Bmw 228i Reliability
92 NHTSA complaints (2014–2023). Complaint rate: 32.4 per 1,000 vehicles.
Which Years to Buy & Avoid
Years auto-clustered by complaint volume relative to this model's median.
Bottom line: The 2015–2016 Bmw 228i had a notable spike in NHTSA complaints. Other years had typical complaint volumes. Most common issue across all years: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Avoid These Years
Average
Better Years
No years stand out as significantly better.
A model's reputation is just the start.
Even within the “good” years, individual cars can have hidden accidents, title issues, or odometer rollbacks. Check the actual VIN before you buy — full history report for $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
Complaints by Model Year
NHTSA complaint count per model year
Common Bmw 228i Problems
Most reported component complaints to NHTSA
| Component | Complaints | Crash % |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 21 | 4.8% |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 15 | 0.0% |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 6 | 16.7% |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 6 | 16.7% |
| POWER TRAIN | 6 | 0.0% |
| ENGINE | 5 | 0.0% |
| WHEELS | 4 | 0.0% |
| AIR BAGS | 4 | 75.0% |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 4 | 0.0% |
| SEAT BELTS | 3 | 0.0% |
Year-by-Year Breakdown
NHTSA complaint count per model year — click any year for full problems & recalls breakdown.
| Year | Generation | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | — | 9 | 2 | — | View 2014View→ |
| 2015AVOID | — | 28 | 3 | 3 | View 2015View→ |
| 2016AVOID | — | 30 | 0 | 1 | View 2016View→ |
| 2020 | — | 6 | 0 | — | View 2020View→ |
| 2021 | — | 8 | 0 | — | View 2021View→ |
| 2022 | — | 5 | 3 | — | View 2022View→ |
| 2023 | — | 6 | 0 | — | View 2023View→ |
See also: Bmw 228iaccident & safety statistics from our vehicle history database.
Buying a Bmw 228i?
Check the specific VIN for hidden accidents, title issues, and full vehicle history — just $4.99.
Check VIN Free