BMW X3 Years To Avoid: Best & Worst Years For BMW X3
Hello Friends, Today we are going to tell you about the BMW X3 Years to avoid and the best & worst Years for BMW X3. As we know BMW X3 is one of the most popular and best luxury SUVs that has a more luxurious interior with more modern technology features. It is in the market since the 2004 model year as the first generation. And now it is available for the 2023 Model Year which is a part of the third generation.
BMW X3 is one of the most successful SUVs of the BMW, Which has sold more than 200k To 300k worldwide. And also, it is a top-ranked SUV, For example- According to the CarandDriver Ranking reports, it ranks in fourth position after the Porsche Macan, Genesis GV70, and Mercedes Benz GLC class.
But we know Every SUV has the best and worst years. Because there is nothing that will be perfect. like that, there are some best and worst BMW X3. So here we will know the Best and Worst BMW X3 and also we will know the BMW X3 Years to avoid buying. And we will also know Why you should avoid some BMW X3 Years.
What Are The Best and Worst Years For BMW X3
As we know BMW X3 is in the market since the 2004 Model Year in which some Years are the best year and some are the worst. Let’s know the best and worst BMW X3 Years. For example- 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 are the Best Years For BMW X3. Because these models have fewer recalls and complaints, and also most of the owners have given the best and most positive feedback. And that’s why these are the most reliable BMW X3.
While 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2019 are the worst years for BMW X3 Because these Model years have got many more recalls and complaints as well as these years X3 owners have given negative feedback and reviews. And that’s why you should avoid buying these model years used X3.
BMW X3 Years To Avoid
Above we go through the worst model years of the BMW X3. But some of those model years are also such that many problems and complaints have been received. That’s why refrain from buying those models for years. As 2013, 2007, and 2004 model year BMW X3 is the most problematic years in which most problems have been found. According to carproblemzoo.com, the 2013 model year BMW X3 has the most problems at 281, 2007 at 241, and 2004 at 168. That’s why you should avoid buying these models Years. Below we have given all its worst BMW X3 Years with some common problems.
Worst BMW X3 Years- 2004 & 2005

The 2004 and 2005 BMW X3 are the first and second model years of the First generation X3. But unfortunately, it has found some issues like Seat overheating, electrical issues, airbags issues, and many other problems. That’s why it has become one of the worst years for the BMW X3.
As well as these models have got more problems and complaints. For example- According to the NHTSA, the 2004 BMW X3 has got two recalls and 219 complaints, and according to CarProblemZoo.com, it has got 168 problems. While the 2005 BMW X3 also has got two recalls and 128 complaints, and 132 problems. Some common problems of these Years’ BMW X3 are given below in the lists-
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Common Problems of 2004 & 2005 BMW X3
- Seat Overheating issues
- Sunroof issues
- Headlights overheat issue
- Power Window falling down issues
2006 BMW X3

The 2006 BMW X3 is also a part of the First generation. And it has many more features and specs with bold and impressive exterior styling. But due to its airbags system, it has got many more complaints and problems about its airbags and other issues. For example- according to NHTSA Reports, it has got five recalls and 344 complaints. And according to CarProblemZoo.com, A total of 163 problems have been found in it. That’s why we have added this year to the Worst Year list for BMW X3.
According to the Official NHTSA Reports, Here we have given some common problems of BMW X3 2006 below in the lists-
- Airbags problems
- Electrical System problems
- Engine and Cooling Problems
- Sunroof gets stuck open
- Heated Seats get hot too fast
- Latches/ Locks and Linkages Issues
2007 BMW X3

The 2007 BMW X3 is one of the most problematic Years. According to the NHTSA Reports- It has got six recalls and 367 complaints. Most of the complaints have been done for its airbags, electric system, and engine. That’s why you should avoid buying a used of this Model year BMW X3.
Along with its airbags, electric system, and engine issues, And also some problems have been found in its engine cooling, Sunroof, oil leaking, and Heated Seat one of the most common problems of most of the BMW X3. Below we have given some common problems of the BMW X3 that are founded in 2007 X3-
- Airbags Issues
- Sunroof Issues
- Oil Leaking Problems
- Engine Noise Problems
- Engine Mound Bold failure
Read this also- BMW has launched its 2024 X6 SUV.
2008 BMW X3

2008 BMW X3 also got a lot of problems and complaints. Of all those complaints, airbags are the most complained about. According to NHTSA reports, there have been a total of seven recalls and 183 complaints for it, out of which most complaints have been made regarding its airbag. After its airbag, 36 complaints have been made regarding its engine and many more complaints have been made. That’s why you should avoid buying it.
Here are the most common problems of the BMW X3 2008 below in the lists-
- Engine Bolts Loose Problems
- Transmission Issues
- Airbags issues
2011 BMW X3

