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2017 BMW X3 problems, recalls and owner complaints

What the 2017 BMW X3 has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.

  • 6safety recalls
  • 92owner complaints
  • 10crash reports
  • 2fire reports
  • 15%fail the UK MOT

92 complaints, against an average of 86 for the other 14 BMW X3 model years.

Every BMW X3 model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.

What goes wrong with the 2017 BMW X3?

The components named most often in the 92 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.

  1. Electrical System30 (32.6%)
  2. Engine And Engine Cooling22 (23.9%)
  3. Engine17 (18.5%)
  4. Fuel/Propulsion System13 (14.1%)
  5. Service Brakes12 (13%)
  6. Air Bags7 (7.6%)
  7. Structure6 (6.5%)
  8. Diesel4 (4.3%)

What symptoms do 2017 BMW X3 owners describe?

Found by reading the text of all 92 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.

Has the 2017 BMW X3 been recalled?

6 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.

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. NHTSA campaign 24V608000 · August 13, 2024 · Risk and fix

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.

Fuel System, Diesel 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. NHTSA campaign 21V907000 · November 19, 2021 · Risk and fix

Risk: A melting intake manifold increases the risk of a fire.

Fix: Dealers will replace the EGR cooler and inspect the intake manifold, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 18V-755. Vehicles previously recalled under 18V-755 will need to have the new remedy performed for this recall. An interim owner notification letter was mailed on January 18, 2022. The remedy is expected to be available in June 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 6, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Fuel System, Diesel: Delivery: Fuel Pump 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. NHTSA campaign 21V586000 · July 29, 2021 · Risk and fix

Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the high-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 14, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

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. NHTSA campaign 18V755000 · October 25, 2018 · Risk and fix

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.

Steering: Electric Power Assist System 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. NHTSA campaign 16V704000 · October 3, 2016 · Risk and fix

Risk: An increase in pin contact resistance can increase the risk of a fire, even while the vehicle is parked and ignition is off.

Fix: The vehicle was repaired at the dealership before sale. Therefore, an owner notification notice will not be issued for this campaign. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Child Seat: Latch Strap 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. NHTSA campaign 16V333000 · May 23, 2016 · Risk and fix

Risk: Damaged lower anchor bars may increase the child's risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will weld a reinforcing bracket to the lower anchor bars and the vehicle body, free of charge. The recall began on July 13, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Is the 2017 BMW X3 recalled in the UK or Europe?

Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.

UK DVSATakata Driver and/or Passenger Airbag Recall (Global VINs) Recall R/2025/349 · Dec 18, 2025 · built Oct 1997 to Nov 2017 · Risk and fix

Risk: Affected vehicles are already included in Safety Recalls within the markets they have previously resided in. The vehicles may be fitted with a driver and/or passenger airbag/s which if deployed may do so with excessive force causing sharp metal fragments to be released this may cause serious injury which could prove fatal to people in the vicinity.

Fix: Vehicles will have the affected airbags checked and if necessary replaced.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAReplace the Engine Starter Motor Recall R/2025/405 · Oct 27, 2025 · built Oct 2015 to Jun 2021 · Risk and fix

Risk: For affected vehicles there is a concern involving water ingress and corrosion to the starter motor for where a short circuit cannot be ruled out. It is strongly recommended to park the vehicle outdoors and not in the immediate vicinity of buildings until the repair has been carried out.

Fix: Replacement of the starter motor.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSALuggage Compartment Lashing Rail G01 F97 Recall R/2024/461 · Nov 20, 2024 · built Aug 2017 to Jun 2024 · Risk and fix

Risk: On affected vehicles the screw connection for the luggage lashing rails may not withstand the forces in situations of a rear end impact. This may result in the lashing rail to not crumple as expected in these situations.

