FaultScore

FaultScore report

2011 BMW X3 problems

Owners have filed 166 complaints about the 2011 BMW X3 with NHTSA between 2011 and 2026. The largest single group is the engine & cooling. Across this model's run it ranks 15 of 23 worst.

C

FaultScore 53/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the BMW X3.

How this is worked out

The numbers

166

Complaints

6

Crashes reported

5

Fires reported

1

Injuries reported

72,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

24%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 68 vs 50 Severity 37 vs 50 Early failure 41 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 68
Against the median year of the BMW X3. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 37
7.2% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 41
24% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2011 compares with every other BMW X3

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2011 BMW X3

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Engine & Cooling 55 33.1%

0 crashes, 2 fires · median 95,611 mi

Steering 23 13.9%

Median failure at 51,493 miles

0 crashes, 2 fires · median 72,000 mi

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 52,000 mi

Lights 10 6.0%

Median failure at 72,500 miles

Other & Unspecified 7 4.2%

1 crashes, 1 fires · median 78,375 mi

Airbags 6 3.6%

Median failure at 50,000 miles

Acceleration & Cruise Control 5 3.0%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 65,000 mi

Stability & Traction Control 4 2.4%

Median failure at 55,500 miles

Brakes 4 2.4%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 54,500 mi

Fuel & Propulsion 2 1.2%
Seats 1 0.6%

Median failure at 140,000 miles

Seat Belts 1 0.6%

Median failure at 93,000 miles

Tires 1 0.6%

Median failure at 680 miles

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 1 0.6%

Median failure at 19,000 miles

Suspension 1 0.6%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 9 8.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 6 5.6%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 7 6.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 10 9.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 23 21.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 27 25.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 22 20.4%
150,000+ miles 4 3.7%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Apr 2011 peak 9 Aug 2026

NHTSA investigations into the 2011 BMW X3

An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.

1 investigation is still open.

EA21002 Opened 17 Sep 2021 Still open AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C...

Recalls on the 2011 BMW X3

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2024544 587,250 units in Canada

Label

Issue: On certain vehicles, the tire and loading information label does not list that there is no spare tire in both official languages. The label reads as "NONE" when it should read as "NONE / AUCUN". Canadian regulations require the information to be listed on the label in both English and French. Safety Risk: This error does not affect vehicle safety. Corrective Actions: This is not a recall. The company has corrected the tire and loading information label for all new vehicles.

Recall 2024392 44,131 units in Canada

Airbag

Issue: This recall applies to vehicles that may be equipped with a replacement sport or M-sport steering wheel that has a Takata airbag. Long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the driver-front airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. If the airbag inflator ruptures, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants or cause damage to the airbag assembly, preventing its proper function. Safety Risk: If the vehicle is involved in a crash requiring an airbag deployment, the airbag inflator could rupture and create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: BMW will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect and, if necessary, replace the driver-front airbag module. To learn if your vehicle is affected by this recall, owners may: • Visit <a href= https://www.bmw.ca/en/ssl/VehicleRecall.html> https://www.bmw.ca/en/ssl/VehicleRecall.html</a> • Contact your preferred or local BMW Retailer • Call BMW Customer Relations Recall Services at 1-855-217-3002

Recall 2023568 21,475 units in Canada

Engine

Issue: On certain vehicles, the variable camshaft timing (VANOS) adjustment unit housing bolts could loosen or break. As a result, the camshaft could become incorrectly adjusted and cause the engine to enter a reduced power mode (limp mode) or to stall while driving. Safety Risk: A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: BMW will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the VANOS bolts.

Recall 2017470 79,616 units in Canada

Engine

On certain vehicles equipped with the N52 6-cylinder engine, an electrical short could occur in the PCV valve heater due to manufacturing irregularities. If this occurs, the surrounding plastics could overheat, melt and potentially cause a fire, which could increase the risk of injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the PCV valve heater.

