1999 Bmw 328I: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
91 owner complaints analyzed
7 distinct recall campaigns
106,400 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 1999 model year. Data snapshot: . 48 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Air Bags is the most frequently named component, appearing in 25 of 91 complaints (27.5%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 12 | 13.2% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 5 | 5.5% |
| Transmission and shifting | 4 | 4.4% |
| Steering behavior | 3 | 3.3% |
| Fuel system concerns | 1 | 1.1% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Air Bags | 25 |
| Structure:Frame And Members | 8 |
| Air Bags:Frontal | 7 |
| Electrical System | 6 |
| Power Train:Automatic Transmission | 6 |
| Suspension:Rear | 4 |
| Air Bags:Side/Window | 3 |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages | 3 |
Air Bags: 25; Structure:Frame And Members: 8; Air Bags:Frontal: 7; Electrical System: 6; Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 6; Suspension:Rear: 4; Air Bags:Side/Window: 3; Latches/Locks/Linkages: 3
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 2 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 7 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 6 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 6 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 15 |
| 150,000 and above | 12 |
Under 25,000: 2; 25,000 to 49,999: 7; 50,000 to 74,999: 6; 75,000 to 99,999: 6; 100,000 to 149,999: 15; 150,000 and above: 12
100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (15). 43 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 7 |
| 2001 | 3 |
| 2002 | 7 |
| 2003 | 8 |
| 2004 | 13 |
| 2005 | 4 |
| 2006 | 2 |
| 2007 | 1 |
| 2009 | 3 |
| 2010 | 4 |
| 2011 | 8 |
| 2012 | 3 |
| 2013 | 3 |
| 2014 | 2 |
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2016 | 2 |
| 2017 | 4 |
| 2020 | 14 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2022 | 1 |
2000: 7; 2001: 3; 2002: 7; 2003: 8; 2004: 13; 2005: 4; 2006: 2; 2007: 1; 2009: 3; 2010: 4; 2011: 8; 2012: 3; 2013: 3; 2014: 2; 2015: 1; 2016: 2; 2017: 4; 2020: 14; 2021: 1; 2022: 1
Pattern summary
Air Bags leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 12 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 5 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 4 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10008419 · 2003-03-05 (March 5, 2003)
THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION, AND HIT A CONCRETE WALL.*JB
Owner-reported narrative. 45,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10008419 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10011328 · 2003-03-19 (March 19, 2003)
WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE VEHICLE VIOLENTLY LURCHED FORWARD, LOST CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO A WALL. *AK
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10011328 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10017484 · 2003-04-24 (April 24, 2003)
THE UNIBODY HAD TORE IN HALF AND THE LEFT REAR SUSPENSION DISCONNECTED. *JB
Owner-reported narrative. 65,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10017484 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10020930 · 2003-06-02 (June 2, 2003)
RIGHT AND LEFT REAR SPRINGS BOTH BROKE AT SAME SPOTS. CAR HAS 92,000 MILES. CAR NEVER 'BOTTOMED OUT" OR HIT LARGE HOLE TO CAUSE SUCH A BREAK IN SPINGS.*AK
Owner-reported narrative. 91,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10020930 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10031834 · 2003-08-12 (August 12, 2003)
CONSUMER STATED THE DRIVER'S FRONT SEAT BELTS DID NOT LOCK INTO PLACE WHEN A SUDDEN STOP WAS NECESSARY. *AK *SCC THE DRIVERS DOOR MADE A RATTLING NOISE, THE WINDOW REGULATOR WAS REPALCED.*CB *JB
Owner-reported narrative. 62,407 miles reported. Look up ODI 10031834 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10033185 · 2003-08-20 (August 20, 2003)
DIFFERENTIAL MOUNTS TO FRAME HAVE 'TORN AWAY' @ 40K MILES AND A SECOND TIME @ 60K00MILES. BMW IS FIXING IT A 2ND TIME AND COVERING COST. CAR IS 4DOOR, MANUAL AND OTHERWISE HAS BEEN THE PERFECT CAR. ESTIMATED TIME TO FIX AT BMW IS 4-5 WEEKS.*AK
Owner-reported narrative. 40,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10033185 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10036889 · 2003-08-30 (August 30, 2003)
THE RIGHT REAR BRAKES PULSATE WHILE DRIVING WITHOUT THE BRAKES BEING APPLIED BY THE DRIVER. THIS OCCURS ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS (ONCE OR TWICE A WEEK) AND STOPS WHEN THE CAR IS SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED. WHEN THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY (E.G. AT SPEEDS OF 55MPH) THE RIGHT REAR DISC WILL GLOW RED HOT UPON EXAMINATION AFTER GENTLY STOPPING THE VEHICLE WITHOUT APPLYING THE BRAKES. ONLY THE RIGHT REAR DISC GLOWS.*AK
Owner-reported narrative. 30,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10036889 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10049506 · 2003-12-10 (December 10, 2003)
WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE GARAGE, WHEN I HIT THE BRAKES TO STOP THE CAR, THE CAR DID NOT STOP. IN ORDER TO AVOID HITTING THE CAR BEHIND ME, I PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE AND AGAIN HIT THE BRAKES. THE CAR DID NOT STOP AND ONLY STOPPED WHEN I HIT THE GARAGE WALL, CAUSING OVER $3000.00 DAMAGE TO THE CAR. *LA
Owner-reported narrative. 12,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10049506 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
7 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
02V223000 · Air Bags:Side/Window
Reported: 2002-08-09 (August 9, 2002)
ON CERTAIN 4-DOOR PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE SIDE AIR BAG SYSTEM COULD DEPLOY IN CERTAIN NON-CRASH IMPACTS, SUCH AS WHEN CONTACTING LARGE POTHOLES OR CURBS AT SUBSTANTIAL SPEEDS.
Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE THE SIDE AIR BAG AND HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM TO DEPLOY WITHOUT AN ACTUAL SIDE CRASH OR IMPACT SEVERE ENOUGH TO CAUSE SIGNIFICANT VISIBLE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. UNEXPECTED DEPLOYMENT OF THE SIDE AIR BAG COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY IF THE OCCUPANT'S HEAD IS RESTING NEAR THE SIDE AIR BAG.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL RECALIBRATE THE CENTRAL AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH A NON-CRASH DEPLOYMENT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 25, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
NHTSA campaign record ↗19V851000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module
Reported: 2019-11-26 (November 26, 2019)
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 1999 323i and 328i vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata at one specific inflator production facility. These inflators do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the driver air bag inflators and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: BMW recommends that owners do not continue to drive their vehicles.
NHTSA campaign record ↗19V852000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module
Reported: 2019-11-26 (November 26, 2019)
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 1999-2000 323i and 328i and 2000 323Ci and 328Ci vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata. These inflators do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
Remedy: BMW will mail interim notices informing owners of the safety risk on January 17, 2020. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Dealers will inspect the driver air bag inflators and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. BMW mailed interim notices informing owners of the safety risk on January 17, 2020. The recall began July 27, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA campaign record ↗19V853000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module
Reported: 2019-11-26 (November 26, 2019)
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 1999-2001 323i, 325i, 328i and 330i and 2000-2001 323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci, 330Ci, 323iT, and 325iT vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata. These vehicles may have received a replacement driver air bag as part of a vehicle repair. Due to a manufacturing issue, the replacement NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
Remedy: BMW notified owners, and Dealers will replace the driver air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began November 10, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA campaign record ↗21V401000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module
Reported: 2021-05-27 (May 27, 2021)
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2001 BMW 3 Series (323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci and 330Ci), 1999-2001 323i, 328i, 330i, 330xi, and 2000 323i, 328i stationwagon vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata. These vehicles are equipped with driver-side air bag inflators that were previously inspected, but not replaced under recall numbers 19V-851, 19V852, or 19V-853. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to explode or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
Consequence: The inflator could explode during air bag deployment, resulting in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver-side air bag inflator with a newly designed inflator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 12, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA campaign record ↗99V063000 · Air Bags:Side/Window
Reported: 1999-03-26 (March 26, 1999)
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES ARE BUILT WITH A SIDE AIR BAG SYSTEM CONSISTING OF DOOR-MOUNTED THORAX AIR BAGS (REAR DOOR AIR BAGS ARE OPTIONAL), A HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM (HPS) FOR FRONT OCCUPANTS, A CENTRAL ELECTRONIC SENSOR AND DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM, LEFT AND RIGHT SATELLITE IMPACT SENSORS, AND ASSOCIATED WIRING. THIS SYSTEM IS UNDULY SENSITIVE TO CERTAIN NON-CRASH IMPACTS, SUCH AS CONTACTING LARGE POTHOLES OR CURBS AT SUBSTANTIAL SPEED.
Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE THE SIDE AIR BAG AND HPS TO DEPLOY WITHOUT AN ACTUAL SIDE CRASH. IN ADDITION, THE BATTERY SAFETY TERMINAL (BST) WOULD ALSO ACTIVATE, DISCONNECTING THE STARTER CABLE FROM THE BATTERY. IN THIS CASE, VEHICLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WOULD CONTINUE TO OPERATE AND THE ENGINE WOULD CONTINUE TO RUN, BUT AFTER STOPPING, COULD NOT BE RESTARTED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE CENTRAL COMPUTER CONTROL MODULE THAT REGULATES THE PERFORMANCE OF ALL OF THE VEHICLE'S OCCUPANT PROTECTION SYSTEMS.
NHTSA campaign record ↗99V100000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Pedals And Linkages
Reported: 1999-05-03 (May 3, 1999)
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE RETAINING CLIP THAT SECURES THE BRAKE BOOSTER PUSHROD TO THE BRAKE PEDAL ARM WAS NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED DURING PRODUCTION. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE CLIP TO DETACH FROM THE PIN ON THE BRAKE PEDAL ARM ALLOWING THE PUSHROD TO DISCONNECT FROM THE ARM.
Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS, BRAKING IS NOT POSSIBLE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE CLIP FOR TIGHT INSTALLATION AND REPLACE THE CLIP IF IT IS LOOSE.
NHTSA campaign record ↗