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 M3 recalls
Air bags: frontal, driver side, inflator module
NHTSA campaign 20V017000 · reported January 15, 2020 · BMW of North America, LLC · 59,965 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
- The risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Electrical system: wiring, fuses and circuit breakers · Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery, cables · Electrical system
NHTSA campaign 19V472000 · reported June 19, 2019 · BMW of North America, LLC · 16,641 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009 328i and 328xi, 2009-2011 335d, 2008-2012 M3 Coupe and M3 Convertible, and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. The connection of the positive battery cable at the fuse box terminal may degrade, resulting in an intermittent loss of electrical power.
- The risk
- A loss of electrical power can cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace and secure the positive battery cable connector, free of charge. The recall began August 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion of a previous recall, number 18V-314.
Electrical system: wiring
NHTSA campaign 17V676000 · reported October 25, 2017 · BMW of North America, LLC · 702,965 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi and M3, 2007-2011 328i xDrive, 335i xDrive and 335is and 2009-2011 335d vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors for the system that controls air flow for the heating and air conditioning system may overheat.
- The risk
- Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.
- The fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiring and electrical connectors, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Air bags: frontal, driver side, inflator module
NHTSA campaign 16V071000 · reported February 5, 2016 · BMW of North America, LLC · 840,000 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive, 335is and M3 Coupes and Convertibles, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i SAVs, 2007-2010 X3 xDrive30i SAVs, 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M SAVs, 2009-2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d SAVs, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M SACs, 2010-2011 BMW X6 xDrive50i SACs and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
- The 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 occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
What owners report
Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.
Sep 5, 2023 · Engine
Starting from a traffic light at Woodlands Parkway and Gosling Road in the Woodlands, TX - Vehicle accelerated normally during shifting from 1st to 2nd gear. When shifting from 2nd to 3rd - Engine RPM went to ZERO and vehicle suddenly lost all power and died. There was a large Ford F150 behind the car. Thankfully, I…
Oct 13, 2022 · Service brakes
When I put the battery terminals after swapping a new battery, my FRM got damaged. No brake or head lights are working, no turn signals, no windows moving etc. It's a safety issue on the road
Jan 29, 2021 · Electrical system · 52,000 miles
I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY ACCELERATING WHEN I HIT APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH MY CAR WAS MAKING A LOUD REVVING SOUND AND METAL CLANKING SOUND IN MIDDLE AND SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE FRONT AND BACK OF THE VEHICLE VERY THICK WHITE SMOKE ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CAR SLOWED DOWN AND ALL THE LIGHTS WERE BLINKING ON THE DASH ALMOST…
Sep 15, 2020 · Air bags · 65,699 miles
BETWEEN 11/04/16 AND 11/08/16 I LEFT MY VEHICLE WITH REEVES BMW DEALERSHIP IN TAMPA, FL FOR THE TAKATA AIRBAG RECALL WHICH THEY TOLD ME THEY COMPLETED. I CONTINUED TO GET WARNING LETTERS FROM THE NHTSA FOR THIS RECALL AND RECENTLY I BROUGHT MY CAR TO A DIFFERENT BMW DEALERSHIP WHICH TOLD ME THE REEVES BMW DEALERSHIP…
Apr 29, 2020 · Service brakes · 73,800 miles
WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF, AND THE TRANSMISSION WENT INTO NEUTRAL. I IMMEDIATELY TURNED THE CAR BACK ON, AND PULLED TO A STOP SIGN. I GAVE MY CAR A FEW REVS JUST TO MAKE SURE EVERYTHING WAS FINE. EVERYTHING SEEMED TO CHECK OUT, SO I CONTINUE DRIVING. WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 40MPH AND STRAIGHT…
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received September 5, 2023.