Model year
2011 BMW X3
NHTSA lists 4 recalls and 113 complaints for the 2011 BMW X3 (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). NHTSA also lists 1 recall and 13 complaints under X3 SAV. Those counts are separate from the numbers above. The components listed on the most complaints are ENGINE (31), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (22), ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (22). NHTSA lists 1 investigation with no close date in the file. NHTSA lists crash-test variants for this model year and marks the overall rating Not Rated. EPA rates it 21 mpg combined (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $3,900, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2004 138 complaints
- 2005 103 complaints
- 2006 143 complaints
- 2007 98 complaints
- 2008 66 complaints
- 2009 19 complaints
- 2010 32 complaints
- 2011 113 complaints
- 2012 42 complaints
- 2013 226 complaints
- 2014 86 complaints
- 2015 105 complaints
- 2016 82 complaints
- 2017 92 complaints
- 2018 76 complaints
- 2019 171 complaints
- 2020 110 complaints
- 2021 113 complaints
- 2022 83 complaints
- 2023 15 complaints
- 2024 42 complaints
- 2025 38 complaints
- 2026 22 complaints
Recalls
23V707000 · Oct 20, 2023
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
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…
17V683000 · Oct 30, 2017
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)
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…
16V333000 · May 23, 2016
CHILD SEAT:LATCH STRAP
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…
11V341000 · Jun 29, 2011
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
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.
Complaints
113 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 3, fire flag on 3, injury field 1, deaths field 0. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Other NHTSA names
These names matched the same EPA model but are not included in the headline counts above.
| Name | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| X3 SAV | 1 | 13 |
Investigations
| Action | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA21002 | Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture · AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE; AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE | Sep 17, 2021 | No close date in the file |
Safety ratings
| Variant | Overall | Front | Side | Pole | Rollover | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xdrive28I SUV 4WD | Not rated | Not Rated | Not Rated | Not Rated | Not Rated · possibility 0 | — |
| Xdrive35I SUV 4WD | Not rated | Not Rated | Not Rated | Not Rated | Not Rated · possibility 0 | — |
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X3 xDrive28i · 3L · Automatic (S8) · All-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 19 | 25 | 21 | — | — | $3,900 |
| X3 xDrive35i · 3L · Automatic (S8) · All-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 19 | 26 | 21 | — | — | $3,900 |
Open this model year in the fuel-cost calculator. The calculator starts with no fuel price filled in.
Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2011 BMW X3 at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.