2017 BMW X3 Problems & Owner Complaints
Age-normalised, this year draws ~9.2 complaints per year on the road — ranking 6 of 10 BMW X3 years we track (1 = most complaints per year).
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What owners report
Electrical System is the most-reported problem area on the 2017 BMW X3, cited in 30 of 92 filed complaints (33%).
Engine And Engine Cooling is next (22 complaints, 24%), followed by Engine (17), Fuel/Propulsion System (13), Service Brakes (12).
Across all complaints, 10 report a crash, 2 report a fire, 5 report injuries.
The most safety-critical cluster is Air Bags: 1 crash, 3 injury report(s).
Complaints by vehicle system
Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2017 BMW X3, grouped by the vehicle system each cites. A single complaint can name more than one system, so the group totals can add up to more than 92.
Electrical System 30 1 crash
“I have tried to set up an appointment with my local dealer for a recall notice several times, but they never have the part needed. One time they said they had the part and after dropping the car off my wife returned to find out they still did not have the part The date below is approximate”
NHTSA complaint #11736163, 2025
“The contact owns a 2017 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.”
NHTSA complaint #11669511, 2025
“The contact owns a 2017 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the message that the "Engine was Overheated" was displayed on the instrument panel with the RPM elevated. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer and was diagnosed with a defective water pump. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The contact was then referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The…”
NHTSA complaint #11668545, 2025
Engine And Engine Cooling 22
“See attached document for complaint. It is coming to almost a year that this problem still exists. After multiple attempts to have this rectified still un settled. I tried to make a claim on your website but for some reason the site is not taking my VIN# XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX, NJ Plate Tag XXXXXX”
NHTSA complaint #11692266, 2025
“The contact owns a 2017 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.”
NHTSA complaint #11669511, 2025
“The contact owns a 2017 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the message that the "Engine was Overheated" was displayed on the instrument panel with the RPM elevated. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer and was diagnosed with a defective water pump. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The contact was then referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The…”
NHTSA complaint #11668545, 2025
Engine 17 1 crash 2 fire
“I LEASED A 2017 BMW X3 WITH 3370 MILES ON IT SO ALMOST BRAND NEW. I HAVE A 7.6 MILE COMMUTE FROM WORK TO HOME. I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AROUND 230PM PST SOUTH ON THE 405 (HIGHWAY) IN LOS ANGELES. I PULL UP TO MY HOUSE AND PARK THE VEHICLE ON MY CITY STREET. I PARK TURN OFF THE VEHICLE AND LOCK THE DOORS AND WALK INTO MY HOUSE. WITHIN 15 MINUTES, MY NEIGHBOR KNOCKS ON MY DOOR AND INFORMS ME THAT MY CAR IS ON FIRE. WHEN I LOOK OUTSIDE AT MY VEHICLE, IN BETWEEN THE HOOD OF MY CAR AND FRONT WINDSHIELD ARE SPITTING FLAMES OUT ONTO THE WINDSHIELD. IT THEN PROCEEDED TO BURN FAST AND HOT AN…”
NHTSA complaint #11144413, 2018 · fire
“ENGINE SEIZED AT 65MPH HIGHWAY SPEEDS DURING COMMUTE TO WORK ON BUSY BOSTON HIGHWAY. NARROWLY AVOIDED SEVERAL COLLISIONS AS VEHICLE COASTED TO STOP. VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW FROM A BMW DEALER THREE WEEKS AGO AND HAS LESS THAN 2,000 MILES ON IT. DEALER ADVISES AN "OVERSIZED BEARING WAS FOUND IN THE ENGINE CAUSING IT TO OVERHEAT AND SEIZE". ENGINE REQUIRES REPLACEMENT. TRANSMISSION, TRANSFER CASE, ELECTRONICS AND COOLING SYSTEM DAMAGE ARE SUSPECTED BY THE DEALER TECH AND WILL REQUIRE MONITORING.”
