2015 BMW X3 Owner Complaints
Complaint Summary
The 2015 BMW X3 has 152 reported complaints.
- Top issues involve engine and electrical system.
Reliability Score
Reliability Score
Based on 152 complaints
Most Frequent Issues
ENGINE
26 17.1%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
21 13.8%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
15 9.9%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
12 7.9%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
12 7.9%
Quick Insights
The top category is ENGINE, accounting for 17.1% of all complaints.
Owners have reported issues across 24 distinct vehicle systems.
Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.
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What owners keep reporting on the 2015 BMW X3
The 2015 BMW X3 has 152 owner complaints in this dataset. ENGINE is the most common complaint category, representing about 17% of the reports shown here.
Most common complaint categories
The top complaint groups for the 2015 BMW X3 are ENGINE (26), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (21), ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (15).
Are these complaints a serious red flag?
Potentially. 108 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.
What should buyers inspect on a used 2015 BMW X3?
Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.
Detailed Complaint Log
Showing 24 of 24 systems
ENGINE
26 Reports17% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
THERE WERE A TOTAL OF 4 INCIDENCES. 2/21/15 TOOK BMW X3 XDRIVE28I TO DEALER WITH 112 MILES ON CAR, AFTER CAR ENGINE REVVED HIGHER AS I WAS COMING DOWN A HILL TO A COMPLETE STOP. I HAD TO PRACTICALLY STAND ON THE BRAKE FOR CAR TO STOP. ACCELERATION LASTED ABOUT 4 SECONDS AFTER STOPPING. HAD TO KEEP MY FOOT ON BRAKE DURING THAT TIME. IT HAPPENED A SECOND TIME ON THE WAY TO DEALER; GOING UP A SLIGHT HILL, WHILE COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. PRIOR TO THE ABOVE DATE, ON 2/16/15, CAR ALSO ACCELERATED BY ITSELF WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 55 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. I HAD TO STEP ON BREAK TO SLOW DOWN. LATER THAT DAY THE CAR ACCELERATED BY ITSELF WHILE ROLLING IN A PARKING LOT. I HAD TO BREAK HARD TO STOP IT. ON 2/21/15 THE DEALER REQUESTED BMW NA TO SEND THEIR ENGINEERS TO CHECK OUT THE CAR. 2/24/15 BMW NA ADVISED ME THAT "THE CAR ONLY DOES WHAT YOU TELL IT TO DO WITH ONE OF THE CONTROLS.THE ENGINEERS WILL BE GOING TO THE DEALERSHIP TO CHECK IF ANYTHING IS WRONG WITH" MY 2015 X3 XDRIVE. I ADVISED THEM "THEY WERE LOOKING FOR THE WRONG THING SINCE THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH A CAR THAT ACCELERATES WHEN YOU ARE STEPPING ON THE BREAK." THEY "SHOULD BE LOOKING FOR WHAT IS WRONG WITH MY X3." 3/4/15 BMW NA ADVISED THAT ENGINEERS HAD LOOKED AT THE CAR AT THE DEALERSHIP AND IT WILL TAKE 7 TO 10 BUSINESS DAYS FOR THEIR DECISION. 3/10/15 BMW NA ADVISE ME THAT THE ENGINEERS CHECKED OUT MY X3 AND THE CAR IS "PERFORMING AS DESIGNED". I ASKED "IS THE X3 DESIGNED TO ACCELERATE WHEN YOU ARE TRYING TO STOP THE CAR?" THE DEALER ALSO SAYS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. WHEN I TOLD DEALER "IF IT STARTS ACTING UP AGAIN I WILL BRING IT RIGHT BACK" DEALER SAID "THAT'S UP TO BMW". SINCE MY BMW X3 SOMETIMES ACCELERATES WHEN YOU ARE TRYING TO STOP AND WHILE AT ROAD SPEED, SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE CAR. EVERYTHING HAS TO GO THROUGH THE COMPUTER. MIGHT IT BE THE COMPUTER PROGRAM DESIGN? *TR
3/12/2015
WHEN RAINY DAY , MY CAR SOMETIMES CAME OUT SMOKE ON A CITY STREET. I TOOK INTO DIFFERENT BMW DEARLER, BUT THEY CLAIM THAT IS THE DESIGN OF THE CAR, BECAUSE THE AVIATOR TOO CLOSE WHEN RAINING IT WILL CAME OUT SMOKE. I RECORDED AND SHOW TO THE SERVICE ADVISOR AND HE SHOW IT TO THE MECHANIC AND HE TOLD ME THAT IS WHAT THE MECHANIC TOLD HIM.
