2011 BMW 328I
The 2011 BMW 328I appears in 7 NHTSA recall campaigns (air bags, engine and engine cooling and electrical system) and in 224 consumer complaints filed with the agency.
The component named most often is electrical system: 234.8 of every 1,000 component mentions for this year, above the 132.1 per 1,000 across all 2011 model-year vehicles and against 182.5 per 1,000 for the BMW 328I line as a whole.
That is more than the average of 67.7 complaints per model year across the 21 BMW 328I model years on this register; 14 complaints reported a crash and 13 a fire.
Complaints were received in the largest number in 2018 (93); the most recent in the file is dated 2 May 2019.
Complaints are consumer reports and have not been verified by NHTSA. Recall text is the manufacturer's Part 573 report as filed with NHTSA. Complaint file through 15 May 2019; recall file through 29 Sep 2026.
Recalls by model year:
Recall campaigns
Defect, as filed: 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.
Filed by BMW of North America, LLC; components: air bags:frontal; air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module.
Defect, as filed: 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.
Filed by BMW of North America, LLC.
- 17V683000ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)Reported 30 Oct 2017 · 740,561 units
Defect, as filed: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Consequence: An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Filed by BMW of North America, LLC.
Defect, as filed: 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.
Filed by BMW of North America, LLC.
Defect, as filed: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 128i Coupe, 128i Convertible, 328i Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 328i Coupe, 328i Convertible, 328i Sports Wagon and Z4 sDrive 30i, 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 135i Convertible, 335i Sedan, X5 xDrive 35i, and X6 xDrive 35i, 2011 335i xDrive Sedan, 335i Coupe, 335i Convertible, 528i Sedan, 535i Sedan, 535i xDrive Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, and X3 xDrive 35i, 2010 X3 xDrive 30i, and X5 xDrive 30i, 2012 640i Coupe, and 640i Convertible and 2010-2012 535i Gran Turismo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and may possibly break.
Consequence: If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four VANOS housing bolts for both VANOS units (intake and exhaust), free of charge. In addition, owners of approximately 170,172 model year 2010-2012 BMW vehicles equipped with inline 6 cylinder engines not covered by this recall, will receive an extended warranty to address this condition. The recall began on September 24, 2014. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.
Filed by BMW of North America, LLC.
Defect, as filed: BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011. In February 2013, BMW recalled 504,545 vehicles. In July 2013, BMW informed the agency that it was adding 1-Series, 3-Series, and Z4 vehicles, representing an additional 12,094 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 516,791. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle.
Consequence: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Filed by BMW of North America, LLC; components: electrical system:wiring:fuses and circuit breakers; electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery:cables; electrical system.
Defect, as filed: Bmw is recalling certain model year 2011 328i xdrive and 335i xdrive vehicles manufactured from february 8, 2011, through july 29, 2011. The front driveshaft attachment bolts may not have been tightened to specification. If the bolts were not tightened to specification, they may become loose.
Consequence: If the bolts loosen, it could lead to a loss of power to the front wheels and ultimately a vehicle breakdown, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft attachment bolts free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during october 2011. Owners may contact BMW customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417.
Filed by BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC.
Each entry links to the NHTSA record. NHTSA states that safety recall repairs are free of charge at an authorised dealer; check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Complaints by component
Component mentions per 1,000 for the 2011 BMW 328I (black) against all 2011 model-year vehicles in the file (yellow). A complaint can name more than one component.
