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2011 Bmw 328I: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

576 owner complaints analyzed

7 distinct recall campaigns

92,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2011 model year. Data snapshot: . 268 complaints include usable failure mileage.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 193 of 576 complaints (33.5%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Electrical and battery issues8715.1%
Engine operation7613.2%
Braking behavior223.8%
Steering behavior152.6%
Fuel system concerns101.7%
Transmission and shifting71.2%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Engine
193
Engine And Engine Cooling
161
Electrical System
123
Air Bags
90
Unknown Or Other
43
Power Train
24
Fuel/Propulsion System
20
Exterior Lighting
17
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Engine193
Engine And Engine Cooling161
Electrical System123
Air Bags90
Unknown Or Other43
Power Train24
Fuel/Propulsion System20
Exterior Lighting17

Engine: 193; Engine And Engine Cooling: 161; Electrical System: 123; Air Bags: 90; Unknown Or Other: 43; Power Train: 24; Fuel/Propulsion System: 20; Exterior Lighting: 17

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
20
25,000 to 49,999
31
50,000 to 74,999
37
75,000 to 99,999
57
100,000 to 149,999
87
150,000 and above
36
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,00020
25,000 to 49,99931
50,000 to 74,99937
75,000 to 99,99957
100,000 to 149,99987
150,000 and above36

Under 25,000: 20; 25,000 to 49,999: 31; 50,000 to 74,999: 37; 75,000 to 99,999: 57; 100,000 to 149,999: 87; 150,000 and above: 36

100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (87). 308 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2011
4
2012
5
2013
5
2014
16
2015
7
2016
24
2017
59
2018
93
2019
32
2020
32
2021
18
2022
82
2023
50
2024
121
2025
16
2026
12
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20114
20125
20135
201416
20157
201624
201759
201893
201932
202032
202118
202282
202350
2024121
202516
202612

2011: 4; 2012: 5; 2013: 5; 2014: 16; 2015: 7; 2016: 24; 2017: 59; 2018: 93; 2019: 32; 2020: 32; 2021: 18; 2022: 82; 2023: 50; 2024: 121; 2025: 16; 2026: 12

Pattern summary

Engine leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 87 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 76 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 22 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10428886 · 2011-10-06 (October 6, 2011)

1.) VEHICLE HAD VERY ROUGH IDLE WHILE IDLING IN NEUTRAL AT STOP LIGHT (0 MPH). TACHOMETER WAS FLUCTUATING RAPIDLY BETWEEN 500 AND 900 RPM AND THE VEHICLE WAS SHAKING VIOLENTLY. DROVE IMMEDIATELY TO DEALERSHIP, WHO FOUND NO FAULT CODES AND MADE NO REPAIRS. VEHICLE DROVE NORMALLY AFTERWARDS. ODOMETER APPROXIMATELY 100 MILES. 2.) VEHICLE STALLED WHILE IDLING IN NEUTRAL AT A STOP LIGHT (0 MPH). ENGINE DIED WITH NO SHUDDER OR ANY ABNORMAL NOISES. VEHICLE RESTARTED IMMEDIATELY AND DROVE NORMALLY AFTERWARDS. ODOMETER APPROXIMATELY 800 MILES. 3.)…

Owner-reported narrative. 100 miles reported. Look up ODI 10428886 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10428889 · 2011-10-06 (October 6, 2011)

VEHICLE DRIVES TO THE RIGHT WHEN STEERING WHEEL IS POSITIONED IN THE CENTER POSITION. STRAIGHT-LINE DRIVING POSITION IS SEVERAL DEGREES TO THE LEFT. PULL TO THE RIGHT WAS AMPLIFIED WITH SPEED; HIGHWAY DRIVING WAS VERY NOTICEABLE. DEALER PERFORMED AN ALIGNMENT AT 1600 MILES AND FOUND REAR CAMBER, REAR TOE, AND FRONT LEFT TOE OUT OF SPEC. IMMEDIATELY AFTERWARDS THE PROBLEM REMAINED. TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER AT 2200 MILES FOR ANOTHER ALIGNMENT. VEHICLE STILL HAS SLIGHT PULL TO THE RIGHT BUT THE STEERING WHEEL REMAINS OFF-CENTER. AGAIN, …

Owner-reported narrative. 100 miles reported. Look up ODI 10428889 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10433999 · 2011-11-02 (November 2, 2011)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING TO RETRIEVE SOMETHING FROM THE TRUNK WHEN HER LEG WAS BURNED FROM THE EXHAUST PIPE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE INCIDENT. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,037.

