2011 BMW X3 engine problems
Owners reported engine problems in 55 complaints for the 2011 BMW X3, 33% of the complaints on file. It is the most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 55 33% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 96,000 miles 28 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 0 and 2
- Injuries and deaths
- 0 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When engine problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 2 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 1 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 2 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 7 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 4 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 3 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 2 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 5 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 0 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 1 |
| 200k+ miles | 1 |
What the data shows
Of the 28 engine complaints that report mileage, the median is about 96,000 miles, and 18% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 2 fires.
What owners wrote
I parked my vehicle in front of my house for the night after driving for only about 15-20 minutes. Maybe less. Roughly 3-4 hours later, I was alerted to my car being completely up in flames by the sounds of fire trucks / police sirens. Flames were 20-30 feet in the air coming from the engine compartment area. Fire department / police worked to extinguish the flames, but the vehicle is totally destroyed.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 BMW x3. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start after several attempts and the following warning message appeared: "drive train malfunction not running at full capacity, reduce and drive moderately". The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the battery needed replacement and the vanos malfunctioned.
Other problems reported for the 2011 BMW X3
- Electrical system 23 complaints
- Steering 23 complaints
- Drivetrain & axles 22 complaints