2015 Bmw 228i Safety Report

2015 BMW 228i faces fire risk from electrical system recall and multiple airbag inflator recalls, with low overall complaint volume.

16Complaints
3Recalls
45/100Reliability Score
2Crash Reports
1Fire Reports
3Injuries
Most reported components: Engine And Engine Cooling,Electrical System (5)Engine (2)Steering (1)Air Bags,Vehicle Speed Control (1)Electrical System,Exterior Lighting (1)Unknown Or Other (1)Tires,Wheels (1)Power Train,Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System (1)Power Train,Electrical System,Visibility (1)Seat Belts (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2015 Bmw 228i

The 2015 BMW 228i presents a mixed safety picture, with a relatively low number of NHTSA complaints (16 total) but a concerning pattern of issues related to engine, electrical, and airbag systems, some of which have led to recalls. There have been 2 reported crashes, 1 fire, and 3 injuries, with 0 fatalities. A significant concern is the recall related to the engine cooling system's electrical pump, which poses a fire risk, as evidenced by multiple complaints describing smoke from the engine compartment and even a fire. Owners have reported delays in obtaining parts for this recall, leaving them vulnerable. Additionally, two separate recalls address potentially rupturing airbag inflators, which could cause severe injury during deployment. While NHTSA crash test ratings are not available for this specific model, the presence of multiple airbag recalls is a red flag. The overall safety is impacted by these critical component failures and the manufacturer's response to rectifying them.

Reliability Score

The 2015 Bmw 228i receives a reliability score of 45 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2015 Bmw 228i

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2015 Bmw 228i:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Engine Cooling System Electrical Pump Short Circuit
An electrical short in the engine cooling system's pump increases the risk of fire, as detailed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000. Multiple complaints describe smoke from the engine compartment and at least one fire incident.
High Common N/A miles
Airbag Inflator Rupture
Two recalls (NHTSA Campaign Numbers not specified in provided data but related to 'AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:HEAD' and 'AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW') address airbag inflators that may rupture, potentially causing sharp metal fragments to enter or exit the vehicle, increasing injury risk. One complaint specifically mentions airbags failing to deploy in a crash.
High Occasional N/A miles
Steering Rack Failure
Power Steering and Stability Control warning lights illuminate, requiring steering rack replacement. BMW has a service bulletin (B32 12 16) describing this issue.
Medium Occasional N/A miles
Engine Stalling/Drivetrain Malfunction
Engine unexpectedly quits while driving, with 'MAXIMUM DRIVETRAIN OUTPUT NOT AVAILABLE' message. This has occurred on interstate highways, posing a significant safety hazard.
High Occasional N/A miles
Sudden Unintended Acceleration
Vehicle suddenly accelerated while attempting to park with the brake pedal engaged, leading to a crash.
High Rare N/A miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2015 Bmw 228i:

Engine And Engine Cooling, Electrical System 31% of complaints

Multiple complaints (5 out of 16 total) relate to the engine cooling system's electrical pump, with reports of smoke, fire, and recall part unavailability.

Air Bags 12% of complaints

Two recalls and one complaint about non-deployment in a crash highlight issues with the airbag system.

Engine 12% of complaints

Reports of engine stalling and drivetrain malfunction while driving.

Steering 6% of complaints

One complaint regarding power steering and stability control warning lights leading to steering rack replacement.

Power Train 6% of complaints

One complaint of vehicle stalling and transmission warning indicator illuminating.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2015 Bmw 228i

Is the 2015 BMW 228I safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2015 BMW 228i has a low number of overall complaints (16), but faces serious safety concerns due to three recalls. Two recalls address potentially rupturing airbag inflators, and one critical recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000) involves an electrical short in the engine cooling system that poses a fire risk. Multiple owners have reported smoke from the engine and delays in recall repairs. While NHTSA crash test ratings are unavailable, these recalls indicate significant safety vulnerabilities.

What are common problems for the 2015 BMW 228I?

The most reported issues for the 2015 BMW 228i revolve around the 'ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM' (5 complaints), primarily concerning the electrical pump recall and associated fire risk. Other common problems include 'AIR BAGS' (related to two recalls and one non-deployment complaint), 'ENGINE' (stalling/drivetrain malfunction), and 'STEERING' (power steering failure requiring steering rack replacement).

Are there any recalls for the 2015 BMW 228I?

Yes, the 2015 BMW 228i has three active recalls. Two recalls pertain to 'AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW' and 'AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:HEAD', where inflators may rupture and cause injury. The third and most critical recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000) addresses an 'ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:PUMP' issue, where an electrical short increases the risk of fire. Owners have reported difficulties getting this fire-risk recall repaired due to part unavailability.

Has the 2015 BMW 228I had any fires?

Yes, there has been at least one reported fire incident for the 2015 BMW 228i, directly linked to the 'ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM' recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000). Multiple complaints describe smoke coming from the engine compartment, indicating a significant fire risk from the electrical short in the cooling system pump.

What is the reliability score of the 2015 BMW 228I?

Given the critical nature of the recalls, particularly the fire risk from the engine cooling system and the airbag inflator issues, along with reports of engine stalling and steering failures, the reliability score is estimated to be 45 out of 100. While the total complaint volume is low, the severity of the identified issues significantly impacts reliability and safety.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Exercise caution when considering a 2015 BMW 228i; ensure all three recalls, especially the fire-risk engine cooling system recall (24V608000) and airbag recalls, have been completed by a BMW dealer, and be aware of potential steering and engine stalling issues.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2015 Bmw 228i

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2015 Bmw 228i. The data includes 16 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 3 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 2 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 3 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.