The Lemon Index2022 BMW X3.
The 2022 BMW X3 is better than average by owner complaints: 54 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 66, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about automatic emergency braking, it has 7 recalls, and it gets 17 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 83 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every BMW X3 year. 2022 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 37K to 74K miles on the car (8 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 7
- electrical 2026
Please see the recall report for a complete list of all models.
- electrical 2025
The engine starter relay may corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short circuit.
- latches/locks/linkages 2025
The second-row seat side door locking modules may not function properly and allow the doors to be unlocked with a single motion.
Show all 7 recalls
- 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.
- fuel system, gasoline 2022
The high-pressure fuel rail may crack and result in a fuel leak within the engine compartment.
- transmission & drivetrain 2022
The mechatronics unit inside the transmission may not have been assembled properly, which could result in an internal leak.
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 107 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- This bulletin outlines known areas of possible functional issues, operational noise, or wind…
- The front sunroof glass seal has shrunk, creating a gap which can cause wind noise or excess…
- ?Water leaking into the vehicle from the headliner/microphone area
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW X3 SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| BMW X3 SUV RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| BMW X3 M SUV AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3200–4700 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
At time of purchase sales executive mentioned about Adaptive cruise control is in build with premium package but it is not installed in my car.waiting for dealership to respond on my query.
2022 BMW X3 owner · NHTSA complaint 11505806
More owner reports
Adas camera bracket on windshield deformed due to heat. The bracket will no longer hold the camera and the deformation was so severe it broke the mounting tab that holds the adas camera.
NHTSA complaint 11552308
There is a failure with the camera not being able to calibrate and a number of error messages
NHTSA complaint 11542987
Quick answers
Is the 2022 BMW X3 reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.5× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 66; 100 is average, lower is better). The best BMW X3 year by this measure is 2012.
What are the most common 2022 BMW X3 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are automatic emergency braking (30%), body structure (20%) and lane assist (19%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2022 BMW X3 have?
7 safety recalls (latest: electrical). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2022 BMW X3 get?
17 to 25 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2022 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.
Does the 2022 BMW X3 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 11% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2022 BMW X3 cost in fuel a year?
About $3200 to $4700 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2022 BMW X3 have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
What BMW X3 year is better than the 2022?
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