CarRecallWatchThe 2011 BMW X3 has 4 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 113 complaints with NHTSA, including 3 crashes, 3 fires, 1 injury.
The most-reported problem area is Engine (31 reports).
2011 BMW X3 recalls
Loose VANOS Bolts Can Cause Engine Stall and Crash Risk
The aluminum bolts that hold the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and may break.
PCV Valve Heater Can Short and Cause a Fire
The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Child seat anchor bars may be damaged, raising injury risk
Certain BMW X3 and X4 vehicles have lower anchor bars used to secure child car seats.
Most common 2011 BMW X3 problems
Problem areas named in the 113 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| 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 |
What owners report
Car would not start, diagnosed that the Cam shaft sensor was not showing a signal. Discovered BMW had a Vanos recall â (Campaign 23V-707) Contacted BMW of North Canton for recall. Dropped of the BMW on Aug 1st. Received a call August 3rd from [XXX] that the technician could not get the hood open and they wanted to charge me for diagnostic time. I refused and said I would stop after work to open the hood. Miraculously they called back and the hood opened. Received video and inspection report on [XXX]. The video from Will the technician clearly showed the Exhaust Vanos bolts missing. The exhaust cam was no longer tied to the vanos valve and was free to move. The Exhaust was clearly out of
Electronic power control issue caused the vehicle to loose power steering. After starting and driving the vehicle an alert message showed up saying chassis malfunction and power steering issues. Vehicle was stopped and re-started but the issue didn't go away. BMW confirmed there was a malfunction with the EPS similar to the NHTSA bulletin 11V341000. Vehicle was manufactured during the period the recall covers and experience the same issues. BMW advised to contact NHTSA to have the VIN added to the recall so they can complete the repair, as otherwise it will not be covered.
I had my car towed into bmw dealership for a vanos recall repair,it went in for the repair the repair was "done" but before picking it up they told me they were unable to qc/start my engine to verify the repair claiming that because my camshaft position sensor was removed (it was removed to ultimately figure out it was the vanos system that failed)and that my car had no battery at the time of the repair they could and would not start my engine to verify the repair and that they turned it over by hand only,upon them releasing the car back to me I brought a battery and started my car and left the dealership within ten miles my engine failed and locked up due to oil starvation,I had it towed ba
The contact owns a 2011 BMW X3. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was an abnormal whining sound coming from the engine. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); and the vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The cause of the failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 140,000.
The contact owns a 2011 BMW X3. The contact stated that while his granddaughter was attempting to start the vehicle, there was smoke coming from under the driverâs side hood, and the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the PCV heater had overheated and burned along with the fuse box. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 150,744.
2011 BMW X3 questions
Does the 2011 BMW X3 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2011 BMW X3: Loose VANOS Bolts Can Cause Engine Stall and Crash Risk; PCV Valve Heater Can Short and Cause a Fire; Child seat anchor bars may be damaged, raising injury risk; Steering:Electric Power Assist System. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 BMW X3?
Based on 113 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine (31), Engine And Engine Cooling (24), Power Train (23).
How do I check if a recall on my 2011 BMW X3 has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.