2011 Bmw 328i: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2011 Bmw 328i? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 500 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2011 Bmw 328i Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2011 Bmw 328i trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 8 trims analysed.
2011 Bmw 328i Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program8 variants tested — showing 2011 BMW 328 I 2 DR AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated9.3% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
9.3% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2011 Bmw 328i has 500 owner complaints, 11 crash-related complaints, and 7 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Bmw
- Model
- 328i
- Model year
- 2011
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 500
- Crash-related complaints
- 11
- Safety recall campaigns
- 7
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 20
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 17 / 25
- Fuel type
- Premium Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 5/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2011 Bmw 328i Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Electrical Faults, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2011 Bmw 328i?
The 2011 Bmw 328i shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2011 Bmw 328i
Inspection Focus
- Request service records for engine-related repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the electrical system before purchase.
- Check for any airbag-related service history.
Before You Close the Deal
- Request service records for engine-related repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the electrical system before purchase.
- Check for any airbag-related service history.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2011 Bmw 328i, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The 2011 BMW 328i has 500 NHTSA complaints, with the majority concentrated in engine problems and electrical faults. Crash-related complaints are relatively low at 11, but the overall confidence in the data is low due to potential reporting biases.
- Engine problems account for 356 of the 500 total complaints.
- Electrical faults are the second most reported issue with 119 complaints.
- There are 7 recalls associated with this model year.
- Engine Problems
- Electrical Faults
- Airbag Malfunctions
All 2011 Bmw 328i Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2011 Bmw 328i. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 356 | 1 | 16 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 119 | 1 | 11 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 44 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 44 | 8 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 21 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 21 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 16 | — | 1 | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 11 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 11 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 8 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 6 | 3 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 6 | — | 2 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2011 Bmw 328i. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the low oil pressure warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the VANOS bolts had failed a…
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving on the streets and the highway, the vehicle lost automotive power. There were no warning lights illuminated at the time of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked unexpect…
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a burning odor coming from the vehicle. The odor was more prominent while the vehicle was idling. The RPM fluctuated while idling, causing the vehicle to stall. The contact would …
Fuel Pump Control Module and Fuel Pump Failed at highway speeds. There was a notification warning for a failed fuel pump and then the engine shut down and stalled at highway speeds within seconds.
> While driving the car, low oil pressure indicator came on and within less than a mile later there was a sudden loss of power, engine stalled and then would not start again, requiring vehicle to be towed off the road and to a repair garage. Yes, vehicle is available for inspecti…
> While driving the car, the low oil pressure indicator came on, and within less than a mile later there was a sudden loss of power, engine stalled and then would not start again, requiring the vehicle to be towed off the road and to a repair garage. > Vehicle was immobile on the…
Engine lost all oil pressure, smoke came through vents with the smell of burnt oil. Engine stalled, intake camshaft no longer moves when the engine is trying to turn over. Vanos system failed.
The power cable to my battery needed to be replaced from the front to the rear. This seems like the recall NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 13V044000 but my car was not listed for it.
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle hesitated and stalled. The vehicle was restarted several times but continually stalled. The vehicle was later towed to the res…
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed an abnormal dinging sound coming from underneath the hood. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a detached VANOS bolt. The contact was i…
Footwell module (FRM) module went out after negative battery disconnect to change fuse. Module being inoperable is causing windows to not operate,interior lighting not working, headlights stay dim (not good for nightime driving), blinkers inoperable (not good for driving with win…
Door handle plastics are disintegrating in to a soft sticky matter. Please advice as this seem to a poor decision on the type of material need in the door handles.
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The recall repair was completed; however, on the drive home after the vehicle was retrieved, while driving 60 MPH, the engine seized. The contact s…
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact had received various unknown notifications of NHTSA recalls. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the vehicle was repaired. The c…
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehic…
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the electrical system failed to function as intended. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle eventually started; however, the failure occurred. The veh…
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and attempting to slow down, the vehicle started to jerk abnormally, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer and was diagnosed, and the conta…
RE: Recall on 2011 328i Vin# [XXX] I drove the car to run an errand, car was running ok but had a miss. During my drive home, the car stalled. I had to quickly coast to a parking lot in order not to get hit by the car behind me. I tried to restart the car, but it acted as if …
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328i. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. The contact stated that upon returning to pick up the vehicle, he was informed t…
i took my car in for the vanos bolts recall at a bmw dealership they said they could fix the car.keep in mind i drove the car there just fine and now there saying its gonna cost $3300 to fix my car and its not drivable and idk what to do because im not spending that much money wh…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2011 Bmw 328i.
2011 Bmw 328i Recalls
7 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2011 Bmw 328i. 7 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2011 Bmw 328i Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2011 Bmw 328i reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 500 owner complaints, 11 crash-related complaints, and 7 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2011 Bmw 328i shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Bmw 328i?▾
#1: Engine Problems (356 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (119 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (44 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2011 Bmw 328i?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2011 Bmw 328i?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2011 Bmw 328i, NHTSA complaints include 11 crash-related reports and 26 fire reports out of 500 total complaints. 12 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2011 Bmw 328i have any recalls?▾
Yes. 7 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2011 Bmw 328i. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. 7 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2011 Bmw 328i?▾
The 2011 Bmw 328i shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Bmw 328i reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2011 Bmw 328i based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.