VehicleVerdict

2017 BMW M3 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 2017 BMW M3 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

3

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2017 compare to other M3 years?

M3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted102 complaints1988: 2 complaints1989: 0 complaints1990: 0 complaints1991: 0 complaints1992: 0 complaints1993: 0 complaints1994: 0 complaints1995: 16 complaints1996: 1 complaints1997: 28 complaints1998: 18 complaints1999: 13 complaints2000: 0 complaints2001: 20 complaints2002: 48 complaints2003: 69 complaints2004: 38 complaints2005: 12 complaints2006: 14 complaints2007: 0 complaints2008: 102 complaints2009: 54 complaints2010: 20 complaints2011: 41 complaints2012: 6 complaints2013: 17 complaints2014: 0 complaints2015: 4 complaints2016: 7 complaints2017: 3 complaints2018: 10 complaints2021: 5 complaints2022: 1 complaints2023: 1 complaints2025: 2 complaints
M3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all M3 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 BMW M3 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System133%
Fuel System133%
Transmission133%

Does the 2017 BMW M3 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

18V713000TransmissionOctober 11, 2018 · 2,661 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2016-2017 BMW M3 Sedans, 2016-2017 BMW M4 and M4 GTS Coupes and 2017 BMW M4 Convertible vehicles. The connection between the driveshaft and the flange may fail resulting in a loss of propulsion.

Consequence

A loss of vehicle propulsion can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify vehicle owners, and dealers will replace the driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began April 9, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

16V653000Body & StructureSeptember 9, 2016 · 196 units

Defect

BMW North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2016 BMW M2 Coupe vehicles, 2015-2017 M3 Sedan vehicles and 2015-2016 M4 Coupe and M4 Convertible vehicles. During servicing of the rear differential for a prior service action, the rear sub-frame bolts may have been reused instead of being replaced. Reuse of the existing bolts may cause the bolts to loosen.

Consequence

Loose rear sub-frame bolts may adversely affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear sub-frame bolts with new bolts, free of charge. The recall began on November 3, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“VEHICLE IS A 2017 BMW M3 WITH 6352 MILES. IN THIS PARTICULAR CASE THE VEHICLE HAD STARTED AND HAD BEEN OPERATING NORMALLY THE DAY PRIOR. THE FOLLOWING DAY THE CAR WAS STATIONARY AND WOULD NOT START.IT WAS CLEAR THERE WAS NO POWER GETTING TO THE ELECTRONICS EVEN THOUGH THE BATTERY WAS FULLY CHARGED.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 10, 2020

“My car was leaking fuel. This has been reported in numerous vehicles of the same make and model. There is an active warranty extension for this issue, I have attached the bulletin from BMW. My car is not covered for some reason although earlier years of my exact same car are covered. My car was was…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · May 21, 2024

“The contact owns a 2017 BMW M3. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 25 MPH, there was an abnormal banging sound coming from the vehicle. In addition, the vehicle failed to operate as designed, without warning. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 5, 2021

2017 BMW M3 — common questions

Is the 2017 BMW M3 reliable?

The record is thin — 3 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2017 BMW M3 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2017 BMW M3. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which BMW M3 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the M3 years to avoid are 2008, 2003, 2009, 2002, 2011, 2004, 2010, 2013, 2006, 1999, 2005, 2012, 2007. The cleanest record among M3 years belongs to 2014.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.