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
- 113
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2011
Opened by NHTSA
27% of complaints
Complaints per year
2011: 113 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 138 |
| 2005 | 103 |
| 2006 | 143 |
| 2007 | 98 |
| 2008 | 66 |
| 2009 | 19 |
| 2010 | 32 |
| 2011 | 113 |
| 2012 | 42 |
| 2013 | 226 |
| 2014 | 86 |
| 2015 | 105 |
| 2016 | 82 |
| 2017 | 92 |
| 2018 | 76 |
| 2019 | 171 |
| 2020 | 110 |
| 2021 | 110 |
| 2022 | 81 |
| 2023 | 15 |
| 2024 | 39 |
| 2025 | 39 |
| 2026 | 21 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
27% · 31 reportsShow 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, 2026-02-20
Engine and engine cooling
21% · 24 reportsMost commonly citing crankcase (pcv) and engine.
Power train
20% · 23 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission.
Show 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, 2018-01-14
Also filed under Vehicle speed control
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, 2011-11-13
Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic
Car would not start, diagnosed that the Cam shaft sensor was not showing a signal. Discovered BMW had a Vanos recall â (Campaign 23V-707) Contacted BMW of North Canton for recall. Dropped of the BMW on Aug 1st.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-05
Electrical system
20% · 23 reportsMost commonly citing starter assembly.
Show 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, 2025-06-20
Electronic power control issue caused the vehicle to loose power steering. After starting and driving the vehicle an alert message showed up saying chassis malfunction and power steering issues.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-03
Also filed under Steering and suspension
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, 2023-10-19
Steering
20% · 23 reportsMost commonly citing electric power assist system.
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2011-08-10Steering11V341000 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…
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…
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R
2016-07-13Child seat16V333000 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.
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R
2018-06-18Engine and engine cooling17V683000 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.
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I
2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
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R
2024-06-19Engine and engine cooling23V707000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2011 BMW X3 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 31 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 24 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 23 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 11V341000 · Steering
- Recall 16V333000 · Child seat
- Recall 17V683000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 23V707000 · Engine and engine cooling
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 27% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2011 BMW X3 have?
- 4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.