2015 BMW 228i

Routine

Owners filed 17 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 3 times.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine and Engine Cooling4
000
Engine3
000
Electrical System3
000
Air Bags2
203
Wheels1
000
Unknown or Other1
000
Steering1
000
Seat Belts1
000
Power Train1
010

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Side/Window › Head25V871000
Filed Dec 17, 2025851 vehiclesBmw Of North America, Llc

Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014 4 Series Coupe (428i, 428i xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive), 3 Series Sedan (320i, 320i xDrive, 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335i xDrive), and 2014-2015 2 Series Coupe (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i, M235i xDrive) vehicles. The head air bag inflator may fail at the weld joint, which can cause gas to leak from the inflator or result in an inflator rupture.

Risk. An inflator that ruptures may cause sharp metal fragments to enter or exit the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, an inflator that leaks gas may only partially inflate during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy. Dealers will replace the head air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 12, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Electrical System › Wiring › Connectors/Plugs/Receptacles24V608000
Filed Aug 13, 2024720,796 vehiclesBmw Of North America, Llc

Defect. BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.

Risk. An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy. Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Air Bags › Side/Window24V288000
Filed Apr 24, 20245,761 vehiclesBmw Of North America, Llc

Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2015 2 Series Coupe (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i), 3 Series Sedan (320i, 320i xDrive, 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335i xDrive, M3, 328d, 328d xDrive), 4 Series Coupe (428i, 428i xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive, M4), and 2015 4 Series Gran Coupe (428i, 428i xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive) vehicles. The head air bag inflator may fail at the weld joint, which can cause gas to leak from the inflator or result in an inflator rupture.

Risk. An inflator that ruptures may cause sharp metal fragments to enter or exit the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, an inflator that leaks gas may only partially inflate during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy. Dealers will replace the head air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 4, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical System
Filed Jul 11, 2026IN

Left rear taillight assembly failed. Needed a whole new taillight assembly, as well as an additional ground cable retrofit repair. This was a known problem and would have been covered under warranty if the problem had surfaced much earlier. In fact, it did occur in the right taillight, and BMW replaced that one.

Engine
Filed Sep 8, 2025CA

Recall notice from manufacturer since at least September 2024, and no fix has been made yet. Based on manufacturer note: Water Pump Connector May Short Circuit -- Risk Rank = Fire Concerned since problem not addressed for more than a year

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jun 9, 2025TX

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 228i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); 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 contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Mar 18, 202550,000 milesTN

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 228i. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was smoke coming from the electrical connector underneath the hood. The master warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. 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 50,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Feb 26, 2025140,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 228I. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was not 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 not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000. The VIN was not available. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 13, 2025NY

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 228I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. 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.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Oct 30, 202491,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 228I. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the instrument panel went blank and there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure; however, was unable to confirm when parts would be available. The approximate failure mileage was 91,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Steering
Filed Dec 6, 2023NC

The Power Steering and Stability Control warning lights on my 2015 BMW 228i came on while driving. I took it to the dealership who told me the steering rack needed to be replaced. BMW has a service bulletin B32 12 16 which describes same issue as I am experiencing. 2015 228i is listed as an affected model on the bulletin, but my VIN was not included by BMW.

Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed Sep 17, 202040,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 BMW 2281. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL ENGAGED, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, WENT DOWN AN EMBANKMENT, AND THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP AFTER CRASHING INTO A TREE. THE CONTACT ALSO ADVISED THAT THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUFFERED SEAT BELT BRUISES AND INJURIES TO THE LEFT SHOULDER, CHEST AND RIGHT BREAST. THE CONTACTS FRONT PASSENGER ALSO SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE BACK AND NECK. AS A RESULT, MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN UNKNOWN BMW COLLISION CENTER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 28, 202034,000 milesCA

REAR LEFT TURN SIGNAL/BRAKE LIGHT STOPPED WORKING AND WARNING LIGHT CAME ON INTERMITTENTLY. NORMAL DRIVING IN CITY. WENT OFF AND ON FOR SEVERAL MONTHS, NOW THE WARNING IS ACTIVE ALL THE TIME, AND LEFT TAIL LIGHT/TURN SIGNAL NO LONGER WORK.

