Last updated: 2026-03-04

66
GoodReliability score: 66 out of 100, rated Good
2024 BMW X3

2024 BMW X3 Reliability Score & Common Problems

The 2024 BMW X3 scores 66/100 ("Good"). With 2 recalls and 28 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

2024 is the last model year of the Third generation (G01).

Recalls

2

Complaints

28

Complaint Rate

18.3

per 10k sold

Above avg

Est. Annual Cost

$1034

Above avg

Major Repair Risk

14%

NHTSA Rating

5/5

Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity35%
65/100 (Good)

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs30%
50/100 (Mixed)

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact20%
80/100 (Excellent)

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity15%
82/100 (Excellent)

Breadth of reported problem categories

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6)BACK OVER PREVENTION (5)LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (4)

2 recalls on record

Generation & Refresh (US)

Final Year

2024 is the last model year of the Third generation (G01).

  • Final-year models are typically the most refined version of a generation.
  • 2 years after the last refresh (2022).
  • 3rd generation X3 (US).

What this means for buyers

Final-year models are usually the most polished version of a generation, but resale value may dip as buyers anticipate the next redesign.

Third generation (G01)

2018redesign
2019
2020
2021
2022refresh
2023
2024selected

Should You Buy the 2024 BMW X3?

The 2024 BMW X3 scores 66/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2024 is the last model year of the Third generation (G01).

Its complaint rate (18.3 per 10k sold) is above the SUV segment average of 8.2. The most common reports involve electrical system (6).

A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to electrical system (6). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.

Compared to the 2025 BMW X3, which scored 12 points lower. See also the 2023 BMW X3 for an earlier comparison.

Pros

  • Acceptable reliability score
  • Low major repair risk (14%)
  • Low recall count

Cons

  • Above-average repair costs for its class
  • Frequent unscheduled repairs
  • Above-average complaint rate for SUV

Compare 2024 BMW X3 With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

  • 2 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6)
  • BACK OVER PREVENTION (5)
  • LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (4)
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2)
  • POWER TRAIN (2)
  • STEERING (2)
  • STRUCTURE (2)
  • VISIBILITY/WIPER (1)
  • AIR BAGS (1)
  • SERVICE BRAKES (1)
  • VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1)
  • SUSPENSION (1)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

2

recalls on record

The 2024 BMW X3 has 2 recalls on record. This is a low count. Recalls are manufacturer-initiated fixes for safety or compliance issues and are repaired at no cost to the owner at authorized dealerships.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

18.3

per 10k sold

Segment avg: 8.2

LowAvgHigh
Moderate

Safety Incidents

Crashes

3

Fires

0

Injuries

1

Deaths

0

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

2024 BMW X3 Recall Details

2 recalls have been issued for the 2024 BMW X3. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

25V1060002025-02-20

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022-2024 X3 sDrive30i and X3 xDrive30i vehicles. The second-row seat side door locking modules may not function properly and allow the doors to be unlocked with a single motion. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."

Consequence

Doors that can be inadvertently unlocked and unlatched may open unexpectedly, increasing the risk of injury to rear seat occupants.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the second-row seat side door locking modules, free of charge. A letter informing owners of the safety risk was mailed on April 21, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 800-525-7417.

23V7700002023-11-16

STEERING

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2024 2 Series Coupe (230i), 330i, X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, and X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i vehicles. The steering gear may not have been tightened properly, which can allow it to loosen.

Consequence

A loose steering gear can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the steering gear, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 11, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

2024 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, 2nd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Not Available)Seat Belt Pretensioners (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Seat Belt Load Limiters (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Not Available)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Torso and/or Pelvis Protection (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (2nd row)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

BMW X3 Repair 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.

When Buying a Used 2024 BMW X3

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.

  • Test rear doors for unexpected opening while driving
  • Verify rear cross traffic alert and automatic braking functionality
  • Inspect windshield for cracks starting at the top
  • Check sunroof for creaking or cracking noises
  • Ensure key recognition system alerts when key is absent
  • Confirm steering responsiveness and absence of wandering

Check Any 2024 BMW X3's History Before You Buy

Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2024 X3 in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific BMW X3 with a free VIN lookup.

Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.

