2011 BMW 5 Series problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 96 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 24.0 times the median 5 Series year — the 2011 model ranks #3 of 25 5 Series years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Tires & Wheels leads the complaint categories with 33 reports (34% of the total).

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2011 compare to other 5 Series years?

5 Series NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 5 Series years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 BMW 5 Series problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Tires & Wheels	33	34%	▲ up
Steering	20	21%	▲ up
Transmission	10	10%	▲ up
Engine	7	7%	▲ up
Electrical System	6	6%	▲ up
Fuel System	5	5%	▲ up
Other	4	4%	▲ up
Speed Control	3	3%	▲ up
Visibility & Wipers	2	2%	▲ up
Suspension	2	2%	▼ down
Airbags	1	1%	— flat
Seats	1	1%	— flat
Seat Belts	1	1%	— flat
Body & Structure	1	1%	— flat

Does the 2011 BMW 5 Series have recalls?

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

23V707000EngineOctober 20, 2023 · 157,796 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2010-2012 1 Series Coupe, 1 Series Convertible, 3 Series Sedan, 3 Series Convertible, 2010-2011 3 Series Sportswagon, 3 Series Coupe, 5 Series Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, X3 xDrive 30i, X5 xDrive30i, and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The aluminum bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and possibly break.

Consequence

Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the four VANOS bolts, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed December 18, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 19, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

12V161000EngineApril 10, 2012 · 2,846 units

Defect

BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 5-SERIES, 5-SERIES GRAN TURISMO, MODEL YEAR 2012 6-SERIES CONVERTIBLE, 7-SERIES, X5 SAV, AND X6 SAV VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 8- OR 12-CYLINDER, TURBOCHARGED, ENGINES BECAUSE THE CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE ELECTRIC AUXILIARY WATER PUMP CAN OVERHEAT.

Consequence

THIS COULD LEAD TO A SMOLDERING OF THE PUMP OR AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT OR VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy

BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUXILIARY WATER PUMP FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 30, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.

11V521000EngineOctober 20, 2011 · 32,084 units

Defect

BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 5-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 5-SERIES GRAN TURISMO, MODEL YEAR 2009-2011 7-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 X5 SAV, AND MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 X6 SAV VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 8- OR 12-CYLINDER, TURBOCHARGED, ENGINES BECAUSE THE CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE ELECTRIC AUXILIARY WATER PUMP CAN OVERHEAT.

Consequence

THIS COULD LEAD TO A SMOLDERING OF THE PUMP OR AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT OR VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy

BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUXILIARY WATER PUMP FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 19, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.

10V331000Fuel SystemJuly 22, 2010 · 6,080 units

Defect

BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN 2010 AND 2011 5-SERIES AND 5-SERIES GRAN TURISMO PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 12 THROUGH JULY 1, 2010. THE VEHICLE'S FUEL LEVEL SENSOR WITHIN THE FUEL TANK CAN BECOME WEDGED AGAINST THE TANK.

Consequence

IF THIS OCCURS, THE FUEL GAUGE IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WOULD DISPLAY A LARGER AMOUNT OF FUEL THAN WAS ACTUALLY IN THE TANK. AS A RESULT, IF THE TANK BECAME EMPTY, THE VEHICLE COULD STALL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I OWNED A 2011 535I BMW WITH SPORT PACKAGE AND I PURCHASED IT ON OCTOBER 2010 WITHIN 9 MONTHS FROM DATE OF PURCHASE 4 OF THE TIRES WHICH WAS GOODYEAR EXCELLENCE RFT - 2 X 245/40 R19 94Y (FRONT), 2 X 275/35 R19 96Y (REAR) THEY WERE ALL NEED TO BE REPLACED. FIRST ONE WAS A PUNCTURE AND THE REST OF…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · March 10, 2011

“THERE ARE 3 MAJOR ISSUES. 1. VEHICLE TENDS TO VEER TO THE RIGHT. FEELING IS QUITE LIKE A VEHICLE THAT HASN'T BEEN ALIGNED FOR A WHILE. 2. THE MOST DANGEROUS. UPON ACCELERATION AND/OR AT LOW SPEED, THE VEHICLE RANDOMLY JERKS FORWARD WITHOUT ANY NOTICE- MAKING IT TOO LATE FOR THE DRIVER TO SLAM THE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · July 9, 2011 · crash

“THERE ARE 3 MAJOR ISSUES. 1. VEHICLE TENDS TO VEER TO THE RIGHT. FEELING IS QUITE LIKE A VEHICLE THAT HASN'T BEEN ALIGNED FOR A WHILE. 2. THE MOST DANGEROUS. UPON ACCELERATION AND/OR AT LOW SPEED, THE VEHICLE RANDOMLY JERKS FORWARD WITHOUT ANY NOTICE- MAKING IT TOO LATE FOR THE DRIVER TO SLAM THE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 9, 2011 · crash

“WHILE MAKE TURNS WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AXEL MAKES POPPING NOISE AND STEERING WHEEL JERKS VIOLENTLY. TOOK TO SHOP THEY SAID NOTHING FOUND WRONG WITH CAR. CV AXEL REPLACED ON BOTH SIDES PROBLEM STILL PERSISTS.ALSO NOT EVEN 10K MILES THE CAR WENT THRU 2 BELT TENSIONER CAUSING THE DRIVE BELT TO…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 28, 2017

“INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. OTHER VEHICLE GOING SOUTHBOUND CROSSED OVER MEDIAN STRIP OF HIGHWAY, HIT THREE CARS GOING NORTHBOUND, MINE WAS THIRD CAR TO BE STRUCK. OFFENDING CAR DID A 360 IN FRONT OF ME, I SLOWED TO ABOUT 25 AND HE MOVED INTO ME. I STRUCK HIS REAR PASSENGER SIDE CORNER. I HAD FRONT END…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 25, 2014 · crash

2011 BMW 5 Series — common questions

Is the 2011 BMW 5 Series reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 96 complaints put the 2011 model at #3 of 25 5 Series years. It is one of the 5 Series years to avoid.

What are the most common 2011 5 Series problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are tires & wheels (33 complaints), steering (20 complaints), transmission (10 complaints).

Does the 2011 BMW 5 Series have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2011 BMW 5 Series. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which BMW 5 Series years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 5 Series years to avoid are 2008, 2006, 2011, 2004. The cleanest record among 5 Series years belongs to 2023.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 2011 compare to other 5 Series years?

What are the most common 2011 BMW 5 Series problems?

Does the 2011 BMW 5 Series have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2011 BMW 5 Series — common questions

Is the 2011 BMW 5 Series reliable?

What are the most common 2011 5 Series problems?

Does the 2011 BMW 5 Series have recalls?

Which BMW 5 Series years should you avoid?

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