5/20/2016
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
21 Reports14% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 BMW X3 DIESEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE AND DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. ALSO, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH ON AN INTERSTATE, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AGAIN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,003.
12/3/2014
THERE WERE A TOTAL OF 4 INCIDENCES. 2/21/15 TOOK BMW X3 XDRIVE28I TO DEALER WITH 112 MILES ON CAR, AFTER CAR ENGINE REVVED HIGHER AS I WAS COMING DOWN A HILL TO A COMPLETE STOP. I HAD TO PRACTICALLY STAND ON THE BRAKE FOR CAR TO STOP. ACCELERATION LASTED ABOUT 4 SECONDS AFTER STOPPING. HAD TO KEEP MY FOOT ON BRAKE DURING THAT TIME. IT HAPPENED A SECOND TIME ON THE WAY TO DEALER; GOING UP A SLIGHT HILL, WHILE COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. PRIOR TO THE ABOVE DATE, ON 2/16/15, CAR ALSO ACCELERATED BY ITSELF WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 55 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. I HAD TO STEP ON BREAK TO SLOW DOWN. LATER THAT DAY THE CAR ACCELERATED BY ITSELF WHILE ROLLING IN A PARKING LOT. I HAD TO BREAK HARD TO STOP IT. ON 2/21/15 THE DEALER REQUESTED BMW NA TO SEND THEIR ENGINEERS TO CHECK OUT THE CAR. 2/24/15 BMW NA ADVISED ME THAT "THE CAR ONLY DOES WHAT YOU TELL IT TO DO WITH ONE OF THE CONTROLS.THE ENGINEERS WILL BE GOING TO THE DEALERSHIP TO CHECK IF ANYTHING IS WRONG WITH" MY 2015 X3 XDRIVE. I ADVISED THEM "THEY WERE LOOKING FOR THE WRONG THING SINCE THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH A CAR THAT ACCELERATES WHEN YOU ARE STEPPING ON THE BREAK." THEY "SHOULD BE LOOKING FOR WHAT IS WRONG WITH MY X3." 3/4/15 BMW NA ADVISED THAT ENGINEERS HAD LOOKED AT THE CAR AT THE DEALERSHIP AND IT WILL TAKE 7 TO 10 BUSINESS DAYS FOR THEIR DECISION. 3/10/15 BMW NA ADVISE ME THAT THE ENGINEERS CHECKED OUT MY X3 AND THE CAR IS "PERFORMING AS DESIGNED". I ASKED "IS THE X3 DESIGNED TO ACCELERATE WHEN YOU ARE TRYING TO STOP THE CAR?" THE DEALER ALSO SAYS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. WHEN I TOLD DEALER "IF IT STARTS ACTING UP AGAIN I WILL BRING IT RIGHT BACK" DEALER SAID "THAT'S UP TO BMW". SINCE MY BMW X3 SOMETIMES ACCELERATES WHEN YOU ARE TRYING TO STOP AND WHILE AT ROAD SPEED, SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE CAR. EVERYTHING HAS TO GO THROUGH THE COMPUTER. MIGHT IT BE THE COMPUTER PROGRAM DESIGN? *TR
3/12/2015
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
15 Reports10% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2015 BMW X3. The contact stated that the check engine and coolant warning lights were illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V907000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and it was confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was informed that coolant was leaking into the engine. The contact was advised not to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified but no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
2/17/2022
The contact owned a 2015 BMW X3. The contact stated while her husband was driving at 65 MPH with her in the front passenger seat, the vehicle stalled. A message indicating a power train malfunction was displayed. The contact's husband was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact noticed dark smoke coming through the AC vents. The contact stated upon opening the hood, her husband saw fire. The contact immediately exited the vehicle. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with the assistance of the fire department. However, the engine compartment and the front passenger's side end of the vehicle had melted. A fire department was filed. There was no police report filed. There were no injuries sustained. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot where it was totaled. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V907000 (Fuel System, Diesel). The dealer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.
