repaired · 2015 Q4
Engine and engine cooling: engine
Risk. If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall.
2011 BMW X3 SAVProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 13 owner complaints about the 2011 BMW X3 SAV, most often about the engine. It is covered by 1 safety recall, and for recall 14V-176 the manufacturer reports only 81% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through May 13, 2019. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2011 BMW X3 SAV has problems
13 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
4Engine
3Steering
3Air bags
2Power train
1Seats
1Exterior lighting
1Structure
1Electrical system
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4 | 0 |
| Steering | 3 | 0 |
| Air bags | 3 | 0 |
| Power train | 2 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
1 recall
2011 BMW X3 SAV recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with BMW.
Best & worst years
2011 vs. every other X3 SAV year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the X3 SAV median. How we score
'07'08'09'10'11'12
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2011 BMW X3 SAV, and the recalls they led to.
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
In owners' words
What X3 SAV owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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,…
BMW'S USE ELECTRIC WATER PUMPS COMPARED TO MOSTLY BELT DRIVEN PUMPS USED BY OTHER MANUFACTURES. IN THE BMW COMMUNITY IT IS WIDELY KNOW THAT THE PUMPS WILL FAIL AFTER 60,000 MILES, AND SOME EVEN SOONER. BMW KNOWS ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND HAS IN FACT CHANGED THE DESIGN AND THE VENDOR SUPPLIER FOR THIS…
VEHICLE IS PARKED ON DRIVEWAY THE ENGINE STARTED. DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION SHOWS WITH CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON. ENGINE STARTS BUT CAN NOT PUT IT DRIVE OR REVERSE
Own a 2011 X3 SAV?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.