Recall 2017388 886 units in Canada

Airbag

On certain vehicles, the housing of the driver's frontal airbag inflator may have been incorrectly welded during manufacturing and could separate from the base plate during an airbag deployment. If the vehicle were involved in a collision that warrants airbag deployment, metal fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants, which could increase the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the driver's frontal airbag. Note: This is an expansion of recall 2016-461. Additional Note: For 6-Series vehicles, only 2012-2013 model year M6 Cabriolet's and 2013 model year M6 Coupe's are involved in this campaign.

Recall 2016242 30,023 units in Canada

Seats And Restraints

On certain vehicles, the lower anchor bars that are used for installing child seats using the European-ISOFIX-type rigid-style connector may become damaged during vehicle operation. If the lower anchorage bar(s) were to become damaged, this would increase the risk of injury to a child seated in a child seat using this style of connector if involved in a crash. Correction: Dealers will weld a reinforcing bracket to the lower anchor bars and the vehicle body. Note: Child restraint systems using LATCH-type flexible style connectors, which reflect the vast majority of child restraint systems used in Canada, do not cause this issue.

Recall 2014170 21,811 units in Canada

Engine

On certain vehicles, housing bolts for the variable camshaft timing system could break, allowing camshaft timing to deviate. If this occurs, the engine would revert to "limp home mode", limiting available engine power. In rare instances the engine could stall, increasing the risk of a collision causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace housing bolts that break and perform associated repairs for 10 years/unlimited mileage from the vehicle's in-service date. Note: This applies only to vehicles not covered by recall 2014-127.

Recall 2014127 20,022 units in Canada

Engine

On certain vehicles, housing bolts for the variable camshaft timing system could break, allowing camshaft timing to deviate. If this occurs, the engine would revert to "limp home mode", limiting available engine power. This could increase the risk of a collision causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace affected bolts.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

Buda, TX Fire

ENGINE

I had my car towed into bmw dealership for a vanos recall repair,it went in for the repair the repair was "done" but before picking it up they told me they were unable to qc/start my engine to verify the repair claiming that because my camshaft position sensor was removed (it was removed to ultimately figure out it was the vanos system that failed)and that my car had no battery at the time of the repair they could and would not start my engine to verify the repair and that they turned it over by hand only,upon them releasing the car back to me I brought a battery and started my car and left the dealership within ten miles my engine failed and locked up due to oil starvation,I had it towed back immediately and explained what happened,and they refuse to take any responsibility for my car failing on the road while driving cause my engine to smoke and push the smoke into the cab mid traffic,this happened In July of 2025 and I am still going back and forth trying to get them to take responsibility and replace my engine,they did not follow proper procedures to ensure my vehicle was safe for pickup violating safety standards

NHTSA complaint #11719278 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Marmora, NJ Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The fuse box in trunk caught fire There are tons of these incidences if you search the web Bmw has done nothing I willhope your “ safety “ agency will. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11668102 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Braintree, MA Fire

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

NHTSA complaint #11505918 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Braintree, MA Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #11505918 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Braintree, MA Fire

ENGINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #11505918 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 110,000 miles NEW Canaan, CT Crash

POWER TRAIN

SUA. I WAS IN A FRIGHTENING ACCIDENT ATTEMPTING TO PARK MY CAR ON THE ROOFTOP OF MY 4 STORY OFFICE BUILDING. I PULLED INTO A SPACE ON THE EDGE OF THE LOT AND CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE, I WAS ABOUT TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK WHEN THE ENGINE LOUDLY AND SUDDENLY REVVED AND THE CAR SURGED FORWARD UP ONTO A CONCRETE CURB AND RAMMED INTO A 4 FT HIGH CONCRETE RETAINING WALL. THE FORCE OF THE IMPACT TORE THE WALL APART FROM THE ROOF - MY CAR WAS STILL ACCELERATING, WHEELS SPINNING. THE BROKE WALL STOPPED BY CAR FROM COMPLETELY GOING OVER AND I WAS ABLE TO TURN THE ENGINE OFF AND GET OUT. THERE WERE WITNESSES WHO CAN VERIFY THAT I WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP, BRAKE LIGHTS ON AND IT ALL HAPPENED IN A FEW SECONDS. IT WAS SO SHOCKING THAT I WILL NEVER DRIVE A BMW AGAIN.

