2017 BMW X3 engine problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

33 owners have reported engine problems with the 2017 BMW X3, 49% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 88,000 mi.

Engine complaints
33
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Related recalls
2
Median mileage
88,000 mi

Specific components reported

Engine covers: stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating.

ComponentComplaints
Engine and engine cooling22
Engine11

Engine complaints across BMW X3 years

192007214200917342011510120133437201527332017203920192723202110420235420251
Engine complaints by model year. The 2017 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

Under 10k110k–30k130k–60k560k–100k2100k–150k150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 24V608000Aug 13, 2024720,796 vehicles
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:CONNECTORS/PLUGS/RECEPTACLES · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:PUMP

    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.

    Risk: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.

    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.

  • Recall 18V755000Oct 25, 201844,368 vehicles
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)

    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.

    Risk: The melting intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.

    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. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

What owners say

  1. Filed Oct 9, 2025NJEngine
    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# [VIN removed], NJ Plate Tag XXXXXX
    NHTSA complaint #11692266 · source
  2. Filed Jul 14, 2025SCEngine
    I am unable to drive my 2017 BMW x3 Vin Number 5uxwx9c37h0t22306 anymore I recently took my vehicle to a mechanical and they told me that my Engine Coolant Pump is no longer good. I checked for any recalls, and the recall is Engine Coolant Pump which the description explains everything that's happening to my vehicle. This issue has been ruled non fixable, and I will like a responsible solution to this problem.
    NHTSA complaint #11673277 · source
  3. Filed Jun 26, 2025MDElectrical SystemEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11669511 · source
  4. Filed Jun 23, 202544,000 miMDTowedElectrical SystemEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11668545 · source
  5. Filed Jun 17, 2025TXElectrical SystemEngine
    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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
    NHTSA complaint #11667403 · source
  6. Filed May 6, 2025NYTowedEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11659287 · source
  7. Filed Apr 18, 2025TXElectrical SystemEngine
    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 local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
    NHTSA complaint #11655408 · source
  8. Filed Apr 18, 2025FLElectrical SystemEngine
    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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a…
    NHTSA complaint #11655391 · source
  9. Filed Apr 11, 2025WAElectrical SystemEngine
    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 local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not…
    NHTSA complaint #11654181 · source
  10. Filed Apr 2, 2025FLElectrical SystemEngine
    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 local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not…
    NHTSA complaint #11652406 · source
  11. Filed Mar 10, 2025NJElectrical SystemEngine
    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 local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
    NHTSA complaint #11647434 · source
  12. Filed Feb 21, 2025100,000 miPAElectrical SystemEngine
    The contact owns a 2017 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at 29 MPH, the engine overheated. The vehicle lost motive power and stalled. There was smoke coming from the vehicle. The contact was unaware of any warning lights being illuminated. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact called…
    NHTSA complaint #11644158 · source

Other 2017 BMW X3 problem areas

  • Electrical System (29)
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (14)
  • Other / Unknown (7)
  • Brakes (6)
  • Body & Structure (4)
  • Wheels & Tires (3)
  • Visibility & Wipers (3)
  • Airbags (3)
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (1)
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (1)
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control (1)

Back to all 2017 BMW X3 problems →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology