2017 BMW X3 Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2017 BMW X3. Part of Generation 2 (F25) — 2011–2017.

20162018
Complaints
137
per 10K Sold
33.7
US Sales
40,691
Crashes
18
Fires
5
Injuries
5
Fatalities
Recalls
6

Worst 2017 BMW X3 Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#129 complaints

Electrical Faults

Avg mileage:66,816 mi
Crash-related:1
#222 complaints

Engine & Cooling

Avg mileage:78,000 mi
#317 complaints

Engine Problems

Avg mileage:17,588 mi
Crash-related:1
Fires:2
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2017 BMW X3.

Electrical Faults
29
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
66,816
Engine & Cooling
22
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
78,000
Engine Problems
17
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
2
Avg Miles
17,588
Fuel System
13
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
1
Avg Miles
17,721
Brakes
11
complaints
Crashes
6
Fires
Avg Miles
10,995
Airbags
7
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Body Structure
6
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
Avg Miles
26,356
Diesel Fuel System
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Unintended Acceleration
3
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Electronic Stability Control
2
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Steering Defects
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Sunroof/Moonroof
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Wheel Issues
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Headlight/Taillight Failures
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Transmission / Drivetrain
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Automatic Transmission
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat-Related Issues
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Hydraulic Brakes
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Tires:Sidewall
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Wipers & Visibility
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2017 BMW X3. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2017 BMW X3

6 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~1,015,555 vehicles.

24V608000Electrical System:wiring:connectors/plugs/receptacles · Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:pump
~720,796 affected

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.

21V907000Diesel Fuel System
~50,404 affected

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 diesel vehicles equipped with an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) module with an integrated cooler. The EGR cooler may leak internally, causing coolant to mix with diesel engine soot, which could result in smoldering particles and a melting intake manifold.

21V586000Fuel System, Diesel:delivery:fuel Pump
~11,216 affected

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.

18V755000Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:gas Recirculation Valve (egr Valve)
~44,368 affected

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.

16V704000Steering:electric Power Assist System
~103 affected

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling one model year 2017 BMW X3 xDrive 28i vehicle manufactured on June 7, 2016. This vehicle has electronic power steering (EPS), and the contact pins on the EPS control unit may not have been welded properly resulting in increased resistance.

16V333000Child Seat:latch Strap
~188,668 affected

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, 2016, and 2015-2017 x4 xDrive28i, X4 xDrive35i and X4 xDriveM40i vehicles manufactured March3, 2014 to April 15, 2016. The affected vehicles have lower anchor bars for securing child restraint seats that may become damaged when using the European-ISOFIX-type, rigid-style connector, child restraint system.

Other BMW X3 Years

2017 BMW X3 — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2017 BMW X3 reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 2017 BMW X3 has 137 NHTSA complaints, 18 crash-related, and 6 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Electrical Faults with 29 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2017 BMW X3?
Top reported problems: Electrical Faults (29 complaints, avg 66,816 mi); Engine & Cooling (22 complaints, avg 78,000 mi); Engine Problems (17 complaints, avg 17,588 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2017 BMW X3?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 45,532 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2017 BMW X3?
NHTSA complaints for the 2017 BMW X3 include 18 crash-related reports, 5 fire reports, 5 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2017 BMW X3 have any recalls?
Yes — 6 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 1,015,555 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2017 BMW X3?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full BMW X3 reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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