YearToAvoid

2011 BMW 328i Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 24 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2011 BMW 328i, 4% of all 577 complaints that year, with a median failure mileage of 51,500 miles. A related recall (11V476000) covers loose front driveshaft attachment bolts on 328i xDrive and 335i xDrive models.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints
24
4% of 577
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
1
Median mileage
51,500 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

  • Owners report unintended forward surge or delayed downshift when riding the brake at low speed, in at least one case leading to a crash.
  • Some owners describe the vehicle rolling after being shifted into park, even though the dealer could not duplicate the fault.
  • Hesitation or lack of acceleration when pressing the gas pedal at highway speeds, sometimes requiring extra pedal input before the car responds.
  • Shuddering or shaking felt while accelerating in the 35-45 mph range, reported by one owner shortly after the factory warranty ended.
  • Abnormal noise and excessive shaking at low speed tied to a variable camshaft housing bolt needing replacement, accompanied by a check engine light.
  • A separate recall addresses front driveshaft attachment bolts that may not have been tightened to specification on 328i xDrive and 335i xDrive models built between February and July 2011.

When 2011 BMW 328i transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Oct 6, 2011, latest Dec 4, 2024.

2011 BMW 328i transmission & powertrain complaints: complaints filed per month2Oct 2011Jul 2013Aug 2016Dec 2017Mar 2019Jul 2021Jan 2024Dec 2024
24 complaints filed with NHTSA from Oct 2011 to Dec 2024; peak Apr 2017 (2).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2011 BMW 328i

  1. NHTSA 11V476000Sep 15, 2011Transmission & Powertrain190 vehicles

    Power train:driveline:driveshaft

    Bmw is recalling certain model year 2011 328i xdrive and 335i xdrive vehicles manufactured from february 8, 2011, through july 29, 2011. The front driveshaft attachment bolts may not have been tightened to specification. If the bolts were not tightened to specification, they may become loose.

    Risk: If the bolts loosen, it could lead to a loss of power to the front wheels and ultimately a vehicle breakdown, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft attachment bolts free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during october 2011. Owners may contact bmw customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by 328i model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 20104 (3%)
  2. 201124 (4%)
  3. 201220 (15%)
  4. 201323 (9%)
  5. 20149 (6%)
  6. 201513 (10%)
  7. 20168 (14%)

Frequently asked questions

How many transmission and powertrain complaints does the 2011 BMW 328i have?
NHTSA lists 24 complaints in the Transmission & Powertrain category for the 2011 328i, which is 4% of the 577 total complaints filed for that model year.
At what mileage do transmission problems tend to show up on the 2011 328i?
The median mileage at failure for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2011 328i is 51,500 miles.
Is there a transmission or driveshaft recall for the 2011 BMW 328i?
Yes. Recall 11V476000 covers 2011 328i xDrive and 335i xDrive vehicles built from February 8, 2011 through July 29, 2011, for front driveshaft attachment bolts that may not have been tightened to specification. BMW dealers replace the bolts free of charge.
Did any 2011 328i transmission complaints involve a crash or injury?
Yes, NHTSA data shows 1 crash and 1 injury reported among the Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2011 328i.
Is the transmission complaint rate higher for the 2011 328i than other years?
The 2011 328i's Transmission & Powertrain complaints are 4% of that year's total, lower in share than 2012 (15%), 2013 (9%), 2015 (10%), and 2016 (14%), though the 2011 model has the highest raw count at 24 complaints.

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.