2017 BMW 3 Series problems and complaints

Owners have filed 73 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 BMW 3 Series. The most-reported areas: Engine (31), Unknown Or Other (22), Electrical System (10).

Key takeaways

  • 73 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
  • 2 involve a crash, 0 a fire, 1 reported injury.
  • Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
Complaints by component
ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine3142%
Unknown Or Other2230%
Electrical System1014%
Fuel/Propulsion System710%
Power Train57%
Engine And Engine Cooling45%
Service Brakes34%
Air Bags34%
Seat Belts34%
Exterior Lighting23%
Vehicle Speed Control23%
Wheels23%

One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

NHTSA 5-Star crash ratings
VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
2017 BMW 3 Series SW AWD5/54/55/55/5
2017 BMW 3 Series 4 DR AWD5/54/55/55/5
2017 BMW 3 Series 4 DR RWD5/54/55/55/5

Latest complaints, as filed

Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.

Engine - filed 2026-09-05

Diesel fuel pump failed while driving on the road. I also own a 2014 328d BMW which was recalled earlier where the diesel fuel pump was replaced by the dealership. While driving on the road, the car unexpectedly turned off in traffic. I managed to get the vehicle off the road and called a tow truck. I contacted my...

Engine - filed 2026-08-27

Component: Engine Cooling System: Turbocharger Coolant Return Line/Fitting (Part # 11538854735). Defect Summary: The factory turbocharger coolant return line on the B48 engine uses a plastic quick-disconnect fitting and O-ring mechanism positioned directly under the turbo. Extreme thermal cycling causes this plastic to...

Power Train,electrical System,engine - filed 2026-07-19

Hybrid battery has a failed cell. It was confirmed by BMW diagnostics but BMW refused to repair/replace failed cell even though it was under full 8yr/80k mile warranty. BMW claimed it as wear and tear, even though 1 out of 5 cells completely failed. The failure caused the car to run at reduced speeds causing others c...

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More for the 2017 BMW 3 Series

Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.