Recall 11V341 covers 51 2011 BMW X3 vehicles for electric power steering assist loss. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 51 2011 X3 vehicles because a control module in the electric power steering unit can malfunction and suddenly remove power steering assistance. That loss makes the vehicle harder to steer and increases crash risk; the BMW dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The electric power steering system on the 2011 BMW X3 uses an electric motor to reduce the effort needed to turn the steering wheel. A control module inside that system tells the motor when to add steering assistance, so low-speed turns and parking maneuvers do not depend only on the driver's arm strength.
On affected X3 vehicles, that control module can malfunction. When it does, the steering gear still has a mechanical connection, but the power assist stops working without a gradual loss of help. The driver then has to turn the wheel with much more effort, especially at low speeds or during tight maneuvers.
There is no warning sign before failure. The first thing an owner notices is the sudden loss of power steering assistance, with the steering wheel becoming harder to turn.
Who's affected?
| 2011 BMW X3 | power steering system |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 51 |
Not every 2011 BMW X3 is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
A sudden loss of power steering assistance makes the 2011 BMW X3 harder to steer and increases crash risk. If steering assist drops out, slow down, pull over where safe, and arrange dealer service. Repair will be free at any franchised BMW dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011 BMW X3 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer and ask whether the free EPS control-module repair is open for your VIN.
- Reference recall number 11V341 when you call BMW or the dealer.
- Bring the recall notice if BMW mailed one to you.
- Drive cautiously until BMW confirms the repair is complete. Loss of power steering assistance makes steering harder, especially at low speeds.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician performs the recall repair for the electric power steering unit, the system tied to the sudden loss of power steering assistance described in campaign 11V341. The remedy text does not name a specific replacement part, so ask the service desk what BMW procedure applies to your VIN before authorizing related work. The final dealer repair is free once available, with parts and labor covered under the recall.
Timeline
| June 29, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 10, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V341?
Recall 11V341 covers 51 2011 BMW X3 vehicles with an electric power steering control module defect that can cause sudden loss of power steering assistance. BMW dealers repair the affected vehicles for free.
What should I do if my 2011 BMW X3 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific 2011 BMW X3 is included in recall 11V341. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer and ask for the electric power steering recall repair. Reference recall 11V341 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and BMW stated that dealers will repair the affected vehicles free of charge. The repair is handled through a franchised BMW dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is sudden loss of power steering assistance. The vehicle can still steer, but steering effort rises without warning, especially at lower speeds. BMW ties this defect to an increased crash risk in recall 11V341.
What if I bought the BMW X3 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2011 BMW X3 is included, then call a franchised BMW dealer and reference recall 11V341.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V341000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V341 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V341000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →