repaired · 2026 Q2
Air bags: frontal
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
2011 BMW 335iProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 98 owner complaints about the 2011 BMW 335i, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 7 safety recalls, and for recall 24V-513 the manufacturer reports only 19% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 23, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2011 BMW 335i has problems
98 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
32Air bags1 crash/fire/injury
29Engine
16Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
11Fuel/propulsion system
7Engine and engine cooling
5Power train
5Vehicle speed control
4Exterior lighting
3Seat belts
1510 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 32 | 1 |
| Engine | 29 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 16 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 11 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 7 | 0 |
| Power train | 5 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 5 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 4 | 1 |
| Seat belts | 3 | 0 |
| 10 other systems | 15 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
7 recalls
2011 BMW 335i 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 · 2019 Q3
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.
Show 3 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.
no report yet
Driveline: driveshaft
Risk. 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.
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 335i 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 335i median. How we score
'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2011 BMW 335i safety ratings
2011 BMW 335 I 4 DR RWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Rollover: 4 stars (10.3% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What 335i owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
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…
WHEN I SHIFT TO SPORTS MODE IT DOES NOT ENGAGE. NO RESPONSE WHEN I AM DRIVING. PASSENGER SEAT IS NO DETECTING IF SOMEONE SEATING ON IT. AIR BAG MALFUNCTION ON THE DASH BOARD.
Own a 2011 335i?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.