CarRecallWatchThe 2011 BMW 328i has 7 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 579 complaints with NHTSA, including 19 crashes, 26 fires, 19 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Engine (194 reports).
2011 BMW 328i recalls
Driver Airbag Inflator Can Explode, Sending Metal Fragments
Some vehicles may have had their original steering wheel replaced with a sport or M-sport steering wheel that contains a driver airbag inflator that can explode when the airbag deploys.
Driver Airbag Inflator May Explode, Sending Metal Fragments
The driver-side frontal airbag inflator in certain vehicles contains an ammonium nitrate propellant that was not properly dried.
PCV Valve Heater Can Short and Cause a Fire
The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Overheating wiring can melt connectors and cause fire
The wiring and electrical connectors for the system that controls air flow for the heating and air conditioning may overheat.
Most common 2011 BMW 328i problems
Problem areas named in the 579 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Engine | 194 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 176 |
| Electrical System | 130 |
| Air Bags | 98 |
| Unknown Or Other | 43 |
| Power Train | 24 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 20 |
| Exterior Lighting | 19 |
| Seat Belts | 12 |
| Structure | 11 |
What owners report
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while coming to a stop the brake pedal was depressed; however, after releasing the brake pedal, the vehicle independently accelerated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion while coming to a stop in front of a garage, the brake pedal was slightly released and the vehicle accelerated independently and crashed into the garage door. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The failure mileage was 65,000.
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
"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."
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.
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.
2011 BMW 328i questions
Does the 2011 BMW 328i have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 7 safety recalls for the 2011 BMW 328i: Driver Airbag Inflator Can Explode, Sending Metal Fragments; Driver Airbag Inflator May Explode, Sending Metal Fragments; PCV Valve Heater Can Short and Cause a Fire; Overheating wiring can melt connectors and cause fire; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 BMW 328i?
Based on 579 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine (194), Engine And Engine Cooling (176), Electrical System (130).
How do I check if a recall on my 2011 BMW 328i has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.