2016 BMW X3 problems and complaints
Owners have filed 82 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 BMW X3. The most-reported areas: Electrical System (23), Engine And Engine Cooling (18), Engine (13).
Key takeaways
- 82 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
- 7 involve a crash, 3 a fire, 2 reported injuries.
- Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 23 | 28% |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 18 | 22% |
| Engine | 13 | 16% |
| Unknown Or Other | 12 | 15% |
| Service Brakes | 10 | 12% |
| Power Train | 9 | 11% |
| Fuel System | 6 | 7% |
| Diesel | 6 | 7% |
| Seat Belts | 6 | 7% |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 4 | 5% |
| Air Bags | 4 | 5% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 4 | 5% |
One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 BMW X3 SUV AWD | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| 2016 BMW X3 SUV RWD | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Latest complaints, as filed
Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.
Power Train,electrical System,engine - filed 2026-07-17
While driving on a two-lane 40 MPH road in the left lane the vehicle suddenly lost power, stopped in traffic, and displayed a transmission warning message. Multiple warning lights were "on" and the car would not restart. Additionally, the vehicle would not come out of "Park." Occupants needed to await police who stop...
Fuel System, Diesel - filed 2026-07-01
The contact owns a 2016 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle stalled with the drive train warning light illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the high-pressure and the pressure-r...
Engine - filed 2026-03-05
Key Details of BMW EGR Recall: • Affected Models: Primarily 2013-2018 BMW 328d/xDrive, 535d/xDrive, 740Ld, X3 xDrive28d, and X5 XDrive35d. • The Problem: The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may leak coolant internally, which can mix with soot to form flammable deposits, potentially leading to a Fire I was drivi...
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More for the 2016 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.