NHTSA vehicle safety data

2011 BMW 335I Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2011 BMW 335I has 7 NHTSA recall campaigns and 98 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized BMW dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2011 BMW 335I, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2011 BMW 335I owner complaints

Owners have filed 98 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 BMW 335I, describing incidents dated October 29, 2011 to September 23, 2026.

Most-cited components

Engine 36 complaints
Air Bags 32 complaints
Electrical System 16 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System 12 complaints
Unknown or Other 7 complaints
Power Train 5 complaints

Of the 98 complaints on file, 2 report a crash and 1 a fire; across all 98 complaints, owners report 1 injury (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11766473 · Filed September 23, 2026
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 335I. While driving 50 MPH, the vehicle lost power. The check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode before shutting off. The vehicle was towed back to the residence. The contact connected a diagnostic scanner, which indicated an inability…
ODI #11700227 · Filed November 18, 2025
Fuel sending unit has broken and began to expel fuel out upwards within the rear bottom of the back seat were the sending unit is located. The plastic that ensembles the gas sending unit itself cracks over a certain period amount of time and causes gasoline to spray in that area. Gas has began to…
ODI #11652309 · Filed April 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 335I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Loss of Oil Pressure" message displayed, and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle made an abnormally loud clunking sound. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact used an OBD…

Read all 98 complaints

Driver's Air Bag Inflator May Explode

NHTSA #24V513000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Driver Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported July 3, 2024 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 394,029 vehicles

Repair completion: 20.21% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified August 30, 2024

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Driver Air Bag Inflators May Explode

NHTSA #20V017000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Driver Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported January 15, 2020 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 59,965 vehicles

Repair completion: 78.21% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified March 11, 2020 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Recall group: Takata airbag inflators

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Blower Motor Wiring may Overheat

NHTSA #17V676000 · Electrical System — Wiring · NHTSA notice

Reported October 25, 2017 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 702,965 vehicles

Repair completion: 51.39% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified June 29, 2018 · Vehicles built February 1, 2005 – December 16, 2011 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Rear CV Joints may Fail

NHTSA #17V067000 · Power Train — Driveline — Constant Velocity Joint · NHTSA notice

Reported February 2, 2017 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 8,752 vehicles

Repair completion: 88.62% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified April 21, 2017 · Vehicles built January 17, 2011 – May 31, 2011 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 1 Series M Coupe and 135i Convertible vehicles, 2011 Z4 sDrive 35i, 335i, 335d, 335i Coupe, 335is Coupe, 335i Convertible, 335is Convertible, 535i, 535i xDrive, 535i Gran Turismo and 550i xDrive Gran Turismo vehicles and 2012 740i and 740Li vehicles. The rear driveshaft constant velocity (CV) joint on the affected vehicles may fatigue and break.

Safety consequence

If the CV joint breaks, the vehicle may have a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear driveshaft CV joint and, based on its production date, will replace it, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Camshaft Housing Bolts May Loosen causing Stall

NHTSA #14V176000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Engine · NHTSA notice

Reported April 10, 2014 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 156,137 vehicles

Repair completion: 84.14% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified September 24, 2014 · Vehicles built September 1, 2009 – February 28, 2012 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 128i Coupe, 128i Convertible, 328i Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 328i Coupe, 328i Convertible, 328i Sports Wagon and Z4 sDrive 30i, 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 135i Convertible, 335i Sedan, X5 xDrive 35i, and X6 xDrive 35i, 2011 335i xDrive Sedan, 335i Coupe, 335i Convertible, 528i Sedan, 535i Sedan, 535i xDrive Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, and X3 xDrive 35i, 2010 X3 xDrive 30i, and X5 xDrive 30i, 2012 640i Coupe, and 640i Convertible and 2010-2012 535i Gran Turismo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and may possibly break.

Safety consequence

If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four VANOS housing bolts for both VANOS units (intake and exhaust), free of charge. In addition, owners of approximately 170,172 model year 2010-2012 BMW vehicles equipped with inline 6 cylinder engines not covered by this recall, will receive an extended warranty to address this condition. The recall began on September 24, 2014. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Loss of Electrical Power/Stalling

NHTSA #13V044000 · Electrical System · NHTSA notice

Reported February 7, 2013 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 516,791 vehicles

Owners notified March 13, 2013 · Vehicles built March 1, 2007 – October 1, 2011 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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

Manufacturer 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].

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

FRONT DRIVESHAFT BOLTS

NHTSA #11V476000 · Power Train — Driveline — Driveshaft · NHTSA notice

Reported September 15, 2011 · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC

Potentially affected: 190 vehicles

Owners notified October 14, 2011 · Vehicles built February 8, 2011 – July 29, 2011 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 328I XDRIVE AND 335I XDRIVE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 8, 2011, THROUGH JULY 29, 2011. THE FRONT DRIVESHAFT ATTACHMENT BOLTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATION. IF THE BOLTS WERE NOT TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATION, THEY MAY BECOME LOOSE.

Safety consequence

IF THE BOLTS LOOSEN, IT COULD LEAD TO A LOSS OF POWER TO THE FRONT WHEELS AND ULTIMATELY A VEHICLE BREAKDOWN, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT DRIVESHAFT ATTACHMENT BOLTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING OCTOBER 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.