| Per 1,000 component mentions | 2011 | 328I line | All 2011 vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 234.8 | 182.5 | 132.1 |
| Engine | 217.4 | 127.6 | 118.1 |
| Air Bags | 194.2 | 218.3 | 124.4 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 55.1 | 34.4 | 16.1 |
| Unknown or Other | 55.1 | 39.2 | 56.3 |
| Power Train | 40.6 | 51.1 | 91.7 |
| Component | Mentions | Per 1,000 | Line | All 2011 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 81 | 234.8 | 182.5 | 132.1 |
| Engine | 75 | 217.4 | 127.6 | 118.1 |
| Air Bags | 67 | 194.2 | 218.3 | 124.4 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 19 | 55.1 | 34.4 | 16.1 |
| Unknown or Other | 19 | 55.1 | 39.2 | 56.3 |
| Power Train | 14 | 40.6 | 51.1 | 91.7 |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | 8 | 23.2 | 16.2 | 26.3 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 7 | 20.3 | 21.5 | 44.6 |
| Steering | 6 | 17.4 | 40.1 | 100.1 |
| Structure | 6 | 17.4 | 43 | 42.2 |
| Visibility | 6 | 17.4 | 13.4 | 10.3 |
| Seat Belts | 6 | 17.4 | 26.8 | 11.1 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 6 | 17.4 | 30.6 | 44.2 |
| Wheels | 5 | 14.5 | 11.5 | 11.6 |
| Service Brakes | 5 | 14.5 | 23.9 | 43.7 |
| Seats | 4 | 11.6 | 17.7 | 10.9 |
| Tires | 3 | 8.7 | 13.4 | 11 |
| Exterior Lighting | 2 | 5.8 | 23.4 | 31.1 |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages | 2 | 5.8 | 22.5 | 5.6 |
| Visibility/Wiper | 2 | 5.8 | 6.2 | 13.2 |
| Equipment | 1 | 2.9 | 3.3 | 4 |
| Suspension | 1 | 2.9 | 13.9 | 24.1 |
224 unique complaints, 345 component mentions; 16 injuries and 0 deaths reported by complainants. Complaint narratives are not republished.
Complaints by year received
Investigations
No NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation action in the current file names this model year.
Other BMW 328I model years
| Model year | Recalls | Complaints | Units in campaigns |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | 0 | 31 | — |
| 1997 | 0 | 25 | — |
| 1998 | 0 | 25 | — |
| 1999 | 7 | 82 | 207,270 |
| 2000 | 7 | 105 | 1,018,247 |
| 2001 | 3 | 4 | 371,644 |
| 2002 NHTSA | 1 | 0 | 292,948 |
| 2003 NHTSA | 1 | 0 | 292,948 |
| 2004 NHTSA | 1 | 0 | 292,948 |
| 2005 NHTSA | 1 | 0 | 292,948 |
| 2006 | 3 | 0 | 1,156,959 |
| 2007 | 6 | 338 | 2,490,876 |
| 2008 | 5 | 175 | 2,414,311 |
| 2009 | 6 | 128 | 2,430,952 |
| 2010 | 6 | 72 | 2,570,448 |
| 2011 | 7 | 224 | 2,570,638 |
| 2012 | 6 | 47 | 1,267,696 |
| 2013 | 5 | 90 | 873,667 |
| 2014 | 8 | 47 | 839,513 |
| 2015 | 4 | 17 | 735,429 |
| 2016 NHTSA | 1 | 11 | 720,796 |
Model years with a single campaign and fewer than 25 complaints have no page here; the NHTSA link opens the agency's record for that year.
All BMW 328I model years · BMW: 250 model lines
Questions and answers
How many recalls does the 2011 BMW 328I have?
7 NHTSA recall campaigns name this model year; the most recent, 24V513000, was reported to NHTSA on 3 Jul 2024 and concerns air bags:frontal. Across all model years the BMW 328I line has 27 campaigns.
Is there an open NHTSA investigation into the 2011 BMW 328I?
No NHTSA investigation in the current file names this model year.
What component do owners of the 2011 BMW 328I complain about most?
Electrical System: 81 of 345 component mentions (234.8 per 1,000). Next is engine with 75. Complaints are consumer reports and have not been verified by NHTSA.
How do I get a recall repaired?
NHTSA states that safety recall repairs are performed free of charge by the manufacturer's authorised dealers. Each campaign's remedy text above is the manufacturer's statement as filed with NHTSA. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether a specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
Where does this data come from?
NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation recall, complaint and investigation flat files, public domain, downloaded 29 Sep 2026. Complaint counts are unique complaint numbers per make, model and model year; component figures count each component a complaint names. The NHTSA record linked from each campaign is authoritative.
Provenance
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Office of Defects Investigation flat files (recalls, complaints, investigations), public domain, files dated 29 Sep 2026 (recalls) and 15 May 2019 (complaints). Complaints since 1 Jan 1995. Counts are unique complaint numbers per make, model and model year; per-1,000 rates divide a component's mentions by all mentions for the same group. Errors in processing are corrected at the next daily build; see corrections and the methodology.