MYRModel Year Report

2011 BMW 1 Series

○ Not enough data
2011 BMW 1 Series
RENDERED 2026-11-01T11:37:45.377Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
33
Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 2011

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Air bags

45% of complaints

Complaints per year

2000: 1 complaint 2000 2001: 1 complaint 2002: 1 complaint 2002 2003: 1 complaint 2004: 3 complaints 2004 2005: 3 complaints 2006: 5 complaints 2006 2007: 6 complaints 2008: 18 complaints 2008 2009: 18 complaints 2010: 8 complaints 2011: 33 complaints 2011 33 2012: 0 complaints
2000: 1 complaint 2000 2001: 1 complaint 2001 2002: 1 complaint 2002 2003: 1 complaint 2003 2004: 3 complaints 2004 2005: 3 complaints 2005 2006: 5 complaints 2006 2007: 6 complaints 2007 2008: 18 complaints 2008 2009: 18 complaints 2009 2010: 8 complaints 2010 2011: 33 complaints 2011 33 2012: 0 complaints 2012
2000: 1 complaint 2000 2001: 1 complaint 2001 2002: 1 complaint 2002 2003: 1 complaint 2003 2004: 3 complaints 2004 2005: 3 complaints 2005 2006: 5 complaints 2006 2007: 6 complaints 2007 2008: 18 complaints 2008 2009: 18 complaints 2009 2010: 8 complaints 2010 2011: 33 complaints 2011 33 2012: 0 complaints 2012

2011: 33 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
20001
20011
20021
20031
20043
20053
20065
20076
200818
200918
20108
201133
20120

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Air bags

45% · 15 reports

Electrical system

21% · 7 reports
FIRE
Show 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, 2018-12-14

Also filed under Engine

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, 2012-07-10

Also filed under Vehicle speed control

Fuel/propulsion system

12% · 4 reports

Engine

12% · 4 reports
FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

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, 2015-06-12

Vehicle speed control

9% · 3 reports
Show complaint excerpts

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, 2010-07-06

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2010-08-23Seat belts10V254000 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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    2012-08-22Engine and engine cooling12E029000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    2024-06-19Engine and engine cooling23V707000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2011 BMW 1 Series — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Air bags: 15 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 7 reports on file for this year.
  • Fuel/propulsion system: 4 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 10V254000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 12E029000 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 23V707000 · Engine and engine cooling
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.