2011 BMW 1 Series Problems
- Complaints
- 33filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 24,974miles, 21 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2011 BMW 1 Series (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
NHTSA recorded 33 consumer complaints for the 2011 BMW 1 Series. The part named most often is air bags, with 15 complaints (45% of the total), followed by electrical system (7) and fuel system (5). 21 of the complaints include a mileage, and 67% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 24,974 miles. Of all complaints, 2 a fire, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 145 technical service bulletins for this model year. Air bags complaints overlap with 8 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Electrical system complaints overlap with 52 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Air bags15 45%
- Electrical system7 21%
- Fuel system5 15%
- Engine4 12%
- Vehicle speed control3 9.1%
- Equipment2 6.1%
- Other or unknown2 6.1%
- Body and structure2 6.1%
- Brakes1 3.0%
- Exterior lighting1 3.0%
Also reported: Transmission and drivetrain (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Air bags: “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 serious accident and also I have 2 other recall issues that are happening to my car the air bag the signal keeps coming on and off and also the pcv valve off and on I smell something burning I do hope someone can contact me so I can get these recalls fix now I am really scared…”
NHTSA complaint #11204967, filed 2019-05, 140,000 milesElectrical system: “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 exact same issue, but not the 1 SERIES.”
NHTSA complaint #11153013, filed 2018-11, 90,000 milesFuel system: “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”
NHTSA complaint #11193250, filed 2019-04, 55 milesEngine: “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. The car can only be moved with wheel trollies, since you cannot put the car in neutral or even open the trunk (battery in trunk) due to no manually key override tumble for either. Bmw has charged me for labor and two batteries, even though they admit to failing to honor the recall and performing said repairs. The car is dangerous, and my wife is afraid to drive the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10725065, filed 2015-06, 80 milesMileage when problems were reported
67% of the 21 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 10,000 and 59,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Recalls and investigations
- 23V707000Oct 20, 2023Engine and engine cooling › EngineCovers: BMW 1 Series 2010–2012, 3 Series 2010–2012, X5 2010–2011 +3 more
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…
- 10V254000Jun 10, 2010Seat belts › Front › RetractorCovers: BMW 1 Series 2008–2011
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.
Recall details for the 2011 BMW 1 Series → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 145 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11015849Mar 13, 2025Electrical system. The Footwell Module (FRM) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been supplementarily increased to 15 years / 186,000 miles as determined from the original first…
- 11014417Feb 20, 2025Electrical system. The Footwell Module (FRM) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been supplementarily increased to 15 years / 240,000 miles as determined from the original first…
- 10249027Jan 11, 2024Electrical system. The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers…
- 10240305Aug 2, 2023Suspension, Equipment, Steering. Spl Parts, Inc. communications index accompanying MCP uploads 23mc40464 & 23mc40471
- 10240273Jul 17, 2023Equipment, Suspension, Steering. This is the companion to SPL Parts, Inc.'s SB 23-01 mailed by private label independent distributor Turner Motorsports.
- 10240266Jul 14, 2023Suspension, Steering, Equipment. SPL Parts, Inc. manufacturers and distributes aftermarket lower control arms for dedicated competition vehicles and "track day" cars some of which may be used on both track and highway. SB 23-01…
- 10194296Apr 1, 2021Steering, Brakes. Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles: 1. Visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses during rapid heating and cooling of the brake discs. Braking from high speed with…
- 10175267Apr 1, 2020Electrical system, Transmission and drivetrain. Power Reduction FC2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC2 A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Fault: The "Service Engine Soon" (MIL) lamp is illuminated and engine power reduction is perceived. This situation can occur…
- 10162434Jul 12, 2019Equipment. Service Action: CIC - Install Navigation Road Map Database 2013. Before delivering affected vehicles to the customer, the Car Information Computer (CIC) road map database 2013 must be installed onto…
- 10162431Jul 10, 2019Electrical system. "Erroneous CC Message "Remote control! Do not switch off the engine" is Displayed. An erroneous CC message, "Remote control!" " Do not switch off the engine" is displayed in the Central Information…
Other model years of the BMW 1 Series
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 33 | 24,974 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Stable |
| 2010 | 8 | 25,000 | 2 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2009 | 18 | 35,818 | 1 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 2008 | 18 | 71,000 | 2 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 2007 | 6 | 78,750 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2006 | 5 | 62,500 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2011 BMW 1 Series have?
NHTSA recorded 33 consumer complaints for the 2011 BMW 1 Series as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2011 BMW 1 Series is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 15 complaints (45% of the total), followed by electrical system with 7.
Has the 2011 BMW 1 Series been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 2011 BMW 1 Series reported?
Among the 21 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 24,974 miles and the middle half falls between 10,000 and 59,000 miles; 67% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.