2015
New 2020 2019
Used 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004

BMW X3 Change Vehicle

Want a small upscale SUV that does it all? The BMW X3 emphasizes driving fun and melds luxury car attributes with the traditional utility of an SUV. Athletic handling and eager power make the X3 enjoyable to drive. Cabin finish is impeccable and passengers benefit from supportive seats and a hushed interior. All of these attributes help the X3 rank among the top-rated vehicles in the compact luxury SUV class.
Alerts
There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
2015
New 2020 2019
Used 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004

BMW X3

Reliability

Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how used vehicles are holding up in 17 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system.

Overall Reliability
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot
See all 2015 Potential Trouble Spots
The 2015 BMW X3 has been recalled 4 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Research Years *Redesign year
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Overall Reliability Verdict
NA
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Potential Trouble Spots
Engine Major
NA
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Engine Minor
NA
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Engine Cooling
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Transmission Major
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Transmission Minor
NA
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Drive System
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Fuel System
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Electric System
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Climate System
NA
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Suspension
NA
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Brakes
NA
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NA
NA
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Exhaust
NA
NA
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Paint/Trim
NA
NA
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NA
NA
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Body Integrity
NA
NA
NA
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NA
NA
NA
Body Hardware
NA
NA
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Power Equipment
NA
NA
NA
NA
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NA
In-car Electronics
NA
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Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 420,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2019 vehicles are holding up in 17 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.

Learn more about car Reliability.

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2015 BMW X3 owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

In-car Electronics

CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.

What Owners Say

Backup or other camera/sensors

"frontal collision warning deativates"

Michael L., TX (2015 BMW X3 sDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Backup camera would stop operating in heavy rains"

Anonymous, MD (2015 BMW X3 xDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Camera was incorrectly indicating a hazard. Car has been at dealer for 10 days and still not fixed!"

Susan M., VA (2015 BMW X3 Unsure 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"I have had proximity sensors replaced under warranty"

Anonymous, MA (2015 BMW X3 xDrive28d 2.0-L 4 Cyl diesel)

"It went blank and have a message stating "no signal""

Anonymous, CO (2015 BMW X3 xDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Within days of delivery the entire computer system including radio and camera displays did not work. The screen gave a message of "no signal". This occurred after cold start. After about 15 minutes it went on. I returned the car to the dealer for rep"

Anonymous, NY (2015 BMW X3 xDrive35i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

"Display shows "NO SIGNAL" in red text and doesn't do anything else. Had to shut car down, and start up again for the iDrive system to initialize and work again. Took car to dealer, they had to reprogram the software to make work again"

Anonymous, CA (2015 BMW X3 xDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"The display screen went blank one day. The dealer repaired it at no cost (under warranty)"

Anonymous, MA (2015 BMW X3 xDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
External music device interface (e.g., smart phone, MP3 player)

"Cannot use Audible audiobook over bluetooth after upgrading phone to Android 5.0. Phone bluetooth works with all other bluetooth devices (e.g., headphones, earbuds)"

Anonymous, NJ (2015 BMW X3 xDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Stopped working and had to be replaced under warranty"

Rob R., NC (2015 BMW X3 sDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Software issue with BMW and Apple OS. pairing and phone control is intermittent at best"

Allen T., AL (2015 BMW X3 xDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"keeps forgetting our phones so we have to re-connect often"

Terrence K., AB (2015 BMW X3 xDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Phone does not transmit through Bluetooth. Cannot make calls through voice command"

Ronald K., FL (2015 BMW X3 sDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Steering wheel controls

"software issue causes control problems on electronics"

Allen T., AL (2015 BMW X3 xDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Voice control commands

"almost impossible to speak an address and the car to understand and then display the address. takes forever to type in an address manually"

Terrence K., AB (2015 BMW X3 xDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"It appears that the phone is not connected to Bluetooth. Neither my phone or my wife's phone"

Ronald K., FL (2015 BMW X3 sDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Voice control frequently doesn't recognize what I say"

Loftus B., CT (2015 BMW X3 xDrive35i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
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Body Integrity

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, loose or cracked seals and/or weather-stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

"Terrible wind noise from the Driver's Side Window"

Martin S., ON (2015 BMW X3 xDrive28d 2.0-L 4 Cyl diesel)

"Driver side front window rubber seal replaced under warranty"

Anonymous, ON (2015 BMW X3 xDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Air or water leaks

"Water acumulated in the doors and the roof leaks"

Anonymous, NY (2015 BMW X3 xDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Squeaks or rattles

"The panoramic moon roof squeaks non-stop, when the glass part is exposed - So much so that I have to close the roof part so I dont have to listen to the squeaking"

Anonymous, MA (2015 BMW X3 xDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"After having a safety recall on seatbelt anchors there has been a "boom" when hitting a bump. I haven't taken it back to the dealer since the "repair.""

Anonymous, NJ (2015 BMW X3 xDrive35i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

"very annoying rattles on every bump, appears to be mainly from moon roof & cover, but always seems to be a new body noise if one disappears"

D R., MA (2015 BMW X3 xDrive28i Unsure)
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Fuel System

Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.

