- The 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.
- The risk
- Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The 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.
Vehicle safety record
2011 BMW X3 Problems, complaints & recalls
No owner complaints about the 2011 BMW X3 have been filed with NHTSA. It is covered by 4 recalls, the latest in October 2023 for the engine.
NHTSA data checked
BFewer problems than a typical X3 year, for its age
- Complaints
- 0
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
2011 BMW X3 recalls 4
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The 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.
- The 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.
- The 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.
- The 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.
- The risk
- Damaged lower anchor bars may increase the child's risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- The 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.
- The 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.
- The risk
- Sudden loss of power steering assistance could increase the risk of a crash.
- The 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.
What owners say
Be the first X3 owner to share.
Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
No complaints about the 2011 BMW X3 yet
No owner has filed a complaint about this vehicle with NHTSA. If yours has a problem, share it here and report it to NHTSA.
BMW X3: every year compared
All X3 years2011 BMW X3 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 BMW X3 | 0 | 4 | B | |
| 2011 Land Rover Range Rover | 82 | 3 | F | Compare |
| 2011 Land Rover Range Rover Sport | 82 | 2 | D | Compare |
| 2011 Acura MDX | 70 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 2011 Acura RDX | 16 | 2 | A | Compare |
| 2011 Audi Q5 | 0 | 5 | B | Compare |
| 2011 Audi Q7 | 0 | 4 | A | Compare |
| 2011 BMW X5 | 0 | 14 | D | Compare |
| 2011 Volvo XC90 | 0 | 1 | A | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2011 BMW X3
Does the 2011 BMW X3 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2011 BMW X3: engine (October 2023); crankcase (pcv) (October 2017); latch strap (May 2016); electric power assist system (June 2011). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
How many complaints has the 2011 BMW X3 had?
None have been filed with NHTSA so far.
Is the 2011 BMW X3 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 70 out of 100 (grade B: fewer problems than a typical BMW X3 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
What should I do if my 2011 BMW X3 has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data