NHTSA complaint #11062714 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Mclean, VA

STEERING

Electronic power control issue caused the vehicle to loose power steering. After starting and driving the vehicle an alert message showed up saying chassis malfunction and power steering issues. Vehicle was stopped and re-started but the issue didn't go away. BMW confirmed there was a malfunction with the EPS similar to the NHTSA bulletin 11V341000. Vehicle was manufactured during the period the recall covers and experience the same issues. BMW advised to contact NHTSA to have the VIN added to the recall so they can complete the repair, as otherwise it will not be covered.

NHTSA complaint #11754567 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mclean, VA

SUSPENSION

Electronic power control issue caused the vehicle to loose power steering. After starting and driving the vehicle an alert message showed up saying chassis malfunction and power steering issues. Vehicle was stopped and re-started but the issue didn't go away. BMW confirmed there was a malfunction with the EPS similar to the NHTSA bulletin 11V341000. Vehicle was manufactured during the period the recall covers and experience the same issues. BMW advised to contact NHTSA to have the VIN added to the recall so they can complete the repair, as otherwise it will not be covered.

NHTSA complaint #11754567 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mclean, VA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Electronic power control issue caused the vehicle to loose power steering. After starting and driving the vehicle an alert message showed up saying chassis malfunction and power steering issues. Vehicle was stopped and re-started but the issue didn't go away. BMW confirmed there was a malfunction with the EPS similar to the NHTSA bulletin 11V341000. Vehicle was manufactured during the period the recall covers and experience the same issues. BMW advised to contact NHTSA to have the VIN added to the recall so they can complete the repair, as otherwise it will not be covered.

NHTSA complaint #11754567 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Buda, TX Fire

ENGINE

I had my car towed into bmw dealership for a vanos recall repair,it went in for the repair the repair was "done" but before picking it up they told me they were unable to qc/start my engine to verify the repair claiming that because my camshaft position sensor was removed (it was removed to ultimately figure out it was the vanos system that failed)and that my car had no battery at the time of the repair they could and would not start my engine to verify the repair and that they turned it over by hand only,upon them releasing the car back to me I brought a battery and started my car and left the dealership within ten miles my engine failed and locked up due to oil starvation,I had it towed back immediately and explained what happened,and they refuse to take any responsibility for my car failing on the road while driving cause my engine to smoke and push the smoke into the cab mid traffic,this happened In July of 2025 and I am still going back and forth trying to get them to take responsibility and replace my engine,they did not follow proper procedures to ensure my vehicle was safe for pickup violating safety standards

NHTSA complaint #11719278 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 140,000 miles Jasper, AL

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 150,744 miles East Longmeadow, MA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 150,744.

NHTSA complaint #11680203 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Marmora, NJ Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The fuse box in trunk caught fire There are tons of these incidences if you search the web Bmw has done nothing I willhope your “ safety “ agency will. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11668102 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 8,000 miles Pittsburg, KS

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2011 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into neutral. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was linked to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the engine and redesigned the timing gear assembly. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed the parts were not yet available. The contact called another local dealer, BMW of Northwest Arkansas (2500 SE Moberly Ln, Bentonville, AR 72712, (479)286-3012); but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint #11666728 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 8,000 miles Pittsburg, KS

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2011 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into neutral. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was linked to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the engine and redesigned the timing gear assembly. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed the parts were not yet available. The contact called another local dealer, BMW of Northwest Arkansas (2500 SE Moberly Ln, Bentonville, AR 72712, (479)286-3012); but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint #11666728 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Encino, CA

POWER TRAIN

I own a 2011 BMW X3 with an N55 engine and am experiencing VANOS-related issues consistent with TSB SIB 11 02 13 and Recall 23V-707. While my VIN isn’t currently listed, my vehicle falls within the affected model years, and I’m seeing identical DME fault codes (130E11, 120408) and drivability symptoms. I’m concerned about potential engine damage and request an inspection and consideration for goodwill repair or inclusion in the recall.

