2019 BMW X3 Engine Problems
26 complaints about Engine
High Severity Issue
This component has been associated with crashes, fires, or deaths.
This Problem Across All Years
All Engine Complaints (26)
Reporting a failure of the engine cooling system on my 2019 BMW X3 that developed over time despite repeated repair attempts and ultimately resulted in complete engine failure. Over the past year, the vehicle has experienced ongoing coolant loss and overheating warnings despite multiple coolant-related repairs. When the problem continued, I brought the vehicle to a BMW dealership, where the service department determined that the engine had suffered internal damage consistent with overheating and advised that a full engine replacement was required. These issues occurred during normal driving and created unsafe conditions, including the risk of sudden loss of power or breakdown in traffic. Based on my experience and the repeated nature of the failures despite proper maintenance, it appears that coolant and overheating issues may be persistent in this vehicle model rather than isolated to a single component, and I am concerned that other owners may be experiencing similar safety-related defects. A investigation into this is warranted.
I am reporting repeated coolant system failures and overheating on my 2019 BMW X3 . I have had 4 coolant-related repairs in under 3 years, including the coolant reservoir boiling after service. Most recently, the problem recurred despite prior repairs. This is a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle with warranty history, and I believe this is a systemic engine/cooling defect that poses a risk of engine failure or fire. Other owners may be affected. A recall or investigation is warranted.
While driving my BMW X3, the engine suddenly failed after the check-engine light came on, which followed several days of intermittent high-temperature warnings. Coolant levels had been consistently monitored, refilled, and topped up as needed, yet the temperature fluctuations persisted. Upon further inspection, the repair shop determined that coolant had been leaking internally into the engine due to a cooling system failure, causing overheating and warping of internal components. This created a serious safety hazard, as the vehicle began losing power while in motion, leaving me unable to safely accelerate or maintain speed in traffic and increasing the risk of a collision and a potential fire. This is a serious matter and BMW should assume responsibility for this. I bought the car assuming it was reliable but having to endure this cost out of pocket for an engineering failure is not okay.
Despite replacing the water pump, coolant expansion tank, hoses, and other related cooling system components, and fully refilling and bleeding the coolant, the issue persisted. Even after these repairs, the engine continued to overheat and show coolant level fluctuations, indicating an underlying problem likely pressure buildup or head gasket failure that was not resolved by replacing standard cooling parts. Dealership has identified further problems and seem like a costly repair that I won’t be able to do out of pocket. BMW needs to address this issue immediately, engine stuttering and loss of sudden power on the high way is not safe!
2019 BMW X3 - Coolant warning has been going on for the last 6 months and I was refilling coolant every time it went off. I even had the car serviced and they refilled the coolant. Then I was driving the car the engine is overheating warning came on I pulled over. It cooled down. Car was fine but said it needed coolant. I added coolant and noticed it was leaking from multiple spots underneath the car. I had the car towed to a certified BMW mechanic. They did a diagnostic test and inspection and I was told the exhilarator water pump, coolant hose, coolant return line and oil filter house among a list of other things need to be replaced. The repair is estimated at $4700.00
My 2019 x3 model has been leaking coolant from multiple places. I have already needed to replace the water pump at my mechanic and now there's an additional coolant leak and the radiator and radiator hoses are affected and may need replacement. My dealer has not reported this issue yet and no recall has been declared for my type of vehicle, but I cannot afford to fix this issue out of pocket and it's a manufacturer issue when making these materials for the car, no fault of the driver. This has now become an issue where my car is constantly leaking coolant and causing potential engine damage.
Turbo coolant lines/ Oil filter housing failed I am reporting failure of the oil filter housing and turbo coolant lines on my 2019 BMW X3. These parts are leaking coolant due to defective plastic components and sealing surfaces, which causes sudden coolant loss and overheating risk while driving. This is a widespread issue affecting many BMW owners and has been documented in forums, service centers, and BMW technical bulletins. The failure poses a safety hazard, including potential engine failure at highway speeds, loss of power, and risk of breakdown or accident. BMW has not issued a recall or warranty extension, and consumers are being forced to pay out of pocket over $3,000 for what appears to be a systemic design flaw in the cooling system.
The radiator hose system has now failed twice due to faulty hoses and connections.
