Is the 2011 BMW X6 reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 2011 BMW X6?

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 48% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2011 BMW X6 have?

11 recalls on file for this model year.

2011 BMW X6

○ Not enough data

2011 BMW X6
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:51:19.726Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 31
Recalls: 11
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Engine

Complaints per year

2011: 31 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2006	1
2007	1
2008	4
2009	19
2010	15
2011	31
2012	32
2013	25
2014	11
2015	9
2016	9
2017	3
2018	4
2019	5
2020	9
2021	7
2022	3
2023	1
2024	9
2025	1
2026	3

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine

48% · 15 reports

FIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

I returned home from shopping at local store 15 miles away. Arrived home around 11:30pm on June 3. Unloaded groceries and sat down. Around 11:45pm-11:50pm heard yelling from outside that our car was on fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-06-05

Hi my name is [xxx] I bought a BMW X6 5.0 2011 I've been having a lot of problems with my SUV!

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-11-07

The contact owns a 2011 BMW X6. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-03-25

Power train

32% · 10 reports

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

My BMW X6 5.0I sport almost started on fire, I been having a lot of problems with my car just yesterday my water pump went bad and I only have 48,000 mile on my car, since I bought the car last year the water pump been making noises!!

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-08-17

Also filed under Engine and engine cooling

Suspension

10% · 3 reports

Show complaint excerpts

After the car is been driven under a snow storm , when the snow is not clear have to drive to wrk 1 hour away , the next day once all snow is clear the car tends to shake very bad , every time the same when u hit 30MPH shakes violently like the car...

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-01-26

Fuel/propulsion system

10% · 3 reports

Electrical system

10% · 3 reports

FIRE

Safety timeline

11 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2010-10-08Equipment10V233000 BMW is recalling certain model year 2011 X5 SAV and X6 SAV passenger vehicles manufactured from April 1 through May 8, 2010. The tire label does not conform to the requirements of federal motor…

Remedy: BMW will notify owners and provide correct labels free of charge. The owner will have the option to affix the label themselves or they may take their vehicle to a BMW dealer who will affix the…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2011-12-19Engine and engine cooling11V521000 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…

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…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2016-07-08Power train16V311000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2011 X5 xDrive 35i, xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles manufactured April 5, 2010, to November 20, 2010, 2011 X5 xDrive35d diesel vehicles manufactured April...

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began on July 8, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2017-02-08Fuel system, gasoline16V746000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 BMW X5 3.0si, X5 4.8i, X5 M, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i and X5 xDrive50i, 2008-2011 X6 x Drive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 535i xDrive...

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2017-04-18Power train17V138000 BMW of North America, LLC, (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2013 X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M and X5 xDrive35d vehicles, 2011-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles, and 2011 x6 ActiveHybrid Vehicles.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began on April 18, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2017-07-28Air bags16V364000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5M vehicles, 2009-2011 X5 xDrive35d vehicles, 2008-2011 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M vehicles, and 2010-2011...

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or air bag module, free of charge. The recall began July 28, 2017.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2018-03-09Air bags18V030000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, 2009-2010 X5 xDrive35d vehicles and 2009-2013 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles ever registered in the states of...

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front air bag module, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 2018.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2018-06-15Engine and engine cooling18V248000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 BMW 550i, 550i xDrive, 550i Gran Turismo, 550i Gran Turismo xDrive, 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, ActiveHybrid7, MINI Cooper S...

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric auxiliary water pump, free of charge. Depending on the model, there are currently limited parts available, however not all parts are available at this time.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2019-03-14Air bags19V017000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M vehicles, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M vehicles, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d vehicles and 2010-2011 X6...

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2020-03-11Air bags20V016000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009-2012 X5 xDrive35d, 2008-2012 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M, 2007-2012 X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M and 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid...

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until this remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front air bag, free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2020-03-11Air bags20V017000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is,...

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2011 BMW X6 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Engine: 15 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 10 reports on file for this year.
Suspension: 3 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 10V233000 · Equipment
Recall 11V521000 · Engine and engine cooling
Recall 16V311000 · Power train
Recall 16V746000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 17V138000 · Power train
Recall 16V364000 · Air bags
Recall 18V030000 · Air bags
Recall 18V248000 · Engine and engine cooling
Recall 19V017000 · Air bags
Recall 20V016000 · Air bags
Recall 20V017000 · Air bags

FAQ

Is the 2011 BMW X6 reliable?: There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 BMW X6?: The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 48% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2011 BMW X6 have?: 11 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.