Fix: On affected vehicles the luggage lashing rail screws will be replaced with revised screws.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSACheck Driver’s Airbag for Conversion Takata SDI & PSDI-5 Recall R/2024/403 · Oct 21, 2024 · built Oct 2003 to Nov 2017 · Risk and fix

Risk: Affected vehicles may have had a retrofit or conversion of the airbag using a previously recalled airbag variant which if deployed may do so with excessive force causing sharp metal fragments to be released this may cause serious injury possibly fatal to people in the vicinity. The original factory fitment airbag for the vehicle is not affected.

Fix: Vehicles will have the airbag checked and if necessary replaced.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSALuggage Compartment Lashing Rail G01 F97 Recall R/2024/364 · Sep 20, 2024 · built Jul 2017 to Jun 2024 · Risk and fix

Risk: On affected vehicles the screw connection for the luggage lashing rails may not withstand the forces in situations of a rear end impact. This may result in the lashing rail to not crumple as expected in these situations.

Fix: On affected vehicles the luggage lashing rail screws will be replaced along with additional washers.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAA possible degradation of the propellant tablets could lead to an over-aggressive combustion in the event the airbag is activated which…A possible degradation of the propellant tablets could lead to an over-aggressive combustion in the event the airbag is activated which may cause the inflator body to rupture. Recall R/2023/016 · Jan 24, 2023 · built Feb 2012 to Sep 2017 · Risk and fix

Risk: A possible degradation of airbag propellant tablets could lead to an over-aggressive combustion in the event the airbag is activated which may cause the inflator body to rupture.

Fix: On affected vehicles the drivers airbag module will be replaced.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAUndetected EGR System leaks may cause thermal activity in the intake manifold Recall R/2022/255 · Aug 22, 2022 · built Dec 2013 to Oct 2021 · Risk and fix

Risk: Undetected EGR System leaks may cause thermal activity in the intake manifold.

Fix: The engine management control unit (DDE) will be programmed with improved software incorporating the latest OBD functionality.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAThe exhaust gas recirculation cooler may leak over time and cause thermal incident Recall R/2022/206 · Aug 1, 2022 · built Oct 2010 to Sep 2020 · Risk and fix

Risk: The Exhaust Gas Recirculation cooler may leak over time and cause thermal incident.

Fix: On the affected vehicles the EGR cooler module will be replaced.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAThe obd software could misinterpret certain input parameters for the engine mangement system Recall R/2022/084 · Mar 28, 2022 · built Oct 2016 to May 2019 · Risk and fix

Risk: During a service visit the affected vehicles have been updated with software that could misinterpret certain input parameters for the engine management system.

Fix: The control units will be reprogrammed with an improved version of software.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAThe exhaust gas recirculation module could leak over time Recall R/2021/213 · Jun 14, 2021 · built Mar 2017 to Oct 2018 · Risk and fix

Risk: The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Module could leak over time and cause thermal incident.

Fix: The EGR cooler will be internally inspected with an endoscope and replaced if evidence of leaking is found.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAThe exhaust gas recirculation cooler could leak over time Recall R/2021/037 · Feb 9, 2021 · built Mar 2014 to Apr 2019 · Risk and fix

Risk: Leaking glycol coolant could create in combination with soot and oil sediments in the EGR module ignitable deposits.

Fix: The EGR cooler will be internally inspected with an endoscope and replaced if evidence of leaking is found.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAExhaust gas recirculation module cooler could leak Recall R/2018/341 · Dec 7, 2018 · built Aug 2010 to Jun 2017 · Risk and fix

Risk: The EGR cooler may leakpresenting a fire risk

Fix: A visual inspection of the EGR cooler to check for leaks and excessive build-up of deposits. The EGR cooler will be replaced on all affected vehicles

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAExhaust gas recirculation cooler could potentially leak over time Recall R/2018/258 · Nov 5, 2018 · built Dec 2013 to Dec 2017 · Risk and fix

Risk: The EGR cooler may leakpresenting a fire risk.

