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Engine coolingPart report

2015 BMW X3 Engine cooling Problems

Complaints
15about this part
Share
14%of 105 total for the year
Median mileage
76,000miles
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2015 BMW X3, 14% of the 105 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 76,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“The contact owns a 2015 BMW X3. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the engine overheated, and the messages Low Coolant and Service Engine were displayed. Upon inspection, the contact identified a damaged coolant hose causing coolant to leak onto several electrical wires within the engine compartment. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 120,000.”

NHTSA complaint #11626236, filed 2024-11, 120,000 miles

“The contact owns a 2015 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving 40-50 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated and the message Engine Overheated -Stop Vehicle Immediately was displayed. The contact parked and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was later restarted, but the message Engine Overheated Stop - Vehicle Immediately was displayed again. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the water pump had overheated and needed to be replaced. …”

NHTSA complaint #11660863, filed 2025-05, 63,000 miles

“The contact owns a 2015 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. Additionally, the contact stated that the high-beam headlights failed to operate as needed; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed by the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 18,000. …”

NHTSA complaint #11661419, filed 2025-05, 18,000 miles

“The contact owns a 2015 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH, there was a burning odor coming through the vents on the dashboard. The contact stated that she had not observed any warning lights being illuminated. …”

NHTSA complaint #11638040, filed 2025-01, 50,000 miles

“The contact owned a 2015 BMW X3. The contact stated while her husband was driving at 65 MPH with her in the front passenger seat, the vehicle stalled. A message indicating a power train malfunction was displayed. The contact's husband was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact noticed dark smoke coming through the AC vents. The contact stated upon opening the hood, her husband saw fire. The contact immediately exited the vehicle. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with the assistance of the fire department. …”

NHTSA complaint #11486724, filed 2022-09, 76,000 miles

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Engine cooling: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202011%
201974%
201845%
20172224%
20161822%
20151514%
20141922%
2013136%
201225%
20112421%
20101444%
2009316%
20081523%
20071616%
200643%
200533%
2004118%

Other parts of the 2015 BMW X3

Engine
29 complaints
Fuel system
26 complaints
Electrical system
22 complaints
Other or unknown
13 complaints
Air bags
10 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
9 complaints
Brakes
8 complaints
Vehicle speed control
7 complaints
Seats
6 complaints
Body and structure
3 complaints
Seat belts
2 complaints
Exterior lighting
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2015 BMW X3

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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