Last updated: 2026-04-20

2019 BMW X3
RELIABILITY SCORE: 58/100 (MIXED)

2019 BMW X3 Reliability Report

The 2019 BMW X3 scores 58/100 ("Mixed"). With 10 recalls and 148 owner complaints, buyers should proceed with caution.

Recalls

10

Complaints

148

Complaint Rate

21.1per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$1034

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,650–$3,000

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity56/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs50/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact57/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity83/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Caution

Mixed reliability — proceed with caution and budget for repairs.

Top Issues to Watch

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (39)
  • STRUCTURE (20)
  • ENGINE (17)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Redesign (Year 2)

2019 is year 2 of the Third generation (G01).

  • Redesigned for the 2018 model year.
  • A refresh arrives in 2022.
  • 3rd generation X3 (US).

What this means for buyers

Year 2 is typically a safer pick than the first model year — early issues are more likely to be identified, but the platform is still new.

If you're comparing prices, check 2018 (redesign year) vs 2019+ pricing and recalls.

2018: Third generation (G01) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2019: This Model Year

2019 is year 2 of the Third generation (G01).

2022: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

Should You Buy the 2019 BMW X3?

A 58/100 score puts the 2019 BMW X3 in the "Mixed" tier. Buyers should approach with eyes open. 2019 is year 2 of the Third generation (G01).

Complaint volume sits above average at 148 owner complaints alongside 10 recalls. Issues in electrical system (39) tend to be the costly ones.

Treat an extended warranty as non-negotiable and put electrical system (39) at the top of the inspection checklist.

Compared to the 2020 BMW X3, which scored 1 points higher.

Pros

  • +Low major repair risk (14%)
  • +Below-average complaint rate for SUV

Cons

  • Below-average reliability score
  • Above-average repair costs for its class
  • Frequent unscheduled repairs
  • Above-average recall count

Compare 2019 BMW X3 With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 10 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (39)
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER (27)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

10

recalls on record

The 2019 BMW X3 has 10 recalls on record, which is above average. A high count can flag multiple component concerns, though it also shows the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

21.1

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 22

LowAvgHigh
Moderate

Safety Incidents

5

Crashes

0

Fires

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2019 BMW X3 Recall Details

10 recalls have been issued for the 2019 BMW X3. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

24V7640002024-10-15

STRUCTURE

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2022 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, and X3 M vehicles. The attachment for the rear cargo rail may become damaged in a rear crash and result in the cargo rail detaching.

Consequence

Interior rear cargo rail detachment during a crash can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the rear cargo rail attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicles in this recall were previously remedied for this issue under recall number 24V-534 and will need to have the new repair completed.

24V5340002024-07-17

STRUCTURE

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2023 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, and X3 M vehicles. The attachment for the interior cargo rail may become damaged in a rear crash and result in the cargo rail detaching.

Consequence

Interior cargo rail detachment during a rear crash can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the rear cargo rail attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 2, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

21V5210002021-07-08

AIR BAGS

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2019 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i and 2019 X4 xDrive30i, and X4 M40i vehicles. The front passenger seat occupant classification system may have been improperly assembled, which could result in the misclassification of the seat as unoccupied, and deactivate the front air bag.

Consequence

A deactivated front air bag will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the seat foam, which includes the occupant classification system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2019 BMW X3? Check its history first

Every 2019 BMW X3 has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

2019 BMW X3 NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 17.2%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Not Available)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

BMW X3Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

2.5Maintenance rating: 2.5 out of 5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$1034

vs $859 avg for luxury compact SUVs

vs $652 avg for all vehicles

Repair Frequency

0.8

unscheduled repair visits per year

Severe Repair Probability

14%

chance of a major repair

Annual Cost Comparison

X3
$1034
Category Avg
$859
All Vehicles
$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

BMW X3 Resale Value

The BMW X3 is estimated to retain about 50.9% of its original value after 5 years, based on observed used-car listings.

This benchmark covers the BMW X3 model overall and is not specific to the 2019 model year.

Value Retained
50.9%

after 5 years

Depreciation
49.1%

over the same period

Listings Analyzed
148

U.S. used-car listings

Listings observed in . This is a historical market benchmark, not a current price quote.

