BMW 135I Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used BMW 135I options? We analyzed 7 model years (2008–2014) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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Found a BMW 135I? Check that exact car.
Model-year trends show patterns — they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.
- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the BMW 135I has 100 owner complaints and 26 safety recalls across model years 2008–2014. The most reported issue area is AIR BAGS. 2011 drew the most complaints; 2010 drew the fewest.
- Make
- BMW
- Model
- 135I
- Model years analyzed
- 2008–2014 (7 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 100
- Safety recall campaigns
- 26
- Crash-related complaints
- 1
- Fire-related complaints
- 5
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2011 (66 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2010 (0 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- AIR BAGS
- Reliability signal
- Below Average
By model year
BMW 135I: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
Below AverageThe BMW 135I has 100 NHTSA complaints and 26 recalls on record. 1 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 100 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 26 federal recall campaigns
- 1 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Jul 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
26 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2008–2014. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 100 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
100 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 135i. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.
DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH, AND AFTER GOING ABOUT 4-5 MILES, THE BELOW WARNING MESSAGES CAME ON.
VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY, BURST INTO FLAMES, TOTAL LOSS
THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE, BUT I HAD ANOTHER CLOSE CALL TODAY SO I AM LOGGING A FORMAL COMPLAINT. THE VEHICLE HESITATES TO ACCELERATE AFTER PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL. IT OFTEN TAKES 2 TO 3 SECONDS FOR THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE. WHEN THE ACCELERATION FINALLY ENGAGES, IT TENDS TO BE HARD SINCE I OFTEN CONTINUE PRESSING THE PEDAL WHEN THE ACCELERATOR DOESN'T RESPOND. SO MY CHOICES ARE I EITHER GET HIT BY ONCOMING TRAFFIC OR SPIN OUT OF CONTROL AT AN INTERSECTION. THE ISSUE SEEMS TO OCCUR WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER IS ON. THIS IS PARTICULARLY SCARY WHEN MAKING LEFT TURNS AT AN INTERSECTION. IF I HAVE SPACE TO MAKE THE TURN BECAUSE ONCOMING TRAFFIC IS FAR ENOUGH, THE VEHICLE WILL SIMPLY NOT MOVE AT ALL OR ROLL ACROSS THE INTERSECTION FOR A FEW SECONDS BEFORE ACTUALLY ACCELERATING. I'VE HAD A COUPLE OF CLOSE CALLS ALREADY. I HAD ALL THE SOFTWARE ON THE VEHICLE UPDATED AND NO ONE SEEMS TO KNOW WHAT CAUSES IT. DON'T KNOW IF TRUE, BUT I ALSO READ ON VARIOUS WEBSITES THAT BMW IS AWARE OF THIS ISSUE BUT DOES NOT INTEND TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I GUESS THERE HAVEN'T BEEN ANY FATALITIES YET. I HOPE I AM NOT THE FIRST ONE.
