2011 BMW X6 recalls & problems

11 recalls 31 complaints

11recalls
31owner complaints
0crashes reported
3fires reported
2 / 0injuries / deaths

NHTSA lists 11 safety recalls for the 2011 BMW X6 and 31 owner complaints. The part owners complain about most is engine (15 reports), followed by power train (10). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers – enter your VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your car still has an open recall.

2011 BMW X6 recalls

Air Bags · NHTSA 20V016000 · Jan 15, 2020

Do not drive – the manufacturer advises owners not to drive these vehicles until repaired.

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009-2012 X5 xDrive35d, 2008-2012 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M, 2007-2012 X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M and 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid vehicles equipped with non-desiccated, passenger frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSPI-2) propellant that were used as interim remedy…

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until this remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front air bag, free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

4,007 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Air Bags · NHTSA 20V017000 · Jan 15, 2020

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi…

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

59,965 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Air Bags · NHTSA 19V017000 · Jan 14, 2019

Do not drive – the manufacturer advises owners not to drive these vehicles until repaired.

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M vehicles, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M vehicles, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d vehicles and 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or…

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

83,016 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Engine and Engine Cooling · NHTSA 18V248000 · Apr 18, 2018

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 BMW 550i, 550i xDrive, 550i Gran Turismo, 550i Gran Turismo xDrive, 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, ActiveHybrid7, MINI Cooper S Convertible, John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertible, Cooper S Countryman, Cooper S Countryman ALL4, Cooper S, JCW, Cooper S Clubman, JCW Clubman, Cooper S Roadster, JCW…

Risk: If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric auxiliary water pump, free of charge. Depending on the model, there are currently limited parts available, however not all parts are available at this time. Owners will be notified of the recall beginning June 11, 2018, and will receive…

47,806 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Air Bags · NHTSA 18V030000 · Jan 9, 2018

Do not drive – the manufacturer advises owners not to drive these vehicles until repaired.

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, 2009-2010 X5 xDrive35d vehicles and 2009-2013 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan),…

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front air bag module, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

41,808 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Power Train · NHTSA 17V138000 · Mar 2, 2017

Problem: BMW 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 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles, and 2011 x6 ActiveHybrid Vehicles. Water and debris may enter the front driveshaft's universal joint, causing excessive wear and possibly resulting in the joint's failure.

Risk: If the front universal joint fails, the front wheels would not be driven, affecting vehicle traction. Additionally, continued driving of the vehicle with a broken front universal joint may damage other components. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began on April 18, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

121,909 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Fuel System, Gasoline · NHTSA 16V746000 · Oct 17, 2016

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 BMW X5 3.0si, X5 4.8i, X5 M, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i and X5 xDrive50i, 2008-2011 X6 x Drive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 535i xDrive Gran Turismo, 535i Gran Turismo, 550i xDrive Gran Turismo and 550i Gran Turismo, 2011-2012 528i, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i and 550i xDrive and 2012 535i ActiveHybrid, 640i…

Risk: The loose wires may cause the connector to melt, resulting in a fuel leak. Additionally, the fuel pump may stop working, possibly causing an engine stall and increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

136,188 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Air Bags · NHTSA 16V364000 · May 25, 2016

Do not drive – the manufacturer advises owners not to drive these vehicles until repaired.

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5M vehicles, 2009-2011 X5 xDrive35d vehicles, 2008-2011 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M vehicles, and 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto…

Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or air bag module, free of charge. The recall began July 28, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

97,738 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Power Train · NHTSA 16V311000 · May 17, 2016

Problem: BMW 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 manufactured April 5, 2010, to November 20, 2010, 2011 X5 xDrive35d diesel vehicles manufactured April 7, 2010, to November 20, 2010, and 2011 X6 Active Hybrid vehicles manufactured April 15, 2010, to November 17, 2010. The affected vehicles have a front driveshaft…

Risk: If the front universal joint fails, the front wheels would not be driven, affecting vehicle traction. Additionally, continued driving of the vehicle with a broken front universal joint may damage other components. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began on July 8, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

21,493 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Engine and Engine Cooling · NHTSA 11V521000 · Oct 20, 2011

Problem: Bmw is recalling certain model year 2011 5-series, model year 2010-2011 5-series gran turismo, model year 2009-2011 7-series, model year 2010-2011 x5 sav, and model year 2008-2011 x6 sav vehicles equipped with 8- or 12-cylinder, turbocharged, engines because the circuit board for the electric auxiliary water pump can overheat.

