2011 BMW X3: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2011 BMW X3: 4 recalls, 113 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Steering Vehicle recall #11V341000 · 2011 · 51 vehicles
What's wrong: A control module in the electric power steering (eps) unit May malfunction, resulting in a sudden loss of power steering assistance.
Why it matters: 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.
Child seat Vehicle recall #16V333000 · 2016 · 188,668 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #17V683000 · 2017 · 740,561 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #23V707000 · 2023 · 157,796 vehicles
What's wrong: The aluminum bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (vanos) unit can loosen over time and possibly break.
Why it matters: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 3 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (31): the most common themes are warning light on (9), stalls / loses power (6), electrical failure (5).
- Engine & cooling (24): the most common themes are warning light on (10), stalls / loses power (6), electrical failure (3).
- Transmission & drivetrain (23): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (6), warning light on (5), noise or vibration (3).
- Electrical (22): the most common themes are electrical failure (10), door / lock issues (7).
The 2011 BMW X3 has 113 owner complaints, ranking #5 of 23 X3 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 87). Complaints peaked in 2018 (24 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 73,500 miles. Neighboring years: 2010 (32 complaints, 4 recalls), 2012 (42 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 25 | 21 | Premium |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 21 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2011 BMW X3.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2011 BMW X3 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2011 BMW X3. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2011 BMW X3 problems?
Owners have filed 113 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (31), engine & cooling (24), transmission & drivetrain (23).
What gas mileage does the 2011 BMW X3 get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (3.0 L, Automatic (S8)), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2011 BMW X3 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.