The Lemon Index2023 BMW X3.
The 2023 BMW X3 has too few complaints to score: 15 in its first 3 years. Owners complain most about engine, it has 4 recalls, and it gets 17 to 25 mpg combined. The best BMW X3 year is 2012.
Early read
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Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 15 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every BMW X3 year. 2023 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.
Recalls 4
- electrical 2026
Please see the recall report for a complete list of all models.
- 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.
- body structure 2024
The attachment for the interior cargo rail may become damaged in a rear crash and result in the cargo rail detaching.
Show all 4 recalls
- transmission & drivetrain 2023
Transmission oil that leaks into the control unit can lead to a seizure of the transmission gears, causing a sudden loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
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 55 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- ?Water leaking into the vehicle from the headliner/microphone area
- This situation can result in two customer complaints: 1
- Various Check Control messages (CCM) can be displayed to the customer, which indicate a…
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
When a passenger front door is opened, it is possible for the person exiting the car to catch an upper arm in the metal opening and sustain an injury.
2023 BMW X3 owner · NHTSA complaint 11523917
More owner reports
Sensor for forward collision warning failed to work and I was involved in an accident.
NHTSA complaint 11530911
Quick answers
Is the 2023 BMW X3 reliable?
There isn't enough data to score it: owners filed only 15 complaints in its first 3 years.
What are the most common 2023 BMW X3 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (27%), body structure (20%) and electrical (20%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2023 BMW X3 have?
4 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 2023 BMW X3 get?
17 to 25 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2023 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 2023 BMW X3 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 7% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2023 BMW X3 cost in fuel a year?
About $3200 to $4700 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2023 BMW X3 have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
What BMW X3 year is better than the 2023?
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