1976 · 0 complaints
301973–1976 · 0 complaints
28001969–1971 · 0 complaints
25001969–1971 · 0 complaints
228xi2014–2016 · 0 complaints
228i Xdrive2023–2024 · 0 complaints
2002TII1972–1974 · 0 complaints
XB72021 · 0 complaints
2002a1972–1974 · 0 complaints
850ia1991–1995 · 0 complaints
8 Series2023 · 0 complaints
Activee2011 · 0 complaints
Alpina B82023 · 0 complaints
B7 Alpina2005–2021 · 0 complaints
Bavaria1973–1974 · 0 complaints
Bavaria 3.01972–1973 · 0 complaints
C650 Sport Maxi-scooter2013–2018 · 0 complaints
C Evolution2017–2018 · 0 complaints
840CIA1991–1995 · 0 complaints
750ILP2001 · 0 complaints
F800 GS Adventure2013–2017 · 0 complaints
F800 R2013–2017 · 0 complaints
745le2019–2021 · 0 complaints
F 850 GS Adventure2020 · 0 complaints
F 900 R2020 · 0 complaints
F 900 XR2020 · 0 complaints
745e2020–2022 · 0 complaints
740xi2020–2021 · 0 complaints
G 650 GS Serato2013–2014 · 0 complaints
G650x Country2007 · 0 complaints
G650x Moto2007 · 0 complaints
G 650 X US Challenge2007 · 0 complaints
G 650 X US Country2007–2008 · 0 complaints
HP2 Enduro2005–2006 · 0 complaints
HP2 Megamoto2007–2009 · 0 complaints
HP2 Mega Moto US2009 · 0 complaints
HP2 Sport2007–2010 · 0 complaints
HP42013–2014 · 0 complaints
740le Xdrive Iperformance2017–2019 · 0 complaints
1600-21967–1969 · 0 complaints
I4 M502024 · 0 complaints
I5 M602024 · 0 complaints
I7 M702024 · 0 complaints
I7 M70 Xdrive2023–2024 · 0 complaints
740ILP2001 · 0 complaints
K11991992 · 0 complaints
735ia1988–1995 · 0 complaints
7331984 · 0 complaints
K1300 R2009–2011 · 0 complaints
6301977 · 0 complaints
550e2020–2021 · 0 complaints
540ITA2001 · 0 complaints
M 1000 RR2022 · 0 complaints
540ia Sport Wagon2002 · 0 complaints
535i Activehybrid2012 · 0 complaints
M340xi2020 · 0 complaints
535ia1989–1995 · 0 complaints
5331983–1984 · 0 complaints
530it1994–1995 · 0 complaints
530e Xdrive Iperformance2018–2020 · 0 complaints
M760li2017–2021 · 0 complaints
M8 Gran Coupe2020 · 0 complaints
530e Iperformance2018–2020 · 0 complaints
R10051977 · 0 complaints
R10071977 · 0 complaints
R100R51977 · 0 complaints
R100s1977 · 0 complaints
525ITA1989–2001 · 0 complaints
525d Xdrive2014 · 0 complaints
5241986–1987 · 0 complaints
135is2008–2012 · 0 complaints
4 Series2023 · 0 complaints
430i Convertible2021–2022 · 0 complaints
340xi2020 · 0 complaints
330e Iperformance2016–2018 · 0 complaints
R1200 RT Police2014–2017 · 0 complaints
323it2000–2005 · 0 complaints
R 18 B2021–2024 · 0 complaints
R 18 Transcontinental2021–2024 · 0 complaints
R5051971 · 0 complaints
Latest

New BMW recalls

12v/24v/48v battery: cables26V-695 · 530e Iperformance, 530e Xdrive Iperformance, 740le Xdrive Iperformance · Oct 21, 2026 · 45 vehiclesManual transmission: seals/gaskets26V-658 · R 18 · Oct 7, 2026 · 4,630 vehiclesDriveline: driveshaft26V-525 · 540i, 540i Xdrive, 750e Xdrive, 840i +2 · Aug 12, 2026 · 39,144 vehiclesSpindle: arm26V-524 · X3 · Aug 12, 2026 · 13 vehiclesElectrical system: ignition26V-478 · S 1000 RR · Jul 23, 2026 · 16,736 vehiclesStarter assembly: relay26V-441 · 330e Iperformance, 530e Iperformance, 530e Xdrive Iperformance, 740le Xdrive Iperformance · Jul 8, 2026 · 29,119 vehiclesAdvisoryElectronic stability control (ESC)26V-422 · 530i, 530i Xdrive, 540i Xdrive, 740i +11 · Jul 1, 2026 · 428 vehiclesWiring: connectors/plugs/receptacles26V-305 · C Evolution · May 14, 2026 · 116 vehicles