repaired · 2021 Q2
Driver side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
2011 BMW X6Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 31 owner complaints about the 2011 BMW X6, most often about the engine. It is covered by 11 safety recalls, and for recall 16V-364 the manufacturer reports only 48% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 5, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Michael Gil from Calgary, AB, Canada, CC BY 2.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2011 BMW X6 has problems
31 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
15Engine2 crash/fire/injury
10Power train1 crash/fire/injury
3Suspension
3Fuel/propulsion system
3Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
2Fuel system, gasoline
2Vehicle speed control
2Engine and engine cooling
2Air bags
76 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 15 | 2 |
| Power train | 10 | 1 |
| Suspension | 3 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 3 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 3 | 1 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 2 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 2 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 2 | 1 |
| Air bags | 2 | 0 |
| 6 other systems | 7 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
11 recalls
2011 BMW X6 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.
repaired · 2021 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Do not driveRisk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2020 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Do not driveRisk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2019 Q3
Engine and engine cooling: engine
Risk. If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.
Show 7 more recalls
repaired · 2019 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Do not driveRisk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2018 Q3
Driveline: driveshaft
Risk. If the front universal joint fails, the front wheels would not be driven, affecting vehicle traction.
repaired · 2018 Q2
Delivery: fuel pump
Risk. The loose wires may cause the connector to melt, resulting in a fuel leak.
repaired · 2018 Q4
Passenger side: inflator module
Do not driveRisk. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2017 Q4
Driveline: driveshaft
Risk. If the front universal joint fails, the front wheels would not be driven, affecting vehicle traction.
no report yet
Other fuel types: turbo/supercharger
Risk. THIS COULD LEAD TO A SMOLDERING OF THE PUMP OR AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT OR VEHICLE FIRE.
no report yet
Other: labels
Risk. IMPROPER TIRE INFLATION CAN RESULT IN PREMATURE TIRE FAILURE OR REDUCED VEHICLE HANDLING PERFORMANCE, EITHER OF WHICH CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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 X6 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 X6 median. How we score
'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
In owners' words
What X6 owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
I returned home from shopping at local store 15 miles away. Arrived home around 11:30pm on June 3. Unloaded groceries and sat down. Around 11:45pm-11:50pm heard yelling from outside that our car was on fire. My husband ran out and and seen flames coming from under hood of car. I called 911 and…
The contact owns a 2011 BMW X6. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the mechanic stated that the timing chain…
The contact owns a 2011 BMW X6. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle inadvertently shut off. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the…
Own a 2011 X6?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.