2011 BMW X3 steering problems

The 2011 BMW X3 has 22 steering complaints filed with NHTSA — 13% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

Steering complaints

13%

Share of year

Crash-involved

Related recalls

Steering complaints by year

X3 steering complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

11V341000SteeringJune 29, 2011 · 51 units

Defect

BMW 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 STEERING (EPS) UNIT MAY MALFUNCTION, RESULTING IN A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE.

Consequence

SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING AUGUST 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.

What owners report

“Electric Power Steering Failure. Available for inspection. SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH. Confirmed by BMW Dealer. Increased steering effort light came on when EPS fails. A CONTROL MODULE IN THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING (EPS) UNIT MAY MALFUNCTION,…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · November 27, 2023

Common questions

How many steering complaints does the 2011 BMW X3 have?

NHTSA has 22 complaints about the 2011 BMW X3 steering — 13% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2011 BMW X3 steering?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the steering: 11V341000.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.