The Lemon Index2016 BMW X3.
The 2016 BMW X3 is better than average by owner complaints: 31 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 70, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about brakes, it has 5 recalls, and it gets 21 to 30 mpg combined. The best BMW X3 year is 2012.
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Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 82 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every BMW X3 year. 2016 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 18K to 70K miles on the car (40 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 5
- engine 2024
An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.
- fuel system, diesel 2021
The EGR cooler may leak internally, causing coolant to mix with diesel engine soot, which could result in smoldering particles and a melting intake manifold.
- fuel system, diesel 2021
The high-pressure fuel pump may fail.
Show all 5 recalls
- engine 2018
If the EGR cooler leaks internally, the coolant can mix with diesel engine soot.
- child seat 2016
The affected vehicles have lower anchor bars for securing child restraint seats that may become damaged when using the European-ISOFIX-type, rigid-style connector, child restraint system.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems BMW told dealers about
BMW sent dealers 242 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Cbs brake pad calculation and correction
- Check Control Message with Rear Light Failure
- Rattle noise from lower a-pillar
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenHigh pressure fuel pump failure2023
- OpenDesiccated air bag inflator rupture2021
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW X3 SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| BMW X3 SUV RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3150–3800 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
Quick answers
Is the 2016 BMW X3 reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.4× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 70; 100 is average, lower is better). The best BMW X3 year by this measure is 2012.
What are the most common 2016 BMW X3 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are brakes (26%), speed control (13%) and seat belts (13%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2016 BMW X3 have?
5 safety recalls (latest: engine). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2016 BMW X3 get?
21 to 30 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2016 BMW X3 safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2016 BMW X3 problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 18,000 and 70,000 miles. The middle report was at 38,000 miles, from 40 complaints.
Does the 2016 BMW X3 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2016 BMW X3 cost in fuel a year?
About $3150 to $3800 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2016 BMW X3 have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
What BMW X3 year is better than the 2016?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2012, 2018 and 2014.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works