2015–2024 · 10 model years · 79 recalls
Avoid the 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2024 BMW X3: they score lowest for reliability, with the most owner complaints for each car sold. The best year to buy is 2016.
Well below average for its class. Expected repairs: $8,114 over 5 years. Biggest repair risk: engine & cooling, about $4,811 over 5 years. 10 recalls, 171 owner complaints.
Well below average for its class. Expected repairs: $7,225 over 5 years. Biggest repair risk: engine & cooling, about $4,064 over 5 years. 10 recalls, 113 owner complaints.
Well below average for its class. Expected repairs: $7,309 over 5 years. Biggest repair risk: engine & cooling, about $4,148 over 5 years. 16 recalls, 110 owner complaints.
Well below average for its class. Expected repairs: $4,832 over 5 years. Biggest repair risk: engine & cooling, about $2,432 over 5 years. 3 recalls, 42 owner complaints.
Below average for its class. Expected repairs: $6,484 over 5 years. Biggest repair risk: engine & cooling, about $3,250 over 5 years. 7 recalls, 86 owner complaints.
About average for its class. Expected repairs: $5,952 over 5 years. Biggest repair risk: engine & cooling, about $3,773 over 5 years. 5 recalls, 82 owner complaints.
| Generation | Years | Average score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| F25 | 2015–2017 | 39/100 | Below average |
| G01 | 2018–2024 | 23/100 | Below average |
| Model year | Reliability | Complaints | Recalls | Best mpg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 X3 | 16/100 · Well below average | 42 | 3 | 25 |
| 2023 X3 | 43/100 · About average | 16 | 4 | 25 |
| 2022 X3 | 20/100 · Below average | 86 | 7 | 25 |
| 2021 X3 | 14/100 · Well below average | 113 | 10 | 27 |
| 2020 X3 | 15/100 · Well below average | 110 | 16 | 27 |
| 2019 X3 | 10/100 · Well below average | 171 | 10 | 26 |
| 2018 X3 | 41/100 · About average | 76 | 11 | 25 |
| 2017 X3 | 35/100 · Below average | 92 | 6 | 24 |
| 2016 X3 | 44/100 · About average | 82 | 5 | 30 |
| 2015 X3 | 38/100 · Below average | 105 | 7 | 30 |
Reliability compares each year with similar cars from 2015 to 2024, using owner complaints filed with NHTSA per car sold. Complaint counts on their own aren't a score: popular cars get more of them.
Avoid the 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2024 BMW X3: they score lowest for reliability, with the most owner complaints for each car sold. The best year to buy is 2016.
The 2016 scores best for reliability (44/100) of the years we rate.
The 2020, with 16 recalls on record with NHTSA.