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.
2011 BMW 135iProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 27 owner complaints about the 2011 BMW 135i, most often about the engine. It is covered by 6 safety recalls, and for recall 16V-071 the manufacturer reports only 47% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through March 25, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: order_242 from Chile, CC BY-SA 2.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2011 BMW 135i has problems
27 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
11Engine1 crash/fire/injury
7Electrical system2 crash/fire/injury
6Air bags
4Power train
2Fuel/propulsion system
2Fuel system, gasoline
1Exterior lighting
1Vehicle speed control
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 11 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 7 | 2 |
| Air bags | 6 | 0 |
| Power train | 4 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 2 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
6 recalls
2011 BMW 135i 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 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 · 2018 Q3
Driveline: constant velocity joint
Risk. If the CV joint breaks, the vehicle may have a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.
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…
Show 2 more recalls
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 135i 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 135i median. How we score
'08'09'10'11'12'13
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2011 BMW 135i safety ratings
2011 BMW 135 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 135i, and the recalls they led to.
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
In owners' words
What 135i owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
BMW Series 135I2011 - Engine/Vanos bolts failed/failing! When it's started, you can total tell there is an issue with it...Car is basically NON-Drivable due to this condition due to safety concerns! The vin is not being covered by the recall due to but this is a SERIOUS issue! This needs to be…
VEHICLE HESITATES WHEN PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR WHEN PASSING VEHICLES OR MERGING INTO TRAFFIC ON THE HIGHWAY NEARLY CAUSING COLLISION WITH OTHER VEHICLES. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON WHEN WHEN VEHICLE IS ACCELERATING 99% OF THE TIME. WHEN VEHICLE IS STOPPED VEHICLE WILL TRY TO SURGE FORWARD.…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 135I. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED AND LOST POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A WATER PUMP FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
Own a 2011 135i?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.