2017 BMW X3 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2017 BMW X3 has a Complaint Index of 50 and ranks 11th worst out of 21 model years, earning a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 92 complaints, 6 recalls, and 10 crashes, with Engine (43%) and Electrical System (34%) the top problem areas.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 50/100
- #11 of 21 X3 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 92
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 6
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 10
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 5
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 24
- 21 city / 28 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 5 / 0
Top 2017 BMW X3 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine40 (43%)
- Electrical System31 (34%)
- Fuel System17 (18%)
- Brakes13 (14%)
- Other9 (10%)
- Airbags7 (8%)
- Structure & Body7 (8%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (3%)
- Visibility & Wipers3 (3%)
- Steering2 (2%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report unintended forward acceleration or lurching even while the brake pedal was fully pressed, sometimes leading to low-speed collisions.
- Several describe the engine seizing or losing power suddenly at highway speed, in one case with visible fire shortly after purchase.
- Some report brakes that suddenly failed to hold the vehicle while parking or stopping at a light, causing the car to roll into obstacles or other vehicles.
- Owners describe airbags deploying unexpectedly during a crash for reasons they could not explain.
- A few report structural or body issues where the vehicle accelerated or moved on its own while attempting to park.
2017 BMW X3 recalls
6 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 24V608000Aug 13, 2024Electrical System720,796 vehicles
Electrical system:wiring:connectors/plugs/receptacles
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.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 21V907000Nov 19, 2021Fuel System50,404 vehicles
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.
Risk: A melting intake manifold increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 21V586000Jul 29, 2021Fuel System11,216 vehicles
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.
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
2017 BMW X3 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 21 MPG
- Highway
- 28 MPG
- Combined
- 24 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,300
- 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 X3 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2017 BMW X3 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2017 X3 has a Complaint Index of 50, ranking 11th worst among 21 model years and earning a Caution verdict relative to other X3 years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2017 BMW X3?
- NHTSA complaints show Engine issues account for 43% of complaints, followed by Electrical System at 34% and Fuel System at 18%. The median mileage at failure for engine complaints was 32,000 miles.
- Does the 2017 BMW X3 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2017 X3, covering fuel system, engine (EGR cooler), steering, and structural body reinforcement components. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2017 X3 compare to other X3 years?
- With a Complaint Index of 50, the 2017 X3 ranks worse than years like 2023 (index 0, Best) and 2012 (index 10, Best), but better than 2007 and 2019, which carry Avoid verdicts with indexes of 100 and 95.