2018 BMW X3 engine problems
15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2018 BMW X3 — 21% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“While driving on the interstate lost coolant through the oil cooler housing. I had to quickly get to the shoulder of the road having to cross several lanes of traffic. The car had to be towed. I had it towed to the dealership where I purchased it as I paid for an extended warranty. Warranty company…”
filed Apr 9, 2026
“BMW installed a part that is failing quite a number of vehicles including this vehicle. The oil filter housing was not properly constructed at the factory. Fails.”
filed Feb 27, 2026
“Oil pump failure due to plastic brittle materials failing prematurely. It is a common problem that is well documented across the owners that have this vehicle.”
filed Feb 27, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
The NVLD limited emissionrelated warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 15 years/150,000 miles as determined from the original in-service date.
B010921 · Warranty Program/Extension · issued Aug 3, 2026The EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original in-service date.
B010324 · Warranty Program/Extension · issued May 6, 2026the NVLD limited emissionrelated warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 15 years/150,000 miles as determined from the original in-service date.
B011524 · Warranty Program/Extension · issued Dec 11, 2024The NVLD limited emission related warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 15 years/150,000 miles as determined from the original in-service date.
B010921 · Warranty Program/Extension · issued Dec 11, 2024
Engine problems in other X3 years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 X3 | 4 | 11% |
| 2024 X3 | 2 | 6% |
| 2022 X3 | 8 | 12% |
| 2021 X3 | 23 | 22% |
| 2020 X3 | 25 | 23% |
| 2019 X3 | 31 | 19% |
| 2017 X3 | 17 | 18% |
| 2016 X3 | 13 | 16% |
| 2015 X3 | 29 | 28% |
| 2014 X3 | 19 | 22% |
| 2013 X3 | 147 | 65% |
| 2012 X3 | 8 | 19% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2018 BMW X3
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.