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2016 BMW X3 engine problems

31 complaints (38% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 99,000. 1 crash reported.

owner complaints
31
of this car's complaints
38%
typical mileage
99,000
crashes
1
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Exhaust system: emission control: gas recirculation valve (EGR valve)
    1
  • Engine: other fuel types: turbo/supercharger: hoses/plumbing
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

BMW X3 engine problems in other years

20042010201520202026

Specific symptoms reported on the 2016 BMW X3 engine

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Check engine light 5

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: gas recirculation valve (EGR valve)Reported October 25, 2018 · 44,368 vehicles affected
What is wrong
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2018 BMW 328d and 328d xDrive, 2014-2018 328d Sports Wagon and 328d xDrive Sports Wagon, 2014-2016 535d and 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d SAV and 2014-2017 X5 xDrive35d SAV vehicles equipped with an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) module with an integrated cooler. If the EGR cooler leaks internally, the coolant can mix with diesel engine soot. The high EGR temperatures may result in these particles possibly smoldering and melting the intake manifold.
Risk
The melting intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the EGR cooler as necessary. If a leak has already occurred, the engine intake manifold will also be replaced. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.

Recall number 18V755000 · Recall details

What 2016 BMW X3 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jul 17, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · NJ

While driving on a two-lane 40 MPH road in the left lane the vehicle suddenly lost power, stopped in traffic, and displayed a transmission warning message. Multiple warning lights were "on" and the car would not restart. Additionally, the vehicle would not come out of "Park." Occupants needed to await police who stopped traffic in order for occupants to be able to exit the vehicle safely. The vehicle was towed to BMW of Atlantic City located at [XXX]. Technician found ground missing at EGS, inspected ground strap on transmission and found it severely corroded. Technician replaced ground strap and vehicle was repaired. Was advised by dealer service department that when this situation occurs, the only way to get the transmission into neutral in an emergency is to disconnect the transmission linkage under the vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Mar 5, 2026 · Engine · CA

Key Details of BMW EGR Recall: • Affected Models: Primarily 2013-2018 BMW 328d/xDrive, 535d/xDrive, 740Ld, X3 xDrive28d, and X5 XDrive35d. • The Problem: The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may leak coolant internally, which can mix with soot to form flammable deposits, potentially leading to a Fire I was driving and my car started to smoke out of engine compartment I pulled over and waited called my husband and drove it back home. Took it to a shop and they are saying it’s my erg leaking internally and need it replaced along with the intake manifold. I looked up recalls and only the diesel one is on recall for the exact same issue,

Filed Dec 2, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · MO

The contact owns a 2016 BMW X3. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair; however, the dealer refused to perform the recall repair and stated that since the vehicle was manufactured in Canada, the recall repair could not be performed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Filed Oct 27, 2025 · Engine · 220,000 miles · RI · fire

The contact owned a 2016 BMW X3. The contact stated that while parking in the garage, the warning message "engine overheated" had displayed, but the temperature gauge displayed a normal temperature reading. The contact noticed smoke coming from under the hood before entering the home, along with a strange sound. Moments later, the contact returned to the garage and discovered flames coming from under the front end of the vehicle. The contact quickly drove the vehicle out of the garage onto the driveway. The vehicle became engulfed in flames, and the fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. During the fire, the vehicle was destroyed, and the driveway and parts of the lawn were damaged. No injuries were reported. A fire and police reporter was taken to the scene. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet contacted. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V608000(ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The failure mileage was 220,000.

Filed Aug 23, 2025 · Engine · WA

BMW has not been able to offer a repair for the engine coolant pump recall issued in August 2024. I wanted to register a formal complaint because I would like to get this repaired and off my vehicle record. I have not experienced any problem with the recalled part yet.

Filed Aug 13, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · VA

The contact owns a 2016 BMW X3. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Filed Jul 22, 2025 · Engine · SC

The manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall remedy. the federal safety agency: #24V‑608, Recall: #24V‑608:474 Engine Coolant Pump

Filed Jul 14, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · NJ

The contact owns a 2016 BMW X3. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Mar 28, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · CO

The contact owns a 2016 BMW X3. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency 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 dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Mar 4, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · WI

The contact owns a 2016 BMW X3. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Questions about the 2016 BMW X3 engine

Does the 2016 BMW X3 have engine problems?

Owners have filed 31 complaints about the engine of the 2016 BMW X3, 38% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 2016 BMW X3 engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 99,000 miles.

Is there a recall for the 2016 BMW X3 engine?

Yes, 1 recall: 18V755000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

Other 2016 BMW X3 problems

Electrical 23Brakes 10Fuel system 10Transmission 9Seat belts 6Acceleration 4Airbags 4Steering 3Body 2Tires 2Wheels 2Lights 1

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