2018 BMW X3 engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Aug 14, 2026NJEngine

   There were several radiatior hose leaks that happened in the winter due to the outdated plastic housing and lines that seized and cracked with colder temperatures. It has become extremely common historically and not considered affordable part or labor to replace.

   NHTSA complaint #11756942 · source
2. Filed Apr 9, 2026INEngine

   While driving on the interstate lost coolant through the oil cooler housing. I had to quickly get to the shoulder of the road having to cross several lanes of traffic. The car had to be towed. I had it towed to the dealership where I purchased it as I paid for an extended warranty. Warranty company denied the claim. Through research I am finding this is an issue with BMWs as they part is plastic and does not stand up well with the temperature changes it is subjected to. This…

   NHTSA complaint #11730148 · source
3. Filed Feb 27, 2026AKEngine

   BMW installed a part that is failing quite a number of vehicles including this vehicle. The oil filter housing was not properly constructed at the factory. Fails.

   NHTSA complaint #11721034 · source
4. Filed Feb 27, 2026CAEngine

   Oil pump failure due to plastic brittle materials failing prematurely. It is a common problem that is well documented across the owners that have this vehicle.

   NHTSA complaint #11721022 · source
5. Filed Feb 11, 2026PAEngine

   Vehicle lost coolant and warned me to pull over because of the engine overheating. Later was diagnosed with a leaking oil filter housing. Simply too early for such a component to fail. Left my wife stranded miles away from home in the snow.

   NHTSA complaint #11717167 · source
6. Filed Dec 19, 2025MIEngineOther / Unknown

   Part number 17127799184 keeps melting. Over the years I have had multiple components under the hood to melt. I’ve replaced hydraulic lines, coolant reservoirs you name it. Most recently part number 17127799184 keeps melting. I’ve replaced this part three times. My car is currently at Bloomfield hill bmw of Michigan. They did a diagnostic but it states they cannot definitively tell me what’s causing the issue. They advise I start with replacing the heating module but cannot…

   NHTSA complaint #11706065 · source
7. Filed Oct 16, 2025VAEngine

   A BMW dealership has indicated that the motor mounts on my vehicle need to be replaced. My vehicle has under 29,000 miles, and these parts are designed to last for 60,000 to 100,000 miles. A premature collapse of the motor mounts indicates a manufacturing defect, material weakness or installation error from the factory. I understand that this defect is common for 2018-2020 X3 models. The vehicle did not display any symptoms of this defect and no indicators were displayed on…

   NHTSA complaint #11693868 · source
8. Filed Oct 10, 2025FLEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   Vehicle: 2018 BMW X3 VIN: [XXX] My 2018 BMW X3 has had continuous oil and coolant leaks for several years. Major parts have already been replaced including the turbocharger, oil cooler, water pump, turbo lines, radiator hose, thermostat, and valve cover gaskets. The dealer recently confirmed my crankshaft seals are leaking. These issues are consistent with a defective Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) system, which causes excess crankcase pressure and oil leaks. BMW…

   NHTSA complaint #11692532 · source
9. Filed Sep 11, 2025NCEngine

   Coolant leak. Oil filter housing coolant leak. Water pump leak. Coolant leaked while driving, and vehicle was not driveable after arriving at the dealership when all the coolant purged out of the vehicle.

   NHTSA complaint #11686666 · source
10. Filed Aug 12, 2025CAEngine

    Light indicator showed low coolant levels. Car was leaking coolant slowly. Filled up coolant but levels continued to go down. Brought to mechanic and they had to remove oil filter housing to replace failing gasket. Car is about 113K miles.

    NHTSA complaint #11680111 · source
11. Filed Jul 28, 2025CAEngine

    PCV valve issues. Failing PCV valve. I bought my car in 2020 certified pre owned and having issues wi the the PCV Valve similar to the recall for 2018 BMW x3 M40.

    NHTSA complaint #11676753 · source
12. Filed Mar 29, 2025FLEngine

    BMW uses plastic coolant pipes which become brittle and crack causing huge issue with entire coolant system. It’s a known issue for bmw repair facilities including engine failure

    NHTSA complaint #11651459 · source

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