TAKATA RECALL DEALER UNABLE TO REPLACE AIRBAGS
TAKATA RECALL I RECEIVED A LETTER SEPT 2017 FROM BMW STATING THE PARTS WERE AVAILABLE FOR REPLACEMENT. I CALL CENTER BMW FOR SERVICE BUT WAS NOTIFIED THE PARTS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE FOR SOME TIME. I RECEIVED MY FIRST NOTIFICATION OF THE PROBLEM IN MARCH 2016. WHAT CAN I DO TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM? (THIS IS A SECOND COMPLAINT. THE FIRST COMPLAINT NUMBER IS 11015212)
Read 14 more owner reports
TAKATA RECALL IN MARCH 2016 I RECEIVED A LETTER INFORMING ME OF A DEFECTIVE FRONT AIR BAG. THE LETTER MENTIONED THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE BUT I WOULD BE NOTIFIED WHEN THEY WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. I HAVE HAD MY VEHICLE SERVICED SEVERAL TIME SINCE. THE LAST WAS JUNE 26, 2017. EACH TIME I AM INFORMED THE PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE. I UNDERSTAND THE SAFETY RISK OF THIS RECALL COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. I AM DEEPLY CONCERNED. ITS BEEN OVER A YEAR. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW 135I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE IN JUNE OF 2017, YET THE CONTACT WAS STILL AWAITING PARTS. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
TAKATA RECALL
I RECEIVED A NOTICE IN 3/2016 THAT AIR BAG INFLATOR MAY RESULT IN "SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH" TO DRIVER AND /OR PASSENGERS. I LIVE AND WORK IN TALLAHASSEE, FL, THE AREA THAT TRIGGERS NEED FOR IMMEDIATE RESPONSE. THIS GRAVE DEFECT IS ALSO ON MY CARFAX REPORT, DETRIMENTAL TO RESALE. ALTHOUGH I HAVE INQUIRED IN PERSON AND TEXTED ABOUT THIS REPEATEDLY I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY FURTHER NOTICE ABOUT THE REPLACEMENT OF THIS AIRBAG, WHICH MAY BE TAKATA--NOT INDICATED ON MY RECALL. I NEED THIS AIRBAG OR THE CAR REPLACED IMMEDIATELY, RATHER THAN FACING DEATH BY THE AIRBAG. THANKS. PROF. NATHAN STOLTZFUS, FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW 135I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 (NA) BMW 135I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW 135I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW 135I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
2013 135I COUPE WITH DUAL CLUTCH. CAR WILL TAKE ABOUT 2-3 SECONDS TO ACCELERATE WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A ROLLING STOP. I HAVE ALMOST GOTTEN INTO 3 ACCIDENTS AT INTERSECTIONS BECAUSE OF THIS. I'LL PRESS THE ACCELERATOR WHEN THERE IS SPACE FOR ME TO GO MAKING A LEFT AT A LIGHT AND BY THE TIME THE CAR REACTS 3 SECONDS LATER IT IS VERY DANGEROUS. ONE OF THE TIMES MY CAR POPPED INTO NEUTRAL BY ITSELF AS I WAS MAKING A LEFT AT A LIGHT AND I STAYED STUCK AT THE INTERSECTION FOR 5 SECONDS AFTER THE LIGHT TURNED RED ALREADY. ALSO, CAR CLUNKS AND JERKS FORWARD WHEN COMING TO A STOP. CAR WILL MOVE A FEW INCHES FORWARD AND I'M SCARED I AM GOING TO HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. ALL OF THESE ISSUES ONLY OCCUR WITH THE AIR CONDITIONING ON. *TR
Continuing coolant problems, engine shut off going down the hwy bc overheated////engine not secure-moves around literally/////camshaft timing position sensor code. On Dec 24th I purchased a 2012 BMW 135i convertible from Alboet Motor Sports on Pass Rd in Gulfport, MS. Before I went I specifically asked if the car had any mechanical or cosmetic damage and [XXX] lied and said nothing was wrong. After signing all documents she started pretending to look for the title. She promised i would get it in a week or so in the mail. The car had a ruined engine and radiator, missing front air intake ducts completely, who knows what else. They only paid 2700 bc it states stationary with mechanical damage from auction. I paid the $10,700 in cash they charged me. I'm sick to death just thinking about it. She will not repair, refund or anything like that. She finally today sent a pic of a title to the car and its got a man in Mobile, AL name on it. I don't think she ever even tried to get it and doubt she is now either. I have wasted more time and money on this, I feel robbed of over 10k. I have no car to start my new job the 24th. Please help me, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
