2018 BMW X3 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 21%of 76 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 6,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the engine of the 2018 BMW X3, 21% of the 76 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 6,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Vehicle lost coolant and warned me to pull over because of the engine overheating. Later was diagnosed with a leaking oil filter housing. Simply too early for such a component to fail. Left my wife stranded miles away from home in the snow.”
NHTSA complaint #11717167, filed 2026-02“A BMW dealership has indicated that the motor mounts on my vehicle need to be replaced. My vehicle has under 29,000 miles, and these parts are designed to last for 60,000 to 100,000 miles. A premature collapse of the motor mounts indicates a manufacturing defect, material weakness or installation error from the factory. I understand that this defect is common for 2018-2020 X3 models. The vehicle did not display any symptoms of this defect and no indicators were displayed on the on-screen monitor.”
NHTSA complaint #11693868, filed 2025-10“PCV valve issues. Failing PCV valve. I bought my car in 2020 certified pre owned and having issues wi the the PCV Valve similar to the recall for 2018 BMW x3 M40.”
NHTSA complaint #11676753, filed 2025-07“While driving on the interstate lost coolant through the oil cooler housing. I had to quickly get to the shoulder of the road having to cross several lanes of traffic. The car had to be towed. I had it towed to the dealership where I purchased it as I paid for an extended warranty. Warranty company denied the claim. Through research I am finding this is an issue with BMWs as they part is plastic and does not stand up well with the temperature changes it is subjected to. This needs to be a recall. The car is still in the shop, 45 days later. Approximate cost to repair $2,840.00 plus tax.”
NHTSA complaint #11730148, filed 2026-04“My 2018 BMW X3 xdrive30i G01 series has been experiencing persistent overheating issues, even in cold temperatures as low as 40 degrees. The coolant reservoir boils vigorously while driving, but the temperature gauge does not indicate overheating, and no warning lights appear. The only alert displayed is a low coolant warning instructing to refill coolant or to top off. Recently, I noticed coolant and other fluids leaking from underneath the vehicle, along with a strong burning smell coming from the engine. Adding BMW brand antifreeze/coolant did not resolve the issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #11648858, filed 2025-03Related service bulletins
- 11035498Aug 3, 2026The NVLD limited emissionrelated warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 15 years/150,000 miles as determined from the original in-service date.
- 11032731May 6, 2026The EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original…
- 11012074Dec 11, 2024the NVLD limited emissionrelated warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 15 years/150,000 miles as determined from the original in-service date.
- 11012067Dec 11, 2024The NVLD limited emission related warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 15 years/150,000 miles as determined from the original in-service date.
- 11008101Sep 12, 2024For this vehicle, the EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from…
- 11000579May 2, 2024Evap system purge (vent) valve ext ltd wty (elw) 15/150
- 10211853Mar 1, 2022BMW AG has issued a Delivery Stop (effective January 11, 2022) on a small number of Model Year 2022 BMW vehicles that were produced between December 23, 2021 and January 4, 2022…
- 10212524Feb 1, 2022A whistling noise is present from the fresh air inlet area (engine compartment bulkhead area), in the right front area of the vehicle, at speeds above 40 mph. The noise is…
- 10208177Jan 1, 2022DELIVERY STOP: REPLACE CONTROL UNIT TRANSFER CASE. Due to a production failure, the control unit was assembled with a capcitator instead of a resistor.
- 10206690Dec 1, 2021Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 5% |
| 2025 | 4 | 11% |
| 2024 | 6 | 14% |
| 2023 | 4 | 27% |
| 2022 | 11 | 13% |
| 2021 | 23 | 20% |
| 2020 | 26 | 24% |
| 2019 | 35 | 20% |
| 2018 | 16 | 21% |
| 2017 | 17 | 18% |
| 2016 | 13 | 16% |
| 2015 | 29 | 28% |
| 2014 | 19 | 22% |
| 2013 | 147 | 65% |
| 2012 | 8 | 19% |
| 2011 | 31 | 27% |
| 2010 | 6 | 19% |
| 2009 | 2 | 11% |
| 2008 | 16 | 24% |
| 2007 | 25 | 26% |
| 2006 | 6 | 4% |
| 2005 | 5 | 5% |
| 2004 | 6 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2018 BMW X3
22 complaintsOther or unknown
12 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsSteering
7 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsEngine cooling
4 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