AIR BAGS:FRONTAL; AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
2011 BMW 328I
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 577 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2011 BMW 328I, most frequently naming the engine, electrical and airbags categories. 7 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 140 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 2021 | 3 | 280 |
| Feb 2021 | 1 | 281 |
| Mar 2021 | 3 | 284 |
| Apr 2021 | 1 | 285 |
| Jun 2021 | 2 | 287 |
| Jul 2021 | 3 | 290 |
| Aug 2021 | 1 | 291 |
| Oct 2021 | 1 | 292 |
| Dec 2021 | 3 | 295 |
| Jan 2022 | 4 | 299 |
| Feb 2022 | 3 | 302 |
| Mar 2022 | 3 | 305 |
| Apr 2022 | 12 | 317 |
| May 2022 | 5 | 322 |
| Jun 2022 | 5 | 327 |
| Jul 2022 | 6 | 333 |
| Aug 2022 | 12 | 345 |
| Sep 2022 | 8 | 353 |
| Oct 2022 | 9 | 362 |
| Nov 2022 | 10 | 372 |
| Dec 2022 | 5 | 377 |
| Jan 2023 | 9 | 386 |
| Feb 2023 | 5 | 391 |
| Mar 2023 | 2 | 393 |
| Apr 2023 | 7 | 400 |
| May 2023 | 2 | 402 |
| Jun 2023 | 3 | 405 |
| Jul 2023 | 2 | 407 |
| Aug 2023 | 3 | 410 |
| Oct 2023 | 3 | 413 |
| Nov 2023 | 2 | 415 |
| Dec 2023 | 12 | 427 |
| Jan 2024 | 15 | 442 |
| Feb 2024 | 21 | 463 |
| Mar 2024 | 12 | 475 |
| Apr 2024 | 15 | 490 |
| May 2024 | 20 | 510 |
| Jun 2024 | 14 | 524 |
| Jul 2024 | 9 | 533 |
| Aug 2024 | 4 | 537 |
| Sep 2024 | 3 | 540 |
| Oct 2024 | 3 | 543 |
| Nov 2024 | 3 | 546 |
| Dec 2024 | 2 | 548 |
| Jan 2025 | 3 | 551 |
| Feb 2025 | 1 | 552 |
| Mar 2025 | 1 | 553 |
| Apr 2025 | 2 | 555 |
| May 2025 | 2 | 557 |
| Jun 2025 | 1 | 558 |
| Sep 2025 | 1 | 559 |
| Oct 2025 | 2 | 561 |
| Nov 2025 | 1 | 562 |
| Dec 2025 | 2 | 564 |
| Jan 2026 | 2 | 566 |
| Feb 2026 | 2 | 568 |
| Mar 2026 | 4 | 572 |
| Jul 2026 | 1 | 573 |
| Aug 2026 | 2 | 575 |
| Sep 2026 | 2 | 577 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Engine36448.8%
- Electrical13017.4%
- Airbags9112.2%
- Powertrain (other)243.2%
- Fuel system202.7%
- Exterior lighting192.5%
- Driver assistance192.5%
- Interior & seats141.9%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
7 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govAIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
"My vehicle is experiencing a complete mechanical breakdown with a fast-crank, no-start condition and an active fault code for exhaust valve timing. This matches the exact failure mode of active Safety Recall 23V-707 (VANOS Bolts). BMW's official safety recall report states that if a vehicle shows these symptoms, owners must not drive it and must contact them to arrange pickup and transportation. However, BMW Corporate Case Manager Jasmine has officially refused to cover the tow, stating over the phone that the transport language in the recall letter 'doesn't mean they cover a tow.' BMW is failing to execute its federally mandated safety recall remedy for an inoperable, broken-down vehicle."
- NHTSA ID
- 11763040
- Incident
- Sep 3, 2026
I took my car to the Tigard Oregon bmw dealership for my three recalls that were needing addressed. I turned my car over to them in good working order. After picking it up after the repairs my service engine light came on. My car started knocking and rattling louder and louder. I returned to the dealership and requested they fix the issue. After a few days they contacted my and told me it needs a new engine. They say they checked over their work and the problem isn't their fault. I disagree. They say they found metal shavings in my oil. They did an oil change a week earlier and mentioned no metal in my oil.
- NHTSA ID
- 11762045
- Incident
- Aug 27, 2026
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact stated that the headlights and taillights remained illuminated after the vehicle was turned off. Additionally, the vehicle intermittently failed to start up. The contact stated that AAA jump-started the vehicle, and it was determined that the battery was in good working condition. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact associated the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V676000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11761089
- Incident
- Aug 1, 2025
- Mileage
- 110,000 mi
I believe my car is effected by the active bmw recall NHTSA Campaign 23V-707. I have called bmw and gave them my vin number and was rudely rushed off the phone being told my car has no active recalls. I have done a ton of research and the car sounds just like every other car effected by this recall. The car starts and idles fine initially but as soon as it drops to normal idle rpms it makes a loud clanking noise and vibrates really bad. When i go into the engine bay i hear the noise coming directly from the vanos area. The car had one code which was 2a7c before the noise. I cleared the code it has not come back but the noise is still there and therefore the vehicle is unsafe to drive. It feels and sounds like if i drive this car on public roads something catastrophic will happen. I believe that my vehicle should be covered under this recall even though they are saying my vin has no outstanding recalls. This is literally the same exact issue for the recall in the first place and it would be amazing if they could help me out.
