BMW X3 Engine and Engine Cooling Problems
Owners have filed 191 complaints with NHTSA about engine and engine cooling problems on the BMW X3 across 17 model years. The 2011 model year has the most (24). The words owners use most often: “engine cooling electrical” (39% of reports).
- 191engine and engine cooling complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 0mention a crash
- 2mention an injury
- 4related recalls
- 28%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Engine cooling electrical: mentioned in 75 of 191 complaints (39%)
- Burning odor: mentioned in 10 of 191 complaints (5%)
At what mileage do engine and engine cooling problems happen?
Based on 96 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 191 complaints, 7 a fire, 2 an injury.
BMW X3 engine and engine cooling complaints by model year
| Model year | Engine and Engine Cooling complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 X3 | 1 | 1% | 60,000 |
| 2019 X3 | 7 | 4% | 84,000 |
| 2018 X3 | 4 | 5% | 114,000 |
| 2017 X3 | 22 | 24% | 88,000 |
| 2016 X3 | 18 | 22% | 99,500 |
| 2015 X3 | 15 | 14% | 76,000 |
| 2014 X3 | 19 | 22% | 97,000 |
| 2013 X3 | 13 | 6% | 108,000 |
| 2012 X3 | 2 | 5% | 90,835 |
| 2011 X3 | 24 | 21% | 143,295 |
| 2010 X3 | 14 | 44% | 119,970 |
| 2009 X3 | 3 | 16% | — |
| 2008 X3 | 15 | 23% | 175,000 |
| 2007 X3 | 16 | 16% | 135,000 |
| 2006 X3 | 4 | 3% | 53,941 |
| 2005 X3 | 3 | 3% | 41,500 |
| 2004 X3 | 11 | 8% | 54,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (4)
Electrical system:wiring:connectors/plugs/receptacles; engine and engine cooling:cooling system:pump
Model years: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Engine and engine cooling:engine
Model years: 2010, 2011
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2010-2012 1 Series Coupe, 1 Series Convertible, 3 Series Sedan, 3 Series Convertible, 2010-2011 3 Series Sportswagon, 3 Series Coupe, 5 Series Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, X3 xDrive 30i, X5 xDrive30i, and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The aluminum bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and possibly break.
Risk: Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the four VANOS bolts, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed December 18, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 19, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:gas recirculation valve (egr valve)
Model years: 2015, 2016, 2017
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:crankcase (pcv)
Model years: 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Risk: An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2019 BMW X3. While the vehicle was at an independent mechanic for maintenance, the technician discovered an active coolant leak coming from the coolant expansion tank. The mechanic stated that the leak was caused by excessive system pressure stressing the factory plastic tank…
The contact owns a 2020 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle began to shake with the message, "Pull Over Engine Oil Pressure Low Pull Over Stop Driving to Avoid Engine Failure". The contact immediately pulled over to the side of the road, inspected the…
The contact owns a 2014 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheating and the check engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while driving on a busy highway. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The…
The contact's daughter owns a 2013 BMW X3. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System). The contact took the vehicle to the dealer for the recall repair; however, the dealer found no signs of contamination and…
The contact owns a 2016 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair; however, the dealer refused to perform the recall repair and stated that since the vehicle…
Frequently asked questions
Do all BMW X3s have engine and engine cooling problems?
No. NHTSA has 191 owner complaints about engine and engine cooling for the BMW X3. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the BMW X3 engine and engine cooling?
Yes: 4 safety recalls list engine and engine cooling. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about engine and engine cooling problems on the BMW X3?
The most frequent phrase is “engine cooling electrical”, in 75 of 191 complaints, followed by “burning odor” (10).
Other BMW X3 problems
- Engine problems (455)
- Electrical System problems (418)
- Air Bags problems (305)
- Power Train problems (192)
- Seats problems (168)
- Structure problems (118)
- Service Brakes problems (105)
See all BMW X3 problems.