2011 BMW 335XI Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
100/100
#1 most-complained of 6 335XI years
The 2011 BMW 335XI has 23 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and a Complaint Index of 100 — the highest (worst) among the 6 model years with data, ranking 1st worst. Airbags are the top problem area, cited in 22% of complaints, with median failure mileage of 52,000.
- Complaints
- 23
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 2
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- —
Top 2011 BMW 335XI problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Airbags5 (22%)
- Engine4 (17%)
- Fuel System4 (17%)
- Brakes3 (13%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (13%)
- Electrical System2 (9%)
- Other2 (9%)
- Transmission & Powertrain2 (9%)
- Steering1 (4%)
- Structure & Body1 (4%)
What owners report
- Owners report the driver airbag module needing inspection or replacement under recall 24V513000.
- Engine problems include stalling or losing power under braking, with RPMs surging unexpectedly, and one case involved the engine randomly shutting down along with loss of power steering and reduced braking.
- Fuel system complaints describe sudden loss of acceleration, in one case traced to a failed fuel pump.
- Suspension complaints include cracked or split wheel rims, in one case after hitting a pothole and in another with no impact at all.
- Manual transmission owners reported the 2nd gear synchronizer failing, making it unsafe to shift into 2nd gear.
- Electrical system issues included wiring problems tied to recall 17V676000, with one report of smoke and dashboard fire damage.
2011 BMW 335XI recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 24V513000Jul 3, 2024Airbags394,029 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 2009-2011 3 Series Sedan (335d) vehicles. The original steering wheel may have been replaced with a sport or M-sport steering wheel equipped with an inflator that can explode during deployment.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 30, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- 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.
- 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.
2011 compared with other 335XI years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2011 BMW 335XI reliable?
- Among the 6 335XI model years with data, 2011 has the worst Complaint Index (100) and ranks 1st worst overall, with 23 NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls.
- What are the most common problems with the 2011 BMW 335XI?
- Airbags account for 22% of complaints, followed by Engine and Fuel System issues at 17% each, then Brakes and Suspension at 13% each.
- Does the 2011 BMW 335XI have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 3 recalls: two for airbags (24V513000 and 20V017000) and one for electrical wiring and connectors (17V676000).
- How does the 2011 335XI compare to other years?
- 2011 has a Complaint Index of 100, higher than 2010 (40, Good), 2013 (80, Avoid), 2014 (60, Caution), and 2015 (20).
- Were there any fires or injuries reported for the 2011 335XI?
- NHTSA lists 2 fire reports and 1 injury for the 2011 335XI, with no crashes or deaths recorded.