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ProblemsByVin File / 2011-BMW-X6 NHTSA data synced 1 hour ago
2011 · BMW

BMW X6 problems

1 critical safety recall on file — the kind NHTSA opens when crashes, fires, or injuries are documented. Read those first.

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Reliability score
8.8 / 10

No owner complaints on NHTSA yet, so the reliability score is provisional. 4 active recalls on file — read those first.

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Critical
3
Severe
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Moderate
Should you avoid this 2011 X6?
Not enough data for a verdict

Only 0 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident call. The 4 active recalls above remain authoritative; read those first.

Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.

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Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2011 X6's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.
See the checklist ->

Active recalls showing 3 of 4

critical NHTSA 16V364000 May 25, 2016

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 Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U

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.
severe NHTSA 11V521000 October 20, 2011

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

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.
severe NHTSA 16V311000 May 17, 2016

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

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.
View all 4 recalls →

Common questions

Is the 2011 BMW X6 reliable?

Limited NHTSA data. Only 0 owner complaints have been filed for the 2011 BMW X6, which is not enough for a meaningful reliability score. Active recalls (if any) are listed on this page and remain authoritative — those are verified defects regardless of complaint volume. For a confident reliability read we look for at least 10 owner complaints in the federal database.

Should you avoid the 2011 BMW X6?

Only 0 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident call. The 4 active recalls above remain authoritative; read those first. We don't issue a buy/avoid verdict on the 2011 BMW X6 without a meaningful complaint sample — doing so off a handful of filings would be guesswork.

What should I check before buying a used 2011 BMW X6?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on the 2011 BMW X6 to flag a standout failure pattern. Run the VIN for open recalls — those are free to fix regardless of warranty — get a standard pre-purchase inspection, and ask the seller for service records.

Is the 2011 BMW X6 a good used car to buy?

Hard to say from federal data alone — only 0 owner complaints have been filed. Lean on the recall list above, a pre-purchase inspection, and a vehicle-history report on the specific VIN. Our data tells you what the model is known for; a history report tells you what that exact car has been through.

What's the most common problem on the 2011 BMW X6?

No problem area has crossed our reporting threshold yet, which is a good sign for this vehicle.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

Major repair items haven't been flagged often enough on this vehicle to single one out.

How do I check if my BMW X6 has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2011 BMW X6?

Hard to say from NHTSA data alone with only 0 complaints on file. A quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. The decision comes down to your specific situation: vehicle cost, miles on it, how long you plan to keep it, and whether you can absorb a $3K–$8K repair without straining cashflow. With limited public data on this vehicle, lean on the recall list above and check owner forums before committing.

Related

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 1 hour ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2011/BMW/X6. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with BMW. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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