TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL-RELATED SHORT-TERM ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 31 18 dated October 2018.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 BMW 335i airbags problems
severe 43 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,100 · see airbags across all vehicles →
Complaints
43
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,100
2crashes
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 43 airbags complaints filed for the 2011 BMW 335i, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 43 airbags complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Airbags accounts for 30% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 6 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering airbags on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL-RELATED SHORT-TERM ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 31 18 dated October 2018.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TAKATA CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT. CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM. FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG MODULES.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗For the above-referenced vehicles with driver?s side airbag modules, BMW of North America, LLC (?BMW NA?) will provide a Customer Support Program as outlined in the Takata Settlement Customer Support Program Overview attachment. This ?component-specific? customer support program applies only if there is a defect in materials or workmanship of the Takata driver?s side airbag module in a listed vehicle.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗In an effort to improve the completion rate on Takata air bag recall affected vehicles; BMW NA has expanded the BMW Ultimate Rewards platform to include a new Recall Support page. This page will allow IRFs to check their customers VINs for open Takata recalls; and get rewarded for helping us with completing repairs.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2011 BMW 335i airbag cluster shows two major problems. The first is a Takata driver-side inflator recall (16V071) issued February 2016 for excessive internal pressure that may cause rupture and metal fragmentation during deployment. Dozens of owners report waiting 6 to 22+ months for replacement parts with dealers unable to provide completion dates. One dealer was limiting repairs to 10 per day. Some owners waited over a year with no follow-up or notification.
The second is a widespread front passenger occupancy sensor mat failure that triggers warning lights. BMW service personnel told owners this is very common and quoted 1- to 2-year wait lists for replacement, though it is not recalled on 2011 models despite being a known issue on earlier and later model years. One owner had the driver-side recall completed only to have the passenger sensor light activate within months.
Additionally, owners report a passenger restraint system malfunction light that illuminates persistently without a passenger seated. Two collision incidents are documented with mixed results: one showed inadequate airbag cushioning leading to serious facial fractures; another deployed normally but injuries occurred. No fix timeframe or parts availability data is provided by the manufacturer for the sensor issues.
Same BMW 335i airbags reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013
Failure modes owners describe
Takata driver-side front airbag inflator rupture risk (16V071)
During deployment, the inflator may produce excessive internal pressure and rupture, potentially sending metal fragments at occupants. This is a known defect affecting 2011 BMW 335i models across a wide geographic area.
When: Identified February 2016; affects vehicles regardless of mileage
Symptoms owners cite: No symptoms until crash deployment; Excessive internal pressure during inflation; Potential inflator rupture during impact event
Codes mentioned: NHTSA campaign 16V071000, NHTSA recall number 16V-071
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement inflator required; multiple owners report parts unavailable for 6+ months to 22+ months. Some dealers limited to 10 repairs per day, creating months-long wait queues. Dealers report parts on backorder indefinitely. No cost cited; recall repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall Campaign 16V071, issued February 5, 2016. BMW unable to provide timeframes for parts availability. Initial estimate 'beginning of 2017' proved unrealistic. Multiple dealers inform owners parts will not be available for extended periods.
Front passenger occupancy sensor mat failure
The front passenger seat occupancy sensor (OC3) mat fails, triggering a malfunction warning light. Owners report this is a widespread issue across model years and BMW service centers acknowledge it as common. Not included in TSB 10148018 for the 2011 model year.
When: Reported between 48,000 and 103,000 miles; one failure after driver-side recall repair completion
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger-side air bag warning light illumination (intermittent initially, then persistent); Light comes on when parked with no passenger in seat; Malfunction light activates on startup
Codes mentioned: Technical Service Bulletin 10148018 (mentioned as not applicable to 2011), Front Passenger Air Bag Seat Occupancy Sensor (OC3) Mat
Repairs/costs cited: Sensor mat replacement required. Dealer and manufacturer wait-list quoted at 1-2 years or longer. No repair cost cited; described as very common by authorized BMW mechanics.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: BMW service centers acknowledge as very common problem. Not yet recalled on 2011 models despite being a known issue on earlier model years (2006, 2008). Owner states manufacturer has identified same issue on previous models but not issued recall for 2011.
Inadequate airbag deployment
During a collision, the driver-side airbag deployed but with insufficient force or speed, providing inadequate protection. Occupant sustained serious facial injuries requiring reconstructive surgery despite airbag deployment.
When: Single documented crash event at unknown speed
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag barely deployed from steering wheel; Plastic components struck occupant face; Insufficient cushioning to prevent facial trauma
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle was totaled. Occupant required facial reconstructive surgery including titanium implants for orbital floor and cheekbone repair.
Passenger restraint system malfunction warning light
Warning light for passenger restraint system illuminates persistently and at random, even when no passenger is seated. Issue correlates with earlier model year complaints (2006, 2008) involving cracked sensors but not recalled for 2011 models.
When: Ongoing; no specific mileage provided
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger restraint system malfunction notice appears at random; Light stays on continuously without passenger in seat; Persistent warning state
Repairs/costs cited: No repair performed or cost cited.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued. Owner notes same issue identified on BMW sports seats from 2006–2008 models and posted complaints for 2012 models. Manufacturer has not reviewed reoccurrence in 2011 model.
Crash-deployment airbag performance during collision
Vehicle collided into a tree. Airbags deployed during the impact. Occupant sustained multiple injuries including concussion, hand/finger fractures, and possible partially deflated lung.
When: Single documented collision at approximately 48,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Airbags deployed on impact; Occupant injuries: right-hand cuts, right pinky finger fracture, concussion, possible partially deflated lung
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed for collision assessment; final status (total loss or repairable) not determined in complaint.
Synthesized from 43 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
Takata recall : since february dealer has been unable to supply part and cannot provide a date repair can be made. I live in hot humid climate and car remains outside. If I die it will be one in a long list of fatalities. Don't want to be a statistic.
Takata recall I have contacted two BMW retailers in my area asking to schedule an appointment to have my airbags replaced and both responses were "we don't have the part but will order it and call you back when ready to schedule the replacement". I haven't heard back from either and I contacted BMW mountain view over 9 months ago and BMW peter pan over 4 months ago. I am deeply concerned for…
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 BMW 335i. While driving at an unknown speed, the contact's vehicle collided into a tree without warning. The air bags deployed. A police report was filed. The contact declined assistance from the emt, but went to an urgent care. Facility for cuts to the right hand, fracture to the right pinky finger, a concussion, an unknown partially deflated lung, and inconclusive…
This recall came out in feb 2016 and the estimated resolution is "beginning of 2017" my vehicle requires shipment to the uk and the shipping company won't do it unless the recall is complete or I receive a letter saying it's safe to ship, which BMW won't provide, but it's safe enough for me to drive for 9 months?
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 BMW 335i us. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v071000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms…
Takata recall. Recalled february 2016, and still no repair available.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 BMW 335. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v071000 (air bags) and stated that the part was not available within a reasonable time frame to schedule the recall repair. The interim recall notification did not give a specific date for when the part would become available. The manufacturer could not provide an estimated date for…
Had airbags trouble with your 2011 BMW 335i?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the airbags problem on the 2011 BMW 335i?
It's a meaningful issue. 43 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,100.
At what mileage does the airbags typically fail?
Based on the 43 complaints filed, airbags issues most often appear around 59,286 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,100 for airbags repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to airbags?
No active recalls currently cover airbags issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2011/BMW/335i.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.