BMW 328I vs Volvo S40
Owner complaints, worst years and recall history side by side, from official NHTSA data. Last verified Aug 8, 2026. Raw complaint counts are not adjusted for sales volume.
BMW 328I
- Total complaints
- 2,565
- Avg per model year
- 161
- Recall campaigns (all years)
- 25
- Most complained year
- 2011 (573)
Top problems: Electrical System, Engine, Air Bags
Volvo S40
- Total complaints
- 433
- Avg per model year
- 41
- Recall campaigns (all years)
- 12
- Most complained year
- 2000 (122)
Top problems: Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical System, Engine and Engine Cooling
Complaints by model year
| Year | BMW 328I | Volvo S40 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 573 | 5 | ||
| 2010 | 153 | 9 | ||
| 2009 | 193 | 10 | ||
| 2008 | 239 | 16 | ||
| 2007 | 397 | 25 | ||
| 2001 | 4 | 84 | ||
| 2000 | 112 | 122 |
Method. Complaints are unique NHTSA reports per model year. A model that sold more units will naturally accumulate more complaints — compare the shape across years, not just the raw totals, and read the year pages for what actually fails.