- NHTSA ID
- 11757230
- Incident
- Aug 13, 2026
I brought my vehicle to an authorized dealer for three open safety recalls. Two were performed at no charge. The third, the VANOS adjustment unit screw connection recall, was not performed. The dealer stated in writing on the repair order that the vehicle has a broken valve cover bolt, that the valve cover will not seal properly, and that a new valve cover is recommended to complete the recall. They quoted $1,077.43 for a valve cover as a customer-pay repair and stated the recall could not be completed until that was done. I declined the valve cover. The recall was not performed. The bolt is not broken and the valve cover is not broken. The threads in the cylinder head bolt boss are stripped, and a larger bolt was installed that holds. There is no oil leak. A new valve cover would thread into the same stripped hole in the cylinder head and would not repair the damaged threads. The dealer's proposed repair does not address the condition they described. The manufacturer's dealer bulletin for this recall lists a cylinder head cover profile seal as a recall part and does not list a valve cover in any parts list. The remedy requires removing the cylinder head cover regardless. I left without signing the repair order. The recall remains open. I am reporting that a free safety recall remedy was conditioned on a customer-pay repair. The dealer could have performed the recall, documented the pre-existing thread damage on the repair order, noted that the customer was advised and declined the valve cover, and disclaimed responsibility for any future seepage at the cover. I would have accepted that. Instead they performed neither the recall nor any repair, and left a federal safety recall open.
- NHTSA ID
- 11751109
- Incident
- Jul 16, 2026
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the low oil pressure warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the VANOS bolts had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact related the failure to TSB Number: SIB 11 04 14. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was covered under the TSB. The failure mileage was approximately 157,637.
- NHTSA ID
- 11727018
- Incident
- Mar 12, 2026
- Mileage
- 157,637 mi
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a burning odor coming from the vehicle. The odor was more prominent while the vehicle was idling. The RPM fluctuated while idling, causing the vehicle to stall. The contact would depress the brake pedal, place the vehicle in neutral, turn off, and restart the vehicle to accelerate and continue driving. The air bag warning light was illuminated, and the message, "Check Engine Soon," was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, and a diagnostic code was retrieved for Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) failure; however, no repairs were completed. The contact completed some research and learned that the failure could be occurring due to air entering the brake lines. The contact also found information about NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer, diagnosed, or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11723007
- Incident
- Dec 9, 2025
- Mileage
- 133,000 mi
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving on the streets and the highway, the vehicle lost automotive power. There were no warning lights illuminated at the time of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked unexpectedly, stalled, and failed to accelerate over 30 MPH. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The mechanic referred the contact to the dealer for further assistance and stated that the failure could be related to a recall. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure started after the vehicle was repaired under an air bag recall by the dealer, and the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11722916
- Incident
- Mar 9, 2026
- Mileage
- 200,000 mi
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle âÂÂdischarged batteryâ complaints.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The footwell module (FRM) cannot be encoded after replacement.
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC; STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles: 1. Visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses during rapid heating and cooling of the brake discs. Braking from high speed with cold brake components (less than 212 degrees F) increases the likelihood of cracks to form.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Power Reduction, FC2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC2A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Fault: The ?Service Engine Soon? (MIL) lamp is illuminated and engine power reduction is perceived. This situation can occur after driving for some time with the engine at full operating temperature. If theignition is cycled, the engine then usually performs normally.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN
Power Reduction FC2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC2 A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Fault: The "Service Engine Soon" (MIL) lamp is illuminated and engine power reduction is perceived. This situation can occur after driving for some time with the engine at full operating temperature. If the ignition is cycled the engine then usually performs normally.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 57 | 1 | 1 | 57.1 |
| 2015 | 124 | 4 | 1 | 65.1 |
| 2014 | 151 | 8 | 2 | 67.2 |
| 2013 | 257 | 5 | 2 | 63.5 |
| 2012 | 130 | 6 | 1 | 54.5 |
| 2011Viewing | 577 | 7 | 0 | 56.6 |
| 2010 | 155 | 6 | 0 | 56.7 |
| 2009 | 193 | 6 | 0 | 55.3 |
| 2008 | 239 | 5 | 0 | 56.0 |
| 2007 | 398 | 6 | 0 | 53.7 |
| 2006 | 0 | 3 | 0 | — |
| 2005 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 2004 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 2003 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 2002 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 2001 | 4 | 3 | 0 | — |
| 2000 | 112 | 7 | 0 | 51.5 |
| 1999 | 98 | 7 | 0 | 56.2 |
| 1998 | 26 | 0 | 0 | 40.1 |
| 1997 | 25 | 0 | 0 | 38.9 |
| 1996 | 31 | 0 | 0 | 37.7 |
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.