Explore BMW X3 depreciation and resale value on CarResaleValue.com

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

23–26 MPG

Running cost: $3,700–$4,050/yr

Fuel + repair

20–23 city / 27–30 hwy MPG

Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2019 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
X3 sDrive30i 2.0L 4-cylRear-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8)233026$2,650
X3 xDrive30i 2.0L 4-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8)222925$2,750
X3 M40i 3.0L 6-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8)202723$3,000

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2019 BMW X3.

  • Inspect roof-mounted shark fin antenna for secure attachment and signs of water ingress

  • Check for coolant leaks around the radiator, hoses, and oil filter housing

  • Test automatic emergency braking system for unexpected activation

  • Verify proper operation of the tailgate to ensure it does not open unexpectedly

  • Check for error messages related to the passenger restraint system

  • Ensure engine mounts are intact and not collapsed

2019 BMW X3 Common Problems by Component

148 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

39
27
20
17
19
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (39)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (27)STRUCTURE (20)ENGINE (17)SERVICE BRAKES (9)FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (6)ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (6)POWER TRAIN (5)Other (19)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

39 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report frequent issues with the 2019 BMW X3's electrical system, particularly related to water ingress through the roof-mounted shark fin antenna. This leads to malfunctions in the emergency call system, navigation, and telematics control unit, often resulting in warning messages on the instrument panel. Complaints frequently mention these problems occurring around 60,000 to 85,000 miles. Additionally, there are reports of the tailgate opening unexpectedly and the instrument panel flickering. One crash and one injury are noted, highlighting potential safety implications. Buyers should be aware of the potential for costly repairs if these issues arise.

39 complaints total2 crashes1 injury

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

27 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 BMW X3 frequently report issues with the vehicle's tailgate opening unexpectedly, both while parked and in motion, sometimes without the key fob being nearby. Complaints also highlight problems with the vehicle's emergency call system malfunctioning, often due to water ingress, and electrical issues such as dimming or blank instrument clusters. Additionally, multiple owners describe coolant leaks and sunroof shattering incidents. One complaint involves a crash related to trailer sway, raising potential safety concerns. These issues are typically reported in vehicles with varying mileage, suggesting no clear mileage pattern for these failures.

27 complaints total1 crash

STRUCTURE

20 complaints

Owners of the 2019 BMW X3 frequently report issues with the tailgate opening unexpectedly, both while parked and during driving, often without any interaction with the key fob. This issue is highlighted by reports of the tailgate opening at various speeds, including highway driving, and in some cases, causing the contents of the trunk to fall out. Additionally, there are complaints of significant sunroof leakage, which owners claim risks electrical failure, as well as reports of the sunroof glass shattering suddenly. These structural issues are noted by owners across varying mileages, and the unexpected tailgate openings are especially cited as potential safety hazards due to the risk of losing control or causing accidents.

20 complaints total
ENGINE (17 complaints)

ENGINE

17 complaints

Owners report frequent issues with the cooling system of the 2019 BMW X3, often involving coolant leaks from components such as the upper radiator hose, oil filter housing, and turbo coolant lines. Typical symptoms include engine overheating, coolant level warnings, and in some cases, engine failure. These problems are commonly observed between 40,000 to 70,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, with several complaints describing loss of power while driving and potential engine shutdowns, posing risks of accidents. Used car buyers should be aware that these issues often result in significant repair costs, sometimes exceeding several thousand dollars.

17 complaints total
SERVICE BRAKES (9 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

9 complaints

Owners of the 2019 BMW X3 frequently report issues with the automatic emergency braking system activating without cause, often while driving at speeds between 40 to 60 mph. Symptoms commonly include sudden and forceful braking, dashboard alerts, and high-pitched warning sounds, even when no obstacles are present. Several complaints note this issue occurring multiple times, with some owners mentioning mileage as low as 22,000 miles. One injury is reported due to abrupt braking, and there is a consistent concern among owners about the risk of rear-end collisions. Additionally, there are isolated reports of parking brake malfunctions and premature wear of rear brake pads and rotors.

9 complaints total1 injury
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (6 complaints)

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

6 complaints

Owners of the 2019 BMW X3 frequently report issues with the Forward Collision Avoidance system, particularly the automatic emergency braking activating unexpectedly. This occurs at various speeds, often around 40 MPH, with some owners noting that the vehicle brakes hard despite no obstacles being present. Mileage at the time of these incidents ranges from approximately 31,000 to 62,000 miles. Some owners also mention warning lights or messages related to reduced driver assistance, and in certain cases, the system's failure to function correctly when needed. These symptoms suggest potential safety implications, as abrupt braking can lead to rear-end collisions, though no crashes are reported in these complaints.