2024 BMW X3 Common Problems by Component

28 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

6
5
4
4
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6)BACK OVER PREVENTION (5)LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (4)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2)POWER TRAIN (2)STEERING (2)STRUCTURE (2)VISIBILITY/WIPER (1)Other (4)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

6 complaints

Owners report several electrical system issues with the 2024 BMW X3, primarily involving the vehicle's key recognition and door locking systems. Complaints frequently mention the car continuing to operate without a key present, with no warning alerts, posing a potential safety risk, especially with minor passengers on board. Additionally, there are reports of rear passenger doors opening unexpectedly while driving and digital instrument clusters failing to illuminate, leaving drivers without speed information. These issues typically occur within the first year of ownership, with some incidents involving multiple electronic systems, including window controls and HVAC, suggesting broader electronic network concerns. Safety implications include potential loss of vehicle security and control, with risks heightened by the presence of children during these malfunctions.

6 complaints total

BACK OVER PREVENTION

5 complaints

Owners report issues with the rear cross traffic alert and rear automatic braking systems on the 2024 BMW X3, describing inconsistent or non-functional alerts. Complaints frequently mention that visual and audio alerts are rare or absent, and the automatic brake fails to engage, even in close proximity to obstacles or pedestrians. These issues are noted at various mileage points, with no specific timeline or mileage range emerging. Safety implications include near-miss incidents with pedestrians and minor collisions with objects during testing. Buyers should be aware that dealers often state these systems are operating as designed, despite owner concerns about their reliability and effectiveness.

5 complaints total

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

4 complaints

Owners of the 2024 BMW X3 report issues related to door latches and locks, particularly concerning the rear doors. Complaints frequently mention that the rear doors can open unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion, even with children in car seats. This issue is linked to a recall for which parts are reportedly unavailable, leaving some owners without a timely resolution. Symptoms include doors unlocking and opening unexpectedly, often accompanied by a warning chime or alert on the instrument panel. Reported incidents occur at varied mileages, including around 10,000 and 18,114 miles, indicating no specific mileage threshold. Safety implications are notable, as the unexpected door opening presents a risk, especially with passengers in the vehicle.

4 complaints total
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 complaints

Owners of the 2024 BMW X3 report issues with windshield cracking and unintended tailgate openings. Several owners describe windshields cracking in the same location with minimal or no impact, often starting at the top and spreading downward. Additionally, there are reports of the tailgate opening without user input, even when the vehicle is parked and locked, posing risks such as potential theft, water damage, or injury from falling contents. These issues occur at varied mileage and remain unresolved despite dealer inspections, indicating potential safety implications.

2 complaints total
POWER TRAIN (2 complaints)

POWER TRAIN

2 complaints

Owners report issues with the power train in the 2024 BMW X3, including rear differential bolt and bushing failures and unexpected engine shutdowns. The rear differential problems are characterized by loud banging noises from the rear drive and occur twice within approximately eight months, leading to vehicle immobility. Another owner describes the engine stopping abruptly while accelerating onto a highway, with the dashboard going black except for a red outline of the car, though the vehicle restarts shortly after. These issues occur without prior warning lights or alerts, and one complaint notes the potential connection to a recall. Safety implications include potential loss of control due to drivetrain failure or unexpected engine shutdowns.

2 complaints total
STEERING (2 complaints)

STEERING

2 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2024 BMW X3 report issues related to steering control, with one incident involving a crash. The primary symptoms include an inability to steer as expected, with one owner describing a failure to turn away from an obstacle, resulting in a collision with a divider wall. Another owner describes the vehicle wandering without driver input and experiencing delayed steering response when avoiding road hazards, necessitating overcorrection. These steering issues suggest potential safety implications, particularly as they may lead to loss of control. No specific mileage or timeline patterns are mentioned in the complaints.

2 complaints total1 crash
STRUCTURE (2 complaints)

STRUCTURE

2 complaints

Owners report issues with the panoramic sunroof on the 2024 BMW X3, with complaints frequently mentioning creaking and cracking noises during vehicle operation. One owner describes persistent noises that suggest potential structural weakness, fearing the sunroof may eventually break, while another reports a sudden and loud explosion of the sunroof while driving, causing panic. Both complaints indicate concerns about the durability and safety of the sunroof, with one incident occurring on an interstate, highlighting potential safety implications. These issues are noted without specific mileage information, suggesting they may occur regardless of vehicle age or usage. Potential buyers should be aware of these reported sunroof problems and consider them when evaluating the vehicle's structural reliability.

