2011 BMW X3 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 24about this part
- Share
- 21%of 113 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 143,295miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 24 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2011 BMW X3, 21% of the 113 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 143,295 miles. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“We leased the above Bmw x3drive 35i (shipped on 3.30.2011) from husker auto group, Bmw of lincoln, ne on march 30, 2011 for a 3-year period. In mid april I noticed a very loud noise coming from the engine after I turned the car off. The car had 567 miles on the odometer and was taken back to Bmw of lincoln for repairs on april 26, 2011. We were told the main crankcase seal was causing high pressures and was the problem. Apparently replacing the valve covers would result in it being fixed. Within a week, I noted the exact same noise. …”
NHTSA complaint #10424569, filed 2011-09, 500 miles“The contact owns a 2011 BMW X3. The contact stated that Engine temperature message was displayed on the instrument panel with the temperature gauge indicating that the engine was hot(H). Upon inspection of the vehicle, the contact discovered that steam on the radiator, and a coolant leak. The contact removed the cooling fan and shroud and discovered that the wiring from the electric water pump was burned and inoperable. …”
NHTSA complaint #11660508, filed 2025-05, 188,000 miles“The contact owns a 2011 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with a failed sensor. …”
NHTSA complaint #11574758, filed 2024-02, 149,000 miles“The contact owns a 2011 BMW X3. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was an abnormal whining sound coming from the engine. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); and the vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The cause of the failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 140,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11683061, filed 2025-08, 140,000 miles“The contact owns a 2011 BMW X3. The contact stated that while his granddaughter was attempting to start the vehicle, there was smoke coming from under the driver’s side hood, and the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the PCV heater had overheated and burned along with the fuse box. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). …”
NHTSA complaint #11680203, filed 2025-08, 150,744 milesRelated recalls
- 23V707000Oct 20, 2023BMW 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…Covers: BMW X3 2010–2011, 3 Series 2010–2012, 1 Series 2010–2012 +3 more
- 17V683000Oct 30, 2017BMW 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…Covers: BMW X3 2007–2011, 328I 2007–2011, Z4 2007–2011 +5 more
Related service bulletins
- 10215746May 1, 2022Component specific limited warranty extension. For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle Nitrogen Oxide…
- 10199287May 1, 2021CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT: N54/N54T/N55 ELECTRIC ENGINE COOLANT PUMP . With the court's FINAL approval, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) has entered a nationwide settlement with…
- 10198894May 1, 2021CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT: N54/N54T/N55 ELECTRIC ENGINE COOLANT PUMP . With the court's FINAL approval, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) has entered a nationwide settlement with…
- 10172490Feb 1, 2020Fault Code 1D2008 Stored in DME: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 5) replaces SI B12 33 14 dated February 2016. The Service Engine Soon light is on. There may also be…
- 10169471Nov 1, 2019SERVICE ACTION: OPTIMIZING THE WATER DRAIN. The water drain in the engine compartment's passenger side cowl near the firewall may be inadequate during exceptionally high water…
- 10162396Jul 9, 2019N52T / N55 with 8HP45: Delay in Engine Response. A customer may complain of a delay in engine response after decelerating at low road speeds and then reaccelerating. This can…
- 10162395Jul 9, 2019N55 Engine: Various Faults Stored in DME Related to VANOS and Camshaft Position. A rattling noise can be heard from the engine compartment; the engine has a loss of power; and…
- 10163995Jul 1, 2019DIAGNOSTIC HINT: CATALYTIC CONVERTER INSPECTION AFTER LOSS OF CRANKSHAFT SIGNAL. In certain situations when the crankshaft position signal is lost while driving the malfunction…
- 10163027Jun 1, 2019ENGINE VIBRATIONS OR NOISE This Service Information bulletin replaces SI B11 01 19 dated February 2019.
- 10145292Jun 1, 2018TURBO BOOST ACTUATOR ROD LOOSE (DIESEL): Limited engine performance (lack of boost) with a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 7 | 4% |
| 2018 | 4 | 5% |
| 2017 | 22 | 24% |
| 2016 | 18 | 22% |
| 2015 | 15 | 14% |
| 2014 | 19 | 22% |
| 2013 | 13 | 6% |
| 2012 | 2 | 5% |
| 2011 | 24 | 21% |
| 2010 | 14 | 44% |
| 2009 | 3 | 16% |
| 2008 | 15 | 23% |
| 2007 | 16 | 16% |
| 2006 | 4 | 3% |
| 2005 | 3 | 3% |
| 2004 | 11 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2011 BMW X3
31 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
23 complaintsElectrical system
22 complaintsSteering
21 complaintsExterior lighting
10 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsElectronic stability control
4 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 BMW X3
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology