2005 BMW X3 problems and complaints

Owners have filed 128 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005 BMW X3. The most-reported areas: Seats (48), Air Bags (46), Electrical System (20).

Key takeaways

  • 128 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
  • 5 involve a crash, 19 a fire, 20 reported injuries.
  • Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
Complaints by component
ComponentComplaintsShare
Seats4838%
Air Bags4636%
Electrical System2016%
Structure86%
Unknown Or Other75%
Engine54%
Exterior Lighting54%
Power Train43%
Seat Belts32%
Service Brakes32%
Vehicle Speed Control32%
Engine And Engine Cooling32%

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

NHTSA 5-Star crash ratings
VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
2005 BMW X3 4-DR w/SABNot ratedNot ratedNot ratedNot rated

Latest complaints, as filed

Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.

Seat Belts - filed 2021-08-10

The contact owns a 2005 BMW X3. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact read the owner’s manual and saw that the failure indicated that the driver’s side seat belt receiver was faulty. The dealer was made aware of the failure and ordered the driver’s side se...

Electrical System - filed 2020-05-25

VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED TO THE GROUND TAKING MY OTHER CAR WITH IT. THIS HAPPENED WHILE PARKED AFTER WASHING THE CARPETS.

Engine - filed 2019-06-17

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW X3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED USED ON MAY 28, 2019. LEITH PORSCHE (700 AUTOPARK BLVD, CARY, NC 27511) DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER STATED THAT IF THE CHECK ENGINE IN...

Diagnose it yourself

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

More for the 2005 BMW X3

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.