2011 BMW X3 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
40/100
#10 most-complained of 16 X3 years
The 2011 BMW X3 has a Complaint Index of 40 and ranks 10th worst out of 16 model years, earning a
- Complaints
- 125
- Recalls
- 5
- Crashes / fires
- 3 / 3
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 19 city / 25.5 hwy
Top 2011 BMW X3 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine61 (49%)
- Electrical System30 (24%)
- Steering24 (19%)
- Transmission & Powertrain24 (19%)
- Other9 (7%)
- Airbags8 (6%)
- Brakes6 (5%)
- Structure & Body3 (2%)
- Fuel System2 (2%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (2%)
What owners report
- Engine loses power while driving and displays a warning icon telling the driver to check the drivetrain system.
- Some vehicles have caught fire in the engine compartment hours after being parked, with flames reported 20-30 feet high.
- Transmission hesitates when shifting from first to second gear, causing a lag in acceleration on hills or from a stop.
- Electric power steering assist cuts out, with one owner reporting a malfunction similar to the steering recall despite BMW stating the vehicle was not covered by that recall.
- Vehicle veers abnormally to the right at various speeds, and dealers were unable to diagnose the cause.
2011 BMW X3 recalls
5 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V707000Oct 20, 2023Engine157,796 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine
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, and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The aluminum bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and possibly break.
Risk: Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- NHTSA 17V683000Oct 30, 2017Engine740,561 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:crankcase (pcv)
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. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Risk: An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
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. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- NHTSA 16V333000May 23, 2016Other188,668 vehicles
Child seat:latch strap
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, 2016, and 2015-2017 x4 xDrive28i, X4 xDrive35i and X4 xDriveM40i vehicles manufactured March3, 2014 to April 15, 2016. The affected vehicles have lower anchor bars for securing child restraint seats that may become damaged when using the European-ISOFIX-type, rigid-style connector, child restraint system.
Risk: Damaged lower anchor bars may increase the child's risk of injury in the event of a crash.
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.
2011 BMW X3 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 19 MPG
- Highway
- 25.5 MPG
- Combined
- 21 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,800
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2011 compared with other X3 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2011 BMW X3 reliable?
- NHTSA lists 125 complaints and a Complaint Index of 40 for the 2011 X3, which ranks 10th worst among 16 model years and earns a Good verdict relative to other X3 years.
- What is the top problem area for the 2011 BMW X3?
- Engine complaints make up 49% of all reports (61 of 125), with a median failure mileage of 76,000 miles, making it the top problem area.
- Does the 2011 BMW X3 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2011 X3, covering the engine (VANOS bolts and PCV valve heater), steering (electric power steering control module), and a body reinforcement bracket. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2011 X3 compare to other years?
- The 2011 X3's Complaint Index of 40 is far below the worst year, 2013, which has an index of 100 and an Avoid verdict, and above the best years like 2012 (index 7) and 2023 (index 0).