2011 BMW 5 Series Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2011 BMW 5 Series has 81 NHTSA complaints, a complaint index of 88, and ranks 2nd worst out of 9 model years, earning an Avoid verdict. Suspension, wheels and tires account for 42% of complaints, with 4 recalls including two auxiliary water pump recalls.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 88/100
- #2 of 9 5 Series years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 81
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 4
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 2
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires
Top 2011 BMW 5 Series problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires34 (42%)
- Steering20 (25%)
- Engine10 (12%)
- Transmission & Powertrain10 (12%)
- Electrical System6 (7%)
- Fuel System5 (6%)
- Other4 (5%)
- Structure & Body2 (2%)
- Airbags1 (1%)
- HVAC1 (1%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Vehicles pull hard to the right at highway and low speeds, sometimes appearing on brand-new cars with only a few miles on the odometer.
- Steering pull persists even after dealers perform wheel alignments, with some dealers unable to correct the issue.
- Fuel gauge readings drop unexpectedly fast or show inaccurate levels shortly after fill-up, sometimes flashing a low-fuel warning.
- A fuel pump malfunction caused sudden loss of power and an abrupt stop from highway speed at very low mileage.
- Smoke and flames were reported from under the hood shortly after parking, with fire department response needed.
- The engine hesitates when slowing down or right after pressing the accelerator, with sport mode sometimes masking the issue.
2011 BMW 5 Series recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
2011 compared with other 5 Series years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2011 BMW 5 Series reliable?
- Compared with other 5 Series model years, 2011 ranks 2nd worst out of 9 years tracked, with a complaint index of 88 and an Avoid verdict based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls.
- What are the most common problems with the 2011 BMW 5 Series?
- Suspension, wheels and tires make up 42% of complaints (34 of 81), followed by steering issues at 25% (20 complaints), and engine and transmission problems each at 12%.
- Does the 2011 BMW 5 Series have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2011 5 Series, including two separate auxiliary water pump recalls for turbocharged 8- or 12-cylinder engines and a fuel level sensor recall.
- At what mileage do 2011 5 Series problems typically show up?
- Median mileage at failure varies by system: steering issues appeared at a median of 72.5 miles, transmission at 200 miles, and suspension issues at 3,350 miles.
- How does the 2011 5 Series compare to the 2010 model?
- The 2010 5 Series has a complaint index of just 13 and a Best verdict, far lower than the 2011 model's index of 88 and Avoid verdict.