The 2011 BMW X3 is the First generation First Year. It has all those features and specs that come with the best BMW X3 Years. But this Model year has found many more problems and errors in its airbags, engine, engine cooling, power steering issues, and many more issues. That’s why we have added this to the worst Years for the BMW X3 list.
And also according to the NHTSA Reports it has got four recalls and 90 complaints. And according to CarProblemZoo.com, it has found 113 problems. So you should avoid buying this Year. Below we have given some common problems below in the lists-
- Power Steering Failure
- LED Lights Failure
- Engine Stalling
2013 BMW X3

The 2013 BMW X3 is a part of the Second generation X3. It has the biggest problem of timing failure problems. As well as it has some other common problems like engine failure, service brake, airbags problems, and timing chain failure problems. That’s why it is one of the worst years for the BMW X3.
As well as also NHTSA has got many more complaints and recalls related to the 2013 X3. For example, it has got five recalls and 198 complaints. And according to CarProblemZoo.com, it has total 281 problems. Below we have given its some common problems in the lists-
- Engine Failure
- Airbags Problems
- Engine cooling issues
- Engine shuts down while driving
- Broken timing chain issues.
Related:- Best & Worst Years For BMW X3.
2015 BMW X3
After the 2014 Model year, it has got a facelift refresh update for the 2015 Model year. In that refresh, it has got a new diesel engine and rear-wheel drivetrain availability. And also BMW has refreshed its front-end styling and added some new features. But still, it has come with many issues, and many more owners complaining about its engine failure issues and fuel system problems.
For example- According to the NHTSA Reports, it has got six recalls and 70 complaints for the 2015 BMW X3, In the complaints most are the related to engine, electrical system, vehicle speed control, and airbags. According to other automotive media websites, The 2015 BMW X3 has founded many more other problems that are given below in the lists-
- Comfort access not working
- Engine light on an issue
- Extreme noise when rear window open
- Frontal Collision Warning system problem
2019 BMW X3
The 2019 BMW X3 is a part of the third generation second model year. The First generation of the BMW X3 was launched for the 2018 Model year as first model Year. The 2018 BMW X3 is a reliable Year but 2019 is not. Because the 2019 Model year BMW X3 has found many more problems and issues. According to the NHTSA Reports, it has got eight recalls and 68 complaints about its electrical system, Engine, Service brake, and structure issues. That’s why it is one of the Worst Years for the BMW X3. Below we have given some common problems in the lists-
- Hatch opens randomly
- AC not working problem
- Engine light on Problem
- Sudden acceleration problem
Best Year For BMW X3 To buy used
Above we have known about the worst Years for BMW X3. Now Let’s Know the best years to buy a used BMW X3. As above we have told- 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 are the Best Years For BMW X3. Because these Model Years BMW X3 has more standard and optional tech and safety features with a more bold exterior and luxurious interior.
Apart from this, one of the most important things about these model years is that they have fewer recalls, complaints, and problems. That’s why these are the most reliable BMW X3 Years to buy used. As well as most of the BMW owners have given the best and most positive feedback and ratings for these models. So if you want to buy a used BMW X3, then you can choose one of them that is given above according to your budget.
Read Next- Know when the 2024 BMW X3 be available.
Conclusion
Hello Friends, Today in this article, we have known about the best and worst BMW X3 Years. And also we have known about these models’ number of recalls, complaints, and problems. We hope this article will be helpful for you. If I am right, then you must share this article with your friends and family. Thank you.
FAQs- The BMW X3 Years to Avoid
Which BMW X3 Years are Safe to Buy Used?
The Recently outgoing models 2023, 2022, and 2021 are the most reliable BMW X3 Model years. So these Years are safe to buy if you want to purchase a used X3.
Is BMW X3 Expensive To Maintain?
Normally repair and maintenance cost of a BMW X3 is $318 which is a competitive maintenance cost compared to other luxury SUVs.
Is a used BMW X3 a good buy?
Why not? Yes of course. There are so many advantages to buying a used car. If your budget is low and want to buy the best at an affordable cost. Then it is good to buy a used BMW X3.
Featured Image Source- Edmunds

Kadir Durgun is a Mechatronics Engineer based in Istanbul, Turkey, with expertise in automotive electronics and engineering. He holds a degree in Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering from Yıldız Teknik Üniversitesi.