2010
BMW X3
EPA MPG:
22 mpg
Owner Reported MPG:
EPA MPG:
22 mpg
Owner Reported MPG:
RECALL ALERT:
There are 7 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
There are 7 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
RECALL ALERT:
There are 7 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
There are 7 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
Reliability
Overall Reliability
We expect the 2025 X3 to be more reliable than other new cars. This prediction is based on BMW's brand score and the previous generation of the X3.
The 2010 BMW X3 has been recalled 7 times by NHTSA.
View Recalls
The 2010 BMW X3 has been recalled 7 times by NHTSA.
View Recalls
2010 SUVs Reliability
No Data Available
BMW vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability
Reliability History
*
Redesign year
Overall Reliability Verdict
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Engine Major
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Minor
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Cooling
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Electrical
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Transmission Major
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Transmission Minor
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Drive System
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Fuel System/Emissions
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Exhaust
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Suspension/Steering
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Brakes
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Climate System
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Electrical Accessories
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Body Hardware
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Paint/Trim
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Noises/Leaks
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
In-car Electronics
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Overall Reliability Verdict
Potential Trouble Spots
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018*
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Powertrain
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018*
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Engine Major
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018*
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Engine Minor
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018*
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Engine Cooling
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018*
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Engine Electrical
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018*
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Transmission Major
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018*
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Transmission Minor
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018*
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Drive System
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018*
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Fuel System/Emissions
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018*
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Exhaust
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018*
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Show all Powertrain Trouble Spots
Suspension/Steering
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018*
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Brakes
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018*
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Climate System
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018*
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Build Quality
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018*
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Electrical Accessories
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018*
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Body Hardware
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018*
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Paint/Trim
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018*
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Noises/Leaks
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018*
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Show all Build Quality Trouble Spots
In-car Electronics
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018*
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting
how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive
reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest
subscriber survey for over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give
you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 vehicles are holding up in 20
potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and
brakes to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide
data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Oct 20, 2023
Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Summary:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2010-2012 1 Series Coupe, 1 Series Convertible, 3 Series Sedan, 3 Series Convertible, 2010-2011 3 Series Sportswagon, 3 Series Coupe, 5 Series Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, X3 xDrive 30i, X5 xDrive30i, and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The aluminum bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and possibly break.
What should you do:
Dealers will replace the four VANOS bolts, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed December 18, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 19, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
23V707000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
157796
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Mar 02, 2022
An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.
Summary:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
What should you do:
This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Vehicles previously repaired under the prior recalls will need to come back for the new recall remedy. The remedy is currently being developed. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 1, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 22, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
22V119000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
917106
AIR BAGS
Jan 15, 2020
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Summary:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
What should you do:
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
20V017000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
59965
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Oct 30, 2017
An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
Summary:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
What should you do:
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
17V683000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
740561
AIR BAGS
Sep 28, 2017
Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Summary:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2010 BMW X3 2.5i, X3 3.0i and X3 xDrive30i Sports Activity Vehicles. The front passenger seat occupant detection mat that determines if, and how, the passenger frontal air bag should deploy in a crash may fatigue and develop cracks which could lead to a system failure.
What should you do:
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger seat occupant detection mat, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. A second notification letter will be sent when parts are available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
17V605000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
85302
AIR BAGS
Feb 05, 2016
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Summary:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive, 335is and M3 Coupes and Convertibles, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i SAVs, 2007-2010 X3 xDrive30i SAVs, 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M SAVs, 2009-2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d SAVs, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M SACs, 2010-2011 BMW X6 xDrive50i SACs and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
What should you do:
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
16V071000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
840000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Apr 10, 2014
If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Summary:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 128i Coupe, 128i Convertible, 328i Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 328i Coupe, 328i Convertible, 328i Sports Wagon and Z4 sDrive 30i, 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 135i Convertible, 335i Sedan, X5 xDrive 35i, and X6 xDrive 35i, 2011 335i xDrive Sedan, 335i Coupe, 335i Convertible, 528i Sedan, 535i Sedan, 535i xDrive Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, and X3 xDrive 35i, 2010 X3 xDrive 30i, and X5 xDrive 30i, 2012 640i Coupe, and 640i Convertible and 2010-2012 535i Gran Turismo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and may possibly break.
What should you do:
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four VANOS housing bolts for both VANOS units (intake and exhaust), free of charge. In addition, owners of approximately 170,172 model year 2010-2012 BMW vehicles equipped with inline 6 cylinder engines not covered by this recall, will receive an extended warranty to address this condition. The recall began on September 24, 2014. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
14V176000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
156137
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