2017 BMW X3 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
47/100
#9 most-complained of 16 X3 years
The 2017 BMW X3 has a Complaint Index of 47, ranking 9th worst out of 16 model years, with 92 complaints and 6 recalls. That places it in the
- Complaints
- 92
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes / fires
- 10 / 2
- Injuries / deaths
- 5 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 24
- 21 city / 28 hwy
Top 2017 BMW X3 problems
NHTSA owner 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%)
What owners report
- Owners report sudden unintended acceleration or failure to stop when braking, including cases where the vehicle lurched forward despite the brake pedal being pressed.
- Some drivers describe the engine seizing at highway speed, in one case attributed by a dealer to an oversized bearing causing overheating.
- Owners report the vehicle continuing to move forward while attempting to park or stop, resulting in collisions with fences, other vehicles, or structures.
- One report describes front and side airbags deploying for unknown reasons during a crash into a guard rail.
- Owners report brake pedal application not producing an immediate stop, with the vehicle needing multiple brake applications to halt.
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 a good year?
- NHTSA data gives the 2017 X3 a Complaint Index of 47, ranking it 9th worst among 16 model years and earning a 'Good' verdict relative to other X3 years.
- What is the top problem area for the 2017 BMW X3?
- Engine complaints are the largest category, accounting for 43% of the 92 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 32,000 miles.
- Does the 2017 BMW X3 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2017 X3, covering the electrical system, fuel system, engine, steering, and structural areas.
- How many complaints does the 2017 BMW X3 have?
- NHTSA has recorded 92 complaints for the 2017 X3, including 10 crashes, 2 fires, and 5 injuries.
- How does the 2017 X3 compare to other years?
- With a Complaint Index of 47, the 2017 X3 ranks better than years like 2013 (index 100, Avoid) and 2019 (index 93, Avoid), but worse than 2012 (index 7, Best).