Does the 2011 BMW X3 SAV have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2011 BMW X3 SAV, the most recent reported on April 10, 2014 (Engine and engine cooling: engine). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2011 BMW X3 SAV?

Owners have filed 13 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (4 complaints), followed by air bags (3).

How many 2011 BMW X3 SAV complaints mention a crash or fire?

0 of 13 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2011 BMW X3 SAV recalls and problems

1 recall and 13 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2011 BMW X3 SAV.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2011 BMW X3 SAV recalls

Engine and engine cooling: engine

NHTSA campaign 14V176000 · reported April 10, 2014 · BMW of North America, LLC · 156,137 vehicles potentially affected

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

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Engine4
Air bags3
Steering3
Power train2
Unknown or other2
Electrical system1
Exterior lighting1
Seats1
Structure1

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

May 13, 2019 · Steering · 79,000 miles
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…

Apr 19, 2019 · Air bags
NOTHING HAPPENED (YET) BUT BMW SERVICE TELLS ME THERE'S NO RECALLS THAT NEED TO BE TAKEN CARE OF ON MY VEHICLE

Mar 5, 2019 · Engine · 64,000 miles
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…

Sep 27, 2018 · Steering · 70,000 miles
SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING

May 22, 2018 · Air bags · 68,900 miles
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…

X3 SAV model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2008	2	56	1	1
2009	2	16	0	2
2010	3	23	1	1
2011	1	13	0	0
2012	0	6	1	0

Across all years, the 2007 X3 SAV has the most complaints (160). All BMW X3 SAV years →

Questions

Does the 2011 BMW X3 SAV have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2011 BMW X3 SAV, the most recent reported on April 10, 2014 (Engine and engine cooling: engine). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 BMW X3 SAV?: Owners have filed 13 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (4 complaints), followed by air bags (3).
How many 2011 BMW X3 SAV complaints mention a crash or fire?: 0 of 13 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received May 13, 2019.