2011
BMW X3
EPA MPG:
21 mpg
Owner Reported MPG:
EPA MPG:
21 mpg
Owner Reported MPG:
RECALL ALERT:
There are 5 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
There are 5 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
RECALL ALERT:
There are 5 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
There are 5 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
Reliability
Overall Reliability
We expect the 2025 X3 to be more reliable than other new cars. This prediction is based on BMW's brand score and the previous generation of the X3.
The 2011 BMW X3 has been recalled 5 times by NHTSA.
View Recalls
The 2011 BMW X3 has been recalled 5 times by NHTSA.
View Recalls
2011 SUVs Reliability
No Data Available
BMW vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability
Reliability History
*
Redesign year
Overall Reliability Verdict
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Engine Major
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Minor
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Cooling
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Electrical
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Transmission Major
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Transmission Minor
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Drive System
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Fuel System/Emissions
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Exhaust
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Suspension/Steering
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Brakes
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Climate System
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Electrical Accessories
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Body Hardware
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Paint/Trim
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Noises/Leaks
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
In-car Electronics
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Overall Reliability Verdict
Potential Trouble Spots
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018*
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Powertrain
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018*
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Engine Major
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018*
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Engine Minor
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018*
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Engine Cooling
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018*
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Engine Electrical
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018*
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Transmission Major
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018*
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Transmission Minor
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018*
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Drive System
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018*
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Fuel System/Emissions
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018*
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Exhaust
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018*
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Show all Powertrain Trouble Spots
Suspension/Steering
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018*
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Brakes
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018*
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Climate System
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018*
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Build Quality
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018*
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Electrical Accessories
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018*
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Body Hardware
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018*
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Paint/Trim
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018*
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Noises/Leaks
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018*
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Show all Build Quality Trouble Spots
In-car Electronics
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018*
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting
how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive
reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest
subscriber survey for over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give
you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 vehicles are holding up in 20
potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and
brakes to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide
data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Oct 20, 2023
Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
23V707000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
157796
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Oct 30, 2017
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.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
17V683000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
740561
CHILD SEAT
May 23, 2016
Damaged lower anchor bars may increase the child's risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
16V333000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
188668
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Apr 10, 2014
If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
14V176000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
156137
STEERING
Jun 29, 2011
SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
11V341000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
51
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