2017 BMW X3
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.
- Complaints
- 92
- Recalls
- 6
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 2017
Opened by NHTSA
33% of complaints
Complaints per year
2017: 92 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 138 |
| 2005 | 103 |
| 2006 | 143 |
| 2007 | 98 |
| 2008 | 66 |
| 2009 | 19 |
| 2010 | 32 |
| 2011 | 113 |
| 2012 | 42 |
| 2013 | 226 |
| 2014 | 86 |
| 2015 | 105 |
| 2016 | 82 |
| 2017 | 92 |
| 2018 | 76 |
| 2019 | 171 |
| 2020 | 110 |
| 2021 | 110 |
| 2022 | 81 |
| 2023 | 15 |
| 2024 | 39 |
| 2025 | 39 |
| 2026 | 21 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Electrical system
33% · 30 reportsShow complaint excerpts
12
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-01-29
Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system
Engine and engine cooling
24% · 22 reportsEngine
18% · 17 reportsShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-10-31
Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-01-28
Also filed under Service brakes and electronic stability control (esc)
Fuel/propulsion system
14% · 13 reportsService brakes
13% · 12 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
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 ODI report, 2023-10-28
Causing the car to jump forward. By putting car in neutral and depressing the brake on a grade, when I had completed, I noticed the the RPM gage was at 4000 RPM with brake on. The vehicle was stationary at the time.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-04-10
Safety timeline
6 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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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.
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2016-10-11Steering16V704000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling one model year 2017 BMW X3 xDrive 28i vehicle manufactured on June 7, 2016.
Remedy: The vehicle was repaired at the dealership before sale. Therefore, an owner notification notice will not be issued for this campaign. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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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.
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I
2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
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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.
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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.
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I
2023-03-17Engineering analysisOpen High pressure fuel pump failure
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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.
Buy-smart checklist
2017 BMW X3 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 30 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 22 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 17 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 16V333000 · Child seat
- Recall 16V704000 · Steering
- Recall 18V755000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 21V586000 · Fuel system, diesel
- Recall 21V907000 · Fuel system, diesel
- Recall 24V608000 · Electrical system, engine and engine cooling
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2017 BMW X3 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2017 BMW X3 is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2017 BMW X3?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2017 BMW X3 have?
- 6 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.