Engine
Filed Dec 18, 201978,800 milesFL

ON DECEMBER 4, 2019, I WAS DRIVING MY BMW X1 TO WORK AT 52 MILE PER HOUR WHEN THE ENGINE ALL OF SUDDEN STOPPED WORKING. THIS ALMOST GOT ME INTO A VERY DEADLY CAR ACCIDENT DURING BUSY TRAFFIC. FORTUNATELY, I WAS DRIVING IN THE LEFT LANE APPROACHING A LEFT TURN LANE INTO OUR OFFICE PLAZA NEAR US DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, USCIS OFFICE. I TRIED EVERY MEANS TO RESTART THE ENGINE, IT WOULD NOT START, I CHECKED THE BATTERY AND FOUND IT GOOD. I PURCHASED THIS CAR IN 2015 BRAND NEW FROM BRAMAN BMW WEST PALM BEACH, OUR BMW X1 2015 WAS PRODUCED IN JANUARY, 2018 AND THE N20 ENGINE INSTALLED ON THIS VEHICLE MUST HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED IN 2014, WHICH SHOULD BE COVERED BY THE BMW RECALL FILED WITH NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION.MY CAR BMW X1 2015 IS STILL WITHIN 7 YEARS OF THE EXTENDED WARRANTY PUT INTO EFFECT AFTER A PRIOR CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT.CURRENTLY, THERE IS A PENDING CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT WHICH HAS BEEN CERTIFIED BY THE FEDERAL COURT AND WHICH WILL PREVAIL SOON. THIS CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT COVERS 2012-2015 VEHICLES WITH N20 AND N26 ENGINES. PUTTING CUSTOMERS SAFETY AND THEIR LIVES BEFORE THEIR PROFITS AND BMW AND BRAMAN BMW WEST PALM BEACH WILL HAVE TO UPHOLD ITS PROMISE TO THE MINIMUM QUALITY STANDARDS IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY, GUARANTEEING THE LIVES OF DRIVERS AND AMERICANS. BMW HAS TO STAND BY ITS QUALITY GUARANTEE AND THE BASIC INDUSTRY QUALITY STANDARD AND ANY AND ALL MANUFACTURING DEFECTS BY BMW MUST BE CORRECTED AND REPAIRED AT ITS OWN EXPENSE.

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 9, 201947,000 milesMO

DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 60MPH MY SUN ROOF SUDDENLY EXPLODED. THERE WERE NO OTHER CARS NEARBY AND NO OVERPASSES OR SIGNS ABOVE. THE TEMPERATE WAS ABOUT 40F. MY SUN SHADE VISOR WAS CLOSED BUT GLASS STILL CAME DOWN ON THE HEADS OF MYSELF AND THE PASSENGER. I EXITED THE HIGHWAY AT THE FIRST EXIT ABOUT 1/4 A MILE DOWN THE ROAD. THERE WAS NO PHYSICAL DAMAGE TO THE SUNROOF BEFORE THIS HAPPENED.

Wheels
Filed Apr 27, 201827,500 milesOH

AS OEM ON MY BMW 2 SERIES ARE PIRELLI CINTURATO P7 A/S RFT (BMW) BWAUTO - RUN FLAT, SIZE:225/40R18, IN THE PAST 3 YEARS I HAVE HAD 6 FLATS DUE TO POTHOLES. THESE TIRES ARE INAPPROPRIATE FOR THE VEHICLE. ANY SIMPLE BUMP AND THEY BLOW. EVEN BMW WARNS ABOUT HOW THEY ARE NOT APPROPRIATE FOR CARS AND ROUGH ROADS. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE BMW REPLACE THESE TIRES AT THEIR EXPENSE BECAUSE THEY ARE INAPPROPRIATE AND A SAFETY PROBLEM AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS.

Engine
Filed Nov 2, 201731,000 milesFL

THE ENGINE QUIT RUNNING WHILE ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. A MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD SCREEN "MAXIMUM DRIVETRAIN OUTPUT NOT AVAILABLE." THE ENGINE RE-STARTED AFTER PULLING OFF THE HIGHWAY AND PLACED IN "PARK". THIS EVENT OCCURRED ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS APPROXIMATELY 4000 MILES APART.

Power TrainFire
Filed Oct 5, 201735,000 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 BMW 228I. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS STARTED TO FUNCTION INDEPENDENTLY AND THEN STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WINDSHIELD. THE WIPER MOTOR MALFUNCTION WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, THE VEHICLE STALLED, AND THE TRANSMISSION WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE AND COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO TOM BUSH BMW ORANGE PARK (6914 BLANDING BLVD, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32244, PHONE NUMBER: (904) 777-2500) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUSES AND WIPER MOTOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.

Seat Belts
Filed Nov 14, 201610,000 milesAZ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 BMW 228I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELTS BECAME JAMMED IN THE DOOR PILLAR, WHICH CAUSED THE SEAT BELTS TO FRACTURE. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE SEAT BELTS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER AND REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Oct 26, 201630,000 milesMD

BMW HIT VEHICLE DIRECTLY IN FRONT WHILE EMERGENCY BRAKING FROM APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH AND WAS SUBSEQUENTLY HIT DIRECTLY FROM BEHIND IN I-70 4 CAR PILE-UP. THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED IN VEHICLE IN FRONT (KIA) AND VEHICLE BEHIND (AUDI) BUT DID NOT DEPLOY FROM BMW. DRIVER'S CHIN WAS GASHED OPEN, PROBABLY FROM IMPACT WITH STEERING WHEEL AS A RESULT OF AIRBAGS NOT DEPLOYING. WHIPLASH, BRUISING, SORENESS ALSO SHOWN IN DRIVER FOLLOWING ACCIDENT.

17 of 17 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2016
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20240100Routine
20232100Routine
20223200Routine
20217300Routine
20203200Routine
201618110Routine
2015 — this page17310Routine
20147400Routine

Compare every 228i year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Dec 17, 2025. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.