2011 BMW 7 Series Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
No verdict The 2011 BMW 7 Series has 3 NHTSA complaints, a complaint index of 29, and 1 recall covering the auxiliary water pump. It ranks 6th worst out of 8 model years, making it one of the milder years for this model.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 29/100
- #6 of 8 7 Series years
- Verdict
- No verdict
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 3
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Engine
Top 2011 BMW 7 Series problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine1 (33%)
- Fuel System1 (33%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (33%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report fuel pump and spark plug failures triggering a drive-train malfunction warning around 68,000 miles.
- One owner reported a plate leak discovered after fuel pump repairs at the dealer.
- Electric auxiliary water pump failure occurred around 47,049 miles, tied to recall 11V521000, with one owner saying a dealer refused to honor the recall.
- Excessive engine oil consumption was reported around 95,520 miles, attributed to valve stem seal design.
2011 BMW 7 Series recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- 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 7 Series years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2011 BMW 7 Series reliable?
- NHTSA data shows only 3 complaints for the 2011 model year and a complaint index of 29, ranking 6th worst of 8 model years, so it performs better than most other 7 Series years.
- What problems does the 2011 BMW 7 Series have?
- NHTSA complaints cite engine, fuel system, and transmission/powertrain issues, including excessive oil consumption, fuel pump failure, and auxiliary water pump failure.
- Does the 2011 BMW 7 Series have a recall?
- Yes, one recall, campaign 11V521000, covers replacement of the auxiliary water pump on certain 2011 7 Series vehicles, and it is not a do-not-drive recall.
- What year BMW 7 Series should I avoid?
- Based on complaint index, the 2008 and 2009 model years are rated Avoid, with complaint indexes of 86 and 100, while 2011 is not rated Avoid.