Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
2011 BMW X6 XDRIVE35IRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 31 owner complaints for the 2011 BMW X6 XDRIVE35I. Most complaints involve engine (15) and power train (10). The EPA rates it 19 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
19mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
31
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$4,050est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2011 BMW X6 XDRIVE35I as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
31 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 2011 – Jun 2026
- Engine15
- Power train10
- Suspension3
- Electrical system3
- Fuel/propulsion system3
- Fuel system, gasoline2
- Steering2
- Vehicle speed control2
- Air bags2
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Engine
15 reports1 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 were spraying fluid and popping pieces of metal and plastic were thrown everywhere. A neighbor proceeded to use 2 fire extinguishers to try to control blaze which did not seem to calm flames. Fire department arrived and sprayed down side of house and back of our other car which was parked In front of our BMW. Do to the extreme heat we could not get into other car to move it as it was parked by closed garage doors. Myself, our 2 daughter's and visiting friend were forced from the house due to concerns that the house might catch fire. We watched as the cars whole front engine area burned completely.During the trip to the store there were no warning signs on vehicle stating anything wrong. The fire marshal did a report on the fire and it was towed to local tow yard. At this time it is…”
Power train
10 reports1 fire
“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 not working. This car is really unsafe and its not fix.”
Suspension
3 reports
“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 repaired. On another occasion while leaving a parking lot, the vehicle jerked with a delay while accelerating. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the front suspension needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. On another occasion while starting the vehicle, the vehicle started overheating. The contact shut off the vehicle and waited for the vehicle to cool down before restarting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 94,000.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
1 version rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S8)
- Drive
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X6 xDrive35i Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 19 | $4,050 | 468 |
- 19mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2011 BMW X6 XDRIVE35I as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 75
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2011 X6 XDRIVE35I questions
How many recalls does the 2011 BMW X6 XDRIVE35I have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 10, 2026.
What are the most common 2011 BMW X6 XDRIVE35I problems?
Owners filed 31 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (15), power train (10), suspension (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2011 BMW X6 XDRIVE35I get?
The EPA rates the 2011 BMW X6 XDRIVE35I at 19 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026