YearToAvoid

2011 BMW 328 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Avoid The 2011 BMW 328 ranks worst of 8 model years tracked, with a complaint index of 100 and 37 complaints led by airbag issues (35% share) and electrical system problems (30%). NHTSA lists 1 recall for airbag inflators, and owners reported 2 fires and 2 crashes.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
100/100
#1 of 8 328 years
Verdict
Avoid
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
37
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
1
distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes
2
reported in complaints
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Top issue
Airbags
Best nearby year
2012
rated Good

Top 2011 BMW 328 problems

Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Airbags13 (35%)
  2. Electrical System11 (30%)
  3. Engine5 (14%)
  4. Other5 (14%)
  5. Seat Belts4 (11%)
  6. Structure & Body3 (8%)
  7. Brakes2 (5%)
  8. Fuel System2 (5%)
  9. Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (5%)
  10. Transmission & Powertrain2 (5%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

What owners report

  • Airbags failed to deploy during crashes, including a spin-out and guard rail collision reported at 14,800 miles.
  • Owners described flames and burning odors coming from under the hood or dashboard shortly after driving, with a median failure mileage of 76,725 across electrical complaints.
  • The vehicle reportedly surged forward on its own while idling at a stop, leading to a low-speed crash.
  • The engine stalled unexpectedly at highway and city speeds, sometimes requiring a wait before it would restart.
  • Front seat rails were said to protrude into the rear footwell when the driver's seat was adjusted, creating an injury risk.
  • A cracked internal fuel line reportedly caused the engine to shut off while driving at moderate speed.
2011 BMW 328 complaints: complaints filed per month2Apr 2011Apr 2013Apr 2016Dec 2016Jul 2017Feb 2018Aug 2018Feb 2019
37 complaints filed with NHTSA from Apr 2011 to Mar 2019; peak May 2011 (2).

2011 BMW 328 recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 16V071000Feb 5, 2016Airbags840,000 vehicles

    Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive, 335is and M3 Coupes and Convertibles, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i SAVs, 2007-2010 X3 xDrive30i SAVs, 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M SAVs, 2009-2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d SAVs, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M SACs, 2010-2011 BMW X6 xDrive50i SACs and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

    Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with 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's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

2011 compared with other 328 years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)025507510020062007200820092010201120122013
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2009Avoid86111—
2010No verdict1431—
2011Avoid100371—
2012Good2971—
2013Caution71101—

All BMW 328 years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2011 BMW 328 a bad year?
Among 8 model years of the BMW 328 tracked, 2011 has the highest complaint index (100) and ranks worst, with a verdict of Avoid based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 BMW 328?
Airbags account for 35% of complaints and Electrical System issues account for 30%, based on NHTSA data. Engine, seat belt, and structural complaints follow at lower shares.
Does the 2011 BMW 328 have any recalls?
Yes, NHTSA lists one recall (campaign 16V071000) covering the driver's frontal airbag module or inflator, which BMW dealers replace at no described cost figure.
Did owners report fires in the 2011 BMW 328?
Yes, NHTSA complaint data shows 2 reported fires, including cases involving flames near the hood and dashboard, tied largely to the Electrical System problem area.
How does 2011 compare to other BMW 328 model years?
2011 has the highest complaint index (100) of the years with data; by comparison, 2012 (29) and 2007 (43) carry Good verdicts, and 2010 has a much lower index of 14.

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.