2011 BMW X6 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 32%of 31 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 55,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2011 BMW X6, 32% of the 31 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 55,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“On 10/02/2015, I was driving my kids to school. Suddenly, there's this loud explosion noise coming from the engine compartment. At the time of the incident, the vehicle was in motion on a city street. The road was very smooth, the vehicle did not collide with any potholes or any road objects. I pull over to the side of the road, did a quick inspection, didn't see anything. So I got back onto the car and continue driving. …”
NHTSA complaint #10779594, filed 2015-10, 56,002 miles“My Bmw X6 5.0i sport almost started on fire, I been having a lot of problems with my car just yesterday my water pump went bad and I only have 48,000 mile on my car, since I bought the car last year the water pump been making noises!! Its sad that I could of lost my life or did more damage to my car because its heating up and its not fear to me or to anyone else that owns this car!! I will contact Bmw north america and tell them the problem.. Please research the problem before something happens.”
NHTSA complaint #10625889, filed 2014-08, 48,262 miles“About safety campaign #16v-311, at the beginning of 2015, my 2011 Bmw X6 with only 45000 miles started to vibrate when I turned the wheels, I took it to the dealer and they never found any issues, I have received a notice of warranty extension on the drive shaft and recently a recall to replace it, the car keeps getting worse even after a new drive shaft, I have email bmwusa but no response, I only drive the car when is necessary because I'm almost sure something is going to break and might cause and accident, the car vibrates and makes mechanical noises mostly when I'm turning the wheels…”
NHTSA complaint #10904566, filed 2016-09, 45,000 miles“My vehicle cut of on me on the freeway in the middle lane and traffic. My engine started smoke. I was afraid for myself and children. I have always took my car into the Bmw of bloomfield dealership for services and maintenance I have never miss not one appointment. For the last 5 to 6 months. My vehicle stayed in their dealership. The longest was approximately 42 days and once I received my car my engine started smoking so I give them back my vehicle. I asked them if they found out what caused my engine to smoke like this? There couldn't give me a straight forward answer. …”
NHTSA complaint #11329168, filed 2020-06“The contact owns a 2011 BMW X6. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would independently shift into neutral upon the depression of the brake pedal without warning. The contact would restart the vehicle soon after the failure to resume normal driving. The contact called the dealer and was informed that there were no recalls on the Vin. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the Vin was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11426519, filed 2021-07, 98,000 milesRelated recalls
- 17V138000Mar 2, 2017BMW of North America, LLC, (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2013 X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M and X5 xDrive35d vehicles, 2011-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6…Covers: BMW X6 2011–2014, X5 2011–2013, X6 Activehybrid SAC 2011
- 16V311000May 17, 2016BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2011 X5 xDrive 35i, xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles…Covers: BMW X6 2011, X5 2011, X5 Diesel SAV 2011 +1 more
Related service bulletins
- 10175267Apr 1, 2020Power Reduction FC2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC2 A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Fault: The "Service Engine Soon" (MIL) lamp is illuminated and engine power reduction is perceived. This…
- 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…
- 10135021Feb 1, 2018N63, N63TU, S63 and S63TU Engines: Oil Leak from the Rear: Customer complains that engine oil is leaking from the center of the vehicle. When verified, the engine oil residue can…
- 10142929Jan 1, 2018CRACKING NOISES FROM THE FRONT AXLE AREA WHILE TURNING THE WHEELS, WHEN STATIONARY OR PARKING: Cracking noises are heard from the front axle area while maneuvering at low speeds…
- 10146821Sep 1, 2016CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT AXLE This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI 31 01 12 dated June 2015. Clicking noises are heard from the front axle area while maneuvering at…
- 10147008Aug 1, 2016"REPAIRING TRANSFER CASE ACTUATOR (VTG SERVO-MOTOR). The Anti-lock Brakes (ABS), Brakes and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) warnings are on and there may also be a ""Drivetrain…
- 10151302May 1, 2016N63, N63TU, S63 and S63TU Engines: Oil Leak from the Rear of the Engine and Transmission Bell Housing. Customer complains that engine oil is leaking from the center of the…
- 10147241Sep 1, 2015Shudder from the Driveline on Vehicles with xDrive. There is a shudder or vibration from the driveline when taking off from a stop, or when accelerating at highway speeds. CAUSE…
- 10151404Aug 1, 2015Vibration or Shudder from Driveline when Accelerating from a Stop. Chassis stabilization warning is displayed. Vehicle may exhibit a shudder or vibration when taking off from a…
- 10151396Aug 1, 2015"Front Propeller (Drive) Shaft: Limited Warranty Extension to 10 Years/120,000 Miles. INFORMATION For the above-referenced vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (""BMW NA"") is…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 20% |
| 2020 | 1 | 11% |
| 2016 | 3 | 33% |
| 2015 | 1 | 11% |
| 2014 | 4 | 36% |
| 2013 | 6 | 24% |
| 2012 | 9 | 28% |
| 2011 | 10 | 32% |
| 2010 | 2 | 13% |
Other parts of the 2011 BMW X6
15 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsTires
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 BMW X6
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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