2011 BMW X3 recalls and problems
The 2011 BMW X3 has 4 safety recalls and 113 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2011 BMW X3 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2011 BMW X3 recalls
Recall 23V-707: Engine and Engine Cooling
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Recall 17V-683: Engine and Engine Cooling
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Recall 16V-333: Child Seat
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Recall 11V-341: Steering
Problem: 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, resulting in a sudden loss of power steering assistance.
Risk: Sudden loss of power steering assistance could increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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 1-800-525-7417.
2011 BMW X3 problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 31 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 24 | |
| Power Train | 23 | |
| Steering | 23 | |
| Electrical System | 23 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 10 | |
| Unknown or Other | 7 | |
| Air Bags | 6 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 5 | |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | 4 | |
| Service Brakes | 3 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 |
Most reported parts
- Steering › Electric Power Assist System — 2
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 1
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 1
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (Pcv) — 1
- Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger — 1
- Electrical System › Starter Assembly — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 75,000 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 complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other BMW X3 years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2011 BMW X3 have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2011 BMW X3: 23V-707 (engine and engine cooling), 17V-683 (engine and engine cooling), 16V-333 (child seat), 11V-341 (steering). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2011 BMW X3?
Owners report engine problems most often (31 reports), followed by engine and engine cooling (24). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 75,000 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.