2017 BMW X3: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2017 BMW X3: 6 recalls, 92 owner complaints and up to 24 mpg combined.
Recalls
6 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Child seat Vehicle recall #16V333000 · 2016 · 188,668 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Damaged lower anchor bars May increase the child's risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: 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.
Steering Vehicle recall #16V704000 · 2016 · 103 vehicles
What's wrong: This vehicle has electronic power steering (eps), and the contact pins on the eps control unit May not have been welded properly resulting in increased resistance.
Why it matters: An increase in pin contact resistance can increase the risk of a fire, even while the vehicle is parked and ignition is off.
The fix: The vehicle was repaired at the dealership before sale. Therefore, an owner notification notice will not be issued for this campaign.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #18V755000 · 2018 · 44,368 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: The melting intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: 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.
Fuel system (diesel) Vehicle recall #21V586000 · 2021 · 11,216 vehicles
What's wrong: The high-pressure fuel pump May fail.
Why it matters: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the high-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 14, 2022.
Fuel system (diesel) Vehicle recall #21V907000 · 2021 · 50,404 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: A melting intake manifold increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: 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…
Electrical, Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #24V608000 · 2024 · 720,796 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 5 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (30): the most common themes are electrical failure (22), warning light on (6), stalls / loses power (4).
- Engine & cooling (22): the most common themes are electrical failure (20), warning light on (6), overheating (2).
- Engine (17): the most common themes are warning light on (3).
- Fuel & propulsion (13): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (5), warning light on (2).
The 2017 BMW X3 has 92 owner complaints, ranking #11 of 23 X3 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 87). Complaints peaked in 2025 (30 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 20,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2016 (82 complaints, 5 recalls), 2018 (76 complaints, 11 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 | 28 | 24 | Premium |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 | 28 | 24 | Premium |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 21 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2017 BMW X3.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 2017 BMW X3 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 vehicle recalls for the 2017 BMW X3. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2017 BMW X3 problems?
Owners have filed 92 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (30), engine & cooling (22), engine (17).
What gas mileage does the 2017 BMW X3 get?
EPA ratings run up to 24 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic (S8)), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2017 BMW X3 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.