Notes

OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

2011 BMW 335 I C RWD

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

9% rollover risk

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control

1 investigation

2011 BMW 335 I 2 DR RWD

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

9% rollover risk

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control

1 investigation

2011 BMW 335 I 4 DR RWD

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

10% rollover risk

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control

1 investigation

98 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2011 BMW 335I.

Engine and Engine Cooling

ODI #11766473

Incident: September 23, 2026 · Filed: September 23, 2026

The contact owns a 2011 BMW 335I. While driving 50 MPH, the vehicle lost power. The check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode before shutting off. The vehicle was towed back to the residence. The contact connected a diagnostic scanner, which indicated an inability to read or establish engine timing. The engine cranked and turned over for 10 seconds but shut off immediately afterwards. The contact believed that the issue was related to a timing failure. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11700227

Incident: September 5, 2025 · Filed: November 18, 2025

Fuel sending unit has broken and began to expel fuel out upwards within the rear bottom of the back seat were the sending unit is located. The plastic that ensembles the gas sending unit itself cracks over a certain period amount of time and causes gasoline to spray in that area. Gas has began to accumulate outside the gas tank right above the sending unit part, which causes harmful and incredibly strong gasoline odor inside the car and outside the car, predominantly on the back seat of the driver area. Very dangerous for even a small amount of fire to be near it. The problem cause a harmful and overwhelming amount of dangerous gasoline fumes to tolerate breathing near that area or the car itself.

Engine and Engine Cooling

ODI #11652309

Incident: April 1, 2025 · Filed: April 2, 2025

The contact owns a 2011 BMW 335I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Loss of Oil Pressure" message displayed, and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle made an abnormally loud clunking sound. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact used an OBD scanner to retrieve a diagnostic trouble code for the VANOS bolts; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Unknown or Other

ODI #11649455

Incident: March 20, 2025 · Filed: March 20, 2025

hard to explain. looks like my NIV is ''bad''. There are 11 recalls on BMW 335xi Sedan 2011 and mine has 0 (same car, BUT special limited edition). For now, BMW is of no help at all, they follow their procedure which do not include my NIV in any way $$$. What to do next?

Electrical System; Exterior Lighting; Unknown or Other

ODI #11643883

Fire

Incident: September 21, 2024 · Filed: February 20, 2025

Wiring harness in the engine compartment caught fire about 2 weeks after changing a water pump, battery kept being draining even after battery replacement. Locking of the trunk trunk forced usage of a BMW authorized jump start battery charger/start etc. No access to Battery when the battery is discharged.

Engine

ODI #11634627

Incident: December 29, 2024 · Filed: January 7, 2025

I was in the middle of driving on the freeway and my motor started to get loss in power. Moments later a malfunction engine sign popped up. The codes I was able to pull from the vehicle were pointing towards a recall that already exists for BMW but for some reason my vehicle was not a part of the recall. The recall I am reffering to is 23V707000. It shows that there are 11 open recalls for 2011 335i including the vanos bolt recall. I called the dealer and according to my VIN, the vanos bolt recall is not covered. There are multiple reports online where the dealer is refusing to cover the recall for vehicles within a certain production date. There is clearly a safety issue going on as this has happened to plenty of people. Someone with the same motor as I could get covered for the recall due to the production date and I am in a position where BMW knows that this is an issue but will not cover it.

Air Bags

ODI #11621213

Incident: August 2, 2023 · Filed: October 22, 2024

The contact owns a 2011 BMW 335I. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the passenger’s side air bag warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but became persistent whenever the vehicle was started. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact had researched and related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin Number: 10148018 - Front Passenger Air Bag Seat Occupancy Sensor (OC3) Mat (Air Bags). The contact was informed by the dealer and the manufacturer that the vehicle was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.

Power Train

ODI #11612387

Incident: May 21, 2022 · Filed: September 3, 2024

Transmission failure, while driving 45mph the car automatically downshifted then stopped pulling rolled to a complete stop was able to put into park turn car off then when tried to restart that is when the transmission failure light and notice came on the dash and radio screen. After that the car would not go into any gear or pull in any gear. No warning signs appeared before the incident.

Engine

ODI #11598018

Incident: June 27, 2024 · Filed: July 1, 2024

2011 BMW 335i COUPE E92 My vehicle has broken vanos bolts which caused the engine to shut off while driving. This was a terrifying experience in which i was on the freeway doing around 70mph and lost power steering and power brakes. This is a known recall with these vehicles and my vehicle fits the criteria for BMW Recall 23V-707, including year, make, model, production date and engine. My vin does not show up as a recalled vin and the dealer refuses to fix my vehicle for that reason although it is confirmed the vanos bolts have snapped.

Air Bags

ODI #11596878

Incident: June 5, 2024 · Filed: June 26, 2024

The contact owns a 2011 BMW 335I. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the front passenger’s side air bag sensor warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed front passenger’s side occupancy sensor. The contact was informed that the front passenger’s side occupancy sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.

Other BMW 335I model years

Check your 2011 BMW 335I VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your BMW 335I at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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