VehicleVerdict

2011 BMW 7 Series problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 2011 BMW 7 Series — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

3

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2011 compare to other 7 Series years?

7 Series NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted42 complaints1995: 3 complaints1996: 1 complaints1997: 2 complaints1998: 0 complaints1999: 4 complaints2000: 2 complaints2001: 2 complaints2002: 5 complaints2003: 11 complaints2004: 35 complaints2005: 7 complaints2006: 42 complaints2007: 18 complaints2008: 16 complaints2009: 17 complaints2010: 2 complaints2011: 3 complaints2012: 4 complaints
7 Series NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 7 Series years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 BMW 7 Series problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine133%
Fuel System133%
Transmission133%

Does the 2011 BMW 7 Series have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“ELECTRIC AUXILIARY WATER PUMP FAILURE ON MY 2011 BMW 750LI XDRIVE. SHOULD BE COVERED IN RECALL (NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 11V521000). HOWEVER, BMW REFUSED TO HONOR RECALL. TOOK IN TO RAY CATENA BMW OF WESTCHESTER (543 TARRYTOWN RD., WHITE PLAINS, NY 10607, [PHONE]) ON 6/27/2017. SHOWED THEM PRINTOUT OF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 27, 2017

“BMW 750 I XDRIVE 2011 --EXCESSIVE ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION AND OR BURNING. THE DESIGN OF THE VALVE STEM SEALS IS A MAJOR SAFETY PROBLEM DUE TO EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. THE SAFETY CONCERNS ARE THE FOLLOWING: 1) FIRE HAZARD. 2) PROPERTY DAMAGE AND PERSONAL INJURY 3) POLLUTING THE ENVIRONMENT WITH…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 19, 2017

“SINCE I BOUGHT THIS CAR IN 2012, AFTER WARRANTY THE CAR HAS CONSTANT BREAKDOWNS, I HAVE SPENT >3500 DOLLARS IN LAST YEAR, AGAIN GOT A MESSAGE "DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION" ABOUT A WEEK AGO, TOOK TO DEALER ROADSHOW BMW IN MEMPHIS, THEY SAID HIGH FUEL PUMP AND PLUGS NEED TO BE REPLACED IN ABOUT $1000, I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · April 1, 2015

2011 BMW 7 Series — common questions

Is the 2011 BMW 7 Series reliable?

The record is thin — 3 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2011 BMW 7 Series have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2011 BMW 7 Series. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which BMW 7 Series years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 7 Series years to avoid are 2006, 2004. The cleanest record among 7 Series years belongs to 1998.

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.