BMW 335i years to avoid (and the best years)

233 NHTSA owner complaints and 12 recalls across 6 model years, 2010 to 2015. Built from NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, generated October 26, 2026.

233complaints
12recalls
13reported crashes
4reported fires
7reported injuries

Which BMW 335i years should you avoid?

No BMW 335i model year stands out from the others in NHTSA owner complaints. The typical BMW 335i year has 32 complaints on file. The busiest year is the 2011 (97).

What are the best BMW 335i years?

The BMW 335i years with the fewest complaints on file are the 2015 (10), 2014 (20) and 2012 (22). Model years after 2023 are left out: they have not been on the road long enough to compare.

NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these are complaint counts, not a rate per car on the road. A year that sold more cars collects more complaints, and older years have had longer to collect them.

Every model year

Year	Complaints	vs typical year	Recalls	Crashes	Injuries	Our read	Most reported
2015	10	0.3×	3	0	0	Few red flags	Electrical system
2014	20	0.6×	5	2	3	Few red flags	Engine
2013	43	1.4×	2	5	1	Few red flags	Engine
2012	22	0.7×	3	2	1	Few red flags	Airbags
2011	97	3.1×	7	2	1	Some concerns to check	Engine
2010	41	1.3×	4	2	1	Few red flags	Airbags

Most reported problem areas

Share of the 139 complaints sorted by system, all years together.

Engine & powertrain60 (43%)
Airbags & seat belts42 (30%)
Electrical & infotainment19 (14%)
Other systems6 (4%)
Steering, suspension & tires5 (4%)

Recalls (12)

Airbags · 25V871000 · Dec 2025 · model year 2014
An inflator that ruptures may cause sharp metal fragments to enter or exit the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, an inflator that leaks gas may only partially inflate during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Airbags · 24V527000 · Jul 2024 · model years 2014, 2015
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, increasing the risk of injury or death.
Airbags · 24V513000 · Jul 2024 · model years 2010, 2011
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Airbags · 24V288000 · Apr 2024 · model years 2014, 2015
An inflator that ruptures may cause sharp metal fragments to enter or exit the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, an inflator that leaks gas may only partially inflate during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Airbags · 20V017000 · Jan 2020 · model years 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Electrical system · 17V676000 · Oct 2017 · model years 2010, 2011
Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.
Transmission · 17V067000 · Feb 2017 · model year 2011
If the CV joint breaks, the vehicle may have a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.
Exterior lighting · 15V520000 · Aug 2015 · model years 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
If the side marker lights do not illuminate, the vehicle may be less visible at night, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fuel system · 15V189000 · Mar 2015 · model year 2014
If the fuel pump fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Engine · 14V176000 · Apr 2014 · model years 2011, 2012
If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Electrical system · 13V044000 · Feb 2013 · model years 2010, 2011
If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Transmission · 11V476000 · Sep 2011 · model year 2011
IF THE BOLTS LOOSEN, IT COULD LEAD TO A LOSS OF POWER TO THE FRONT WHEELS AND ULTIMATELY A VEHICLE BREAKDOWN, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.