YearToAvoid

2011 BMW 128i Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Avoid

Complaint Index

100/100

#1 most-complained of 4 128i years

The 2011 BMW 128i ranks worst of 4 model years, with a complaint index of 100, 50 NHTSA complaints, and 7 recalls. Engine problems make up 52% of complaints, often with smoke or power loss near 112,000 miles median mileage.

Complaints
50
Recalls
7
Crashes / fires
0 / 3
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
22
18.5 city / 28 hwy

Top 2011 BMW 128i problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine26 (52%)
  2. Airbags15 (30%)
  3. Electrical System7 (14%)
  4. Brakes4 (8%)
  5. Other3 (6%)
  6. Transmission & Powertrain2 (4%)
  7. Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (2%)

What owners report

  • Engine emits smoke from under the hood while driving, sometimes tied to the engine and engine cooling recall (22V119000).
  • Battery warning lights flash and the vehicle stalls or loses power at low speeds, including one case that led to a dead battery and towing.
  • Takata airbag recall parts were reported as unavailable for extended periods, leaving owners without a repair despite airbag recall notification.
  • Run-flat tires develop small punctures and go flat repeatedly, with the cause left undetermined by the owner.
  • LED tail light circuit boards fail due to poor soldering, killing running lights and reducing visibility at night.
  • Applying the brakes at speed produced unexpected extra travel before the vehicle slowed, with the engine dropping power afterward.
2011 BMW 128i complaints: complaints filed per month3Aug 2012Jul 2016Feb 2017Feb 2018Jun 2021Oct 2022Apr 2024
58 complaints filed with NHTSA from Aug 2012 to Mar 2025; peak Jun 2016 (3).

2011 BMW 128i recalls

7 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 22V119000Mar 2, 2022Engine917,106 vehicles

    Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:crankcase (pcv)

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.

    Risk: An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.

    Remedy: This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Vehicles previously repaired under the prior recalls will need to come back for the new recall remedy. The remedy is currently being developed. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 1, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 22, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

  2. NHTSA 20V017000Jan 15, 2020Airbags59,965 vehicles

    Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module

    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.

    Risk: 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.

  3. NHTSA 19V579000Aug 6, 2019Electrical System41,981 vehicles

    Electrical system:wiring

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2012 BMW 128i, 135i, 135is Coupes and 128i, 135i Convertible vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors in the blower-regulator wiring harness may overheat.

    Risk: 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 inspect the blower-regulator wiring harness, and replace it with a new part, free of charge. The recall began October 4, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion of an earlier recall number 17V-676.

See all 7 recalls for the 2011 BMW 128i →

2011 BMW 128i fuel economy and fuel cost

City
18.5 MPG
Highway
28 MPG
Combined
22 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$3,650
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Premium
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2011 compared with other 128i years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)02550751002010201120122013
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2010Best022722
2011Avoid10050722
2012Good3331521.5
2013Caution6736321.5

All BMW 128i years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2011 BMW 128i a bad year?
Among the 4 model years with data, 2011 has the highest complaint index (100) and is ranked worst, earning an Avoid verdict relative to other 128i years.
What is the biggest problem with the 2011 BMW 128i?
Engine issues are the top problem area, accounting for 52% of complaints (26 of 50), with a median failure mileage of 112,000 miles and 3 reported fires.
Does the 2011 BMW 128i have recalls?
NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2011 128i, covering engine wiring, airbags, electrical wiring harnesses, PCV valve heaters, and VANOS housing bolts.
How does 2011 compare to other 128i years?
2011 has a complaint index of 100 versus 0 for 2010 (Best), 33 for 2012 (Good), and 67 for 2013 (Caution), making 2011 the worst-ranked year.
Are there airbag recalls affecting the 2011 128i?
Yes, NHTSA campaign 16V071000 and 20V017000 cover Takata driver airbag inflator/module replacement for the 2011 128i, and owners reported long waits for parts.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.