Problems · NHTSA complaints
2011 BMW 3 Series problems
Owners filed 861 complaints about the 2011 BMW 3 Series with NHTSA between Feb 2011 and Nov 2026. The most-cited component is engine (276).
Complaints
861
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
31
Reported by owners
Fires
36
Reported by owners
Injuries
30
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Engine276
- Engine and engine cooling192
- Electrical system189
- Air bags170
- Fuel/propulsion system50
- Power train45
- Exterior lighting29
- Seat belts24
- Vehicle speed control23
- Seats22
- Steering16
- Structure15
- Electronic stability control (esc)14
- Wheels14
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 4, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
16
9
11
34
27
57
119
146
57
39
28
91
56
133
21
17
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2011 | 16 |
| 2012 | 9 |
| 2013 | 11 |
| 2014 | 34 |
| 2015 | 27 |
| 2016 | 57 |
| 2017 | 119 |
| 2018 | 146 |
| 2019 | 57 |
| 2020 | 39 |
| 2021 | 28 |
| 2022 | 91 |
| 2023 | 56 |
| 2024 | 133 |
| 2025 | 21 |
| 2026 | 17 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Engine
276 reports1 crash12 fires
“Dealership performed VANOS bolt replacement recall on 2011 BMW 328i. Vehicle has 63K miles and is otherwise in excellent condition. Post recall, vehicle experiences unstable idle with rpm dipping low when stopped in gear during initial engine warm up period. Issue stabilizes somewhat but not completely gone once engine is at operating temperature. This is a safety issue with engine surging, hesitating, and potentially stalling when stopped at stoplight or intersections.”
Engine and engine cooling
192 reports7 fires5 related recalls
“The contact owns a 2011 BMW 335I. While driving 50 MPH, the vehicle lost power. The check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode before shutting off. The vehicle was towed back to the residence. The contact connected a diagnostic scanner, which indicated an inability to read or establish engine timing. The engine cranked and turned over for 10 seconds but shut off immediately afterwards. The contact believed that the issue was related to a timing failure. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.”
Electrical system
189 reports1 crash20 fires4 related recalls
“VIN [XXX] 2011 BMW 328i 4dr. Disabled widow, and on [XXX] while driving with my 3 minor children in vehicle, vehicle attempted to stall/loss of complete electrical power, smoke from trunk/rear seat. After stopping, got the trunk opened and discovered that the Battery Safety Terminal (BST) box and Battery Distribution Box in my trunk was on fire. After researching, it came to my attention that this incident matches NHTSA Recall 13V-044 (positive battery cable to fuse box stall/loss) and 2012 battery cable fire recall (1.3M BMW 5/6/3 series - BMW stated "can result in electrical malfunction, failure to start and, in some cases, to charring or fire") re-expanded 2019. Obviously, I contacted BMW, and to say I was surprised at the complete lack of support, respect and help with this incredibly important and serious matter, would be an understatement. BMW NA rep 'Eddie' closed my case on Oct 21 (after telling me 2 days, yet waiting over a week, mind you) citing salvage/total loss, absolutely refused inspection and then with attitude, REFUSES to give me a supervisors info, told me he’s not allowed to give me any info in order to speak to anyone higher up, that he can…”
Air bags
170 reports20 crashes2 related recalls
“RE: Recall on 2011 328i Vin# [XXX] I drove the car to run an errand, car was running ok but had a miss. During my drive home, the car stalled. I had to quickly coast to a parking lot in order not to get hit by the car behind me. I tried to restart the car, but it acted as if it needed a jump. Tried to jump the car but it turned over slowly without starting. Ended up getting it towed to Metairie very early the next morning, due to parades. Had a friend of mine, a BMW shop owner, take a look at the car. He told me that he found out that it had a few recalls and he thought that may be the problem. I spoke with a service advisor at BMW dealer that checked the vin and said the recalls would be taken care of along with anything it caused. I made the appointment and had it towed to BMW dea;er. I was assigned to Erin C, Service Advisor, when I made my appointment. My appointment was for 7:30 AM on the 28th of March. I heard from Erin at 4:30 that afternoon with an update. She told me that I had a seized engine and it was going to cost ten thousand or more to replace the engine. I asked if the recall was done on it, because the recall stated that one of the indicators…”
Fuel/propulsion system
50 reports1 crash
“Fuel Pump Control Module and Fuel Pump Failed at highway speeds. There was a notification warning for a failed fuel pump and then the engine shut down and stalled at highway speeds within seconds.”
Power train
45 reports1 crash1 fire2 related recalls
“I recently brought my 2011BMW 328i in for recalls and a shutter noise. My vehicle is equipped with the N51 SULEV motor. I recently was not able to set monitors for smog due to a shutter issue. I was told by a reliable mechanic it was the torque converter, and it is covered under the SULEV warranty. I was shocked when Bob told me that the torque converter was not covered under BMW SULEV warranty. It clearly states that in the SULEV warranty and my car only has 123,000 miles. He proceeded to call my car "a can of worms" and told me the technician simply does not want to work on my car. I know for a fact my Torque Converter and Mechatronik are covered under the SULEV warranty. I was simply kicked to the curb. This is unethical and my car is not passing smog due to this issue which is illegal. Please help resolve my issue.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 4, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.