YearToAvoid

2017 BMW M3 Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

No verdict

Complaint Index

17/100

#11 most-complained of 13 M3 years

The 2017 BMW M3 has a complaint index of 17, among the lowest of the 13 model years tracked, with only 3 complaints and 2 recalls on file. It ranks 11th worst out of 13 years, making it one of the better M3 years for reported problems.

Complaints
3
Recalls
2
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
19.5
17 city / 25 hwy

Top 2017 BMW M3 problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Electrical System1 (33%)
  2. Fuel System1 (33%)
  3. Transmission & Powertrain1 (33%)
2017 BMW M3 complaints: complaints filed per month1Jan 2020Nov 2021Jul 2024
3 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jan 2020 to Jul 2024; peak Jan 2020 (1).

2017 BMW M3 recalls

2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 18V713000Oct 11, 2018Transmission & Powertrain2,661 vehicles

    Power train:driveline:driveshaft

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2016-2017 BMW M3 Sedans, 2016-2017 BMW M4 and M4 GTS Coupes and 2017 BMW M4 Convertible vehicles. The connection between the driveshaft and the flange may fail resulting in a loss of propulsion.

    Risk: A loss of vehicle propulsion can increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: BMW will notify vehicle owners, and dealers will replace the driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began April 9, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

  2. NHTSA 16V653000Sep 9, 2016Structure & Body196 vehicles

    Structure:frame and members

    BMW North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2016 BMW M2 Coupe vehicles, 2015-2017 M3 Sedan vehicles and 2015-2016 M4 Coupe and M4 Convertible vehicles. During servicing of the rear differential for a prior service action, the rear sub-frame bolts may have been reused instead of being replaced. Reuse of the existing bolts may cause the bolts to loosen.

    Risk: Loose rear sub-frame bolts may adversely affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear sub-frame bolts with new bolts, free of charge. The recall began on November 3, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

2017 BMW M3 fuel economy and fuel cost

City
17 MPG
Highway
25 MPG
Combined
19.5 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$4,100
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Premium
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2017 compared with other M3 years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’21’22’23’25
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2015No verdict254319.5
2016Good335319.5
2017No verdict173219.5
2018Avoid759020
2021No verdict423319

All BMW M3 years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2017 BMW M3 reliable?
NHTSA lists a complaint index of 17 for the 2017 M3, one of the lowest among the 13 model years tracked, with just 3 complaints logged.
What problems does the 2017 BMW M3 have?
Owners reported issues split evenly across the Electrical System, Fuel System, and Transmission & Powertrain, each accounting for 33% of complaints. One transmission complaint involved a fractured driveshaft found at 53,000 miles.
Does the 2017 BMW M3 have any recalls?
Yes, NHTSA shows 2 recalls: one for a driveshaft-to-flange connection that may fail (campaign 18V713000) and one for rear sub-frame bolts (campaign 16V653000). Neither is a do-not-drive recall.
How does the 2017 M3 compare to other M3 years?
The 2017 M3 ranks 11th worst out of 13 model years by complaint index, well behind higher-complaint years like 2011 (complaint index 100) and 2013 (complaint index 92).
What is the fuel economy of the 2017 BMW M3?
EPA rates the 2017 M3 at 19.5 mpg combined, 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway, with an annual fuel cost of $4,100.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.