VehicleVerdict

2011 BMW 335xi problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 29 complaints on file for the 2011 BMW 335xi — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

29

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2011 compare to other 335xi years?

335xi NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted81 complaints2005: 0 complaints2006: 0 complaints2007: 26 complaints2008: 81 complaints2009: 24 complaints2010: 13 complaints2011: 29 complaints2012: 2 complaints2013: 13 complaints2014: 14 complaints2015: 3 complaints2016: 0 complaints
335xi NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 335xi years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 BMW 335xi problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags517%
Fuel System414%
Tires & Wheels310%
Brakes310%
Engine27%
Electrical System27%
Transmission27%
Other27%
Speed Control27%
Visibility & Wipers13%
Seats13%
Steering13%
Suspension13%

Does the 2011 BMW 335xi 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.

“TAKATA RECALL-RECALL CAMPAIGN NO. 16V-071: DRIVER'S FRONT AIR BAG MODULE I WAS RECENTLY SOLD A VEHICLE THAT HAS THIS RECALLED PART AND WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE RECALL UNTIL THE DAY I WENT TO PICK UP MY VEHICLE. I WAS THEN TOLD I COULDNT TAKE THE CAR HOME AND ALSO I WAS NOT PROVIDED A LOANER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · June 23, 2016

“I TOOK MY CAR INTO BMW FOR 2 RECALLS AFTER WAITING 2 MONTHS FOR THE PARTS AFTER 6 HRS HAD PASSED THEY CLAIMED TO HAVE THE WRONG PARTS ,WHEN I WENT TO PICK UP MY CAR IT HAD NO POWER I COULDN'T DRIVE IT HOME .I PAID $147 FOR DIAGNOSTIC THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE COMPLIMENTARY AND A REPAIR BILL OF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · April 20, 2018

“THE ENGINE RANDOMLY SHUTS DOWN. THIS IS ACCOMPANIED BY LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND REDUCED BRAKING ABILITY. THIS INCIDENT HAS OCCURRED THREE TIMES. THE CAR HAS PROVIDED NO WARNING OR INDICATOR LIGHTS. BMW SERVICE WAS MADE AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM. THEIR RESPONSE WAS THAT THEY FAILED TO REPRODUCE IT.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 4, 2012

“ON MONDAY APRIL 9, 2012 WHILE TRAVELING ON HAGEDORN ROAD IN EAST LANSING, MI, (APPROXIMATELY 3800 HAGEDORN ROAD) MY BMW HIT A POTHOLE THAT RESULTED IN A SPLIT REAR RIM, DAMAGED FRONT RIM AND BLOWN TIRE WHILE TRAVELING AT 35 MPH. THE POTHOLE WAS OF AN 'AVERAGE' DEPTH FOR MICHIGAN. (PICTURES CAN BE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · April 9, 2012

“MANUAL TRANSMISSION. 2ND GEAR SYNCHRONIZER (SYNCHRO) FAILED @ 5000 MILES. UNABLE TO SHIFT INTO 2ND GEAR SAFELY. PROBLEM/FAILURE BECOME MORE PROMINENT @ 18,000 MILES. BMW OF SAN FRANCISCO VOIDED WARRANTY RETROACTIVELY FOR USING AFTERMARKET PARTS @ 16K MILES. MANY INDIVIDUALS ON COMPLAINING OF SAME…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 28, 2011

2011 BMW 335xi — common questions

Is the 2011 BMW 335xi reliable?

The record is thin — 29 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2011 335xi problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (5 complaints), fuel system (4 complaints), tires & wheels (3 complaints).

Does the 2011 BMW 335xi have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2011 BMW 335xi. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which BMW 335xi years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 335xi years to avoid are 2008, 2014, 2013, 2015, 2016. The cleanest record among 335xi years belongs to 2006.

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.