2011 BMW X3 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 19%of 113 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 67,746miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the steering of the 2011 BMW X3, 19% of the 113 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 67,746 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While coming to a stop the car jerks violently forward with no warning, while moving slow it does the same, to the point where it now hurts to drive it. I get an error that says transmission malfunction, and without warning the car shifts to a lower gear, I have to stop, then turn the car off, when it is turned back the error goes away, then it reappears once again a day or two later. …”
NHTSA complaint #10911273, filed 2016-10, 51,000 miles“I was slowly driving on the parking lot and suddenly the steering completely locked and I am not able to turn at all. I turned off the car (luckily, no car around me) and restart it the issue went away. Later today (11/20/2020), I pulled out from my driver way and the same thing happened again. When I restart my car the issue disappeared. I searched online and I found many people had the same issue as mine and unfortuantely my car is not on the recall list. Please help!! The repair cost for replacing such module is thousands. Thanks!”
NHTSA complaint #11375668, filed 2020-11, 143,000 miles“While driving, the steering failed suddenly where I was unable to steer. It became locked. It said I had a chassis stabilization malfunction. The steering wheel also appeared. I pulled over and turned the car off. After a few minutes the system reset and I was able to drive again. It became very frequent where it was difficult to drive. This has happened driving on local streets and on a highway. When I brought it into the repair shop, I was told that the steering module and steering rack was malfunctioning. They said that bmwna did not have a recall or fix on this issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #11101946, filed 2018-06, 84,000 miles“While driving on an interstate road, exiting a tunnel, the x-3 suddenly, without any warning or indicators, lost the power steering and power brakes. The engine lost power and the dash board lite up with a myriad of warnings that made no sense. Then, just as suddenly the entire dash board went dark. The vehicle was extremely difficult to steer and stop. Since I was in fast moving traffic, the situation was scary to say the least. I found a place to pull off and did so. I turned the x-3 off. At restart it seemed ok, but the problem re-occurred again. I was able to finally get to my house. …”
NHTSA complaint #10777682, filed 2015-09, 88,863 miles“While driving the steering completely locked with a message chassis stabilization malfunction.... . Almost had a major accident. Took it to the dealer and they diagnosed the problem as the electronic steering failed and needs to be replaced. It will cost $6000!! A 8-yr old Bmw with steering failure. Nhtsa must force Bmw to fix this recurring major safety issue before there is fatality.”
NHTSA complaint #11241739, filed 2019-08, 95,000 milesRelated recalls
- 11V341000Jun 29, 2011Bmw 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…Covers: BMW X3 2011
Related service bulletins
- 10136305Feb 1, 2018CHECK CONTROL MESSAGE (CCM): ASSISTANCE SYSTEM RESTRICTED AFTER DELETING TRANSPORT MODE: The CCM assistance systems restricted or pedestrian protection system failed is displayed…
- 10146764Sep 1, 2017Grating or Scraping Noise When Turning Steering Wheel. There is a grating or scraping noise when the steering wheel is turned. The noise comes from the steering column switch…
- 10147257Sep 1, 2015Grating or Scraping Noise When Turning Steering Wheel. There is a grating or scraping noise when the steering wheel is turned. The noise comes from the steering column switch…
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 27% |
| 2025 | 8 | 21% |
| 2024 | 2 | 5% |
| 2023 | 1 | 7% |
| 2022 | 3 | 4% |
| 2021 | 5 | 4% |
| 2020 | 2 | 2% |
| 2019 | 1 | 1% |
| 2018 | 7 | 9% |
| 2017 | 2 | 2% |
| 2016 | 3 | 4% |
| 2015 | 1 | 1% |
| 2014 | 4 | 5% |
| 2013 | 6 | 3% |
| 2012 | 7 | 17% |
| 2011 | 21 | 19% |
| 2010 | 2 | 6% |
| 2008 | 1 | 2% |
| 2007 | 2 | 2% |
| 2005 | 2 | 2% |
| 2004 | 5 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2011 BMW X3
31 complaintsEngine cooling
24 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
23 complaintsElectrical system
22 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