The Lemon Index

All cars · BMW X3 · 2025

2025 BMW X3. Advanced data.

The raw numbers: engines, recall campaign numbers, failure mileage and manufacturer communications.

Lemon Index82100 = average car
Complaints38NHTSA, first 3 years
Sold76,546U.S. model year
Per 100K sold50complaints

Engines and drivetrains 2

EngineTransmissionDriveCity / hwy / combinedFuelFuel cost/yr
2.0L 4-cyl turbo hybridAuto (S8)AWD27 / 33 / 29Premium$2,650
3.0L 4-cyl turbo hybridAuto (S8)AWD25 / 30 / 27Premium$2,850

EPA test versions for this model year. Fuel cost is the EPA's current estimate, not the price in that year.

Complaints by system

SystemShare of complaints
Electrical39%
Automatic emergency braking32%
Steering21%
Engine11%
Transmission & drivetrain11%

One complaint can name more than one system, so shares can add to more than 100%.

Severity, all complaints

TotalCrashesFiresInjuriesDeathsTows
3831002

As reported by owners to NHTSA. Not verified.

Recall campaigns 9

  • 26V524000 Aug 2026 Steering / Linkages / Knuckle / Spindle / Arm

    Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2024-2026 X3 sDrive30i, X3 30 xDrive, and X3 M50 xDrive vehicles. The steering spindle may have been incorrectly attached to the steering column.

    Risk. An incorrectly attached steering spindle can lead to a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy. Dealers will inspect the steering connection and replace hardware or replace the spindle and column, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 8, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 2, 2026.

  • 25V857000 Dec 2025 Steering / Steering Control Module

    Defect. BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain 2025-2026 X3 vehicles. While the vehicle is stationary, unexpected steering wheel movement (rotation) may occur.

    Risk. Unintended steering wheel movement while the vehicle is stationary increases the risk of an injury and on the road, a crash.

    Remedy. The steering system software will be updated, free of charge, either over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer. Owner notification letters were mailed February 6, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning February 2, 2026.

  • 25V247000 Apr 2025 Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Foundation Components / Disc

    Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2025 X3 30 xDrive vehicles. The front brake discs may have been damaged during transport before they were installed on the vehicle.

    Risk. Damaged front brakes may not function properly, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy. Dealers will replace the front brake discs and brake pads, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 6, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

  • 25V202000 Apr 2025 Electrical System / Starter Assembly

    Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2025 330i, 330i xDrive, 530i, 530i xDrive, 4 Series Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive), 4 Series Convertible (430i, 430i xDrive), 4 Series Gran Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive) and X3 30 xDrive vehicles. The electrical connection between the starter-generator and battery may come loose.

    Risk. A loose starter-generator connection can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, the wiring may overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.

    Remedy. Dealers will inspect and replace the starter-generator and positive battery cable as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed May 28, 2025. Second letters will be sent once the remedy is available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

  • 25V154000 Mar 2025 Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Foundation Components / Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings

    Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2025 X3 30 xDrive and X3 M50 xDrive vehicles. The rear brake hoses may leak, causing a loss of rear brake function, and a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system.

    Risk. A loss of rear brake function increases the risk of a crash.

    Remedy. Dealers will replace the rear brake hoses, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 9, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 800-525-7417.

  • 25V109000 Feb 2025 Electrical System / 12V/24V/48V Battery / Cables

    Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2025 X3 30 xDrive vehicles. The connection between the positive battery cable and the starter-generator may have been improperly tightened and overheat.

    Risk. An overheated battery cable connection can cause an engine stall and increase the risk of a crash. In addition, an overheated battery cable increases the risk of a fire.

    Remedy. Dealers will inspect and tighten the connection between the positive battery cable and the starter-generator, or replace the positive battery cable and starter-generator if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 5, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 800-525-7417.

  • 24V909000 Dec 2024 Suspension / Front / Wheel Bearing

    Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2025 X3 30 vehicles. The front wheel left-side swivel bearing may crack, causing a loss of vehicle handling and control.

    Risk. A loss of vehicle handling and control increases the risk of a crash.

    Remedy. Dealers will replace the front left-side swivel bearing, free of charge. One owner was contacted December 12, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

  • 24V856000 Nov 2024 Air Bags / Side/Window / Curtain

    Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2025 X3 30 xDrive vehicles. The gas generator in the right-side head curtain air bag may have been assembled incorrectly.

    Risk. An incorrectly assembled air bag can result in delayed activation or improper deployment of the head curtain air bag, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

    Remedy. Dealers will inspect and replace the right-side head curtain air bag, if necessary, free of charge. The vehicles have not been sold from dealer inventory and therefore no owner letters will be mailed. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

  • 24V772000 Oct 2024 Air Bags / Passenger Side Frontal / Cushion

    Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2025 X3 xDrive30i and X3 M50i vehicles. The front passenger air bag fabric may have been damaged during transport between suppliers.

    Risk. A damaged air bag may not inflate properly, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

    Remedy. Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag, free of charge. None of the affected vehicles have been sold yet and therefore no owner notification letters will be mailed. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Manufacturer communications 126

BMW filed 126 service communications for this car with NHTSA.

  • When turning left, a creaking noise may be heard from the EPS when near the steering wheel end…
  • Heat Management Module Return
  • Delivery Stop - 48V Battery Threaded Connections

Crash ratings by version

VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
BMW X3 SUV AWD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆

Safety equipment

Electronic stabilityForward collision warningLane departure warning
StandardNoNo

Nearby model years

YearLemon IndexComplaintsSoldTop system
2022665465,799Automatic emergency braking
2023–1563,172Engine
2024714268,798Electrical
2025823876,546Electrical

Sources: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communications; EPA fuel economy data; YouTube video titles. Complaints are owner reports, not proof of a defect.

Updated

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