Owner-reported narrative. 3,037 miles reported. Look up ODI 10433999 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10434400 · 2011-11-06 (November 6, 2011)

VEHICLE WAS DELIVERED ON 2/3/2011 AND HAS EXPERIENCED ONGOING & UNRESOLVED ELECTRICAL SHORTS, BATTERY DISCHARGE, FAILURES TO START, ERRONEOUS DOOR AJAR MESSAGES, SERVICE ENGINE SOON & ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION MESSAGES LEAVING PASSENGERS STRANDED. VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP(S) 2 TIMES. DATES/MILEAGE OF FAILURE(S): 19FEB2011 / 377 MILES, 18APR2011 / 2,336, 01JUN2011 / 3,816, 12 AUG 2011 / 4,690, 24OCT2011 / 6,867, 21OCT2011 / 6,943. FORMAL NOTICES SERVED TO BRAMAN BMW / MIAMI, SOUTH MOTORS / MIAMI & BMW CORPORATE / NJ TO REPAIR OR REPLACE VEHICL…

Owner-reported narrative. 2,336 miles reported. Look up ODI 10434400 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10451018 · 2012-03-09 (March 9, 2012)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 45 MPH WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO VIBRATE ALONG WITH THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT ON ONE OCCASION, THE TRUNK OPENED WHILE DRIVING 80 MPH. THE DEALER FOUND THE LOCK ACTUATOR WAS NOT LOCKING COMPLETELY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 300 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 8,000. UPDATED 04/11/12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE GPS SYSTEM DIDN'T ALLOW HER TO PUT…

Owner-reported narrative. 300 miles reported. Look up ODI 10451018 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10455684 · 2012-04-18 (April 18, 2012)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER SHIFTING INTO PARK, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY BEGAN TO MOVE AS IF THE CONTACT HAD NOT SECURED THE VEHICLE IN PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND THE FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 8,000.

Owner-reported narrative. 8,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10455684 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10462768 · 2012-06-22 (June 22, 2012)

ACCIDENT HAPPENED IN LOS ANGELES. I WAS HEADING EAST ON 3RD STREET ( MAIN ROAD) 2 LANES, I WAS ON THE RIGHT LANE. OPPOSITE SIDE ALSO HAS 2 LANES GOING WEST. WESTMORELAND IS AN INTERSECTION ON 3RD STREET AND HAS THE STOP SIGN. THE VECHILE CROSSED 3 LANES OF TRAFFIC AND HIT MY CAR ON THE DRIVE SIDE REAR WHEEL AND QUARTER PANEL. AT THE TIME OF IMPACT, THE MOMENTUM HAD ME GOING ALMOST SIDEWAYS ONTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. AND MY BIGGEST CONCERN WAS, THE 2 PASSENGER SIDE DOORS FLUNG OPEN. EVERYONE HAD THEIR SEATBELTS ON. MY WIF'E'S SHOULDER BAG WHICH W…

Owner-reported narrative. 18,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10462768 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10476084 · 2012-09-13 (September 13, 2012)

2011 BMW 328I. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEM WITH VEHICLE ODOMETER BEING OFF BY A COUPLE OF MILES. *TGW

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10476084 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

7 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

11V476000 · Power Train:Driveline:Driveshaft

Reported: 2011-09-15 (September 15, 2011)

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
13V044000 · Electrical System:Wiring:Fuses And Circuit Breakers | Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery:Cables | Electrical System

Reported: 2013-02-07 (February 7, 2013)

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
14V176000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine

Reported: 2014-04-10 (April 10, 2014)

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
17V676000 · Electrical System:Wiring

Reported: 2017-10-25 (October 25, 2017)

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
17V683000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Crankcase (Pcv)

Reported: 2017-10-30 (October 30, 2017)

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
20V017000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module

Reported: 2020-01-15 (January 15, 2020)

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
24V513000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module | Air Bags:Frontal

Reported: 2024-07-03 (July 3, 2024)

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