Risk: This could lead to a smoldering of the pump or an engine compartment or vehicle fire.

Fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the auxiliary water pump free of charge. The safety recall began on december 19, 2011. Owners may contact BMW customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417.

32,084 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Equipment · NHTSA 10V233000 · Jun 2, 2010

Problem: Bmw is recalling certain model year 2011 x5 sav and x6 sav passenger vehicles manufactured from april 1 through may 8, 2010. The tire label does not conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." the vehicles are equipped with 20-inch wheels, but the label states that the vehicles were equipped with 19-inch wheels and the stated tire pressure is incorrect for…

Risk: Improper tire inflation can result in premature tire failure or reduced vehicle handling performance, either of which can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Bmw will notify owners and provide correct labels free of charge. The owner will have the option to affix the label themselves or they may take their vehicle to a BMW dealer who will affix the label for them at no cost. The safety recall began on october 8, 2010. Owners may contact BMW at…

296 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

2011 BMW X6 problems by component

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine 15
012
Power Train 10
010
Electrical System 3
010
Fuel/Propulsion System 3
000
Suspension 3
000
Unknown or Other 3
010
Air Bags 2
000
Engine and Engine Cooling 2
010
Fuel System, Gasoline 2
000
Steering 2
000
Vehicle Speed Control 2
000
Electronic Stability Control (esc) 1
000
Service Brakes 1
000
Tires 1
000
Traction Control System 1
000
Visibility/Wiper 1
010

Latest owner complaints

Engine · Jun 5, 2026 · PA · fire

I returned home from shopping at local store 15 miles away. Arrived home around 11:30pm on June 3. Unloaded groceries and sat down. Around 11:45pm-11:50pm heard yelling from outside that our car was on fire. My husband ran out and and seen flames coming from under hood of car. I called 911 and within a couple mins middle of hood was completely starting to melt and components…

Engine · Mar 25, 2024 · 94,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2011 BMW X6. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the mechanic stated that the timing chain gears failed. The vehicle was not repaired due to the part not being available.…

Engine · Aug 29, 2023 · 94,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2011 BMW X6. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle inadvertently shut off. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was…

Suspension · Aug 29, 2023 · 94,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2011 BMW X6. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle inadvertently shut off. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was…

Fuel System, Gasoline · Aug 29, 2023 · 94,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2011 BMW X6. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle inadvertently shut off. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was…

Unknown or Other · Jan 11, 2023 · GA

While driving the check engine light came on moments later the steering wheel stiffened up then released mid turn when I turn the steering wheel the tires didn’t respond I hit a curb

Suspension · Jan 11, 2023 · GA

While driving the check engine light came on moments later the steering wheel stiffened up then released mid turn when I turn the steering wheel the tires didn’t respond I hit a curb

Steering · Jan 11, 2023 · GA

While driving the check engine light came on moments later the steering wheel stiffened up then released mid turn when I turn the steering wheel the tires didn’t respond I hit a curb

Power Train · Dec 15, 2021 · WA

2011 BMW x6m 115k miles the car system was burning smell coming. Smell like electrical problem the system of the car shuts down no power just enough power to pull over off the road. Turned it off and back on it went away. Check engine light and reduced of power keeps coming on. We look into the truck water is leaking into the electrical. Trunk electrical broken. Comfort access…

Vehicle Speed Control · Dec 15, 2021 · WA

2011 BMW x6m 115k miles the car system was burning smell coming. Smell like electrical problem the system of the car shuts down no power just enough power to pull over off the road. Turned it off and back on it went away. Check engine light and reduced of power keeps coming on. We look into the truck water is leaking into the electrical. Trunk electrical broken. Comfort access…

Electrical System · Dec 15, 2021 · WA

2011 BMW x6m 115k miles the car system was burning smell coming. Smell like electrical problem the system of the car shuts down no power just enough power to pull over off the road. Turned it off and back on it went away. Check engine light and reduced of power keeps coming on. We look into the truck water is leaking into the electrical. Trunk electrical broken. Comfort access…

Power Train · Jul 26, 2021 · 98,000 miles · MN

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…

Other BMW X6 years

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2011 BMW X6 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 11 safety recalls covering the 2011 BMW X6, the most recent one (20V016000) for air bags. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

What are the most common problems with the 2011 BMW X6?

Based on 31 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most reported areas are engine (15), power train (10), electrical system (3).

Have there been crashes or injuries linked to the 2011 BMW X6?

Owners reported 0 crashes, 3 fires, 2 injuries and 0 deaths in complaints to NHTSA. These are unverified owner reports, not findings of fault.