YearToAvoid

2011 BMW 335 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Avoid The 2011 BMW 335 ranks worst among 8 model years tracked, with a complaint index of 100 and 28 complaints, mostly tied to Airbags (39%) and Engine (29%) issues. It carries 1 recall for a driver airbag inflator that could rupture.

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

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
100/100
#1 of 8 335 years
Verdict
Avoid
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
28
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
1
distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes
1
reported in complaints
Fires
0
Injuries
1
Top issue
Airbags
Best nearby year
2008
rated Good

Top 2011 BMW 335 problems

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

  1. Airbags11 (39%)
  2. Engine8 (29%)
  3. Electrical System5 (18%)
  4. Fuel System4 (14%)
  5. Transmission & Powertrain3 (11%)
  6. Structure & Body2 (7%)
  7. Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (7%)
  8. Other1 (4%)

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

What owners report

  • Driver's frontal airbag module can produce excessive internal pressure and rupture during deployment in a crash, causing facial injuries.
  • Owners report the engine stalling without warning while driving, sometimes leaving the car stranded in an intersection.
  • On diesel-equipped 335d models, owners describe a persistent sulfur or exhaust smell inside the cabin during acceleration.
  • The diesel exhaust fluid tank's SCR sensor has failed, causing emissions faults and failed smog inspections.
  • Some owners report the catalytic converter failing at relatively low mileage.
  • A front wheel rim was found cracked after a tire pressure warning light came on.
2011 BMW 335 complaints: complaints filed per month6Apr 2013Oct 2014Oct 2015Nov 2016Feb 2017Aug 2017Jan 2018
28 complaints filed with NHTSA from Apr 2013 to Nov 2018; peak Nov 2016 (6).

2011 BMW 335 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 335 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
2009Avoid86121—
2010Caution5761—
2011Avoid100281—
2012No verdict2941—
2013No verdict1411—

All BMW 335 years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2011 BMW 335 reliable?
NHTSA data shows the 2011 BMW 335 has the highest complaint index (100) of the 8 model years tracked, ranking worst overall, driven mainly by airbag and engine complaints.
What problems does the 2011 BMW 335 have?
Owners most often reported issues with airbags (39% of complaints), engine (29%), and electrical system (18%), with a median failure mileage of 51,200 miles across all complaints.
Does the 2011 BMW 335 have a recall?
Yes, one recall (16V071000) covers the driver's frontal airbag module, which may rupture during deployment due to excessive internal pressure.
How does the 2011 BMW 335 compare to other years?
With a complaint index of 100, the 2011 model ranks worse than the 2009 (86, Avoid), 2007 (71, Caution), 2010 (57, Caution), and 2008 (43, Good).

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.