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    Welcome to Consumer Reports.

    We’re so glad to have you as a member. You now have access to benefits that can help you choose right, be safe and stay informed.
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    2016
    New 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 not only emphasizes driving fun, but it 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 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
    2016
    New 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 2016 Potential Trouble Spots
    The 2016 BMW X3 has been recalled 2 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Research Years *Redesign year
    Worse Better
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    01
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    04*
    05
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    11*
    12
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    15
    16
    17
    18*
    Overall Reliability Verdict
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Potential Trouble Spots
    Engine Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Fuel System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Electric System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Suspension
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Body Integrity
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Power Equipment
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Show More Trouble Spots
    Show Fewer Trouble Spots
    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 500,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2018 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 2016 BMW X3 owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Body Integrity

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

    What Owners Say

    Air or water leaks

    “Trailer hitch installed by dealer had leaks at the electrical connectors passing into the body. During the rainy season these leaked causing all (100%) of the sensors to go out requiring replacement. This took about 2 weeks as the dealer couldn't find the leaks. I was provided with a loaner”

    Anonymous, CA (2016 BMW X3 xDrive28d 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    “Water from the roof is supposed to drain off through tubes but BMW shrunk the size of these tubes a few years ago and now they get clogged and water enters the car through the headliner”

    James R., NC (2016 BMW X3 sDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Squeaks or rattles

    “Rattle of interior covering of moon roof when it is slid back. Does not rattle if closed and covering the moon roof”

    Anonymous, MN (2016 BMW X3 xDrive35i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

    “There seems to be an inordinate amount of door gasket squeaking whenever the body flexes. i.e. when driving on uneven surfaces, speed bumps, potholes, etc. The back hatch door latch always sounds as though it is not locked in place tight enough”

    Anonymous, BC (2016 BMW X3 xDrive35i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

    “The following things needed to be brought to the dealer due to squeaks and rattling: Windows side mirrors hatch locks doors. This car has been to the dealer 8 times for a total of 60 days due to various problems”

    Anonymous, NY (2016 BMW X3 xDrive28d 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    “Sunroof squeaked”

    Anonymous, IN (2016 BMW X3 xDrive35i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)
    Wind noise

    “At highway speeds the wind noise is much more noticeable than other vehicles I have owned”

    Anonymous, BC (2016 BMW X3 xDrive35i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

    “Drivers window resealed the door not an issue anymore”

    Pamela H., NJ (2016 BMW X3 xDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Load more

    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

    “Stopped working was replaced”

    Pamela H., NJ (2016 BMW X3 xDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

    “Jetter-bug can not be paired thru there system. I found this out about 1 year after perchase”

    Walter F., OH (2016 BMW X3 xDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    “Intermitent loss of connectivity. Need to re boot the phone for the bluetooth to work at least once a week”

    Anonymous, NY (2016 BMW X3 xDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Radio

    “The AM radio is bad, At night, it cannot get distant station that my Chevy Impala received clearly”

    Elliot A., PA (2016 BMW X3 xDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Voice control commands

    “Cannot use this and dealer never showed me. Was never a problem with previous (GM) car”

    Elliot A., PA (2016 BMW X3 xDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Load more

    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

    Headlights

    “Needed to be replaced. Bulb burned out”

    Peter C., OH (2016 BMW X3 xDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Exterior lights (other than headlights)

    “rear lights on right side required replacement”

    James G., CA (2016 BMW X3 xDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Warning lights

    “See previous response. The sensors went out due to moisture intrusion (roughly one gallon of water) and the warning lights came on! Additionally had check engine light sensor which came on randomly. BMW fixed they said it was defective”

    Anonymous, CA (2016 BMW X3 xDrive28d 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Exhaust

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

    What Owners Say

    Muffler

    “Excessive carbon build-up at exhaust tip”

    Anonymous, CA (2016 BMW X3 xDrive35i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

    Climate System

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

    What Owners Say

    Refrigerant leaks

    “Refrigerant leak found after vehicle passed CPO checklist”

    Anonymous, CA (2016 BMW X3 xDrive35i 3.0-L 6 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

    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.

    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.

    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.

    Drive System

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

    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.

    Engine Cooling

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

    Brakes

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

    Paint/Trim

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

    Compare 2016 Models

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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
    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
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