2020 BMW X3 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 26about this part
- Share
- 24%of 110 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 11,700miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 26 complaints about the engine of the 2020 BMW X3, 24% of the 110 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 11,700 miles. 5 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I am submitting this complaint regarding ongoing and potentially dangerous mechanical failures involving my vehicle that have repeatedly occurred despite numerous repair attempts by the dealership. Over the past year, I have taken my vehicle to the dealership more than 10 times for serious recurring issues. …”
NHTSA complaint #11738436, filed 2026-05“Beginning Oct 1, 2025. The cars drivetrain warning came on intermittently until mechanics correctly diagnosed the issue. Thermostat valve failed to shut off properly causing the car to overheat. This has been an issue and recall already, just did not include my vin. Now it has happened to me at the cost of 2K and under 45k miles. heat management module had to be replaced due to the danger of overheating and complete car shut down. I am turning this into BMW as well.”
NHTSA complaint #11693285, filed 2025-10“This recall was in September 2025, and for a starter issue that could cause a fire. Despite the urgency of this recall, it's now six months later, and I am still getting a response from BMW Remedy Not available . So, in the meantime BMW advises to keep the car outside in the hot Florida sun so it doesn't burn the house down. This is a totally unacceptable situation, and I would appreciate the NHTSA following up with BMW regarding why the delay. It appears to me that BMW is dragging their feet on correcting this serious issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11727478, filed 2026-03“Heat Management Module HMM is bad. BMW used a plastic part that is right up against the engine block. This HMM Heat Management Module resulted in STOPPING the vehicle completely in the middle of the freeway. I had no control. Then the car drove, then stopped again. I had NO CONTROL over the vehicle. Weeks later the Drivetrain Malfunction warning light appeared as i was driving home late at night from the ER. I took it to my BMW dealer. The diagnostic test was performed and was told the Heat Management Module HMM needed to be replaced at a cost to me of $3000. …”
NHTSA complaint #11749367, filed 2026-07“1. Whenever I refill my tank the car will start knocking. It will be only for 1 or 2 sudden jerks. I have tried every grade and nearly all the brands of fuel but its still the same. Even I escalated the same issue when I had my car service done. But to no avail. It happens when I refuel the tank. Otherwise, no issue to my surprise. I Need to know if it’s a known issue? If yes then why no one reached out to me to provide solution for it? Its been years i have tried to escalate it but no resolution. 2. When i use turn signals (either left or right) it start skipping click sound. …”
NHTSA complaint #11556998, filed 2023-11Related recalls
- 21V598000Aug 2, 2021BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 M340i, M340i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, X3 M40i, 2020-2021 X4 M40i, 745Le xDrive, 2019-2021 Z4 M40i…Covers: BMW X3 2020, Z4 2019–2021, Toyota Supra 2020–2021 +3 more
Related 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.
- 11035500Jul 17, 2026The manual starting of electronic engine oil level measurement from inside the vehicle, usually afterperforming an engine oil service task, is inoperative or it may lock up at…
- 11035497Jun 29, 2026The EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original…
- 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…
- 11017562Apr 29, 2025Coolant Pump Return
- 11016470Mar 26, 2025Bearing Shell Return
- 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.
- 11012066Dec 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
- 10236387Feb 6, 2023Engine Variants Updated.
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 2020 BMW X3
35 complaintsOther or unknown
17 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
14 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
3 complaintsForward collision avoidance
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2020 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