Fix: The EGR cooler will be replaced with an improved version.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSARestricted fuel supply could cause engine to stall Recall R/2018/099 · Apr 16, 2018 · built Aug 2016 to Jan 2018 · Risk and fix

Risk: The sealing cap of the pressure-limiting valve in the fuel tank delivery module may be damaged. This concern could lead to a reduction in fuel transfer from the left side to the right side of the fuel tank. Therefore it is possible for the engine to stall even though the fuel gauge would show fuel present.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and check the fuel pressure of the delivery module and the distance of the cap on the pressure-limiting valve. Where necessary the delivery module will be replaced.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAInflator in driver airbag module may not be produced to specification Recall R/2018/101 · Apr 16, 2018 · built Dec 2017 to Mar 2018 · Risk and fix

Risk: The driver airbag module may not have been produced to specification. This could lead to excessive pressure building up inside the inflator causing the inflator to rupture resulting in metal fragments passing through the airbag cushion material into the vehicle interior at high speed. This could lead to injury or death of the vehicle occupants.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the driver airbag module.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSARear spoiler may be insecure Recall R/2018/073 · Mar 19, 2018 · built Jul 2017 to Feb 2018 · Risk and fix

Risk: The rear spoiler may not have been properly attached Wind noise and deformation of the spoiler may occur. Continued use may cause the spoiler to detach.

Fix: On affected vehicles inspect the attachment of the spoiler and where necessary install new fixings.

Check on GOV.UK

EU Safety GateWater may come into contact with the starter relay and gradually cause corrosion.This could affect the electrical connection inside the relay and make the engine difficult to start. It may also result in a short circuit and could cause the starter to overheat leading to a fire when the vehicle is in motion or when it is parked with the ignition off. Alert SR/03830/25 · reported by Germany · Oct 31, 2025 · Measures

Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown

View on EU Safety Gate

EU Safety GateDue to faulty rear-most screws, the screw fixings of the boot's lashing rails can fail in the event of a rear-end collision with heavy…Due to faulty rear-most screws, the screw fixings of the boot's lashing rails can fail in the event of a rear-end collision with heavy intrusion and penetrate the backs of the rear seats. This increases the risk of injury to the occupants of the rear seats. The vehicles concerned have already been modified in connection with the recall code 0051960500. Alert A12/03084/24 · reported by Germany · Nov 8, 2024 · Measures

Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown

View on EU Safety Gate

EU Safety GateThe propellant in the driver airbag may deteriorate over time.If the airbags deploy, it could result in fragments from the inflator injuring the vehicle's occupants. Alert A12/02833/24 · reported by Germany · Oct 18, 2024 · Measures

Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown

View on EU Safety Gate

EU Safety GateDue to faulty rear-most screws, the screw fixings of the boot's lashing rails can fail in the event of a rear-end collision with heavy…Due to faulty rear-most screws, the screw fixings of the boot's lashing rails can fail in the event of a rear-end collision with heavy intrusion, and penetrate the backs of the rear seats. This increases the risk of injury to the occupants of the rear seats. Alert A12/02712/24 · reported by Germany · Sep 27, 2024 · Measures

Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown

View on EU Safety Gate

EU Safety GateThe propellant in the driver airbag may deteriorate over time.If the airbags deploy, it could result in fragments from the inflator injuring the vehicle's occupants. Alert A12/02573/24 · reported by Germany · Sep 13, 2024 · Measures

Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown

View on EU Safety Gate

EU Safety GateThe propellant in the driver airbag can deteriorate due to high humidity and temperature variations.In the event of an accident in which the airbag deploys, this could result in fragments from the inflator casing coming loose and injuring the vehicle’s occupants. Alert A12/01930/23 · reported by France · Sep 1, 2023 · Measures

Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 29/06/2021

View on EU Safety Gate

EU Safety GateThe screw connection from the passenger's airbag to the instrument panel may not have been manufactured according to specifications.As a result, if the airbag is activated, the panel cover may break into pieces, which will be propelled against the passenger increasing the risk of injury. Alert A12/00608/20 · reported by Germany · Apr 24, 2020 · Measures

Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown

View on EU Safety Gate

EU Safety GateIn case of deployment of the driver airbag module, the gas generator could burst.If the gas generator bursts, metal fragments could pass through the airbag cushion material. Alert A12/0656/18 · reported by Germany · May 11, 2018 · Measures

Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown

View on EU Safety Gate

EU Safety GateIt is possible that the screws for attaching the rear spoiler were not fitted.The spoiler could become detached at high speeds endangering following vehicles. Alert A12/0440/18 · reported by Germany · Mar 30, 2018 · Measures

Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown

View on EU Safety Gate

EU Safety GateThe control unit of the electronic power steering may have been incorrectly manufactured.This may cause a fire even when the vehicle is parked. Furthermore, steering assistance might fail while driving. Alert A12/1587/16 · reported by Germany · Dec 9, 2016 · Measures

Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown

View on EU Safety Gate

How often does the 2017 BMW X3 fail its MOT?

14.9% of 8,116 MOT tests in 2023 on BMW X3s first registered in 2017 were a fail3.4 points better than the average car of the same age
  1. Tyres37%
  2. Lights and electrics23%
  3. Brakes18%
  4. Visibility (windscreen, wipers, mirrors)15%
  5. Suspension15%
  6. Exhaust, emissions and leaks4%

Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2017, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.

What do 2017 BMW X3 owners report?

12 of the 92 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.

I have tried to set up an appointment with my local dealer for a recall notice several times, but they never have the part needed. One time they said they had the part and after dropping the car off my wife returned to find out they still did not have the part The date below is approximate
Electrical SystemNHTSA complaint 11736163 · May 6, 2026
Seat mat sensor module which detects presence of passenger in the seat has malfunctioned sooner than expected.
Air BagsNHTSA complaint 11706430 · Dec 21, 2025
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# XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX, NJ Plate Tag XXXXXX
Engine And Engine CoolingNHTSA complaint 11692266 · Oct 9, 2025
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.
EngineNHTSA complaint 11673277 · Jul 14, 2025
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 were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine And Engine Cooling, Electrical SystemNHTSA complaint 11669511 · Jun 26, 2025
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 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The contact was then referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The…
Engine And Engine Cooling, Electrical SystemNHTSA complaint 11668545 · Jun 23, 2025
VEHICLE IS OVERDUE FOR SAFETY RECALL REPAIRS. IT’S BEEN NEARLY A YEAR engine coolant pump
EngineNHTSA complaint 11668300 · Jun 21, 2025
1. The fuel pump and electronic relay have malfunctioned 3x while driving. Causing me to replace the low pressure fuel pump 3 times. Once BMW paid for it the next two I had to pay for,. 2. The car broke down on the Highway Near Albany GA . The car stopped and was limped into a parking lot in a rural town. I waited 8 hrs for a flatbed, got a hotel for the night and a rental in the AM. The car stopped running 2x on the highway both times in Rural Georgia, miles away from a BMW dealership. I was able to limp the car off the highway. Once it died in downtown Atlanta. All three times the vehicle…
Fuel/Propulsion SystemNHTSA complaint 11660935 · May 14, 2025
1. The fuel pump and electronic relay have malfunctioned 3x while driving. Causing me to replace the low pressure fuel pump . First Fuel Pump was at 30 K miles on 10/8/2021 2. This is the Second Fuel pump! 10/13/2022 The car broke down on the Highway Near Columbus GA . The car stopped at a traffic light and limped into a parking lot. I waited 4 hrs for a flatbed, got a hotel for the night and a rental in the AM. The car stopped running 2x on the highway both times in Rural Georgia, miles away from a BMW dealership. I was able to limp the car off the highway. Once it died in downtown Atlanta…
Fuel/Propulsion SystemNHTSA complaint 11660940 · May 14, 2025
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 System, Diesel); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the…
Fuel System, Diesel, EngineNHTSA complaint 11659287 · May 6, 2025
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 contact stated while depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal went to the floorboard. The contact used the parking brake to assist while stopping the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the brake pads needed to be replaced. The contact…
Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Engine And Engine Cooling, Electrical SystemNHTSA complaint 11634602 · Jan 7, 2025
CARVANA - SOLD ME A 2ND LEMON. Vehicle has significant oil leak. Front of engine as well as underside of engine is covered in oil. Alternator is saturated in oil. (Eventually burning out the alternator) Serpentine belt is also saturated in oil making it swell and becoming soft. Also makes the belt slippery and outside edge of belt is damaged. Right rear tire is about to come apart very soon. The steel belt is serpentine from the tire. (Unsafe) Vehicle currently has 25 intermittent and pertinent codes. Drivers door and drivers side rear door are different color white they have been repainted…
Structure, Wheels, EngineNHTSA complaint 11628408 · Dec 2, 2024

2017 BMW X3: questions owners ask

Is the 2017 BMW X3 reliable?

NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 92 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 BMW X3; the most common categories were electrical system (30, 32.6%), engine and engine cooling (22, 23.9%), engine (17, 18.5%). There are 6 safety recalls. 10 complaints mention a crash, 2 mention a fire, 5 injuries were reported.

What are the most common problems with the 2017 BMW X3?

Across 92 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are electrical system (32.6% of complaints), engine and engine cooling (23.9% of complaints), engine (18.5% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (14.1% of complaints), service brakes (13% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.

Does the 2017 BMW X3 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2017 BMW X3; the most recent (campaign 24V608000, 2024-08-13) concerns Engine And Engine Cooling: Cooling System: Pump. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Why does my 2017 BMW X3 stall, lose power or shut off while driving?

7 of the 92 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2017 BMW X3 (7.6%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "Alternator overcharging producing 16v and causing system to go to fail safe mode. it will shut off vehicle and switch it in park mode. while driving any mode then eco and auto shutoff turned off." (NHTSA complaint 11376035, November 2020). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.

Why does my 2017 BMW X3 overheat?

4 of the 92 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2017 BMW X3 (4.3%) describe the engine overheating or coolant loss. 2 related recalls exist: campaign 21V907000 (fuel system, diesel). The fix: Dealers will replace the EGR cooler and inspect the intake manifold, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. One owner wrote: "Engine seized at 65mph highway speeds during commute to work on busy boston highway. narrowly avoided several collisions as vehicle coasted to stop. vehicle was purchased new from a bmw dealer three weeks ago and has less than 2,000 miles on it." (NHTSA complaint 11006636, July 2017). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Why does my 2017 BMW X3 transmission jerk, shudder or shift hard?

3 of the 92 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2017 BMW X3 (3.3%) describe harsh, jerky or delayed transmission shifting or shuddering. One owner wrote: "When i am coming to a stop sign, the engine revs up and makes it difficult to stop. i need to apply the brakes very hard to avoid hitting another car or person in a cress walk. even when i apply the brakes hard, the car will lurch forward." (NHTSA complaint 11372449, October 2020). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.

Why do the brakes feel soft, fail or make noise on my 2017 BMW X3?

3 of the 92 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2017 BMW X3 (3.3%) describe brakes feeling soft, failing, grinding or squealing. One owner wrote: "While driving on the freeway my brakes failed. I had pushed the pedal all the way down and the vehicle was still moving. This caused a rear end collision. There were no warnings that appeared." (NHTSA complaint 11552414, October 2023). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.

Can the sunroof on the 2017 BMW X3 shatter or fail?

3 of the 92 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2017 BMW X3 (3.3%) describe the sunroof or panoramic roof shattering, exploding or failing. One owner wrote: "Heard a loud boom after just entering the highway and the front sunroof on my 2017 BMW x3 just exploded. Fortunately the cover was closed, most of the glass blew out upon the explosion. Driving around the speed limit at the time of the explosion." (NHTSA complaint 11449198, January 2022). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.

Check your own X3

Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.

Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2017 only.

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