2011 BMW 1 Series
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 1 |
| 2001 | 1 |
| 2002 | 1 |
| 2003 | 1 |
| 2004 | 3 |
| 2005 | 3 |
| 2006 | 5 |
| 2007 | 6 |
| 2008 | 18 |
| 2009 | 18 |
| 2010 | 8 |
| 2011 | 33 |
| 2012 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
45% of complaints: air bags — 15 distinct reports on file.
21% of complaints: electrical system — 7 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20181214
I OWN A 2011 BMW 128I. ON 7/5, MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE WHEN IT SUFFERED A TOTAL ELECTRONIC FAILURE. SHE WAS UNABLE TO SEE HOW FAST SHE WAS TRAVELING DUE TO THE FACT, THE SPEEDOMETER FAILED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120710
12% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 4 distinct reports on file.
12% of complaints: engine — 4 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20181214
THE CAR HAS STALLED OVER 600 TIMES IN 4 YEARS. THE CAR HAS FAILED TO START 4 TIMES. BMW FAILED TO REPLACE THE BATTERY CABLE FOR 2 YEARS -- EVEN AFTER THE BATTERY CAUGHT ON FIRE AT A GAS STATION PUMP.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150612
9% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 3 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
I OWN A 2011 BMW 128I. ON 7/5, MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE WHEN IT SUFFERED A TOTAL ELECTRONIC FAILURE. SHE WAS UNABLE TO SEE HOW FAST SHE WAS TRAVELING DUE TO THE FACT, THE SPEEDOMETER FAILED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120710
TL*THE CONTACT TEST DROVE A 2011 BMW 135I. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE THROTTLE WAS OPEN AFTER DRIVING FOUR MILES AND THE SPEED INCREASED UP TO 80 MPH.
NHTSA ODI report, 20100706
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Remedy: 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 AN
Campaign 10V254000 — check if this car was fixed
This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by Valeo. Valeo is recalling certain engine cooling fans, part numbers 696121, 696273, and 696275, used as service replacement parts for model year 2008-20
Remedy: Valeo will notify owners and replace the fans free of charge. The safety recall began on August 22, 2012. This recall is being conducted by Valeo, not by BMW. For further information, owners may co
Campaign 12E029000 — check if this car was fixed
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,...
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 23V707000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2011 BMW 1 Series — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 10V254000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 12E029000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V707000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2011 BMW 1 Series reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 BMW 1 Series?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 45% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2011 BMW 1 Series have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.