VEHICLE STALLS WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOPPED POSITION. SEVERAL TIME, WHILE STOPPED AT AN INTERSECTION WITH CROSSING TRAFFIC, I ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE THROUGH THE INTERSECTION BUT THE CAR FAILED TO ACCELERATE. I TRIED SHIFTING FROM AUTO TO MANUAL BUT THE CAR STILL FAILED TO ACCELERATE FOR AT LEAST 5 SECONDS AT WHICH TIME IT JOLTED FORWARD. THE ISSUE STARTED AT AROUND THE 50K MILE MARK 3 YEARS AGO AND CONTINUES STILL TODAY (~90K MILES). I AM NOT SEEING MY VEHICLE LISTED UNDER RECALLS RELATED TO LOSS OF ELECTRICAL POWER/STALLING FROM 2/7/2013 AND HAVE NOT HAD ANY RECALL NOTIFICATIONS RELATED TO MY CAR SINCE 2017. I HAVE BEEN ATTEMPTING TO RESOLVE A CONSTANT PROBLEM WITH CRACKING SOUNDS FROM FRONT SUSPENSION WHEN TURNING. TO DATE, I HAVE HAD THE ENTIRE FRONT SUSPENSION REBUILT INCLUDING; CONTROL ARM ASSY, SWAY BAR ASSY, BEARING, STRUTS, AND U-JOINTS. I AM STILL EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM, ESPECIALLY DURING COLDER WEATHER DAYS. NOW I AM LEARNING THAT THERE IS A RECALL FROM 8/1/2020 RELATED TO MY CAR MODEL BUT MY VIN IS NOT INCLUDED. NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10179812 MANUFACTURER COMMUNICATION NUMBER: B310112. SUMMARY CRACKING NOISES FROM THE FRONTAXLE AREA WHILE TURNING THE WHEELS, WHEN STATION: CRACKING NOISES ARE HEARD FROM THE FRONT AXLE AREA WHILE MANEUVERING AT LOW SPEEDS (E.G., PARKING LOT MANEUVERS) OR WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE STATIONARY.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 135I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THEIR WIFE WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE THE POWER STEERING CEASED WITH AN UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CONTACTED A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V044000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND A CASE WAS FILED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. *LN *TR
WHEN I HAD FEWER THAN 50K MILES, MY THERMOSTAT BROKE SUDDENLY WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I HAD NO PREVIOUS ISSUES OR WARNING LIGHTS. SINCE THAT REPAIR, I HAVE HAD 2 COOLANT LEAKS, AND ONE RELATED PIPE CRACK. THIS WEEK, I HAD AIR IN MY COOLANT SYSTEM AND HAD TO HAVE IT DRAINED. THESE ALL APPEAR TO BE RELATED.
VEHICLE STALLS WHEN MORE THAN 1/8 THROTTLE IS APPLIED, VEHICLE HAS DIFFICULTY STARTING. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON WHEN APPLYING SMALL THROTTLE INPUTS. THE 4 PREVIOUS YEARS OF THIS VEHICLE MAKE AND MODEL, THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP HAS HAD A KNOWN PROBLEM WHICH RESULTED IN A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT THAT ADJUSTED THE WARRANTY PERIOD FOR THE FOUR PREVIOUS MODEL YEARS UP TO 120K MILES. BMW MADE SLIGHT CHANGES TO THE ENGINE FOR THE NEXT MODEL YEARS, BUT LEFT THE EXACT SAME PART THAT RESULTED IN THE ORIGINAL LAWSUIT SETTLEMENT. THAT PART IS THE POINT THAT FAILED ON MY VEHICLE. SHOULD THE WARRANTY EXTENSION THEY AGREED TO IN THE SETTLEMENT APPLY TO ALL MAKES AND MODELS BMW MADE WITH THE SAME DEFECTIVE PART? THIS PROBLEM CAUSED MY WIFE TO BE STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FREEWAY AND HAD TO BE TOWED OUT OF THE LANES OF TRAFFIC.
Showing 20 of 100 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact BMW 135I
These pages show model-year patterns across 7 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used BMW 135I, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The BMW 135I has 100 complaints on record across 7 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The BMW 135I has 26 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 1 of the BMW 135I's 100 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Below Average) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all BMW 135I vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two BMW 135I vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The BMW 135I has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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By state
Check a BMW 135I by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used BMW 135I.
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Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
BMW 135I reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the BMW 135I reliable?
Below Average. The BMW 135I has 100 NHTSA owner complaints and 26 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is AIR BAGS. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which BMW 135I years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2011 (66 complaints), 2012 (19 complaints), 2013 (15 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common BMW 135I problems?
Top reported issues: AIR BAGS (36 complaints); ENGINE (30 complaints); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (19 complaints).
Does the BMW 135I have recalls?
Yes — 26 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the BMW 135I. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.