NHTSA complaint #11006636, 2017 · fire
“I WAS STOPPING MY CAR AT A RED SIGNAL BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE. I APPLIED BREAKS AND VEHICLE REACHED TO COMPLETE STOP. IMMEDIATELY, ENGINE PICKED UP AND STARTED MOVING FORWARD EVEN THOUGH BREAKS ARE COMPLETELY PRESSED. I HAD TO DO SOMETHING TO STOP THE CAR REAR ENDING. SO, I RELEASED AND RE-APPLIED BREAKS. VEHICLE REACHED COMPLETE STOP AND AGAIN STARTED ACCELERATING FORWARD. I REPEATED THE PROCESS BUT THE THIRD TIME IT HIT THE CAR INFRONT OF ME. THE CAR IS EQUIPPED WITH : AUTO START/STOP ENGINE (WHICH STOPS THE ENGINE WHEN THE CAR IS AT COMPLETE REST). AUTO HOLD (WHICH ALLOWS THE DRIVER TO…”
NHTSA complaint #10948114, 2017 · crash
Fuel/Propulsion System 13 2 crash 1 fire
“I LEASED A 2017 BMW X3 WITH 3370 MILES ON IT SO ALMOST BRAND NEW. I HAVE A 7.6 MILE COMMUTE FROM WORK TO HOME. I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AROUND 230PM PST SOUTH ON THE 405 (HIGHWAY) IN LOS ANGELES. I PULL UP TO MY HOUSE AND PARK THE VEHICLE ON MY CITY STREET. I PARK TURN OFF THE VEHICLE AND LOCK THE DOORS AND WALK INTO MY HOUSE. WITHIN 15 MINUTES, MY NEIGHBOR KNOCKS ON MY DOOR AND INFORMS ME THAT MY CAR IS ON FIRE. WHEN I LOOK OUTSIDE AT MY VEHICLE, IN BETWEEN THE HOOD OF MY CAR AND FRONT WINDSHIELD ARE SPITTING FLAMES OUT ONTO THE WINDSHIELD. IT THEN PROCEEDED TO BURN FAST AND HOT AN…”
NHTSA complaint #11144413, 2018 · fire
“I WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND WITHOUT WARNING THE CAR ACCELERATED. I SIDESWIPED THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME AND PROCEED TO CROSS A 4 LANE HIGHWAY. I TRIED TO STOP BUT KEPT GOING , JUMPED A CURB GOT ON A GRASSY AREA DID A 360 TO A ROAD JUMPED BACK ON THE GRASS AND CAME TO REST IN SOME BUSHES AND WIRE FENCE. DAMAGE TO DRIVERS SIDE FRONT END. IHAVE PICTURES IN MY PHONE, BUT DON'T KNOW HOW TO ATTACH THEM TO THIS FORM?”
NHTSA complaint #11270125, 2019 · crash
“On two separate occasions, the BMW has completely shut down in the middle of the road while driving. An alert showing something along the lines of "drive train failure" was shown on the dash display, and I simply had no control over driving the car. Upon making it safely to the side of the road, the car would not start, only sputter, when the push button start was engaged. After the first incident, the car was towed to a shop where they stated it was the high pressure fuel pump that needed to be replaced and stated there was a recall for this exact issue; however my VIN is not in the recall. S…”
NHTSA complaint #11589997, 2024
Service Brakes 12 6 crash 2 injury
“While driving on the freeway my brakes failed. I had pushed the pedal all the way down and the vehicle was still moving. This caused a rear end collision. There were no warnings that appeared.”
NHTSA complaint #11552414, 2023 · crash · 2 injury(ies)
“As I was pulling into my assigned parking spot in my building complex. Both me and my 6yr old daughter were in the vehicle. As I was pulling into my parking spot and went to brake and put my vehicle in park- my brakes locked, gave out and the vehicle continued to proceed forward. As it proceeded forwarded, I immediately kept trying to brake- but because the vehicle is all wheel drive it accelerated forward pushing through the concrete parking bumper guard located on the floor of the parking spot. Because of the acceleration, the vehicle crashed into the storage units connected to the building…”
NHTSA complaint #11486314, 2022 · crash
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 BMW X3. THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING TO STOP AT A STOP SIGN AND PRESSED DOWN ON THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE STOPPED IN FRONT AT THE STOP SIGN. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE HIT THE BACK BUMPER OF THE OTHER VEHICLE AT 5 MPH. THERE WAS NO VISIBLE DAMAGE WITH ONLY THE LICENSE PLATE BEING TORN OFF. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAD NOT YET BEEN CALLED. THE OTHER PERSON FILED A CLAIM WITH THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,420.”
NHTSA complaint #11351413, 2020 · crash
Unknown Or Other 9 1 crash
“As I was pulling into my assigned parking spot in my building complex. Both me and my 6yr old daughter were in the vehicle. As I was pulling into my parking spot and went to brake and put my vehicle in park- my brakes locked, gave out and the vehicle continued to proceed forward. As it proceeded forwarded, I immediately kept trying to brake- but because the vehicle is all wheel drive it accelerated forward pushing through the concrete parking bumper guard located on the floor of the parking spot. Because of the acceleration, the vehicle crashed into the storage units connected to the building…”
NHTSA complaint #11486314, 2022 · crash
“NHTSA Recall Number24V608 It is been a year already and there is no remedy available for the recall yet. Scheduled multiple appointments with dealer and they don't have a remedy yet. I am concerned to drive the vehicle as i drive daily and can feel excessive heating in engine.”
NHTSA complaint #11674996, 2025
“I have an open recall on my vehicle that has not yet been repaired, and I’ve reached out to BMW multiple times and still haven’t received a letter from them regarding this Recall! If the vehicle can potentially catch fire then why would they think this isn’t a priority due to safety concerns!!!!”
NHTSA complaint #11680800, 2023
Air Bags 7 1 crash 3 injury
“NOTIFYING YOU OF A SAFETY MATTER THAT THE CONSTITUENT EXPERIENCED WHILE DRIVING HIS SON'S 2017 BMW X3 ON JUNE 29TH A APPROXIMATELY 6:30PM INVOLVING THE VEHICLES FRONT AND SIDE AIRBAGS. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED FOR UNKNOWN REASONS. THE DRIVER CRASHED INTO A GUARD RAILED. THE DRIVER AND 2 PASSENGERS RECEIVED BRUISES FROM THE IMPACT. THEY WERE TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL FOR OBSERVATION. UPDATED 09/11/2017*JS”
NHTSA complaint #11023048, 2017 · crash · 3 injury(ies)
“Seat mat sensor module which detects presence of passenger in the seat has malfunctioned sooner than expected.”
NHTSA complaint #11706430, 2025
“Passenger seatbelt sensor warning failure”
NHTSA complaint #11610535, 2024
Structure 6 2 crash
“I WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND WITHOUT WARNING THE CAR ACCELERATED. I SIDESWIPED THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME AND PROCEED TO CROSS A 4 LANE HIGHWAY. I TRIED TO STOP BUT KEPT GOING , JUMPED A CURB GOT ON A GRASSY AREA DID A 360 TO A ROAD JUMPED BACK ON THE GRASS AND CAME TO REST IN SOME BUSHES AND WIRE FENCE. DAMAGE TO DRIVERS SIDE FRONT END. IHAVE PICTURES IN MY PHONE, BUT DON'T KNOW HOW TO ATTACH THEM TO THIS FORM?”
NHTSA complaint #11270125, 2019 · crash
“AUGUST 19, 2017 I PULLED INTO MY DRIVEWAY AT A VERY LOW SPEED AND APPLIED THE BRAKES TO PARK. THE CAR AGGRESSIVELY ACCELERATED EVEN THOUGH MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. THE CAR WENT THROUGH MY NEIGHBORS FENCES AND IT FINALLY STOPPED BETWEEN TWO GARAGES BEHIND MY PROPERTY ON THE NEXT STREET. I COULD NOT OPEN THE DOORS OR WINDOWS FOR A MINUTE OR TWO. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS CAR AGAIN.”
