2006 BMW X3 Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 4%of 143 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 64,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the fuel system of the 2006 BMW X3, 4% of the 143 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 64,500 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Every time I fill up my car, the check gas cap light comes on. As I drive, it goes off but then will illuminate again. I check it and nothing appears to be wrong but as I drive, I do notice that the gas needle will move up and down.”
NHTSA complaint #10520142, filed 2013-06, 64,500 miles“I started my 06 Bmw X3 in my driveway to warm it up prior to driving. It appeared to be fine, I backed out of my driveway and noticed it was smoking from the exhaust. I drove about 100ft to the end of my street and the smoking worsened so I decided to return home. I turned onto the main street and drove at most 20mph for a few blocks to get back home. The smoke was pouring out of the exhaust so badly that I couldn't see out my back window. It was blue/grey colored. The car was putting and chugging. I did not make it home. Eventually the car chugged a few times and completely shut down. …”
NHTSA complaint #10379172, filed 2011-01, 40,881 miles“The intake boot between the mass air sensor and the throttle body cracks over time. This causes the check engine light to come on. Even though this is a known failure item, and the car is within the cpo warranty period, Bmw does not cover any hoses or tubes, as they believe they are wear items. Since it is not covered its a $175 dollar diagnostic fee and $38.54 for the part vs $50 deductible. …”
NHTSA complaint #10438764, filed 2011-12, 67,000 miles“2006 Bmw X3 check gas cap warning light comes on intermittently after refueling. Check the gas gap and everything seems ok. Happens consistently in temperatures over 40f.”
NHTSA complaint #10502472, filed 2013-03, 65,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10039765Jan 1, 2012Bmw: the service engine soon light is on while driving. This is a programming issue. *rm updated 1/4/12. *pe updated 4/24/12.
- 10040169Mar 1, 2011Bmw: a software error is causing the service engine soon light or check gas cap light to come on along with stored trouble codes.
- 10033130Dec 1, 2009Bmw vehicles: fuel level sensor repairs. Where it is necessary to replace the right or the left side fuel level sensor due to a failure, the entire pump and housing or delivery…
- 10030612May 1, 2009Bmw vehicles: service engine soon lamp or check gas cap warning illuminated while driving. Software error in the dme for the tank leak diagnostic system. Models e60, e61 (5…
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 3% |
| 2022 | 2 | 2% |
| 2021 | 6 | 5% |
| 2020 | 7 | 6% |
| 2019 | 4 | 2% |
| 2017 | 17 | 18% |
| 2016 | 10 | 12% |
| 2015 | 26 | 25% |
| 2014 | 2 | 2% |
| 2013 | 17 | 8% |
| 2012 | 1 | 2% |
| 2011 | 2 | 2% |
| 2008 | 2 | 3% |
| 2006 | 5 | 4% |
| 2005 | 2 | 2% |
| 2004 | 7 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2006 BMW X3
76 complaintsSeats
42 complaintsElectrical system
13 complaintsEngine
6 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2006 BMW X3
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology