2018 BMW X3 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 5%of 76 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 114,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2018 BMW X3, 5% of the 76 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 114,000 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.
“The contact owns a 2017 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 while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact observed that the temperature warning light was illuminated. …”
NHTSA complaint #11615038, filed 2024-09, 139,000 miles“The contact owns a 2018 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 48 MPH, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was hot, and the “Warning – Pull Over - Engine Overheating” was displayed. The contact pulled over to the side of the road to allow the engine to cool down. The contact restarted the vehicle however, the message that the engine was overheating was again displayed. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that several days later the vehicle was towed to a local dealer to be diagnosed. …”
NHTSA complaint #11635346, filed 2025-01, 89,000 miles“The contact owns a 2018 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the Engine Coolant Level Low and Engine Overheating warning lights illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to an Auto Parts store and purchased a gallon of coolant. The contact refilled the coolant reservoir and became aware of a puddle of coolant underneath the vehicle. The contact drove the vehicle to a local dealer. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11635922, filed 2025-01, 71,000 miles“The contact owns a 2018 BMW X3. The contact stated while his wife was driving 65 MPH, a message advising to stop driving was displayed, and the vehicle simultaneously shifted into neutral(N) independently. The vehicle stalled in the middle of the highway and failed to respond while depressing the accelerator pedal. The message advising to drive with caution was displayed after several minutes, and the contact was able to continue driving upon depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. …”
NHTSA complaint #11575803, filed 2024-03, 152,942 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10249425Jan 29, 2024The Check Control message below appears even though the coolant level is not below minimum when theengine is cold. Check Control message (ID 166): Top up coolant.
- 10249439Jan 23, 2024The vehicle demonstrates a power loss and the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on. The following fault codes may be stored in the DDE: 24CE00 Hot film air mass meter: Ratio of…
- 10245364Nov 16, 2023Diesel fuel injectors: ltd wty extension to 10 years/120,000 miles
- 10245365Nov 13, 2023Pressure control valve (pcv) extended ltd wty 15 years/150,000 miles
- 10239595Jun 1, 2023Radiator Grille Upper and Lower Active Air Flaps limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 15 years/150,000 miles as determined from the…
- 10236218Apr 1, 2023In hot ambient conditions, if the engine was running for a prolonged time while the vehicle is stationary, a jolt may be experienced while lightly accelerating.
- 10235179Mar 1, 2023There is a howling or whistling noise from under the vehicle at 30 -37 mph (50 -60 km/h) when driving after a cold start, when the outside temperature is 32 F (0 C) or lower.
- 10233157Feb 1, 2023There is a howling or whistling noise from under the vehicle at 30 -37 mph (50 -60 km/h) when driving after a cold start, when the outside temperature is 32 F (0 C) or lower. The…
- 10230726Dec 1, 2022There is a howling or whistling noise from under the vehicle at 30 -37 mph (50 -60 km/h) when driving after a cold start, when the outside temperature is 32F (0C) or lower.
- 10227547Oct 1, 2022The Check Engine Light is on (MIL). After checking faults and diagnosis there is raw fuel found in the charcoal canister and the NVLD pressure switch (in R/R wheel well)…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 7 | 4% |
| 2018 | 4 | 5% |
| 2017 | 22 | 24% |
| 2016 | 18 | 22% |
| 2015 | 15 | 14% |
| 2014 | 19 | 22% |
| 2013 | 13 | 6% |
| 2012 | 2 | 5% |
| 2011 | 24 | 21% |
| 2010 | 14 | 44% |
| 2009 | 3 | 16% |
| 2008 | 15 | 23% |
| 2007 | 16 | 16% |
| 2006 | 4 | 3% |
| 2005 | 3 | 3% |
| 2004 | 11 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2018 BMW X3
22 complaintsEngine
16 complaintsOther or unknown
12 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsSteering
7 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
3 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 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