2011 BMW X3: sudden loss of power

Filed Nov 29, 2023 · Steering · FL

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, RESULTING IN A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE

Filed May 20, 2022 · Steering · 135,000 miles · ME

The contact owns a 2011 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 11V341000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.

Filed Apr 25, 2018 · Electrical, Steering · 100,000 miles · NV

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 bmw x3. While attempting to make a u turn, the steering wheel seized. In addition, the vehicle experienced a complete loss of power. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (bmw of las vegas, 6900 w sahara ave, las vegas, nv) for diagnostic testing, but the cause of the failure was unable to be determined. The dealer stated that the VIN was not included in any recalls pertaining to the failure. The manufacturer was notified and informed the contact of the federal safety agency campaign number: 11v341000 (steering), but the VIN was excluded. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Filed Sep 25, 2015 · Brakes, Electrical · 88,863 miles · PA

While driving on an interstate road, exiting a tunnel, the x-3 suddenly, without any warning or indicators, lost the power steering and power brakes. The engine lost power and the dash board lite up with a myriad of warnings that made no sense. Then, just as suddenly the entire dash board went dark. The vehicle was extremely difficult to steer and stop. Since I was in fast moving traffic, the situation was scary to say the least. I found a place to pull off and did so. I turned the x-3 off. At restart it seemed ok, but the problem re-occurred again. I was able to finally get to my house. Stopping and re-starting several times. Losing all power, brakes, steering, etc at each instance. Vehicle was placed on a flat bed and taken to sewickley bmw the following day. After almost a week, the car was returned to me. I was told it was an electrical issue. Exactly 2 weeks later the same problems re-occurred. Again I was on an interstate and the lose of control at a high rate of speed could have been a catastrophe if an inexperience driver was behind the wheel. The car was repaired again and this time more work was done. The dealer said that they found a bulletin from bmw that explained this possibility. I saw the bmw info and it understated what actually could or would occur should their systems fail. In my opinion, my life was in severe jeopardy when the failures occurred and had I not been an experienced driver with calm reactions, a fatality is not out of the question. My wife will no longer ride in the vehicle and I have been told to get rid of it asap. I reported these incidents to bmw and quite frankly they were totally indifferent to the problem, only saying that the vehicle is out of warranty and they have no obligation to do anything for me. In my opinion, this is a major problem waiting to explode. Bmw is ignoring the issue and someone will die

Filed Sep 10, 2012 · Electrical, Steering · CO

My vehicle suddenly lost power steering control and a yellow warning symbol appeared on the instrument panel. I experienced the problem the first time while I maneuvered a corner. I was coming out of the turn and accelerating when the steering locked up, and the loss of steering control almost caused me to crash. I took the car immediately to murray motors (in denver, co) and was advised that there was simply a computer programming "glitch" that came from the factory; the service center advised they downloaded new software and the problem was solved. Some weeks later, I again lost power steering suddenly while driving straight. I took the car into murray motors again and stressed the enormity of my concern over this frightening problem. After some days, murray motors advised me that the electronic power steering assist unit had failed. They represented they replaced the power steering rack, the electric motor mounted on the rack, and the eps module. I researched bmw recalls thereafter and found that a recall had been issued for this problem on several bmw models already. I called bmw's customer relations number (1‑800‑525‑7417) and was informed that my vehicle VIN number fell outside the scope of the current recall, and I was therefore never notified. I am writing the federal safety agency to report that bmw's recall is not broad enough as defects in the eps module and related parts exist in vehicles beyond the immediate recall. I also want the federal safety agency to know that murray motors allowed me to drive this vehicle out of their service center after the first (inadequate) repair, even though the steering complaints I reported to their service technicians were identical the description of the steering problem listed in bmw's recall letter for the x3 posted on their website. Murray motors claims to have no knowledge of this defect in any x3.

Filed Jun 28, 2011 · Engine, Transmission · DC

2011 bmw x3. Consumer states multiple drive train failures *tgw the consumer stated while driving, the vehicle lost power while passing another vehicle on a rural two lane highway. The vehicles computer system flashed a warning signal with a half engine icon stating: drive moderately. Maximum drive train output not available. Have the system checked by your service center. The dealer had isolated the problem and stated a vacuum tube supplying air to the engine was crimped. However, the next weekend, the consumer experienced a similar though less extreme loss of power and the same drive train warning appeared again. The vehicle was taken to the dealer again, where they stated a possible cause was a faulty gasket, but was not sure if it would resolve the problem.