Problems · by component

2011 BMW 328I Xdrive electrical system problems

156 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2011 BMW 328I Xdrive cite electrical system, 23% of all 686 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
156
23% of all complaints
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
18
Reported by owners
Injuries
2
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the electrical system

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“VIN [XXX] 2011 BMW 328i 4dr. Disabled widow, and on [XXX] while driving with my 3 minor children in vehicle, vehicle attempted to stall/loss of complete electrical power, smoke from trunk/rear seat. After stopping, got the trunk opened and discovered that the Battery Safety Terminal (BST) box and Battery Distribution Box in my trunk was on fire. After researching, it came to my attention that this incident matches NHTSA Recall 13V-044 (positive battery cable to fuse box stall/loss) and 2012 battery cable fire recall (1.3M BMW 5/6/3 series - BMW stated "can result in electrical malfunction, failure to start and, in some cases, to charring or fire") re-expanded 2019. Obviously, I contacted BMW, and to say I was surprised at the complete lack of support, respect and help with this incredibly important and serious matter, would be an understatement. BMW NA rep 'Eddie' closed my case on Oct 21 (after telling me 2 days, yet waiting over a week, mind you) citing salvage/total loss, absolutely refused inspection and then with attitude, REFUSES to give me a supervisors info, told me he’s not allowed to give me any info in order to speak to anyone higher up, that he can…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 26, 2026Electrical systemFire reportedODI 11773668
“The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact stated that the headlights and taillights remained illuminated after the vehicle was turned off. Additionally, the vehicle intermittently failed to start up. The contact stated that AAA jump-started the vehicle, and it was determined that the battery was in good working condition. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact associated the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V676000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 31, 2026Electrical system, Exterior lighting, EngineODI 11761089
“The power cable to my battery needed to be replaced from the front to the rear. This seems like the recall NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 13V044000 but my car was not listed for it.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 28, 2026Electrical systemODI 11713877
“Footwell module (FRM) module went out after negative battery disconnect to change fuse. Module being inoperable is causing windows to not operate,interior lighting not working, headlights stay dim (not good for nightime driving), blinkers inoperable (not good for driving with windows not working- no arm signals), dash light also inoperable.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 14, 2025Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Unknown or otherODI 11699451
“The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the electrical system failed to function as intended. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle eventually started; however, the failure occurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and transferred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V044000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 20, 2025Electrical systemODI 11662192
“Previously reported on February 20, 2024. NHTSA #1157301 RDC failure caused complete loss of all dashboard functions except the radio - loss of lights/turn signals/ speedometer/ tachometer/ HVAC etc. Received a call from BMW customer service today February 26,2024 at 4:38 EST duration 17 minutes. BMW informed me the conversation was recorded. I request that NHTSA obtain the transcript for that telephone call. This note will be sent to BMW with request to send a transcript of the call to NHTSA. BMW Custom Relations representative was polite. Her purpose for the call - "to inform me that BMW is cooperating with NHTSA".The person assigned had no useful information nor could she obtain any information to answer questions. Though BMW documents all reported parts failures and complications, she had no ability to provide information relevant to the RDC module problems.The call was useless from an owners viewpoint. It did not improve Customer Relations. The VANOS recall was also discussed.NHTSA: #23V-707 Recall notification October 2023 BMW has not provided a date when the repair will be available. Vanos Bolt problems were identified for my vehicle in 2014!!! A 10 year…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 26, 2024Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Visibility/wiperODI 11574109

Showing 6 of 156 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.