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2011 BMW X3 xDrive28i: True Cost, Problems & Verdict

125 NHTSA owner complaints · 0 recalls · data-computed verdict. No opinions — public data only.

Reviewed by the MotorJury data desk · 2 sources · Last updated 2026-08-20
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Owner complaints: 125 filed with NHTSA

Complaints per year on the road: 8.33

Engine35Steering24Engine And Engine Cooling24Power Train24Electrical System23Exterior Lighting11

What owners say

Verbatim reports filed with the United States safety regulator (NHTSA) by owners of this exact model year. Public record.

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 exp…
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 w…
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 o…

Recalls: 0 campaigns

CampaignComponentSummary

True cost of ownership

EPA combined 21 MPG · estimated annual fuel cost $3,600

Fuel (your region) $3,600
Maintenance band (your region) $0$0
Estimated running cost this year (age 15) $3,511

Re-priced automatically from your country's retail fuel, electricity and parts indices — change country in the bar at the top. Estimates; see methodology.

02468101214$3,511vehicle age (years)
fuel/energy + maintenance band (annual, USD, estimate)

Run your own numbers in the true-cost calculator →

FAQ

What is the most common problem with the 2011 BMW X3 xDrive28i?

The most-reported issue in NHTSA complaint data is Engine (35 complaints in our indexed sample).

Is the 2011 BMW X3 xDrive28i a good used car to buy?

Our data verdict is BUY with a reliability score of 87/100, computed from 125 NHTSA complaints and 0 recall campaigns. See the verdict card for the top reasons.

What will a 2011 BMW X3 xDrive28i really cost YOU per year?

Fuel, maintenance band and depreciation — computed from public data in 10 seconds.

Open the true-cost calculator

Data sources

Complaints & recalls: NHTSA · Fuel economy: EPA fueleconomy.gov · Scoring: our published methodology.
Maintenance bands are industry-average estimates (AAA Your Driving Costs, CarMD index) — labeled estimates, not measurements. Last updated: 2026-08-20.

87RELIABILITY / 100
BUY
  • 125 NHTSA complaints on record (8.3/yr of exposure)
  • 0 recall campaigns, 0 touching safety-critical systems

How this score is computed →

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