2011 BMW X3 SAV recalls and problems

The 2011 BMW X3 SAV has 1 safety recall and 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

0 / 0

Injuries / deaths

0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2011 BMW X3 SAV vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2011 BMW X3 SAV recalls

Recall 14V-176: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Apr 10, 2014 · 156,137 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 128i Coupe, 128i Convertible, 328i Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 328i Coupe, 328i Convertible, 328i Sports Wagon and Z4 sDrive 30i, 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 135i Convertible, 335i Sedan, X5 xDrive 35i, and X6 xDrive 35i, 2011 335i xDrive Sedan, 335i Coupe, 335i Convertible, 528i Sedan, 535i Sedan, 535i xDrive Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, and X3 xDrive 35i, 2010 X3 xDrive 30i, and X5 xDrive 30i, 2012 640i Coupe, and 640i Convertible and 2010-2012 535i Gran Turismo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and may possibly break.

Risk: If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four VANOS housing bolts for both VANOS units (intake and exhaust), free of charge. In addition, owners of approximately 170,172 model year 2010-2012 BMW vehicles equipped with inline 6 cylinder engines not covered by this recall, will receive an extended warranty to address this condition. The recall began on September 24, 2014. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.

2011 BMW X3 SAV problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Engine	4
Steering	3
Air Bags	3
Power Train	2
Unknown or Other	2
Seats	1
Structure	1
Electrical System	1
Exterior Lighting	1

Most reported parts

Structure › Body — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 68,900 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2011 BMW X3 SAV complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Steering · at 79,000 miles · reported May 13, 2019

Steering is "sticky" when trying to move from the center position in my 2011 bmw x3 35i-- during highway driving when the steering wheel is used to keep the vehicle in the current lane of travel, higher than normal resistance to turning is felt. Once the initial resistance is overcome, the resistance lessens, resulting in a tendency to turn the wheel further than was intended. This makes it difficult to keep the car centered in my lane and results in the car jerking from side to side which makes it dangerous and stressful. Tires and alignment are all very good and wearing correctly.

Engine · at 64,000 miles · reported Mar 5, 2019

The coolant system is giving me many problems. The coolant expansion tank developed cracks in the seam and leaking. The thermostat was stuck, causing zero heat into the cabin on a cold day. The vehicle stalled on its own while driving in the highway. It would not re start the ignition kept trying, and after 20 minutes stalled it finally started, limp driving to my house from there. . The display reads drive moderately /drivetrain malfunction.

Air Bags · at 68,900 miles · reported May 22, 2018

Only have my car for only a year. Taillight from passenger side: the running light defects when I hit the brake the brake light comes on. I was told I need to replace the whole assembly light and this is well known for this car. Yesterday, while I was driving. My driver restraint light came on and my A/C or temperature control stopped working, and control display stopped working. I AM not able to move the driver seat. Just brought in to the dealer for the pcv valve heater recall service. Was told this may solve the issues and may not. If not, there should be a recall for the taillight, airbag…

Structure · reported Dec 27, 2017

In the summer of 2014, the panoramic moon roof exploded for no reason. While driving to work, with the moon roof shade closed,there was a very loud "bang". After safely pulling to the side of the road, an inspection revealed no evident damage to the vehicle. After pulling into the lot at work, a "raining' sound was coming from the roof. As soon as the shade was opened, shattered glass fell into the cab of the car. An internet search revealed that this was not an isolated case. It was driven to the dealer and the repair was done at no cost after some intense conversation with management. The…

Unknown or Other · at 80,120 miles · reported Apr 6, 2017

As temperature gauge rises above first hash mark a warning comes on the screen car running hot drive slow and get serviced. Once temp reaches before the mid-point which is 250 so at about 230 to 240 degrees the car looses all power. Putting the pedal to the floor it down shifts engine races and car goes no where slows down to 10 MPH this is really dangerous when there is nowhere to pull over in traffic. Car should not be programmed to cut power in this condition had my wife all freaked out.

Other BMW X3 SAV years

201220112010 2009 2008 2007

Compare all BMW X3 SAV years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2011 BMW X3 SAV have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2011 BMW X3 SAV: 14V-176 (engine and engine cooling). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2011 BMW X3 SAV?

Owners report engine problems most often (4 reports), followed by steering (3). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 68,900 miles.

Are BMW recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized BMW dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.