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2011 BMW 5 Series recalls

Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.

4 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026

For the 2011 BMW 5 Series. These apply to the model and year, not to one particular vehicle: check your VIN to see whether yours is included and whether it has been repaired.

Has your BMW been repaired?

Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.

NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. A BMW dealer can also check your VIN. Recall repairs are free.

2011 BMW 5 Series recalls, newest first

October 20, 2023NHTSA 23V707000157,796 vehicles potentially affected

Engine and engine cooling › Engine

Summary
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.
Consequence
Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

April 10, 2012NHTSA 12V1610002,846 vehicles potentially affected

Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Other fuel types › Turbo/supercharger

Summary
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.
Consequence
This could lead to a smoldering of the pump or an engine compartment or vehicle fire.
Remedy
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.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

October 20, 2011NHTSA 11V52100032,084 vehicles potentially affected

Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Other fuel types › Turbo/supercharger

Summary
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.
Consequence
This could lead to a smoldering of the pump or an engine compartment or vehicle fire.
Remedy
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.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

July 22, 2010NHTSA 10V3310006,080 vehicles potentially affected

Fuel system, other › Storage › Fuel gauge system

Summary
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.
Consequence
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.
Remedy
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.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

Owner complaints

Owners have filed 81 complaints about the 2011 BMW 5 Series with NHTSA. Complaints are unverified reports from the public; NHTSA uses them to decide what to investigate.

Crashes reported
2
Fires reported
2
Injuries reported
1
Deaths reported
0

Most complained-about components

  1. Tires30
  2. Steering20
  3. Power train8
  4. Electrical system6
  5. Engine and engine cooling4

Other BMW 5 Series years

Other 2011 BMW models

Most recalled 2011 vehicles

  1. 2011 Blue Bird All American (35 recalls)
  2. 2011 IC Bus CE (26 recalls)
  3. 2011 Spartan Gladiator (26 recalls)
  4. 2011 Freightliner Cascadia (23 recalls)
  5. 2011 Thomas Built Buses SAF-T-Liner HDX (23 recalls)
All of 2011’s most recalled vehicles

Questions

Does the 2011 BMW 5 Series have any recalls?
4 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026, covering: engine and engine cooling, fuel system, other. Recalls apply to the model and year; whether a particular vehicle is included, and whether it has been repaired, depends on its VIN.
How do I check if my 2011 BMW 5 Series recall has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask a BMW dealer. Recall repairs are free. NHTSA's VIN search doesn't list recalls that were already repaired.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2011 BMW 5 Series?
81 complaints filed with NHTSA. Complaints are unverified reports from the public that NHTSA uses to decide what to investigate.