2011 BMW X3
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 138 |
| 2005 | 103 |
| 2006 | 143 |
| 2007 | 98 |
| 2008 | 66 |
| 2009 | 18 |
| 2010 | 32 |
| 2011 | 111 |
| 2012 | 42 |
| 2013 | 226 |
| 2014 | 84 |
| 2015 | 105 |
| 2016 | 81 |
| 2017 | 92 |
| 2018 | 72 |
| 2019 | 164 |
| 2020 | 106 |
| 2021 | 100 |
| 2022 | 65 |
| 2023 | 10 |
| 2024 | 32 |
| 2025 | 34 |
| 2026 | 14 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
28% of complaints: engine — 31 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
I had my car towed into bmw dealership for a vanos recall repair,it went in for the repair the repair was "done" but before picking it up they told me they were unable to qc/start my engine to verify the repair claiming that because my camshaft...
NHTSA ODI report, 20260220
20% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 22 distinct reports on file.
19% of complaints: power train — 21 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
SUA. I WAS IN A FRIGHTENING ACCIDENT ATTEMPTING TO PARK MY CAR ON THE ROOFTOP OF MY 4 STORY OFFICE BUILDING. I PULLED INTO A SPACE ON THE EDGE OF THE LOT AND CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180114
I PULLED MY CAR INTO MY FLAT GARAGE, PLACED IT IN PARK, TURNED IT OFF AND WENT INTO THE HOUSE. 1 HOUR LATER IT HAD ROLLED OUT INTO THE YARD. IT WAS OFF AND IN PARK.
NHTSA ODI report, 20111113
THE VEHICLE IS HESITATING WHEN SHIFTING FROM FIRST TO SECOND GEAR, CAUSING A LAG IN ACCELERATION, PARTICULARLY ON HILLS OR WHEN STARTING OUT FROM A STOP.
NHTSA ODI report, 20110427
19% of complaints: electrical system — 21 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
The fuse box in trunk caught fire There are tons of these incidences if you search the web Bmw has done nothing I willhope your â safety â agency will. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250620
The contact owns a 2011 BMW X3. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing electrical failures. The contact stated that the door lock pins failed to go up or down while using the key fob.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231019
THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ON THIS VEHICLE NO LONGER FUNCTIONS, IE, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS DON'T WORK, THE HEADLIGHTS OPERATE SPORADICALLY, THE POWER DOOR LOCKS AND POWER WINDOWS DO NOT OPERATE, THE A/C DOESN'T WORK, THE HORN HONKS PERIODICALLY, THE...
NHTSA ODI report, 20120715
18% of complaints: steering — 20 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 X3 PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 27, 2011, THROUGH JUNE 8, 2011. A CONTROL MODULE IN THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING (EPS) UNIT MAY MALFUNCTION, RESU
Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING AUGUST 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800
Campaign 11V341000 — check if this car was fixed
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2011-2017, X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i and X3 xDrive35i, vehicles manufactured July 2, 2010 to April 14, 2016, 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d vehicles manufactured March 10, 2014 to March 31,...
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will weld a reinforcing bracket to the lower anchor bars and the vehicle body, free of charge. The recall began on July 13, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Campaign 16V333000 — check if this car was fixed
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018.
Campaign 17V683000 — check if this car was fixed
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
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.
Campaign 23V707000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2011 BMW X3 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (31 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (22 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (21 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 11V341000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V333000 (child seat) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V683000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V707000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
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WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2011 BMW X3 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 BMW X3 is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2011 BMW X3?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2011 BMW X3 have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.