repaired · 2024 Q2
Emission control: crankcase (pcv)
Risk. An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.
2011 BMW 128iProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 50 owner complaints about the 2011 BMW 128i, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 7 safety recalls, and for recall 22V-119 the manufacturer reports only 27% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through March 19, 2025. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2011 BMW 128i has problems
50 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
15Air bags
14Engine and engine cooling2 crash/fire/injury
12Engine1 crash/fire/injury
7Electrical system
2Vehicle speed control
2Exterior lighting
2Power train
2Service brakes
1Tires
33 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 15 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 14 | 2 |
| Engine | 12 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 7 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 2 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 2 | 0 |
| Power train | 2 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 2 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 0 |
| 3 other systems | 3 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
7 recalls
2011 BMW 128i recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2021 Q2
Driver side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2021 Q1
Electrical system: wiring
Risk. Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.
repaired · 2019 Q3
Emission control: crankcase (pcv)
Risk. An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
Show 3 more recalls
repaired · 2018 Q1
Driver side: inflator module
Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other…
repaired · 2015 Q4
Engine and engine cooling: engine
Risk. If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall.
no report yet
Electrical system
Risk. If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with BMW.
Best & worst years
2011 vs. every other 128i year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the 128i median. How we score
'08'09'10'11'12'13
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2011 BMW 128i safety ratings
2011 BMW 128 I 2 DR RWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2011 BMW 128i, and the recalls they led to.
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
In owners' words
What 128i owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 128I. The contact stated while entering the vehicle she noticed that the passenger’s seat occupancy sensor light was illuminated however, there was no one occupying the seat. The contact stated that the warning light remained illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to…
TAKATA RECALL THE TAKATA AIRBAGS ON MY CAR WERE RECALLED IN FEB 2016. I HAVE SPOKEN TO MY LOCAL BMW DEALERSHIP MULTIPLE TIMES AND THE REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE STILL ON A "NATIONAL BACKORDER." THIS HAS ALMOST BEEN 2 YEARS WITHOUT A RESOLUTION - THIS IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE.
TAKATA RECALL BMW HAS FAILED TO REPLACE THE AIR BAG THAT WAS RECALLED ON 2/5/2016 AFTER MANY SERVICES THEY HAVE NOT TO DATE REPLACED THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG
Own a 2011 128i?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.