NHTSA complaint #11663170 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Encino, CA

ENGINE

I own a 2011 BMW X3 with an N55 engine and am experiencing VANOS-related issues consistent with TSB SIB 11 02 13 and Recall 23V-707. While my VIN isn’t currently listed, my vehicle falls within the affected model years, and I’m seeing identical DME fault codes (130E11, 120408) and drivability symptoms. I’m concerned about potential engine damage and request an inspection and consideration for goodwill repair or inclusion in the recall.

NHTSA complaint #11663170 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 188,000 miles Newburgh, IN

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the year and model vehicle was not included in the recall. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN nor the vehicle was included in the recall for the electrical connector. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 188,000.

NHTSA complaint #11660508 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 188,000 miles Newburgh, IN

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the year and model vehicle was not included in the recall. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN nor the vehicle was included in the recall for the electrical connector. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 188,000.

NHTSA complaint #11660508 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Rochester, NY

POWER TRAIN

In July 2022, the VANOS bolts in my 2011 BMW X3 xDrive28i failed, causing major internal engine damage. This is the exact defect later identified under BMW Recall 23V-707. The bolts sheared off while driving, disabling the vehicle. I paid $5,000 out of pocket for full repairs using OEM parts at Masny Motorwerks (BMW specialist in Rochester, NY). BMW did not issue the recall until more than two years later. At that time, there was no remedy available. A fix was not released until December 2024. I followed BMW’s reimbursement process: I visited BMW of Rochester in person on January 28, 2025 and submitted my invoice to the service advisor. I followed up by phone twice — no response. I submitted a full reimbursement claim to BMW North America on March 31, 2025 with all documentation. BMW replied on April 8 with a boilerplate response redirecting me back to the same dealership. I then followed up again with full documentation. BMW replied again, refusing to take responsibility and offering no support. I have submitted everything twice and followed the TREAD Act process in good faith. BMW has failed to reimburse me or process the claim properly.

NHTSA complaint #11654869 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Rochester, NY

ENGINE

In July 2022, the VANOS bolts in my 2011 BMW X3 xDrive28i failed, causing major internal engine damage. This is the exact defect later identified under BMW Recall 23V-707. The bolts sheared off while driving, disabling the vehicle. I paid $5,000 out of pocket for full repairs using OEM parts at Masny Motorwerks (BMW specialist in Rochester, NY). BMW did not issue the recall until more than two years later. At that time, there was no remedy available. A fix was not released until December 2024. I followed BMW’s reimbursement process: I visited BMW of Rochester in person on January 28, 2025 and submitted my invoice to the service advisor. I followed up by phone twice — no response. I submitted a full reimbursement claim to BMW North America on March 31, 2025 with all documentation. BMW replied on April 8 with a boilerplate response redirecting me back to the same dealership. I then followed up again with full documentation. BMW replied again, refusing to take responsibility and offering no support. I have submitted everything twice and followed the TREAD Act process in good faith. BMW has failed to reimburse me or process the claim properly.

NHTSA complaint #11654869 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Rochester, NY

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

In July 2022, the VANOS bolts in my 2011 BMW X3 xDrive28i failed, causing major internal engine damage. This is the exact defect later identified under BMW Recall 23V-707. The bolts sheared off while driving, disabling the vehicle. I paid $5,000 out of pocket for full repairs using OEM parts at Masny Motorwerks (BMW specialist in Rochester, NY). BMW did not issue the recall until more than two years later. At that time, there was no remedy available. A fix was not released until December 2024. I followed BMW’s reimbursement process: I visited BMW of Rochester in person on January 28, 2025 and submitted my invoice to the service advisor. I followed up by phone twice — no response. I submitted a full reimbursement claim to BMW North America on March 31, 2025 with all documentation. BMW replied on April 8 with a boilerplate response redirecting me back to the same dealership. I then followed up again with full documentation. BMW replied again, refusing to take responsibility and offering no support. I have submitted everything twice and followed the TREAD Act process in good faith. BMW has failed to reimburse me or process the claim properly.

