2020 BMW X3 engine problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

27 owners have reported engine problems with the 2020 BMW X3, 25% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 20,550 mi.

Engine complaints
27
Crashes
0
Fires
5
Injuries
0
Related recalls
1
Median mileage
20,550 mi

Specific components reported

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

ComponentComplaints
Engine26
Engine and engine cooling1

Engine complaints across BMW X3 years

192007214200917342011510120133437201527332017203920192723202110420235420251
Engine complaints by model year. The 2020 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

2Under 10k210k–30k30k–60k260k–100k100k–150k150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 21V598000Aug 2, 202150,024 vehicles
    ENGINE

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 M340i, M340i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, X3 M40i, 2020-2021 X4 M40i, 745Le xDrive, 2019-2021 Z4 M40i, and 2020-2021 Toyota Supra vehicles. During engine start, the engine management software may cause loss of braking assist. Full mechanical braking (without assist) remains available.

    Risk: Loss of braking assist can increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will update the engine management software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 17, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

What owners say

  1. Filed Oct 8, 2026ILEngine
    I am reporting a safety concern involving BMW vehicles equipped with the B58 Technical Update (B58TU) engine, commonly found in model years 2019–2021. These vehicles utilize a variable-displacement engine oil pump containing an internal thermoplastic adjusting component responsible for regulating oil pressure. Field failures are increasingly being reported in which this internal component fractures, resulting in sudden loss or instability of engine oil pressure. The failure…
    NHTSA complaint #11769770 · source
  2. Filed Jul 9, 2026NHEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain
    Heat Management Module HMM is bad. BMW used a plastic part that is right up against the engine block. This HMM Heat Management Module resulted in STOPPING the vehicle completely in the middle of the freeway. I had no control. Then the car drove, then stopped again. I had NO CONTROL over the vehicle. Weeks later the Drivetrain Malfunction warning light appeared as i was driving home late at night from the ER. I took it to my BMW dealer. The diagnostic test was performed and…
    NHTSA complaint #11749367 · source
  3. Filed Jun 22, 2026FLEngine
    I own a 2020 BMW X3 M40i, VIN [XXX], manufactured November 2019, now at approximately 100,000 miles, equipped with the B58TU engine. My oil level sensor stopped completing measurements at approximately 45,000 miles, a known precursor to thermoplastic oil pump failure. For 55,000 miles I had no way to identify whether my vehicle contained the defective component because BMW removed the original thermoplastic part number from all dealer networks. VIN-based lookup now falsely…
    NHTSA complaint #11745794 · source
  4. Filed Jun 16, 2026VAEngine
    reporting a safety issue with BMW vehicles equipped with the B58TU engine, primarily 2019-2021 models. These vehicles have an oil pump with an internal plastic component that regulates oil pressure, and this part is fracturing in the field, causing sudden loss of oil pressure. The failure typically occurs during cold starts in low temperatures. When it fails, oil pressure becomes erratic or is lost entirely, often with little to no warning before engine damage or vehicle…
    NHTSA complaint #11744370 · source
  5. Filed Jun 1, 202665,000 miNYFireTowedElectrical SystemEngine
    The contact owns a 2020 BMW X3. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle and turning the engine off, approximately 10 minutes later a burning rubber odor was present inside the cablin of the vehicle and smoke was present coming from under the hood. The contact opened the hood discovered flames coming from the engine. The fire and police departments were called to the scene and the fire was extinguished the flame. During the incident the vehicle destroyed and later…
    NHTSA complaint #11741213 · source
  6. Filed May 17, 2026FLElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    I am submitting this complaint regarding ongoing and potentially dangerous mechanical failures involving my vehicle that have repeatedly occurred despite numerous repair attempts by the dealership. Over the past year, I have taken my vehicle to the dealership more than 10 times for serious recurring issues. The problems have included: Drivetrain malfunction warnings Engine warning lights Oil leaks Smoke coming from the vehicle The vehicle unexpectedly shifting into neutral…
    NHTSA complaint #11738436 · source
  7. Filed Mar 27, 2026FLEngine
    This recall was in September 2025, and for a starter issue that could cause a fire. Despite the urgency of this recall, it's now six months later, and I am still getting a response from BMW "Remedy Not available". So, in the meantime BMW advises to keep the car outside in the hot Florida sun so it doesn't burn the house down. This is a totally unacceptable situation, and I would appreciate the NHTSA following up with BMW regarding why the delay. It appears to me that BMW is…
    NHTSA complaint #11727478 · source
  8. Filed Mar 24, 2026NJEngine
    I am reporting a safety concern involving BMW vehicles equipped with the B58 Technical Update (B58TU) engine, commonly found in model years 2019–2021. These vehicles utilize a variable-displacement engine oil pump containing an internal thermoplastic adjusting component responsible for regulating oil pressure. Field failures are increasingly being reported in which this internal component fractures, resulting in sudden loss or instability of engine oil pressure. The failure…
    NHTSA complaint #11726629 · source
  9. Filed Mar 15, 2026GAFireEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / Unknown
    Component Failed: Engine starter relay and starter motor assembly. The vehicle stalled in traffic and ignited upon a restart attempt. The vehicle is a total loss, currently held by [Insurance Co] at [Location/Lot #], and is available for inspection. Safety Risk: The driver’s life was at immediate risk. The vehicle stalled in active traffic, creating a collision hazard, followed by a rapid, uncontrollable engine fire. The driver suffered smoke inhalation and severe trauma…
    NHTSA complaint #11724444 · source
  10. Filed Mar 2, 2026TNEngine
    I am reporting a driver safety concern involving BMW vehicles equipped with the B58 Technical Update (B58TU) engine in model years 2019–2021. These engines use a variable-displacement oil pump containing an internal thermoplastic adjusting component that regulates oil pressure. Field failures show this component can fracture, causing sudden loss or instability of engine oil pressure. Failures most commonly occur during cold starts in low temperatures, it can occur at any…
    NHTSA complaint #11721601 · source
  11. Filed Feb 27, 2026CAEngine
    I am reporting a safety concern involving BMW vehicles equipped with the B58 Technical Update (B58TU) engine, commonly found in model years 2019–2021. These vehicles utilize a variable-displacement engine oil pump containing an internal thermoplastic adjusting component responsible for regulating oil pressure. Field failures are increasingly being reported in which this internal component fractures, resulting in sudden loss or instability of engine oil pressure. The failure…
    NHTSA complaint #11721049 · source
  12. Filed Feb 27, 2026NJEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain
    Oil pump failures have been reported across multiple production years, and affected vehicle population boundaries remain unclear. Because this condition can result in sudden vehicle disablement without adequate warning especially in the cold, I believe this issue warrants investigation as a potential safety-related defect. Loss of lubrication can cause the vehicle to become disabled without warning while driving or shortly after startup. This creates a safety hazard,…
    NHTSA complaint #11721009 · source

Other 2020 BMW X3 problem areas

  • Electrical System (35)
  • Other / Unknown (16)
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (14)
  • Airbags (8)
  • Body & Structure (8)
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (7)
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (5)
  • Lighting (4)
  • Visibility & Wipers (3)
  • Seats & Seat Belts (3)
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control (3)
  • Steering (2)
  • Brakes (2)
  • Suspension (1)
  • Wheels & Tires (1)

Back to all 2020 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