NHTSA complaint #11018637, 2017 · crash
“CARVANA - SOLD ME A 2ND LEMON. Vehicle has significant oil leak. Front of engine as well as underside of engine is covered in oil. Alternator is saturated in oil. (Eventually burning out the alternator) Serpentine belt is also saturated in oil making it swell and becoming soft. Also makes the belt slippery and outside edge of belt is damaged. Right rear tire is about to come apart very soon. The steel belt is serpentine from the tire. (Unsafe) Vehicle currently has 25 intermittent and pertinent codes. Drivers door and drivers side rear door are different color white they have been repainted.…”
NHTSA complaint #11628408, 2024
Fuel System 4
“The contact owns a 2017 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the fuel pump. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V586000 (Fuel System, Diesel); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the c…”
NHTSA complaint #11659287, 2025
“The contact owns a 2017 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated, but the message "Fuel Pump Fault" was displayed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the fuel pump. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the fuel pump and fuel control module regulator wi…”
NHTSA complaint #11610236, 2023
“The contact owns a 2017 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The power train warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the high-pressure fuel pump. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V586000 (Fuel System, Diesel) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but…”
NHTSA complaint #11559031, 2023
Vehicle Speed Control 3 1 crash 1 fire
“ENGINE SEIZED AT 65MPH HIGHWAY SPEEDS DURING COMMUTE TO WORK ON BUSY BOSTON HIGHWAY. NARROWLY AVOIDED SEVERAL COLLISIONS AS VEHICLE COASTED TO STOP. VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW FROM A BMW DEALER THREE WEEKS AGO AND HAS LESS THAN 2,000 MILES ON IT. DEALER ADVISES AN "OVERSIZED BEARING WAS FOUND IN THE ENGINE CAUSING IT TO OVERHEAT AND SEIZE". ENGINE REQUIRES REPLACEMENT. TRANSMISSION, TRANSFER CASE, ELECTRONICS AND COOLING SYSTEM DAMAGE ARE SUSPECTED BY THE DEALER TECH AND WILL REQUIRE MONITORING.”
NHTSA complaint #11006636, 2017 · fire
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 BMW X3. THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING TO STOP AT A STOP SIGN AND PRESSED DOWN ON THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE STOPPED IN FRONT AT THE STOP SIGN. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE HIT THE BACK BUMPER OF THE OTHER VEHICLE AT 5 MPH. THERE WAS NO VISIBLE DAMAGE WITH ONLY THE LICENSE PLATE BEING TORN OFF. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAD NOT YET BEEN CALLED. THE OTHER PERSON FILED A CLAIM WITH THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,420.”
NHTSA complaint #11351413, 2020 · crash
“THIS COMPLAINT IS A FOLLOW-UP TO EARLIER COMPLAINT TO NHTSA 11129293. AS NOTED, I EXPERIENCED 3 REVVING INCIDENTS IN WHICH THE ENGINE ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY TO OVER 7,000 RPM AND WAS DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. FORTUNATE, THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED ON EACH OCCASION AND DID NOT SURGE AHEAD WHILE I PRESSED FIRMLY ON THE BRAKE AND SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL. THE REVVING STOPPED ON ITS OWN AFTER A SHORT TIME. IN EACH INSTANCE I DELIVERED THE VEHICLE TO A BMW DEALERSHIP--THE FIRST TIME IN SARASOTA, FL AND THEN TWICE IN ROCKVILLE, MD--AND BMW MECHANICS WERE UNABLE TO FIND ANY CAUSE OR FLAW. FOLLOWING THE THIRD E…”
NHTSA complaint #11179777, 2018
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 2 1 crash
