YearToAvoid

2011 BMW 335i Electrical System Problems

NHTSA lists 17 electrical-system complaints for the 2011 BMW 335i, 17% of its 98 total complaints that year, with a median failure mileage of 65,000. Two related recalls (17V676000 and 13V044000) cover wiring, electrical connectors, and battery cable issues.

Electrical System complaints
17
17% of 98
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
65,000 mi
Related recalls
2

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

  • Owners report the footwell module failing and taking out headlights, turn signals, door locks, power windows, and mirror controls at once.
  • Some describe intermittent loss of multiple systems while driving, including radio, wipers, stability control, and headlights, with warning messages that appear and then clear on their own.
  • Several mention the center brake light detaching from its housing and repeated repair attempts failing to keep it in place.
  • One owner reported a wiring harness fire in the engine compartment along with persistent battery drain issues even after replacing the battery.
  • Others report blinker lights and windows stopping work simultaneously, and a rear tail light malfunction warning with no dealer repair performed.

When 2011 BMW 335i electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Aug 31, 2013, latest Feb 20, 2025.

2011 BMW 335i electrical system complaints: complaints filed per month2Aug 2013Feb 2016Apr 2018Jul 2018Sep 2020Apr 2021May 2022Aug 2023
17 complaints filed with NHTSA from Aug 2013 to Feb 2025; peak Apr 2021 (2).

Electrical System recalls for the 2011 BMW 335i

  1. NHTSA 17V676000Oct 25, 2017Electrical System702,965 vehicles

    Electrical system:wiring

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi and M3, 2007-2011 328i xDrive, 335i xDrive and 335is and 2009-2011 335d vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors for the system that controls air flow for the heating and air conditioning system 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 replace the wiring and electrical connectors, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

  2. NHTSA 13V044000Feb 7, 2013Electrical System516,791 vehicles

    Electrical system:wiring:fuses and circuit breakers

    BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011. In February 2013, BMW recalled 504,545 vehicles. In July 2013, BMW informed the agency that it was adding 1-Series, 3-Series, and Z4 vehicles, representing an additional 12,094 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 516,791. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle.

    Risk: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].

Electrical System complaints by 335i model year

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

  1. 20060 (0%)
  2. 200754 (19%)
  3. 200840 (20%)
  4. 200919 (22%)
  5. 201011 (27%)
  6. 201117 (17%)
  7. 20122 (9%)
  8. 201312 (28%)
  9. 20144 (20%)
  10. 20154 (40%)
  11. 20160 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How many electrical system complaints does the 2011 BMW 335i have?
NHTSA lists 17 electrical system complaints for the 2011 BMW 335i, accounting for 17% of the 98 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for electrical problems on the 2011 BMW 335i?
Yes. NHTSA recall 17V676000 covers wiring and electrical connector issues, and recall 13V044000 covers the positive battery cable connector, both applying to the 2011 335i.
At what mileage do electrical problems typically show up on the 2011 335i?
The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for electrical system complaints on the 2011 335i is 65,000 miles.
Did any electrical complaints involve fire?
Yes, one of the 17 electrical system complaints for the 2011 335i reported a fire, involving a wiring harness in the engine compartment.

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.