6 complaints total
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (6 complaints)

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

6 complaints

Owners of the 2019 BMW X3 frequently report issues related to engine oil leaks and cooling system failures. Common symptoms include illuminated warning lights for engine overheating or low coolant levels, and in some cases, visible coolant leaks. These issues are often observed around 30,000 to 100,000 miles. Several complaints mention engine overheating due to coolant intrusion or water pump failure, with one report of a thermal event in the engine compartment that led to carbon monoxide concerns. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring issues, particularly the risk of engine overheating and the implications for vehicle safety and performance.

6 complaints total
POWER TRAIN (5 complaints)

POWER TRAIN

5 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 BMW X3 frequently report issues related to the vehicle's engine cooling system, with multiple complaints of repeated coolant loss and overheating warnings despite several repair attempts. Typical symptoms include coolant system failures, overheating, and in one case, boiling of the coolant reservoir. These issues often occur within the first three years of ownership, even in Certified Pre-Owned vehicles. Safety implications are significant, with reports of a crash resulting in injury and instances of unintended acceleration and vehicle rollaway. Prospective buyers should be aware of these potential issues, particularly regarding engine cooling and unexpected vehicle behavior.

5 complaints total1 crash1 injury
AIR BAGS (3 complaints)

AIR BAGS

3 complaints

Owners of the 2019 BMW X3 frequently report issues with the passenger restraint system, specifically mentioning error messages related to a "Passenger Restraint System Malfunction." Symptoms include warnings displayed on the vehicle's screen indicating a malfunction and advising to drive carefully to a service center, with some owners noting these messages appear even when the passenger seat is occupied. Complaints often describe the failure of the seat mat detection sensor, with one report specifying this occurred around 68,500 miles. Safety implications are noted as there is an increased risk of injury in the event of a collision due to the malfunction. Used car buyers should be aware of these potential issues with the passenger restraint system, as they may require diagnosis and repair.

3 complaints total
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) (2 complaints)

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

2 complaints

Owners of the 2019 BMW X3 report issues with the vehicle's electronic stability control system. One common issue involves the proximity warning system, where the car unexpectedly brakes without any visible obstacles, reportedly occurring at least once a month. Another problem described by owners is difficulty maintaining lane stability at highway speeds, particularly around 80 mph, where the vehicle veers left and right, requiring constant steering adjustments. These issues are noted to occur even in the absence of adverse weather conditions, and owners express concerns about the potential for accidents due to loss of control.

2 complaints total

When Do 2019 BMW X3 Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

60,000–85,000 milesElectrical system failures
40,000–70,000 milesEngine cooling system issues
31,000–62,000 milesForward collision avoidance malfunctions

Best & Worst BMW X3 Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

Best BMW X3 Years to Buy

The best BMW X3 year is 2023 with a reliability score of 67/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2024 (66/100) and 2026 (65/100).

BMW X3 Years to Avoid

The worst BMW X3 year is 2025 with a score of 54/100, primarily due to electrical system (7) issues.

BMW X3 Reliability Score Trend

BMW X3 reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 62/100.

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

BMW X3 reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201958/100Mixed
202059/100Mixed
202161/100Good
202264/100Good
202367/100Good
202466/100Good
202554/100Mixed
202665/100Good

BMW X3 Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202665/100+11Good16
202554/100-12Mixed827
202466/100-1Good228
202367/100+3Good49
202264/100+3Good756
202161/100+2Good1079
202059/100+1Mixed1681
2019(selected)58/100Mixed10148

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2019 BMW X3 reliable?
The 2019 BMW X3 has a "Mixed" reliability rating (58/100) and may present some ownership challenges. With 10 recalls and 148 complaints, buyers should research known issues carefully.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 BMW X3?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2019 BMW X3 include: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (39 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (27 complaints), STRUCTURE (20 complaints), ENGINE (17 complaints), SERVICE BRAKES (9 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2019 BMW X3 have?
The 2019 BMW X3 has 10 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2019 BMW X3 expensive to maintain?
The 2019 BMW X3 has estimated annual repair costs of $1034/year, which is $175 more than the luxury compact SUVs average of $859. Its reliability score of 58/100 and 148 owner complaints suggest that unexpected repairs are more likely. Budgeting for maintenance reserves is advisable.

Don’t buy a 2019 BMW X3 without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

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Look Up a VIN →

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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