Does the 2011 BMW 1 Series have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2011 BMW 1 Series, the most recent reported on October 20, 2023 (Engine and engine cooling: engine). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2011 BMW 1 Series?

Owners have filed 33 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (15 complaints), followed by electrical system (7).

How many 2011 BMW 1 Series complaints mention a crash or fire?

0 of 33 complaints report a crash and 2 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2011 BMW 1 Series recalls and problems

2 recalls and 33 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2011 BMW 1 Series.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2011 BMW 1 Series recalls

Engine and engine cooling: engine

NHTSA campaign 23V707000 · reported October 20, 2023 · BMW of North America, LLC · 157,796 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2010-2012 1 Series Coupe, 1 Series Convertible, 3 Series Sedan, 3 Series Convertible, 2010-2011 3 Series Sportswagon, 3 Series Coupe, 5 Series Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, X3 xDrive 30i, X5 xDrive30i, and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The aluminum bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and possibly break.
The risk: Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the four VANOS bolts, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed December 18, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 19, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Seat belts: front, retractor

NHTSA campaign 10V254000 · reported June 10, 2010 · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC · 31,935 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: Bmw is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 1-series vehicles. In a crash of sufficient severity, deployment of the front pre-tensioner and load-limiter occurs.
The risk: The insulation around the pre-tensioner could ignite.
The fix: Vehicles produced up through december 2009 will receive new front safety belt retractor units and a modification to the sound insulation near the units, while vehicles produced between january 2010 and may 2010 will receive a modification to the sound insulation near the units. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on august 23, 2010. Owners may contact bmw at 1-800-525-7417.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Air bags15
Electrical system7
Engine4
Fuel/propulsion system4
Vehicle speed control3
Equipment2
Structure2
Unknown or other2
Exterior lighting1
Fuel system, gasoline1

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

May 1, 2019 · Air bags · 140,000 miles
I JUST HAD THE BOLTS ON BOTH THE (INTAKE AND EXHAUST REPLACED) THIS IS LISTED IN THE UNSPECIFIED RECALL AND NO ONE NOTIFIED ME ON THIS RECALL I DRIVE THE 2011 128I SERIES COUPE AND THIS COST ME OUT OF POCKET $1,800 DOLLARS TO REPLACE, WHAT I DO NOT UNDERSTAND IS WHY I WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THIS I COULD HAVE BEEN IN A…

Apr 1, 2019 · Electrical system · 55 miles
I BRING IN TO LONGBEACH BMW DEALERS AND THEY MASS UP THE CAR AND THEY WANTED 10,000 DALLORS TO FIXED IT AND I ONLY BRING TO IN FOR RECALLS I DON'T LET ME PICK UP THE CAR

Dec 14, 2018 · Electrical system · 92,000 miles · fire reported
THE CAR WAS MOVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED WITH AC RUNNING. SMOKE PLUMED FROM VENTS AND UNDER FRONT PASSENGER FOOTWELL. ELECTRICAL FIRE STEMMING FROM BLOWER MOTOR FINAL STAGE UNIT AND WIRING HARNESS.

Nov 21, 2018 · Electrical system · 90,000 miles
THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND THE BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR HARNESS BEGAN TO SMOKE HEAVILY. THE A/C STOPPED WORKING. I PULLED OVER AND DISCONNECTED THE WIRING HARNESS AND PULLED THE FUSE. THE WIRES MELTED, THE CONNECTOR MELTED, AND THE RESISTOR IS BROKEN. AFTER SOME RESEARCH I SEE THAT BMW HAS RECALLED OTHER CARS FOR THIS…

Jul 18, 2018 · Fuel/propulsion system · 79,000 miles
THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP HAS FAILED AND BEEN REPLACED MULTIPLE TIMES. IT BEGINS WITH THE CAR TAKING MUCH LONGER TO CRANK AND START. THEN IT COMPLETELY FAILS POTENTIALLY WHILE DRIVING, CREATING A SAFETY ISSUE, OR WILL NO LONGER START. THE HPFP IS EASILY REPLACED WITH JUST 3 BOLTS HOLDING IT TO THE SIDE OF THE MOTOR…

1 Series model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2008	2	18	1	0
2009	1	18	0	0
2010	2	8	0	0
2011	2	33	0	2
2012	1	0	0	0

All BMW 1 Series years →

Questions

Does the 2011 BMW 1 Series have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2011 BMW 1 Series, the most recent reported on October 20, 2023 (Engine and engine cooling: engine). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 BMW 1 Series?: Owners have filed 33 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (15 complaints), followed by electrical system (7).
How many 2011 BMW 1 Series complaints mention a crash or fire?: 0 of 33 complaints report a crash and 2 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received May 1, 2019.