“I WAS STOPPING MY CAR AT A RED SIGNAL BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE. I APPLIED BREAKS AND VEHICLE REACHED TO COMPLETE STOP. IMMEDIATELY, ENGINE PICKED UP AND STARTED MOVING FORWARD EVEN THOUGH BREAKS ARE COMPLETELY PRESSED. I HAD TO DO SOMETHING TO STOP THE CAR REAR ENDING. SO, I RELEASED AND RE-APPLIED BREAKS. VEHICLE REACHED COMPLETE STOP AND AGAIN STARTED ACCELERATING FORWARD. I REPEATED THE PROCESS BUT THE THIRD TIME IT HIT THE CAR INFRONT OF ME. THE CAR IS EQUIPPED WITH : AUTO START/STOP ENGINE (WHICH STOPS THE ENGINE WHEN THE CAR IS AT COMPLETE REST). AUTO HOLD (WHICH ALLOWS THE DRIVER TO…”
NHTSA complaint #10948114, 2017 · crash
“AFTER THE MAY 2016 DELIVERY OF OUR X3, I REPORTED A SOFTWARE DEFECT, FAILURE TO DISPLAY CORRECT DAY/TIME. THE DEFECT WAS SUBSEQUENTLY REPLICATED AND DOCUMENTED BY THE BMW SERVICE DEPT. WE HAVE YET TO RECEIVE FORMAL TECHNICAL VERIFICATION THAT THIS SOFTWARE DEFECT WILL NOT NEGATIVELY AFFECT VEHICLE SAFETY OR OPERATION. MY NUMEROUS INQUIRIES OVER THE LAST TEN [10] MONTHS WITH BMW'S CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AND EXECUTIVE CUSTOMER CARE, WESTWOOD, NJ HAVE ONLY RESULTED IN CONTINUED MISDIRECTION AND STONEWALLING. AFTER TAKING OWNERSHIP OF THIS SOFTWARE ISSUE BMW HAS NOT DEMONSTRATED A…”
NHTSA complaint #10960237, 2016
Power Train 2 1 crash 1 fire
“ENGINE SEIZED AT 65MPH HIGHWAY SPEEDS DURING COMMUTE TO WORK ON BUSY BOSTON HIGHWAY. NARROWLY AVOIDED SEVERAL COLLISIONS AS VEHICLE COASTED TO STOP. VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW FROM A BMW DEALER THREE WEEKS AGO AND HAS LESS THAN 2,000 MILES ON IT. DEALER ADVISES AN "OVERSIZED BEARING WAS FOUND IN THE ENGINE CAUSING IT TO OVERHEAT AND SEIZE". ENGINE REQUIRES REPLACEMENT. TRANSMISSION, TRANSFER CASE, ELECTRONICS AND COOLING SYSTEM DAMAGE ARE SUSPECTED BY THE DEALER TECH AND WILL REQUIRE MONITORING.”
NHTSA complaint #11006636, 2017 · fire
“The contact owns a 2017 BMW X3. The contact stated that while the contact's wife was pulling into a driveway, the vehicle sporadically accelerated and crashed into another vehicle. The contact stated that his wife was pumping the brakes but the vehicle failed to stop immediately. No air bags were deployed. The contact's wife was not injured and did not receive medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a repair shop. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000. The VIN was not available.”
NHTSA complaint #11526953, 2023 · crash
Steering 2
“THE VEHICLE WILL NOT DRIVE STRAIGHT WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS AT CENTER. THE VEHICLE WILL DRIFT EITHER TO THE LEFT OR TO THE RIGHT, BUT IT WILL NOT GO STRAIGHT WITHOUT CONSTANT CORRECTIONS. IN SHORT, THE STEERING SYSTEM DOES NOT HAVE A CENTER. THE AUTHORIZED DEALER'S CERTIFIED TECHNICIAN TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE AND CONFIRMED THE ISSUE. THEY UNSUCCESSFULLY TRIED TO REPAIR IT WITH WHEEL ALIGNMENT AND EPS RECALIBRATION. THEN THEY SAID THAT THEY TEST DROVE A SIMILAR VEHICLE AND IT EXHIBITS THE SAME STEERING ISSUE AND THUS THEY CALLED IT "A NORMAL CHARACTERISTIC OF THE ELECTRIC STEERING". I H…”
NHTSA complaint #11004269, 2017
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2017 BMW X3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEED, THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO EXPERIENCE EXTREME DIFFICULTY IN STEERING. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED FROM THE TIME THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR TIRE WERE OUT OF ALIGNMENT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE EVEN AFTER IT WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20.…”
NHTSA complaint #10943771, 2016
Visibility 2
“My daughter was driving on the NJ Turnpike, on the Highway for a few minutes when she heard a loud explosion. Nothing hit the Vehicle prior the explosion. A vehicle behind her saw the pieces of Sunroof blew out and notified her. She took the X3 to BMW and got a nice bill instead.”