9/27/2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
12 Reports8% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
THIS MORNING AROUND 10AM CENTRAL TIME WHILE I AM DRIVING THE VEHICLE STRAIGHT ON A CITY STREET AT ABOUT 10MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED BY ITSELF. I IMMEDIATELY HIT THE BRAKE HARDEST TRYING TO STOP IT. THANKS GOD, IT STOPPED. FORTUNATELY, NOTHING CLOSER IN FRONT OF MY VEHICLE, NO ONE GOT HURT. BUT I LIKE TO REPORT IT AND WANT TO KNOW IF THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE.
6/23/2017
BURNING SMELL , INSIDE AND OUT SIDE
11/17/2017
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
12 Reports8% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
ON MARCH 4, 2018, WHILE AT A RED LIGHT AT AN INTERSECTION IN BOCA RATON, FL, ALL OF SUDDEN, NO WARNING, MY BMW X3 STARTED TO SMELL OF SMOKE, THEN SMOKE STARTED TO COME OUT OF THE HOOD. I HAD TO BARELY MAKE IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, LEAVE IT AT AN ENTRANCE OF A PLAZA, WHICH THEN BEGAN TO SMOKE OVERWHELMINGLY. ONCE I MADE IT OUT OF THE CAR, THE FLAMES CAME OUT OF THE HOOD AND THE CAR BECAME FULLY ENGULFED WITHIN SECONDS.
3/5/2018
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON DIESEL ENGINE COME ON MULTIPLE TIMES SINCE CAR HIT 40K MILES. LUCKILY IT'S UNDER WARRENTY, OVER 10K IN REPAIRS IN 2 MONTHS. NEW FILE INJECTORS, OIL PUMP, DTF FILTER, ECT.
6/4/2018
AIR BAGS
10 Reports7% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY IN HIGH-IMPACT FRONT END CRASH. VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING 30-35 MPH. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED.
6/20/2016
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 BMW X3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V683000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
11/8/2016
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
10 Reports7% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2015 BMW X3. The contact stated that the check engine warning lights was illuminated. The contact stated that the gear shifter was slipping. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V907000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed the transfer pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the EGR valve was replaced. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
1/24/2022
The contact owns a 2015 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V907000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Coolant Level Low" warning message was displayed. The contact had to refill the coolant four times within four months. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer performed an air pressure test and informed the contact that there was no coolant leak found. The dealer filled the coolant reservoir; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure and scheduled an upcoming appointment for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
2/9/2022
POWER TRAIN
9 Reports6% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
UNCOMMANDED ENGINE ACCELERATION WHILE SLOWING TO A STOP: WHILE SLOWING TO A STOP AT A STOPLIGHT WITH FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY SURGED VIOLENTLY. I HAD TO APPLY FULL BRAKING PRESSURE TO STOP THE VEHICLE, FIGHTING AGAINST THE POWER OF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE TOOK MUCH LONGER THAN USUAL TO STOP.
1/23/2016
WHILE BRAKING TO A STOP ON CITY STREET, UNCOMMANDED ENGINE ACCELERATION OCCURS MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO BRAKE TO A STOP. ADDITIONALLY, TRANSMISSION HAS SELF-SELECTED "SPORT MODE" IN THE COURSE OF DRIVING AND HAS, WHILE IDLING IN DRIVE, SELF-SELECTED "PARK" MODE.
2/12/2016
SERVICE BRAKES
8 Reports5% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
THIS SYSTEM HAS NOT PROVIDED A WARNING OR BRAKING FUNCTION SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE ON 14 OCT 2014. I HAD IT IN THE BMW OCALA SERVICE SHOP FOR 13 DAYS AND THEY TELL ME THAT IT IS WORKING AS DESIGNED. I DRIVE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC ON A DAILY BASIS AND HAVE YET TO RECEIVE A WARNING INDICATION OF ANY TYPE. NO ONE AT THE DEALER LEVEL OR BMW USA WILL TELL ME HOW THE SYSTEM WORKS EXCEPT THERE IS NO WAY FOR ME TO TEST IT. DEALER STATES THAT "SYSTEM WILL NOT ACTIVATE WHEN COMING UP ON SLOW OR STOP VEHICLE FROM A HIGHER RATE OF SPEED OR WHEN APPROACHING ANOTHER VEHICLE INTENTIONALLY." WHAT MAKES THE SYSTEM PRESENT A WARNING IF THAT STATEMENT IS TRUE? I CANNOT GET SATISFACTION FROM THE DEALER OR BMW USA AND AM AT A LOSS TO FIND OUT IF THE SYSTEM IS TRULY WORKING. *TR
2/14/2015
I WAS TURNING OFF A RESIDENTIAL STREET INTO THE PARKING LOT OF OUR NEIGHBORHOOD SWIMMING POOL. THE PARKING SPOT WAS STRAIGHT AHEAD (A VERY SHORT DISTANCE). I WAS TRAVELING AT A VERY SLOW SPEED. I COULDN'T STOP THE CAR NO MATTER HOW HARD I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE. I HIT A BRICK WALL WHICH STOPPED THE CAR. IT ALL HAPPENED SO QUICKLY IN SUCH A SHORT DISTANCE. I WAS IN SHOCK AND AMAZED AT THE AMOUNT OF DAMAGE TO THE CAR AND THE BRICK WALL. I BELIEVE THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AS I WAS PULLING INTO THE PARKING SPOT. I HAVE NOTIFIED MY INSURANCE COMPANY THAT THERE ARE OTHER INSTANCES OF THIS REPORTED ON THE NHTSA SITE INVOLVING THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL AS MY CAR. *TR UPDATED 09/10/15*LJ
7/7/2015
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
7 Reports5% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 BMW X3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,500.
1/9/2015
THERE WERE A TOTAL OF 4 INCIDENCES. 2/21/15 TOOK BMW X3 XDRIVE28I TO DEALER WITH 112 MILES ON CAR, AFTER CAR ENGINE REVVED HIGHER AS I WAS COMING DOWN A HILL TO A COMPLETE STOP. I HAD TO PRACTICALLY STAND ON THE BRAKE FOR CAR TO STOP. ACCELERATION LASTED ABOUT 4 SECONDS AFTER STOPPING. HAD TO KEEP MY FOOT ON BRAKE DURING THAT TIME. IT HAPPENED A SECOND TIME ON THE WAY TO DEALER; GOING UP A SLIGHT HILL, WHILE COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. PRIOR TO THE ABOVE DATE, ON 2/16/15, CAR ALSO ACCELERATED BY ITSELF WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 55 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. I HAD TO STEP ON BREAK TO SLOW DOWN. LATER THAT DAY THE CAR ACCELERATED BY ITSELF WHILE ROLLING IN A PARKING LOT. I HAD TO BREAK HARD TO STOP IT. ON 2/21/15 THE DEALER REQUESTED BMW NA TO SEND THEIR ENGINEERS TO CHECK OUT THE CAR. 2/24/15 BMW NA ADVISED ME THAT "THE CAR ONLY DOES WHAT YOU TELL IT TO DO WITH ONE OF THE CONTROLS.THE ENGINEERS WILL BE GOING TO THE DEALERSHIP TO CHECK IF ANYTHING IS WRONG WITH" MY 2015 X3 XDRIVE. I ADVISED THEM "THEY WERE LOOKING FOR THE WRONG THING SINCE THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH A CAR THAT ACCELERATES WHEN YOU ARE STEPPING ON THE BREAK." THEY "SHOULD BE LOOKING FOR WHAT IS WRONG WITH MY X3." 3/4/15 BMW NA ADVISED THAT ENGINEERS HAD LOOKED AT THE CAR AT THE DEALERSHIP AND IT WILL TAKE 7 TO 10 BUSINESS DAYS FOR THEIR DECISION. 3/10/15 BMW NA ADVISE ME THAT THE ENGINEERS CHECKED OUT MY X3 AND THE CAR IS "PERFORMING AS DESIGNED". I ASKED "IS THE X3 DESIGNED TO ACCELERATE WHEN YOU ARE TRYING TO STOP THE CAR?" THE DEALER ALSO SAYS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. WHEN I TOLD DEALER "IF IT STARTS ACTING UP AGAIN I WILL BRING IT RIGHT BACK" DEALER SAID "THAT'S UP TO BMW". SINCE MY BMW X3 SOMETIMES ACCELERATES WHEN YOU ARE TRYING TO STOP AND WHILE AT ROAD SPEED, SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE CAR. EVERYTHING HAS TO GO THROUGH THE COMPUTER. MIGHT IT BE THE COMPUTER PROGRAM DESIGN? *TR
3/12/2015
SEATS
6 Reports4% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
PASSENGER SIDE 'AIRBAG OFF' WARNING LIGHT COMES ON ON INITIAL START, GOES OFF MOMENTARILY AND COMES BACK ON WITH ADULT MALE SEATED IN PASSENGER SEAT OR SEAT EMPTY. PAST MODELS SUFFERED FROM PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR CRACKING. IS THIS A PROBLEM WITH 2015 X3?
