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 5 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.
Engine and engine cooling: engine, other fuel types, turbo/supercharger
NHTSA campaign 12V161000 · reported April 10, 2012 · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC · 2,846 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- Bmw is recalling certain model year 2011 5-series, 5-series gran turismo, model year 2012 6-series convertible, 7-series, x5 sav, and x6 sav vehicles equipped with 8- or 12-cylinder, turbocharged, engines because the circuit board for the electric auxiliary water pump can overheat.
- The risk
- This could lead to a smoldering of the pump or an engine compartment or vehicle fire.
- The fix
- Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the auxiliary water pump free of charge. The safety recall began on april 30, 2012. Owners may contact bmw customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417.
Engine and engine cooling: engine, other fuel types, turbo/supercharger
NHTSA campaign 11V521000 · reported October 20, 2011 · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC · 32,084 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- Bmw is recalling certain model year 2011 5-series, model year 2010-2011 5-series gran turismo, model year 2009-2011 7-series, model year 2010-2011 x5 sav, and model year 2008-2011 x6 sav vehicles equipped with 8- or 12-cylinder, turbocharged, engines because the circuit board for the electric auxiliary water pump can overheat.
- The risk
- This could lead to a smoldering of the pump or an engine compartment or vehicle fire.
- The fix
- Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the auxiliary water pump free of charge. The safety recall began on december 19, 2011. Owners may contact bmw customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417.
Fuel system, other: storage, fuel gauge system
NHTSA campaign 10V331000 · reported July 22, 2010 · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC · 6,080 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- Bmw is recalling certain 2010 and 2011 5-series and 5-series gran turismo passenger vehicles manufactured from january 12 through july 1, 2010. The vehicle's fuel level sensor within the fuel tank can become wedged against the tank.
- The risk
- If this occurs, the fuel gauge in the instrument cluster would display a larger amount of fuel than was actually in the tank. As a result, if the tank became empty, the vehicle could stall increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Bmw will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on october 18, 2010. Owners may contact bmw at 1-800-525-7417.
What owners report
Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.
Mar 21, 2023 · Engine and engine cooling · 67,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 5 Series. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed as a camshaft failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number- 14V176000 ( Engine and Engine…
Jun 19, 2019 · Visibility · 38,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 5-SERIES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION IN WHICH THE VENT CONTROLS FAILED TO FUNCTION FOR THE AIR CONDITIONER AND HEATER. DUE TO THE EXTREME TEMPERATURES, THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN. BMW OF WILMINGTON (4920 NEW CENTRE DR, WILMINGTON, NC 28403…
Mar 26, 2019 · Electrical system · 37,846 miles
WHILE DRIVING WITH AC ON SMOKE STARTED COMING HEAVILY FOR THE INTERIOR AC VENTS. A VERY TOXIC SMOKE, WITH ELECTRICAL SMELL. I NOTICED THE BMW 3 SERIES HAS A RECALL ON ELECTRICAL BLOWER PROBLEM. I THINK MY CAR HAS THE SAME ISSUE.
Dec 1, 2018 · Engine · 89,000 miles
WHILE MAKE TURNS WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AXEL MAKES POPPING NOISE AND STEERING WHEEL JERKS VIOLENTLY. TOOK TO SHOP THEY SAID NOTHING FOUND WRONG WITH CAR. CV AXEL REPLACED ON BOTH SIDES PROBLEM STILL PERSISTS.ALSO NOT EVEN 10K MILES THE CAR WENT THRU 2 BELT TENSIONER CAUSING THE DRIVE BELT TO SNAP/TEAR.
Apr 5, 2018 · Steering
A FEW DAYS BACK MY STEERING WHEEL STARTED MAKING A SQUEAKY NOISE LIKE ONE OF THE RUBBERS HAVE GONE BAD IN THE STEERING COLUMN. MY CAR HAS APPROXIMATELY 55K MILES ON IT AND IS MAJORLY GARAGE KEPT. I RESEARCHED ONLINE AND THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINS OF THE SAME ISSUE. YOU CAN SEE AN EXAMPLE AT…
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received March 21, 2023.