Problems · by component

2011 BMW 3 Series exterior lighting problems

29 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2011 BMW 3 Series cite exterior lighting, 3% of all 861 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
29
3% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the exterior lighting

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 31, 2026Electrical system, Exterior lighting, EngineODI 11761089
“Footwell module (FRM) module went out after negative battery disconnect to change fuse. Module being inoperable is causing windows to not operate,interior lighting not working, headlights stay dim (not good for nightime driving), blinkers inoperable (not good for driving with windows not working- no arm signals), dash light also inoperable.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 14, 2025Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Unknown or otherODI 11699451
“Wiring harness in the engine compartment caught fire about 2 weeks after changing a water pump, battery kept being draining even after battery replacement. Locking of the trunk trunk forced usage of a BMW authorized jump start battery charger/start etc. No access to Battery when the battery is discharged.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 20, 2025Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Unknown or otherFire reportedODI 11643883
“Previously reported on February 20, 2024. NHTSA #1157301 RDC failure caused complete loss of all dashboard functions except the radio - loss of lights/turn signals/ speedometer/ tachometer/ HVAC etc. Received a call from BMW customer service today February 26,2024 at 4:38 EST duration 17 minutes. BMW informed me the conversation was recorded. I request that NHTSA obtain the transcript for that telephone call. This note will be sent to BMW with request to send a transcript of the call to NHTSA. BMW Custom Relations representative was polite. Her purpose for the call - "to inform me that BMW is cooperating with NHTSA".The person assigned had no useful information nor could she obtain any information to answer questions. Though BMW documents all reported parts failures and complications, she had no ability to provide information relevant to the RDC module problems.The call was useless from an owners viewpoint. It did not improve Customer Relations. The VANOS recall was also discussed.NHTSA: #23V-707 Recall notification October 2023 BMW has not provided a date when the repair will be available. Vanos Bolt problems were identified for my vehicle in 2014!!! A 10 year…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 26, 2024Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Visibility/wiperODI 11574109
“Tire pressure yellow warning light on. RDC module ordered but repair not completed. After starting the car at a gas station, multiple warning lights appeared in red including "car on a raised lift in red" which signifies car is to be taken directly for service. Drove to local mechanic one mile away. While observing the car with engine running at idle, ALL dashboard lights and functions stopped: No speedometer, No tachometer, No warning lights, No turn signals, No headlights, RDC module subsequently replaced with resolution of the problem. Opening the old RDC module demonstrated significant green corrosion - likely occurred over a long period of time. IF the loss of all dashboard function had occurred while driving, it would have presented very dangerous safety issues. Situation reviewed with local BMW dealership and BMW corporate customer relations. No recalls or warnings have been issued. Expressed my concerns in detail. This is a potentially dangerous problem for the BMW E90 models. The RDC module is located in the passenger rear wheel well and repeatedly exposed to wet/ snow/ slush conditions. This is a dangerous location outside the vehicle for the RDC…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 20, 2024Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Visibility/wiperODI 11573011
“The electrical keeps shutting off and own after hitting speed bumps. It shuts off all power on hvac windows seats and the odometer. I have heard this same issue with many owners”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 7, 2024Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Visibility/wiperODI 11563996

Showing 6 of 29 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 4, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.