Subject: Rear Differential Mount Failure and Driveshaft Breakage — Sudden Loss of Vehicle Control at Highway Speed Complaint Summary: While driving at highway speed, I experienced a sudden and extremely loud bang from the rear of the vehicle. Immediately afterward, I lost complete control of the rear end, accompanied by violent clanking and grinding noises from the driveline area. The gearbox then stalled, leaving the vehicle disabled in the middle of the highway. Upon inspection, it was determined that a rear differential mounting bolt had sheared, causing the differential to shift violently out of position. This sudden movement resulted in the driveshaft breaking, which further destabilized the vehicle and led to a severe and immediate loss of control. This failure occurred without warning and created an extremely dangerous situation. The sudden loss of drivetrain integrity at highway speed placed both myself and nearby motorists at serious risk of a crash. A component as critical as a differential mount or driveshaft should not fail under normal operating conditions. This incident strongly indicates a serious design or manufacturing defect affecting the vehicle’s powertrain and structural safety. Requested Action: I urge the NHTSA to investigate rear differential mounting and driveshaft failures on this vehicle model. Such failures can lead to catastrophic loss of control, and immediate attention is necessary to prevent future incidents and ensure driver safety.
1- Passenger Restraint System Malfunction error codes- related to wiring or front passenger seat- long timeframe and expense to diagnose 2- Engine mounts broken Oct 2023 and again Aug 2025- known issue by BMW service- high repair cost & repeat failure 3- Front crash assist will brake for shadows caused by trees or adjacent trucks and has nearly caused accidents
On 7/3/25 took 2019 BMW X3 in for service & received a call that the Engine Mounts had collapsed and the repair would be $2,098.50 and to me a car with only 68K miles should not have this issue - first time in any car I've owned. The Service Advisor, Sheri Holtz of Century BMW, 2934 Laurens Road, Greenville SC informed us that this was a common issue but no recall currently. Went on to research and YouTube had information that this is a known issue and one of the top 10 problems with the BMW X3. Contacted BMW Client Care to seek reimbursement and claim was denied. Also sent a letter to BMW Customer Relations and no response. A 6 year old car should not have motor mounts collapsing and this is obviously an issue with BMW. Most consumers do not know how to report this complaint but if there is a way for you to search BMW dealers for how often this repair is happening, you will most likely find this is an issue.
2019 BMW X3 VIN # [XXX] Odometer - 70,000 miles Dealer - United BMW, 11458 Alpharetta HWY, Roswell GA 30075 I purchased my 2019 BMW x3 from United BMW in October 2022. The car had a little over 22K miles at the time or purchase. My vehicle suffered catastrophic engine failure on [XXX], just 48 hours after a BMW service technician topped off coolant in response to a warning light. The vehicle has been properly maintained, including repairs from United BWM Service and a BMW Certified independent mechanic. The engine failure occurred under normal driving conditions, rendering the engine inoperable. I have received a full diagnostic from BMW and they acknowledged that the independent mechanic was not at fault. Previous contact with BMW Consumer Relations and the United BMW service manager has not resolved the issue. The repair estimate from United is $40,000. Since I purchased my vehicle from United, they offered to reduce my repair cost to $33,000. I still owe $25,000 on this vehicle. Given the sudden failure shortly after BMW's service, this appears to be a serious reliability and potential safety defect. I have copies of my service records. Kindly advise. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine light diagnostic Crankcase Ventilation Hose Defective. There was a recall on this but not for my VIN #, why not I'm having the same issues a described in the recall.
motor mounts are now replaced every 30k miles the part fails. this is quality and safty hazard. this is not covered by BMW shame
Coolant is leaking and empty every week. Engine overheating warnings! I purchased this vehicle used on [XXX] from AutoFair in Manchester NH 1 week after purchase coolant warnings and engine light came on. Dealer is refusing responsibility and responding to multiple trips, phone calls and reports. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Oil filter housing leaking coolant randomly out of the bottom of the vehicle, we were driving home from lunch and a refill coolant light come on. This caused us to have to randomly pull over quickly on the side of the road so the car wouldn't overheat.
The oil filter housing failed, which caused all of my coolant to leak out and the engine to overheat. My car had to be towed to a repair shop, as it would not hold any coolant. The repair bill for the new oil adapter housing unit, and related work (diagnostics, replacing engine oil and coolant) was a little over $2,300. Fortunately, I was near my home and on city streets when it occurred, or it could have been a real catastrophe.
The vehicle 2019 bmw x3 purchased from dealer with all maintenance performed per BMW specs at dealership, Warned of low coolant. Coolant was added, two days later 0n 6 25 2024 the light came on for low coolant checking vehicle saw large leak. Vehicle was towed to dealership. On 6 26 2024 the visual from BMW stated the the oil filter housing which is made of plastic and warps. They want to replace the oil filter housing but they say the manifold and transmission has to be remove to replace it at a cost of 3119 dollars as estimate. From dealership. The vehicle is low mileage purchased at 30 k from dealership and has been maintained with the reccomendations of the dealership. The time the vehicle will be in shop to do he work will be long and it till unclear of the extended warranty purchased from dealership at time of purchase will cover its replacement and th costs for labor.
