YearToAvoid

2011 BMW 5 Series Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Avoid

Complaint Index

88/100

#2 most-complained of 9 5 Series years

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

The 2011 BMW 5 Series has 81 owner complaints and 4 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 88 out of 100 — #2 highest of 9 5 Series model years (verdict: Avoid). The most reported problem area is suspension, wheels & tires (34 complaints, 42% of the total). Complaints report 2 crashes, 2 fires, and 1 injury.

Complaints
81
Recalls
4
Crashes / fires
2 / 2
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
—

Top 2011 BMW 5 Series problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Suspension, Wheels & Tires34 (42%)
  2. Steering20 (25%)
  3. Engine10 (12%)
  4. Transmission & Powertrain10 (12%)
  5. Electrical System6 (7%)
  6. Fuel System5 (6%)
  7. Other4 (5%)
  8. Structure & Body2 (2%)
  9. Airbags1 (1%)
  10. HVAC1 (1%)
2011 BMW 5 Series complaints: complaints filed per month12Jul 2010Jan 2011Jul 2011Jan 2012Aug 2013Dec 2016Mar 2019
95 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jul 2010 to Mar 2023; peak Aug 2011 (12).

2011 BMW 5 Series recalls

4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 23V707000Oct 20, 2023Engine157,796 vehicles

    Engine and engine cooling:engine

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2010-2012 1 Series Coupe, 1 Series Convertible, 3 Series Sedan, 3 Series Convertible, 2010-2011 3 Series Sportswagon, 3 Series Coupe, 5 Series Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, X3 xDrive 30i, X5 xDrive30i, and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The aluminum bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and possibly break.

    Risk: Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the four VANOS bolts, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed December 18, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 19, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

  2. NHTSA 12V161000Apr 10, 2012Engine2,846 vehicles

    Engine and engine cooling:engine:other fuel types:turbo/supercharger

    Bmw is recalling certain model year 2011 5-series, 5-series gran turismo, model year 2012 6-series convertible, 7-series, x5 sav, and x6 sav vehicles equipped with 8- or 12-cylinder, turbocharged, engines because the circuit board for the electric auxiliary water pump can overheat.

    Risk: This could lead to a smoldering of the pump or an engine compartment or vehicle fire.

    Remedy: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the auxiliary water pump free of charge. The safety recall began on april 30, 2012. Owners may contact bmw customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417.

  3. NHTSA 11V521000Oct 20, 2011Engine32,084 vehicles

    Engine and engine cooling:engine:other fuel types:turbo/supercharger

    Bmw is recalling certain model year 2011 5-series, model year 2010-2011 5-series gran turismo, model year 2009-2011 7-series, model year 2010-2011 x5 sav, and model year 2008-2011 x6 sav vehicles equipped with 8- or 12-cylinder, turbocharged, engines because the circuit board for the electric auxiliary water pump can overheat.

    Risk: This could lead to a smoldering of the pump or an engine compartment or vehicle fire.

    Remedy: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the auxiliary water pump free of charge. The safety recall began on december 19, 2011. Owners may contact bmw customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417.

See all 4 recalls for the 2011 BMW 5 Series →

2011 compared with other 5 Series years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100200520062007200820092010201120122023
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2009Caution5083—
2010Best1365—
2011Avoid88814—
2012Good25100—
2023No verdict001—

All BMW 5 Series years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2011 BMW 5 Series a reliable year?
Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2011 BMW 5 Series ranks #2 of 9 among 5 Series model years (Complaint Index 88/100, verdict: Avoid). It has 81 complaints and 4 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 BMW 5 Series?
The most reported problem areas are suspension, wheels & tires (34 complaints), steering (20 complaints), and engine (10 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 2,000 miles.
Does the 2011 BMW 5 Series have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2011 BMW 5 Series, most recently reported 2023, covering engine and fuel system.

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.