2/12/2018
PASSENGER OCCUPANCY SENSOR FAILURE. REPORTED UNDER WARRANTY WHEN PROBLEM WAS INTERMITTENT, WAS TOLD NOTHING WAS WRONG. PROBLEM NOW PERSISTENT AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRED AND FAILED STATE INSPECTION, CAN'T DRIVE UNTIL IT'S FIXED. THIS WAS A RECALL ITEM ON 2005-2010 X3'S AND SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH MANY MODELS AND YEARS OF BMW. CAR WARNS ABOUT PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAILURE, RED AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON. CONSTANTLY CHIMES WHILE DRIVING.
6/5/2018
SEAT BELTS
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
ON APRIL 3 2015, WE WERE ABOUT START OUR 7 DAY SPRING BREAK TRIP TO NORTHERN CALIFORNIA FROM OUR HOME IN SAN DIEGO WHEN MY 8 YEAR OLD CHILD SAID SHE CAN'T PUT THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE ON (REAR RIGHT SIDE). I WAS SURPRISED AND ASKED HER TO TRY AGAIN BECAUSE I THOUGHT MAY BE SHE IS NOT ABLE TO REACH ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE BUCKLE RECEPTOR BUT THE SEAT BELT WONT GO IN THE RECEPTOR. WITH HELP OF A FLASH LIGHT WE TRIED TO LOOK INTO THE RECEPTOR TO SEE THAT IF ANY DEBRIS GOT STUCK IN SIDE BUT THERE WAS NO DEBRIS INSTEAD THE LOOKED LIKE THE METAL LATCH WAS ALREADY IN LOCK POTION WITHOUT THE SEAT BELT. THIS WAS A VERY SCARY MOMENT FOR US AND ABOUT TO RUIN OUR VACATION. WE TOOK A CHANCE AND WITH HELP OF A SCREW DRIVER WE TRY TO PUSH THE METAL LATCH DOWN TO SEE IF WE CAN PUT THE SEATBELT ON. LUCKILY THE METAL PIECE GOT PUSHED DOWN AND WE WERE ABOUT TO PUT THE SEAT BELT ON. AFTER THAT WE VERY SCARED AND WORRIED IF SEAT BELT MAY NOT LATCH IS AGAIN. WE STARTED OBSERVING THE SEAT BELT LATCHING IN ALL OTHER 4 SEATS BELTS CLOSELY. AT LATER TIME I HAVE OBSERVED THAT DRIVER SEAT BELT LATCHING FEELS "VERY FLIMSY" WE REPORTED THIS TO BMW CUSTOMER SERVICE AND AT FIRST BMW SHOWED A VEY COLD AND ROUTINE RESPONSE TO OUR CONCERNS. IT IS ONLY WE TOLD THEM WE WILL REPORT THIS SAFETY INCIDENT TO APPROPRIATE FEDERAL AGENCY, THEY TRIED TO HELP LITTLE BIT. WHEN TOOK THAT CAR TO A BMW DEALER SHIP ASKED TO CHECK ALL THE SEAT BELT LATCHING ISSUE, THEY ONLY REPLACED REAR RIGHT SIDE SEAT BELT RECEPTOR AND HAVE SAID THERE WAS NO PROBLEM FOUND IN OTHER SEAT BELTS. I AM STILL NOT CONVINCED AND STILL FEEL THE LATCHING IN THE 2015 BMW X3 IS TO BE "FLIMSY". I WANT TO REPORT THIS AS SERIOUS PASSENGER SAFETY ISSUE AND POOR QUALITY OF SO CALLED HIGH END CARS FOR WHICH CUSTOMERS PAY HUGE PREMIUM BECAUSE THESE CARS DEEMED MORE SAFER THAN OTHER CARS. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME IN CASE. *TR
4/26/2015
My from passenger seatbelt will always beep even when no one is sitting in it and the back middle seat has the wrong seatbelt installed and isnât correct for use, so I am not able to ever use it, I donât even know how thatâs even possible that itâs an incorrect one installed but it wonât click into place at al!!!!! Itâs jot safe of I have three passengers in the back. It was on recall for certain models and mine was not included but itâs clearly a safety issue!!!
10/31/2025
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
PASSENGER OCCUPANCY SENSOR FAILURE. REPORTED UNDER WARRANTY WHEN PROBLEM WAS INTERMITTENT, WAS TOLD NOTHING WAS WRONG. PROBLEM NOW PERSISTENT AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRED AND FAILED STATE INSPECTION, CAN'T DRIVE UNTIL IT'S FIXED. THIS WAS A RECALL ITEM ON 2005-2010 X3'S AND SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH MANY MODELS AND YEARS OF BMW. CAR WARNS ABOUT PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAILURE, RED AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON. CONSTANTLY CHIMES WHILE DRIVING.
6/5/2018
Problem is that the display says "passenger restraint malfunction" -- which brings safety concern. Upon online search, it is likely caused by design flaw of passenger occupancy detector. Here are some reasons why it is design flaw (i.e. not just individual failure) 1. There has been a recall for the same problem for earlier year models (2006-2007 etc). It seems the other years have the same problem (previous recall wasn't a complete fix) 2. There is actually a third party electrical device online that bypass passenger occupancy detector (so that the car thinks passenger seat is occupied all the time) -- which indicates the commonality of the problem because it even became a profitable market.
8/16/2022
STRUCTURE:BODY
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
SUNROOF SUDDENLY EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY. IT WAS LIKE AN EXPLOSION FROM THE INSIDE AND THE GLASS SHATTERED. NO EXTERNAL OBJECT HIT THE ROOF. THE EXPLOSION IMPACTED ALL THE GLASS SURFACE.
7/9/2018
MY 2015 BMW X3 HAS LESS THAN 30,000 MILES ON IT AND THE DRIVER DOOR CLOSURE PULL IS DETERIORATING TO A STICKY UNTOUCHABLE MESS. ALSO THE FRONT GLOVE COMPARTMENT DOOR LEATHER IS PULLING AWAY FROM THE BOX LEAVING AN OPEN GAP. I DID RESEARCH ONLINE AND FOUND THAT THIS IS A RECURRING ISSUE WITH BMW OWNERS. THIS IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT AND SHOULD BE RECALLED BY BMW TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE INTERIOR. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN GARAGE KEPT TO AVOID HEAT OR SUN DAMAGE. WHEN I CONTACTED MY BMW DEALER I WAS TOLD THAT THIS WOULD RESULT IN 800-1000 REPAIR COST. THE LEATHER INTERIOR IS NOT THE QUALITY I EXPECTED FROM A 48,000 VEHICLE.
11/30/2020
STEERING
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
COMPLETE FAILURE OF POWER STEERING, WITHOUT WARNING OR APPARENT REASON IN A BRAND NEW CAR TREMENDOUS EFFORT REQUIRED TO STEER CAR ERROR MESSAGE ON DASHBOARD STATED "DRIVE MODERATELY INCREASED STEERING EFFORT REQUIRED CONSULT SERVICE CENTER" VEHICLE SENT TO SERVICE CENTER- NO UPDATES YET
6/2/2015
VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
THE REAR LIFT GATE WINDOW IS PERMANENTLY TINTED DARK. THIS MAKES DRIVING IN CLOUDY, RAINY, LOW VISIBILITY AND NIGHT TIME VERY DANGEROUS BY GREATLY REDUCING VISIBILITY THRU THE REAR VIEW MIRROR!! ALSO, THE AUTO-DARKENING FEATURE OF REAR VIEW MIRROR AT NIGHT MAKES IT EVEN WORSE!! THIS SHOULD BE A CLEAR WINDOW. TALKING TO LOCAL BMW DEALER WAS OF NO HELP.
8/4/2018
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
Earlier this year I was notified by BMW that as of Feb 2022 my car would lose all networking capability due to the phase out of 3G cell towers. The "ConnectedDrive" package would become inoperative, and importantly, would no longer be able to route my travel according to traffic. My heads-up display is currently very well integrated with the navigation system, adaptive cruise control, and safety warning systems. I consider these important safety features. BMW has offered no fix for this. I have suggested to them that simply permitting the driver to tether the navigation (by USB or bluetooth) to a cell phone would solve the problem, but they have refused. The nav system and the BMW cell phone app both prevent tethering, which otherwise is built into the BMW's Windows CE-based operating environment. I don't want to navigate using my phone, as it would be a 3rd display (the one in the dash, the HUD, and the phone). I think one driver with 3 screens would be a safety hazard. Can you help get them to permit tethering to my cell phone once the 3G towers are gone?
9/3/2021
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
Earlier this year I was notified by BMW that as of Feb 2022 my car would lose all networking capability due to the phase out of 3G cell towers. The "ConnectedDrive" package would become inoperative, and importantly, would no longer be able to route my travel according to traffic. My heads-up display is currently very well integrated with the navigation system, adaptive cruise control, and safety warning systems. I consider these important safety features. BMW has offered no fix for this. I have suggested to them that simply permitting the driver to tether the navigation (by USB or bluetooth) to a cell phone would solve the problem, but they have refused. The nav system and the BMW cell phone app both prevent tethering, which otherwise is built into the BMW's Windows CE-based operating environment. I don't want to navigate using my phone, as it would be a 3rd display (the one in the dash, the HUD, and the phone). I think one driver with 3 screens would be a safety hazard. Can you help get them to permit tethering to my cell phone once the 3G towers are gone?
9/3/2021
TIRES
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
Since tires installed on 9/2021, I have been having a worsening vibration noise. I took it to the installer who checked the balance of the wheels and tires and said there were no issues. The vibration continued. I took the car to an independent mechanic who inspected the vehicle. He said it's either the wheel bearings or the tires. The wheel bearings were replaced and I continued to have issues. The mechanic stated that when the vehicle was lifted and they ran the tires, the tires "wobbled". The independent mechanic felt strongly that the tires are defective and recommended returning to the installer for inspection and to correct this.
12/21/2021
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2015 BMW X3. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the check engine warning light would remain illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the #3 fuel injector was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but approximately 3 weeks later the failure reoccurred and the vehicle was returned to the dealer who diagnosed that the #4 injector was faulty. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 58,451. Consumer's vehicle is not listed on the 10year/120k extended warranty, the document list error codes (ODB2) that indicate the injector should be replaced under warranty.
3/28/2022
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2015 BMW X3. The contact stated that while the family was sitting inside the vehicle with the engine idling, there was smoke coming from underneath the hood. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and diagnosed with an EGR valve failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number 21V907000 (Fuel System, Diesel) for which the VIN was included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 69,000. (RECALLRELATED INCIDENT) TS
4/21/2022
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HANDLE:EXTERIOR
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2015 BMW X3. The contact stated that the driver's side and passengerâs side door handles had melted and was falling apart. The passengerâs side door handle had split down the middle and was peeling. The driver's side door was melted and had detached. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and declined to assist. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.
1/31/2024
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2015 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving on the interstate at an undisclosed speed and attempting to make a right turn onto the exit, the transmission unexpectedly shifted into neutral, and the vehicle shut off unintendedly. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined the fuel pump control module (EKPS) needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall on the VIN for the failure. The failure mileage was 180,000.
1/3/2025
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2015 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. Additionally, the contact stated that the high-beam headlights failed to operate as needed; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed by the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 18,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
5/16/2025
Data and Methodology
Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.
What are the most common owner complaints for the 2015 BMW X3?
Are complaints about the 2015 BMW X3 a serious warning sign?
How should buyers use complaint data for the 2015 BMW X3?
Are complaints about the 2015 BMW X3 severe?
Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.
BMW X3: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?
Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.
- Complaint entries
- 152
- Top-topic view
- 5 grouped topics shown
- Primary source
- NHTSA ODI owner complaint records
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