If you find yourself in the market for a luxury crossover SUV, the BMW X3 may be on your list. Before you make any purchase, it’s important to know about a vehicle’s history and reliability. Does the BMW X3 reliability rank high?
How reliable is the 2020 BMW X3?
The 2020 BMW X3 earns high marks for reliability. Kelley Blue Book gave it 4.4 out of 5 stars for reliability. Owners also report high satisfaction with the vehicle.
- Owner reviews: 4.49 out of 5
- Expert reviews: 4.40 out of 5
Using information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as well as our extensive wealth of information at Vehicle History, we have created this list of reviews, recalls and more to help you make a buying decision with confidence.
BMW X3 –A Brand’s Signature Crossover
The BMW X3 is the manufacturer’s signature luxury crossover SUV. It originally hit the market in 2003, and the first generation continued in production until 2010. The SUV skillfully combined agility in handling with a powerful SUV driving experience.
In 2011, BMW launched its second generation of the X3. That year, it moved production from Austria to Greer, South Carolina. The new model was longer and had an upgraded interior with added tech.
The current generation BMW X3 launched in 2017. The latest X3 has a new design, engines and interior. In fact, the eight-speed automatic gearbox is the only thing that crossed over from the second generation model.
The BMW X3 remains a popular choice for those who want a small luxury SUV. In 2019, its highest production year, BMW sold 70,110 of these SUVs.
To see more about this vehicle, check out this comprehensive review:
Complaints and Recalls for the 2020 BMW X3
A reliable vehicle is one with few complaints and recalls. To help you decide about the 2020 BMW X3, we’ve compiled information about owner complaints and official NHTSA recalls to consider.
Owner Complaints about the 2020 BMW X3
The NHTSA reports few official owner complaints about the 2020 BMW X3. It currently only has three official complaints.
Some owners have reported problems with the electrical system, including both the backup camera not working and the console shutting down.
Problems with the airbag occupancy sensor were also reported, and one owner had a hole develop in the sunroof without warning.
Official Recalls of the 2020 BMW X3
According to the NHTSA, the 2020 BMW X3 has had 10 official recalls. If an issue leads to a recall, the owner can get the vehicle repaired at no cost at a BMW dealership. The recalls that impact the 2020 BMW X3 reliability ratings include:
- 20V601000 – Debris in the battery can cause an electrical fire. This recall applies to the hybrid models of the 2020 BMW X3 only.
- 20V598000 – Some vehicles have an obstruction of the rearview camera image, which can increase the risk of a crash when backing up.
- 20V490000 – This is another risk of short-circuiting of the hybrid battery, increasing the fire risk.
- 20V443000 – Some 2020 BMW X3 vehicles were sold without proper rearview camera software, which meant the image did not display at all when the car was in reverse.
- 20V355000 – Steering gear tie rod problems in some X3 vehicles could allow the tie rod to fracture at high temperatures.
- 20V164000 – According to this recall, improperly functioning seat belt sensors cause the seat belt condition not to be detected, and the airbag or belt pretensioners may deploy improperly as a result.
- 20V152000 – Airbag deployment can cause damage to the instrument panel, allowing fractured pieces to hit and injure occupants of the vehicle.
- 19V738000 – Some steering rack pinion teeth could break and cause the driver to lose steering control.
- 19V684000 – Another recall of the backup camera, this one states that the camera can be turned off and left in that position, violating safety protocols.
- 19V678000 – This recall indicates the front axle swivel bearings may break due to a manufacturing error that reduced their strength.
Explore Your 2020 BMW X3 Further with Vehicle History
If you’re considering a BMW X3 or another crossover, reliability is important. While the BMW X3’s reliability is fairly well known, you’ll always want to check the car’s Vehicle History before purchasing. Learn the latest issues and recalls so you can buy with confidence.
