X3 (F25)
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Engine Reliability Ratings
BMW X3 Unidentified Engine
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Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
N52B30
3.0L 6-cyl / 300 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
2.0-I4-Diesel
2.0L 4-cyl / 181 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
2.0-I4-Gas
2.0L 4-cyl / 241 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
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Show 3 additional engine variants with limited data
2.0-V6-Gas
2.0L 6-cyl / 241 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
3.0-V6-Gas
3.0L 6-cyl / 300 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
M54B25
2.5L 6-cyl / 184 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the BMW X3 regardless of engine variant.
Recalls (6)
BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2018 328d, 328d xDrive, X5 xDrive35d, 2014-2016 535d, 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, and 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d vehicles. The high-pressure fuel pump may fail.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2018 328d, 328d xDrive, 2014-2018 328d Sports Wagon, 328d xDrive Sports Wagon, 2014-2016 535d, 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d SAV, and 2014-2017 X5 xDrive35d SAV diesel vehicles equipped with an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) module with an integrated cooler. The EGR cooler may leak internally, causing coolant to mix with diesel engine soot, which could result in smoldering particles and a melting intake manifold.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2018 BMW 328d and 328d xDrive, 2014-2018 328d Sports Wagon and 328d xDrive Sports Wagon, 2014-2016 535d and 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d SAV and 2014-2017 X5 xDrive35d SAV vehicles equipped with an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) module with an integrated cooler. If the EGR cooler leaks internally, the coolant can mix with diesel engine soot. The high EGR temperatures may result in these particles possibly smoldering and melting the intake manifold.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2011-2017, X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i and X3 xDrive35i, vehicles manufactured July 2, 2010 to April 14, 2016, 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d vehicles manufactured March 10, 2014 to March 31, 2016, and 2015-2017 x4 xDrive28i, X4 xDrive35i and X4 xDriveM40i vehicles manufactured March3, 2014 to April 15, 2016. The affected vehicles have lower anchor bars for securing child restraint seats that may become damaged when using the European-ISOFIX-type, rigid-style connector, child restraint system.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling one model year 2017 BMW X3 xDrive 28i vehicle manufactured on June 7, 2016. This vehicle has electronic power steering (EPS), and the contact pins on the EPS control unit may not have been welded properly resulting in increased resistance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2011-2017 BMW X3 problems?
The 2011-2017 BMW X3 has accumulated 749 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Engine, Electrical System, Cooling System. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.
Which BMW X3 engine is most reliable?
The 2011-2017 BMW X3 was offered with 7 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.0L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2011-2017 BMW X3 a good used car?
The 2011-2017 BMW X3 can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 749 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2011-2017 BMW X3 have?
The 2011-2017 BMW X3 has 749 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2011-2017 BMW X3?
There are 6 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2011-2017 BMW X3 vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used BMW X3?
Before buying a used BMW X3, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Engine, Electrical System, Cooling System, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the X3?
The 2017 BMW X3 received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 5 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (16.9% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 749 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.