NHTSA complaint #11654869 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hartford, CT

ENGINE

In 2021, my car broke down due to the VANOS gear brackets; the bolts had snapped off. The only way I found out what was wrong was by taking the car to multiple places and paying for diagnostic services, but nobody could identify the issue. Eventually, I brought it to BMW, where they were the only ones who diagnosed the problem. However, they quoted me an exorbitant amount to fix it. I felt I had no choice but to take the car home and handle it myself. I discovered that three bolts were broken, and I suspect the other two had fallen into the oil pan. I managed to acquire both parts for the two VANOS gears and installed them myself since dealing with this issue. After reinstalling the gears, I encountered a problem with the valve cover; I wasn't sure if one of the broken bolts had hit the top of it, but I knew I needed to replace it as well. To get an update on the situation, I took my car to the first BMW dealership in Hartford. There were complications regarding the loaner car, a $200 deposit on my credit card, and coverage under my full insurance. I contacted BMW headquarters to file a complaint, and during that conversation, the BMW manager told me not to come back, to which I agreed. After filing the complaint and discussing the situation with BMW headquarters, I scheduled an appointment at the Waterbury location. When I took my car there yesterday, April 1, 2025, they refused to address the issue because they claimed they could not see the broken bolts. I explained that the bolts had already broken off and that I had previously brought the vehicle to BMW for a diagnosis, which confirmed that the problem involved the gear brackets and the bolts. I also mentioned that the broken bolts had damaged my valve cover, which I had to replace. However, all they did was inspect the car and dismissed the work I had done as if it were performed by them. My car hasn’t felt the same since, and I’ve been struggling with this ongoing issue. Damage that already a cured to my car

NHTSA complaint #11652218 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Elmwood Park, IL

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2011 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact discovered that an unknown substance was leaking from the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that there was a coolant intrusion into the cylinder, and that the thermostat and several other unknown parts needed to be replaced. The contact was made aware of an unknown recall however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11628662 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Iona, ID

ENGINE

The car had all of the symptoms of the vanos bolt recall. It started in October of 2023. I received an email notice for the said recall. I called BMW for 9 months, as I was without a car. That's not a timely manner to fix anything. I finally called last month and saw a remedy was available. After taking it in to the dealership, I came home and my car is now shaking violently at speeds above 40 mph. Another person stated this same thing happened to their car after the recall fix.

NHTSA complaint #11619583 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Neeses, SC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA complaint #11618016 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Neeses, SC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA complaint #11618016 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Iona, ID

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The car started lurching and then the power went off. When turned back on and put in gear, the gas pedal did nothing. Then a few minutes later, it would kick back on. I finally got a letter from BMW about a recall. The symptoms matched. However, for the last 10 months, they offered no help. I understand there was no remedy until recently. However, we were out of a car since November 2023 and put $3,000 into engine work trying to fix the car, before the recall came. The recall said to report if the Manufacturer failed to remedy the recall in a timely manner. I'd say 10 months is way over a timely manner. Thanks for your time.

NHTSA complaint #11608627 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Iona, ID

ENGINE

The car started lurching and then the power went off. When turned back on and put in gear, the gas pedal did nothing. Then a few minutes later, it would kick back on. I finally got a letter from BMW about a recall. The symptoms matched. However, for the last 10 months, they offered no help. I understand there was no remedy until recently. However, we were out of a car since November 2023 and put $3,000 into engine work trying to fix the car, before the recall came. The recall said to report if the Manufacturer failed to remedy the recall in a timely manner. I'd say 10 months is way over a timely manner. Thanks for your time.

NHTSA complaint #11608627 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Iona, ID

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

The car started lurching and then the power went off. When turned back on and put in gear, the gas pedal did nothing. Then a few minutes later, it would kick back on. I finally got a letter from BMW about a recall. The symptoms matched. However, for the last 10 months, they offered no help. I understand there was no remedy until recently. However, we were out of a car since November 2023 and put $3,000 into engine work trying to fix the car, before the recall came. The recall said to report if the Manufacturer failed to remedy the recall in a timely manner. I'd say 10 months is way over a timely manner. Thanks for your time.

NHTSA complaint #11608627 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

San Diego, CA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11600919 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.