The Lemon Index2018 BMW X3.
The 2018 BMW X3 is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 20 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 32, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 11 recalls, and it gets 23 to 25 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 76 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every BMW X3 year. 2018 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 3K to 62K miles on the car (27 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 11
- body structure 2024
The attachment for the rear cargo rail may become damaged in a rear crash and result in the cargo rail detaching.
- body structure 2024
The attachment for the interior cargo rail may become damaged in a rear crash and result in the cargo rail detaching.
- airbags 2021
The front passenger seat occupant classification system may have been improperly assembled, which could result in the misclassification of the seat as unoccupied, and deactivate the front air bag.
Show all 11 recalls
- electrical 2020
The instrument panel casing may not have been tightened properly to the passenger air bag.
- back over prevention 2019
The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
- seats 2019
The front seatback frames may have been improperly welded, allowing the seatback to unexpectedly fold forward or rearward.
- brakes 2018
The rear brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have an insufficient coating, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
- lights 2018
The rear turn signals on the outboard side panel will illuminate red, while the inboard turn signals simultaneously illuminate amber.
- lane assist 2018
The steering wheel may be incompatible with the lane keeping assistant function and may not detect if the driver's hands are off the wheel.
- body structure 2018
The rear spoiler may not have been properly attached during assembly, or may be missing screws, possibly causing the spoiler to detach while driving.
- electrical 2017
These vehicles may have an error in the software for the instrument panel, causing the display to not properly illuminate.
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 389 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Replace the temperature sensor for the tank leak diagnosis module (nvld): the service engine
- RATTLING NOISES FROM THE FRONT AXLE: Rattling noises from the front axle near the steering…
- G01 RUBBING/SCRAPING NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL: When turning the steering wheel, a…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Fuel cost and engines
About $3200–3450 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
The vehicle was moving and when I tried to stop because the car in front of me stopped. My car had a brake failure and caused an accident. Abs and/or the collusion deterrent system engaged to avoid this accident.
2018 BMW X3 owner · NHTSA complaint 11071958
Quick answers
Is the 2018 BMW X3 reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 3.1× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 32; 100 is average, lower is better). The best BMW X3 year by this measure is 2012.
What are the most common 2018 BMW X3 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (30%), brakes (20%) and steering (20%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2018 BMW X3 have?
11 safety recalls (latest: body structure). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2018 BMW X3 get?
23 to 25 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2018 BMW X3 problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 3,200 and 62,500 miles. The middle report was at 15,000 miles, from 27 complaints.
Does the 2018 BMW X3 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2018 BMW X3 cost in fuel a year?
About $3200 to $3450 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2018 BMW X3 have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
What BMW X3 year is better than the 2018?
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