2 complaints total
VISIBILITY/WIPER (1 complaints)

VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 complaint
2025-11-26

I am reporting a serious safety issue involving my 2024 BMW X3 purchased from Countryside Mitsubishi in Countryside, Illinois, on November 7, 2025. Within hours of purchase, I discovered multiple defects that were not disclosed before the sale. The most concerning issue involves the windshield wiper system and forward sensor components, which began to malfunction immediately. The vehicle’s onboard system initially flagged a windshield sensor fault. I later discovered that the original BMW windshield had been replaced with a non-OEM part, which BMW confirmed voided the vehicle's factory warranty and disabled key safety features dependent on OEM calibration. I was never informed of the windshield replacement at time of sale. When I raised concerns with the dealership, they admitted to using a sensor “workaround” instead of a proper replacement, which BMW later explained is not compliant with their specifications and leaves the vehicle’s advanced safety systems—such as forward collision alerts—compromised. The dealership falsely stated the repair was done by BMW-certified technicians, which was later denied by the repair staff. This defect creates a major visibility and safety hazard. I experienced intermittent wiper failure during poor weather, and the washer fluid system also failed to operate reliably. Despite repeated contacts, the dealership refused to install an OEM windshield or resolve the defect through an authorized BMW service provider. BMW has confirmed that their safety systems will not function correctly unless an OEM windshield and correct calibration process are used. This places me and others at serious risk during adverse weather or emergency braking situations. I have full documentation, a repair timeline, videos of the malfunction, and correspondence with the dealership. The vehicle is still in my possession and available for inspection upon request. I urge NHTSA to investigate this case for potential noncompliance and safety risk.

AIR BAGS (1 complaints)

AIR BAGS

1 complaintSafety-related
2025-03-26Crash reported1 injury

The contact owned a 2024 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH and turning right, the vehicle unintentionally continued accelerating and veering to the right. The contact stated that she had depressed the brake pedal, but the brakes did not respond. The contact stated that the vehicle jumped the curb, the contact was not able to steer the vehicle back onto the roadway because the steering wheel was seized. The contact stated that the vehicle hit a traffic sign and side-swiped a street light pole. The contact stated that the vehicle then crashed into a parked vehicle head-on and stopped. The contact stated that the air bags had not deployed during the front-end collision. The contact stated that the police and emergency services had arrived. The contact was transported to a hospital, and the police issued a report. The contact stated that she had bruises on her chest, ribs, both arms, and wrists. The contact also had a whiplash injury to her neck. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot, and a total loss was declared. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 17,000.

SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaintSafety-related
2025-01-27Crash reported

As I was pulling into a parking stall at work, I pressed on the brake and the vehicle did not stop. It went up over the sidewalk which is stepped up from the parking lot 4-6". i continued to press the break in as far as I could and the vehicle continued to travel at least 20 and stopped when it hit the building. The vehicle is equipped with the automatic emergency breaking and collision warning in which neither worked. The brick on the building was only scrapped. However, there are windows right at the brick line at the location that my car stopped. The car did not go through the window or the building. If it would have, it could have injured those inside. I was pressing on the breaks so hard that I have an injury to my toe. I have not seen a doctor yet, but it's possible that I broke it as I was pressing that hard. The vehicle has not been inspected by the insurance company, manufacturer, or dealership yet. I called the dealership and asked that it be inspected and a diagnostic run immediately. The dealership said they cannot get me in for a week. My vehicle is equipped with a Event Data Recorder.

When Do 2024 BMW X3 Problems Start?

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

10,000–18,114 milesLatches/locks failures

Best & Worst BMW X3 Years

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 2022 (64/100).

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.

See full BMW X3 years-to-avoid analysis →

BMW X3 Reliability Score Trend

BMW X3 reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 61/100.

avg 61
19
20
21
22
23
24
25

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

BMW X3 Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202662/100 (predicted)Predicted16
202554/100-12Mixed827
2024(selected)66/100-1Good228
202367/100+3Good49
202264/100+3Good756
202161/100+2Good1079
202059/100+1Mixed1681
201958/100Mixed10148

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2024 BMW X3 reliable?
The 2024 BMW X3 has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 66/100. It is reasonably reliable with 2 recalls and 28 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2024 BMW X3?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2024 BMW X3 include: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6 complaints), BACK OVER PREVENTION (5 complaints), LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (4 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints), POWER TRAIN (2 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2024 BMW X3 have?
The 2024 BMW X3 has 2 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2024 BMW X3 expensive to maintain?
The 2024 BMW X3 has estimated annual repair costs of $1034/year, which is $175 more than the luxury compact SUVs average of $859. With a reliability score of 66/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

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.

See incorrect data? Report an issue