2019 BMW X3 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 35about this part
- Share
- 20%of 171 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 3,300miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 35 complaints about the engine of the 2019 BMW X3, 20% of the 171 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 3,300 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The check engine light illuminated which resulted in a fault with the mechanical radiator flaps not opening or closing properly. The manufacturer has delayed a fix for six weeks now while they are fixing other models that may have had a higher sales price. Children are present in the vehicle and driving with a 'check engine' light illuminated is discomforting.”
NHTSA complaint #11245139, filed 2019-08, 6,500 miles“The oil filter housing failed, which caused all of my coolant to leak out and the engine to overheat. My car had to be towed to a repair shop, as it would not hold any coolant. The repair bill for the new oil adapter housing unit, and related work (diagnostics, replacing engine oil and coolant) was a little over $2,300. Fortunately, I was near my home and on city streets when it occurred, or it could have been a real catastrophe.”
NHTSA complaint #11629958, filed 2024-12“My 2019 BMW X3 equipped with a B46 engine developed a significant coolant leak at approximately 80,000 miles. The vehicle displayed a low coolant warning, and coolant was visibly leaking underneath the vehicle. Around the same time, I began noticing excessive white exhaust/steam during cold starts and, for the first time since owning the vehicle, had to add engine oil between scheduled oil changes. The vehicle is currently undergoing inspection by an independent repair facility. …”
NHTSA complaint #11739354, filed 2026-05“Subject: Rear Differential Mount Failure and Driveshaft Breakage — Sudden Loss of Vehicle Control at Highway Speed Complaint Summary: While driving at highway speed, I experienced a sudden and extremely loud bang from the rear of the vehicle. Immediately afterward, I lost complete control of the rear end, accompanied by violent clanking and grinding noises from the driveline area. The gearbox then stalled, leaving the vehicle disabled in the middle of the highway. …”
NHTSA complaint #11695243, filed 2025-10“I am reporting repeated coolant system failures and overheating on my 2019 BMW X3 . I have had 4 coolant-related repairs in under 3 years, including the coolant reservoir boiling after service. Most recently, the problem recurred despite prior repairs. This is a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle with warranty history, and I believe this is a systemic engine/cooling defect that poses a risk of engine failure or fire. Other owners may be affected. A recall or investigation is warranted.”
NHTSA complaint #11702650, filed 2025-12Related 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…
- 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.
- 10205613Nov 1, 2021The customer complains that under moderate throttle application or on deceleration after throttle application, a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is displayed in the instrument…
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 2019 BMW X3
47 complaintsOther or unknown
43 complaintsBody and structure
31 complaintsForward collision avoidance
13 complaintsBrakes
12 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsFuel system
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2019 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