What Owners Say

Sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor)

"Warning light on dash required vehicle in for service to replace an emmission sensor. Had to keep vehicle overnight to reprogram. Had low battery earlier in winter, possibly caused by electronics not turning off"

Anonymous, ON (2015 BMW X3 xDrive28d 2.0-L 4 Cyl diesel)

"Car engine light came on - O2 sensors were replaced several times - car at BMW four separate visits with car unavailable for total 15 days. One more visit and BMW will replace the vehicle under Arizona lemon law"

Anonymous, AZ (2015 BMW X3 xDrive28d 2.0-L 4 Cyl diesel)

"This vehicle is a diesel, and have had NOX sensor replaced under warranty"

Anonymous, MA (2015 BMW X3 xDrive28d 2.0-L 4 Cyl diesel)
Emission control devices (includes EGR)

"Had a warning light that my engine would shut down in 200 miles due to emission and unsafe engine problems. I live about 100 miles from nearest dealer. I was told BMW would pay to pick up car, fix car, deliver car back. When it came time to deliver car back to me, BMW told me I would have to pay for it. It was a defaulty sensor that had to be replaced. I later convinced BMW to pay for delivery back to my home. Not pleased BMW flipflopped and that I had the stress of fighting for what was f"

Anonymous, WA (2015 BMW X3 xDrive28d 2.0-L 4 Cyl diesel)
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Climate System

Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.

What Owners Say

"It is difficult to adjust so you can get air to blow through the vents from outside when you want fresh air but do not want to turn on the A/C"

Susan M., VA (2015 BMW X3 Unsure 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"The air conditioner does not cool to my satisfaction"

Anonymous, NY (2015 BMW X3 xDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Fan surging. Was replaced under warranty"

R H., CA (2015 BMW X3 sDrive28i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

Electric System

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.

What Owners Say

"Rear hatch is supposed to open when I kick below it. It didn't. They replaced the control module"

Loftus B., CT (2015 BMW X3 xDrive35i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Headlights

"one headlight assembly fogged"

Anonymous, AZ (2015 BMW X3 sDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Power Equipment

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, remote engine start, alarm or security system

What Owners Say

Battery (not hybrid or electric)

"Battery was faulty and had to be replaced"

Martin S., ON (2015 BMW X3 xDrive28d 2.0-L 4 Cyl diesel)

"Battery shorted out and window electronics failed while parked. Continues to have undiagnosed recurring battery drain problem"

Robert W., CT (2015 BMW X3 xDrive28d 2.0-L 4 Cyl diesel)

Brakes

Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.

What Owners Say

Premature brake wear

"My brakes were jumping. they changes my brakes pads after 11,000km!"

Pierre P., QC (2015 BMW X3 xDrive35i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)
Squeaking

"brakes scream on most (but not every) stop; inspected by BMW shop 3 times & always told "brakes are fine, no problems found - discs & pads are all good. Must be because we live by ocean or damp weather or that's the way they are (so go away)". NO satisfaction on this in 2&1/2 years. Body noise & rattles are also annoying"

D R., MA (2015 BMW X3 xDrive28i Unsure)

Body Hardware

Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.

What Owners Say

Tailgate, hatch or trunk

"Tailgate started to pop open, and now closes irregularly and the automatic open system does not work"

David G., CA (2015 BMW X3 xDrive28d 2.0-L 4 Cyl diesel)

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling), loose interior and exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

"Small area of paint pealed off front bumper. Dealer repainted at no cost to me"

Anonymous, NC (2015 BMW X3 xDrive28d 2.0-L 4 Cyl diesel)

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, leaks.

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.

Suspension

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.

Transmission Minor

Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.

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This score shows whether the model had more or fewer problems overall than the average model of that year, calculated from the total number of problems reported by subscribers in all 17 trouble spots.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)
Oct 25 2018
The melting intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V755000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 44368
Hide Recall Details
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE INFLATOR MODULE
Sep 21 2016
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator housing could separate from the base plate and result in metal striking the vehicle occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2015 BMW X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, X3 xDrive35i, X3 xDrive28d, X4 xDrive28i and X4 xDrive35i vehicles, and model year 2014-2015 X5 xDrive35i, X5 sDrive35i, X5 xDrive50i, and 2014 X5 xDrive35d vehicles. The affected vehicles have a driver's frontal air bag inflator that may have been improperly welded.
What should you do:
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's front air bag, free of charge. The recall began on November 1, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 16V683000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 3606
Hide Recall Details
CHILD SEAT:VEHICLE LATCH ANCHOR
May 23 2016
Damaged lower anchor bars may increase the child's risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 16V333000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 188668
Hide Recall Details
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR
Oct 16 2014
The driver may not notice that vehicles viewed in the mirror are closer than they appear, increasing the risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2015 X3 and X4 Sports Activity Vehicles manufactured July 28, 2014 to July 29, 2014. The affected vehicles may have been produced with a driver's side exterior rearview mirror that was designed to meet non-US market requirements. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards No. 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
What should you do:
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's side exterior rearview mirror, free of charge. The recall began on December 16, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 14V648000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 53
Hide Recall Details
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