MYRModel Year Report

2016 BMW X3

● Typical for this model
2016 BMW X3
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:44:01.413Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
82
Recalls
5

Campaigns on file for 2016

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Electrical system

28% of complaints

Complaints per year

2004: 138 complaints 2004 2005: 103 complaints 2006: 143 complaints 2007: 98 complaints 2007 2008: 66 complaints 2009: 19 complaints 2010: 32 complaints 2010 2011: 113 complaints 2012: 42 complaints 2013: 226 complaints 2013 2014: 86 complaints 2015: 105 complaints 2016: 82 complaints 2016 82 2017: 92 complaints 2018: 76 complaints 2019: 171 complaints 2019 2020: 110 complaints 2021: 110 complaints 2022: 81 complaints 2022 2023: 15 complaints 2024: 39 complaints 2025: 39 complaints 2025 2026: 21 complaints
2004: 138 complaints 2004 2005: 103 complaints 2006: 143 complaints 2006 2007: 98 complaints 2008: 66 complaints 2008 2009: 19 complaints 2010: 32 complaints 2010 2011: 113 complaints 2012: 42 complaints 2012 2013: 226 complaints 2014: 86 complaints 2014 2015: 105 complaints 2016: 82 complaints 2016 82 2017: 92 complaints 2018: 76 complaints 2018 2019: 171 complaints 2020: 110 complaints 2020 2021: 110 complaints 2022: 81 complaints 2022 2023: 15 complaints 2024: 39 complaints 2024 2025: 39 complaints 2026: 21 complaints 2026
2004: 138 complaints 2004 2005: 103 complaints 2005 2006: 143 complaints 2006 2007: 98 complaints 2007 2008: 66 complaints 2008 2009: 19 complaints 2009 2010: 32 complaints 2010 2011: 113 complaints 2011 2012: 42 complaints 2012 2013: 226 complaints 2013 2014: 86 complaints 2014 2015: 105 complaints 2015 2016: 82 complaints 2016 82 2017: 92 complaints 2017 2018: 76 complaints 2018 2019: 171 complaints 2019 2020: 110 complaints 2020 2021: 110 complaints 2021 2022: 81 complaints 2022 2023: 15 complaints 2023 2024: 39 complaints 2024 2025: 39 complaints 2025 2026: 21 complaints 2026

2016: 82 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
2004138
2005103
2006143
200798
200866
200919
201032
2011113
201242
2013226
201486
2015105
201682
201792
201876
2019171
2020110
2021110
202281
202315
202439
202539
202621

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

28% · 23 reports
FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

While driving on a two-lane 40 MPH road in the left lane the vehicle suddenly lost power, stopped in traffic, and displayed a transmission warning message. Multiple warning lights were "on" and the car would not restart.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-17

Also filed under Engine and power train

Engine and engine cooling

22% · 18 reports

Most commonly citing gas recirculation valve (egr valve) and hoses/plumbing.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

The contact owned a 2016 BMW X3. The contact stated that while parking in the garage, the warning message "engine overheated" had displayed, but the temperature gauge displayed a normal temperature reading.

NHTSA ODI report, 2025-10-27

The contact owns a 2016 BMW X3. The contact stated while cold starting the vehicle, there was significant amounts of white and blueish smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-05

Engine

16% · 13 reports
CRASHFIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 BMW X3. When parking the vehicle, the rpms increased when the brake pedal was depressed. As a result, the vehicle crashed into a tree. There were no warning indicators illuminated.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-03-06

Service brakes

12% · 10 reports
CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

While braking to slow the vehicle to a stop behind traffic at a red light, after coming off a highway exit ramp, the brakes failed to respond to added pressure applied to bring the vehicle to a complete stop.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-31

I was slowing to a stop at a red light on a very busy street and the brakes in my X3 failed. Instead of slowing the car down - it sped up and crashed into the car in front of me. I pushed down on the brakes and the car jumped forward.

NHTSA ODI report, 2016-11-18

This all happened the same day beginning about 10AM on 12/29/15. The car is a 2016 BMW X3 that I bought new in August 2015. 1.slowed to brake at a red light. I was the first car at the intersection.

NHTSA ODI report, 2016-01-12

Power train

11% · 9 reports

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2016-07-13Child seat16V333000 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,...

    Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will weld a reinforcing bracket to the lower anchor bars and the vehicle body, free of charge. The recall began on July 13, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    2019-05-13Engine and engine cooling18V755000 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...

    Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the EGR cooler as necessary. If a leak has already occurred, the engine intake manifold will also be replaced. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2019.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. I
    2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
  4. R
    2022-01-14Fuel system, diesel21V586000 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.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the high-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 14, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. R
    2022-07-06Fuel system, diesel21V907000 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...

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the EGR cooler and inspect the intake manifold, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 18V-755.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. I
    2023-03-17Engineering analysisOpen High pressure fuel pump failure
  7. R
    2025-03-28Electrical system, engine and engine cooling24V608000 BMW of North America, LLC.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2016 BMW X3 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 23 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 18 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine: 13 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 16V333000 · Child seat
  • Recall 18V755000 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 21V586000 · Fuel system, diesel
  • Recall 21V907000 · Fuel system, diesel
  • Recall 24V608000 · Electrical system, engine and engine cooling
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2016 BMW X3 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 BMW X3 is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2016 BMW X3?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 BMW X3 have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.