NHTSA complaint #11449782, 2022
“The contact owns a 2017 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 mph, there was a loud abnormal sound coming from the roof of the vehicle. Moments later, the driver discovered that the glass sunroof had shattered. The cause of the failure was not determined. The contact indicated that no object had struck the sunroof to cause the failure. The local dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 24,143.”
NHTSA complaint #11419219, 2021
Wheels 2
“CARVANA - SOLD ME A 2ND LEMON. Vehicle has significant oil leak. Front of engine as well as underside of engine is covered in oil. Alternator is saturated in oil. (Eventually burning out the alternator) Serpentine belt is also saturated in oil making it swell and becoming soft. Also makes the belt slippery and outside edge of belt is damaged. Right rear tire is about to come apart very soon. The steel belt is serpentine from the tire. (Unsafe) Vehicle currently has 25 intermittent and pertinent codes. Drivers door and drivers side rear door are different color white they have been repainted.…”
NHTSA complaint #11628408, 2024
“Service due light keeps coming on, Brakes are squeaking, AC not blowing out properly check both front and rear, Back up camera is staying on even when she is in park, light on usb port are not working, emergency SOS call doesn't work, driver side door lock not working properly. Tires keep going down. Symptoms: Service due light keeps coming on, Brakes are squeaking, AC not blowing out properly check both front and rear, Back up camera is staying on even when she is in park, light on usb port are not working, emergency SOS call doesn't work, driver side door loc A/C EVACUATE AND”
NHTSA complaint #11628411, 2024
Exterior Lighting 1
“LEFT TURN SIGNAL MALFUNCTIONING WHILE DRIVING ON THE STREET AND HIGHWAY- WARNING MESSAGES OF MALFUNCTIONING OF TURN SIGNAL APPEARS ON PANEL. THIS ERROR OCCURRED TUESDAY AUGUST 20TH 2019, WILL BE TAKING CAR FOR REPAIR THIS WEEKEND.”
NHTSA complaint #11246149, 2019
Forward Collision Avoidance 1 1 crash
“As I was pulling into my assigned parking spot in my building complex. Both me and my 6yr old daughter were in the vehicle. As I was pulling into my parking spot and went to brake and put my vehicle in park- my brakes locked, gave out and the vehicle continued to proceed forward. As it proceeded forwarded, I immediately kept trying to brake- but because the vehicle is all wheel drive it accelerated forward pushing through the concrete parking bumper guard located on the floor of the parking spot. Because of the acceleration, the vehicle crashed into the storage units connected to the building…”
NHTSA complaint #11486314, 2022 · crash
Seats 1
“I CHECKED ONLINE FROM NHTSA THAT MY CAR HAS A RECALL WHICH IS IN INCOMPLETE STATUS, WHILE I CALLED BMW THEY TOLD ME THERE IS NO SUCH RECORD FOR A RECALL FOR MY CAR.”
NHTSA complaint #10916680, 2016
Tires 1
“P 245/50 R18 There were leanings from time to time. The Firestone service checked the cause which related to the quality of the tires, too thin sidewall on all 4 tires.”
NHTSA complaint #11569067, 2023
Visibility/Wiper 1
“Heard a loud boom after just entering the highway and the front sunroof on my 2017 BMW x3 just exploded. Fortunately the cover was closed, most of the glass blew out upon the explosion. Driving around the speed limit at the time of the explosion. Took it the dealer and got a big bill instead.”
NHTSA complaint #11449198, 2022
How we read this (methodology)
How to read this: raw complaint totals are not a clean reliability score — a model year with more cars sold, or simply more years on the road, accumulates more complaints regardless of how good it is. So this page leans on two signals that are not distorted by sales volume: the share of complaints falling on each vehicle system (the breakdown above) and NHTSA's own crash / fire / injury / death flags. When we compare model years of the same model, we normalise by years on the road (complaints ÷ vehicle age) rather than comparing raw totals. Age-normalised, the 2017 BMW X3 draws about 9.2 complaints per year on the road, ranking 6 of 10 among the BMW X3 model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).
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Related
Data source: U.S. NHTSA (nhtsa.gov). SaveVIN surfaces public recall data and is not affiliated with or endorsed by NHTSA.