The entire cooling system failed and RED WARNING light appeared leading to $6400 quote for repairs from BMW Seattle. BMW refused to do anything to make this right. They already know the thermostat is defective, so is the aux water pump, and the main water pump fails at only 60,000 miles. We could have been stranded on the side of the highway and these excessive repairs should all be covered under manufacturer extended warranty. We spoke to attorneys in Connecticut who will build a class action in this case. BMW wouldn't even meet us half way on repair costs and we were without our vehicle for months. It was an independent shop that finally told us the truth that the AUX Water Pumps are well known for failing on this vehicle causing extensive cooling system and engine repairs.
Per BMW's SIB (Service Bulletin) "SIB 17 03 20" "The O-rings that seal the quick disconnect coolant lines will not seal properly when outside temperatures are at or below -15 degrees C (5 degrees F) et. al BMW - DEFECT CODE: 1712144800 "Coolant hose including quick-release coupling not leak tight" on-going issue since 2019 on the BMW X3 Model G01
Upper radiator hose leaking coolant. Took to dealer with under 40k miles with refill coolant light and active grill shutter issue . They top off coolant and stated no pressure loss was detected. Dealer replaced shutter. Its been ongoing for approximately 2 years , been adding coolant myself. In Dec 2023 At 54k miles at a body shop they discovered an old coolant leak coming from the upper radiator hose. The leak is coming from the plastic coupling attaching the hose to radiator.
The X3 suddenly slowed down to stoppage on an interstate highway, and the car "shifted" to Neutral by itself. I had to shift back to "Drive" and then drive away. It happened twice in September to October 2023, with my family and other kids in the car. Luckily there was traffic, driving speed was relatively low. Contacted two BMW dealerships and the only thing they could do was change the battery. They said maybe the battery wasn't functioning fully. However, BMW shouldn't stop my car on a highway just because the battery may be relatively low. No warning about battery was ever observed. Four pictures attached: Error Message 1 - Increased Steering Effort on 10.13.23 Error Message 2 - Transmission (suddenly "auto-shifted" to Neutral) Error Message 3 - Four-wheel-drive system Error Message 4 - Front monitor suddenly turned on?
URO Parts Engine Oil Filter Housing There was no sensors that went off to indicate that there was an issue with my coolant or my oil and I went to drive my car and broke down on the side of the road. The dealership and the repair shop and mechanics I’ve called have told me that this is a common issue with Bmw because of how it's made. If I knew that there was a problem because of the sensors I would’ve never had to break down on the side of the road and be less stranded without a vehicle.
Oil Filter Housing according to BMW tech this is a common issue in this part- yes available for inspection upon request, my safety was put at risk due to coolant leaking which can be flammable, also could cause engine malfunction/shutdown while driving. The problem has been confirmed by BMW dealership. A complaint with the manufacturer BMW of america was put in. No other lamps or messages, car simply began to leak coolant and oil profusely.
THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHICH RESULTED IN A FAULT WITH THE MECHANICAL RADIATOR FLAPS NOT OPENING OR CLOSING PROPERLY. THE MANUFACTURER HAS DELAYED A FIX FOR SIX WEEKS NOW WHILE THEY ARE FIXING OTHER MODELS THAT MAY HAVE HAD A HIGHER SALES PRICE. CHILDREN ARE PRESENT IN THE VEHICLE AND DRIVING WITH A 'CHECK ENGINE' LIGHT ILLUMINATED IS DISCOMFORTING.
Mileage: 6,500
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 BMW X3. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE LIFTGATE SPONTANEOUSLY OPENED. ADDITIONALLY, WHEN THE PUSH TO START WAS ENGAGED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHUT OFF. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JACKIE COOPER BMW MINI (14145 N BROADWAY EXT, EDMOND, OK 73013, (405) 755-3600), BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100. *BF CONSUMER STATED WHILE THE REAR HATCH OPENED AND SPILLED GROCERIES ALL OVER THE STREET. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND AUTHORIZED A RETENTION BAR TO KEEP MOST ITEMS IN PLACE AS PAYMENT FOR THE LOST ITEMS. AT THAT TIME CONSUMER ALSO ADDRESSED AN ISSUE WITH THE START BUTTON NOT TURNING OFF/SHUTTING DOWN THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY. DOT WAS NOTIFIED.*JB
Mileage: 100