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RECALLROADTHE CAMPAIGN RECORD

MODEL-YEAR RECALL REPORT

2011 BMW X3 recalls

NHTSA's September 21, 2026 snapshot lists 4 safety recall campaigns for the 2011 BMW X3, spanning 3 component groups. A model match does not confirm that a specific VIN is included.

Official source: NHTSA recall campaign file · Snapshot September 21, 2026

Distinct campaigns4not VIN-specific
Component groups3distinct top-level categories
Latest recordOctober 20, 2023report received
VIN resultNot checkeduse official lookup

01 / OFFICIAL CAMPAIGNS

2011 BMW X3 recall campaigns

The 2011 BMW X3 report contains 4 distinct NHTSA campaigns; the most recently received record is campaign 23V707000 dated October 20, 2023.
CAMPAIGN

NHTSA 23V707000

Component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Report received
October 20, 2023
Potential units
157,796campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: 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.

Why it matters: 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.

Owner notification: June 19, 2024 · Filing manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC

Component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Report received
October 30, 2017
Potential units
740,561campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: 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.

Why it matters: 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.

Owner notification: June 18, 2018 · Filing manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC

CAMPAIGN

NHTSA 16V333000

Component
CHILD SEAT
Report received
May 23, 2016
Potential units
188,668campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: 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.

Why it matters: 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.

Owner notification: July 13, 2016 · Filing manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC

CAMPAIGN

NHTSA 11V341000

Component
STEERING
Report received
June 29, 2011
Potential units
51campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: 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.

Why it matters: 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.

Owner notification: August 10, 2011 · Filing manufacturer: BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC

02 / COMPONENT BREADTH

What defects are listed for the 2011 BMW X3?

The most frequent component groups in 2011 BMW X3 campaign records are Engine And Engine Cooling (2), Steering (1), Child Seat (1); these counts describe filed campaigns rather than observed failure rates.
Engine And Engine Cooling2
Steering1
Child Seat1