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2011 BMW X3 recalls

Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.

4 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026

For the 2011 BMW X3. These apply to the model and year, not to one particular vehicle: check your VIN to see whether yours is included and whether it has been repaired.

Has your BMW been repaired?

Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.

NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. A BMW dealer can also check your VIN. Recall repairs are free.

2011 BMW X3 recalls, newest first

October 20, 2023NHTSA 23V707000157,796 vehicles potentially affected

Engine and engine cooling › Engine

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.
Consequence
Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

October 30, 2017NHTSA 17V683000740,561 vehicles potentially affected

Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Crankcase (pcv)

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.
Consequence
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.
Remedy
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.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

May 23, 2016NHTSA 16V333000188,668 vehicles potentially affected

Child seat › Latch strap

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.
Consequence
Damaged lower anchor bars may increase the child's risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy
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.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

June 29, 2011NHTSA 11V34100051 vehicles potentially affected

Steering › Electric power assist system

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.
Consequence
Sudden loss of power steering assistance could increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

Owner complaints

Owners have filed 112 complaints about the 2011 BMW X3 with NHTSA. Complaints are unverified reports from the public; NHTSA uses them to decide what to investigate.

Crashes reported
3
Fires reported
3
Injuries reported
1
Deaths reported
0

Most complained-about components

  1. Engine31
  2. Electrical system22
  3. Engine and engine cooling22
  4. Power train21
  5. Steering21

Other BMW X3 years

Other 2011 BMW models

Most recalled 2011 vehicles

  1. 2011 Blue Bird All American (35 recalls)
  2. 2011 IC Bus CE (26 recalls)
  3. 2011 Spartan Gladiator (26 recalls)
  4. 2011 Freightliner Cascadia (23 recalls)
  5. 2011 Thomas Built Buses SAF-T-Liner HDX (23 recalls)
All of 2011’s most recalled vehicles

Questions

Does the 2011 BMW X3 have any recalls?
4 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026, covering: engine and engine cooling, child seat, steering. Recalls apply to the model and year; whether a particular vehicle is included, and whether it has been repaired, depends on its VIN.
How do I check if my 2011 BMW X3 recall has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask a BMW dealer. Recall repairs are free. NHTSA's VIN search doesn't list recalls that were already repaired.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2011 BMW X3?
112 complaints filed with NHTSA. Complaints are unverified reports from the public that NHTSA uses to decide what to investigate.