VehicleVerdict

2011 BMW 328xi problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 99 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.6 times the median 328xi year — the 2011 model ranks #3 of 12 328xi years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 33 reports (33% of the total).

99

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

10

Crash-involved

7

Fires reported

7

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2011 compare to other 328xi years?

328xi NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted287 complaints2005: 0 complaints2006: 6 complaints2007: 287 complaints2008: 152 complaints2009: 18 complaints2010: 29 complaints2011: 99 complaints2012: 1 complaints2013: 33 complaints2014: 21 complaints2015: 22 complaints2016: 4 complaints
328xi NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 328xi years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 BMW 328xi problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine3333%
Electrical System1717%
Airbags1515%
Fuel System77%
Speed Control66%
Other55%
Transmission44%
Lighting33%
Visibility & Wipers22%
Seats22%
Tires & Wheels22%
Brakes11%
Seat Belts11%
Body & Structure11%

Does the 2011 BMW 328xi have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

24V513000AirbagsJuly 3, 2024 · 394,029 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 2009-2011 3 Series Sedan (335d) vehicles. The original steering wheel may have been replaced with a sport or M-sport steering wheel equipped with an inflator that can explode during deployment.

Consequence

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 30, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

20V017000AirbagsJanuary 15, 2020 · 59,965 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Consequence

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

17V676000Electrical SystemOctober 25, 2017 · 702,965 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi and M3, 2007-2011 328i xDrive, 335i xDrive and 335is and 2009-2011 335d vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors for the system that controls air flow for the heating and air conditioning system may overheat.

Consequence

Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiring and electrical connectors, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328XI. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds, an odor appeared from the exhaust pipe and under the hood where the engine was located. The contact mentioned that every year the oil was changed at an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 3, 2020 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 328XI. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE BLOWER MOTOR AND WIRING HARNESS BECAME OVERHEATED, MELTED, AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE GLOVE BOX AND THE PASSENGER SIDE CARPET. A FIRE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 19, 2018 · fire

“2011 BMW 328I. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO FAULTY AIRBAGS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HE HIS WIFE HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE AT 40 MPH, AFTER THAT VEHICLE RAN A STOP. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THERE WAS CONSIDERABLE DAMAGE TO THE ENTIRE FRONT BUMPER, PASSENGER SIDE DOOR, PANEL AND HOOD. THE REPAIR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · April 18, 2013 · crash

“MY VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME SYMPTOMS AND IS REPORTING THE SAME TROUBLE CODES RELATED TO RECALL NUMBER: 17V683000. HOWEVER, MY VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL. I WOULD APPRECIATE IT IF THIS MATTER COULD BE INVESTIGATED AND MY VEHICLES VIN INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · February 15, 2021

“I WAS BACKING MY CAR INTO A GARAGE - CAR WAS IN REVERSE - I PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND MY FOOT WENT TO THE FLOOR - THE CAR LUNGED BACKWARD AT TOP SPEED AND CRASHED INTO THE REAR WALL OF GARAGE. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · August 17, 2012 · crash

2011 BMW 328xi — common questions

Is the 2011 BMW 328xi reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 99 complaints put the 2011 model at #3 of 12 328xi years. It is one of the 328xi years to avoid.

What are the most common 2011 328xi problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (33 complaints), electrical system (17 complaints), airbags (15 complaints).

Does the 2011 BMW 328xi have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2011 BMW 328xi. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which BMW 328xi years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 328xi years to avoid are 2007, 2008, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2014, 2016. The cleanest record among 328xi years belongs to 2005.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.