Ranking The Most Reliable BMW SUVs

There is no shortage of drivers that would love to get behind the wheel of a new BMW. They look great, are packed full of the latest creature comforts, and provide a more dynamic drive than much of the competition. However, they also sport proportionately premium price tags, which does price many of us out of the market for just such a car.

Good news, though, as shopping around on the secondhand market requires a much smaller bank balance, and there are some real gems to choose from. Equally important, however, is the number of unreliable and troublesome models to choose from, which complicates the process somewhat, as many used models will be outside of manufacturer’s warranty and could wind up costing you a fortune.

So, in order to simplify the process, we have highlighted 10 of the best BMW SUVs to buy used in 2025, picked for their tendency to provide reliable ownership experiences, in addition to everything else that typically comes as standard with BMW ownership.

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10

2013 BMW X5

Reliability Highlights

• J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 82/100
• RepairPal Reliability Rating: 2.0 out of 5
• NHTSA Complaints: 153 complaints

The X5 is BMW’s oldest SUV, having been around for over 25 years now, and it’s perhaps the best used BMW to buy for anyone seeking out a reliable SUV on a modest budget. Thanks to high production numbers, there are plenty out there for sale, and that also equates to lower prices, with so many on the market. However, not all X5 model years were created equal – some are notoriously unreliable – but the 2013 X5 stands out as a solid choice.

J.D. Power awarded a commendable score of 82 out of 100 when the model year was new, and since then, 153 complaints have been logged with the NHTSA – quite reasonable for a successful SUV of this age. In an analysis we did in 2024, the second-generation X5 emerged as the least reliable of all X5 generations – the 2013 model was the best of the bunch, but as it falls within the second gen, we’d still be wary of it, so it ranks no higher here.

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9

2021 BMW X7

Reliability Highlights

• J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 77/100
• RepairPal Reliability Rating: N/A
• NHTSA Complaints: 17 complaints

This is BMW’s only SUV that comes with three rows of seating as standard, so for any larger families looking for the most reliable used BMW to buy, this 2021 BMW X7 could be of some interest. The X7 was first introduced for the 2019 model year, which means it doesn’t boast a long production run, unlike the majority of SUVs from the brand. As such, reliability data is relatively thin on the ground, but what information there is points toward the 2021 BMW X7 being the most reliable out there, fitting our criteria.

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8

2018 BMW X4

Reliability Highlights

• J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: N/A
• RepairPal Reliability Rating: N/A
• NHTSA Complaints: 76 complaints

The 2018 BMW X4 is one of the most athletic and dynamic SUVs featured within this article, with a sleek coupe-esque silhouette. This design does rob some headroom from the X4’s rear passengers, but it still boasts more than enough room to be a practical and easily justified purchase. Further helping the 2018 X4’s case is the low number of complaints logged against this particular model year – just 76 – which is notably lower than many other models of the same age. Unfortunately, the 2018 X4 has not been rated by either J.D. Power or RepairPal, which stops us from ranking it any higher.

7

2021 BMW X1

Reliability Highlights

• J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 81/100
• RepairPal Reliability Rating: 3.5 out of 5
• NHTSA Complaints: 35 complaints

BMW’s baby of the group, the stylish X1, proved that the brand’s typically luxurious and premium features can be crammed into a compact package, and then offered with a more attainable price point. The X1 proved immensely desirable, especially for loyal fans of the brand who lusted after something smaller for urban driving. The 2021 BMW X1’s appeal continued to develop as it aged, as it also happens to be one of the most reliable BMW models released in recent years.

This is evidenced by the lack of complaints logged with the NHSTA, and also the 3.5 out of 5 RepairPal rating – the highest RepairPal-awarded score of all SUVs featured within this article. Furthermore, the smaller X1 made use of simpler powertrains, plus the lighter curb weight would be less tiring on suspension and braking components, in comparison to heftier models from the Bavarian brand.

6

2008 BMW X3

Reliability Highlights

• J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 83/100
• RepairPal Reliability Rating: 2.5 out of 5
• NHTSA Complaints: 189 complaints

Wind the clock back 17 years, and SUVs were still working on their dominance, with many drivers in the U.S. continuing to opt instead for sedans and pickups. It’s models like the 2008 BMW X3 that helped to really cement the SUVs global appeal, by offering efficient powertrains, comfortable, well-equipped interiors, and a premium design.

All these years later, and the 2008 BMW X3 still looks like one of the best BMW SUVs to buy used. The NHTSA shows 189 complaints – the majority of which are airbag-related, and have since been addressed with numerous recalls. J.D. Power awarded an impressive 83 out of 100 quality and reliability score when the model was new, which no doubt filled the minds of prospective buyers with heaps of reassurance and confidence. This first-gen X3 also made use of BMW’s revered naturally-aspirated six-cylinder engines, which have fewer issues than the early turbocharged BMW engines introduced in more modern X3s.

5

2018 BMW X5

Reliability Highlights

• J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 84/100
• RepairPal Reliability Rating: 2.0 out of 5
• NHTSA Complaints: 118 complaints

Another dependable bet is the 2018 BMW X5 – the last model year of the third (F15) generation. The final model year of any generation, for any make or model, is usually a solid bet, as by this the manufacturer will have had plenty of opportunity to put right any wrongs that have appeared throughout the generation’s production run. It also stands to reason that first-year models are typically the least reliable, for the same reason.

J.D. Power awarded this model year X5 with a score to be proud of, and it’s reassuring to see relatively few complaints logged with the NHTSA – especially for a model like the X5, which sold very well. Naturally, better-selling models typically have more complaints, simply because there are more examples of them out on the road to go wrong.

4

2017 BMW X3

Reliability Highlights

• J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 86/100
• RepairPal Reliability Rating: 2.5 out of 5
• NHTSA Complaints: 208 complaints

2017 was another great year for BMW X3 production, and much like the X5 above, this is a final-year model. The second-gen X3 ran from 2011 through to the end of 2017, with a mid-cycle refresh occurring for 2014 model year examples. Once again, this is an example of final-year models out-performing earlier iterations in terms of reliability and dependability. Green lights have been given to customers considering the 2017 BMW X3 since it first debuted, as J.D. Power awarded the model a very reassuring 86 out of 100 – the highest of any SUV featured within this article. It’s one of the best BMW models to buy used.

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3

2014 BMW X1

Reliability Highlights

• J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 83/100
• RepairPal Reliability Rating: 3.5 out of 5
• NHTSA Complaints: 125 complaints

Contrary to the theory mentioned above, the 2014 BMW X1 is only the second full-year of production for the first-generation X1. Base models used a boosted 2.0-liter inline-four, while range-topping xDrive35i examples made use of a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six – quite a sizable engine for this sharp and stylish compact crossover. Base models were also available with front-wheel-drive sDrive or all-wheel-drive xDrive drivetrains, whereas the I6-powered model only sported the latter.

Regardless of the grade you pick out, a well-maintained and serviced 2014 BMW X1 should make a solid and dependable used companion in 2025, with minimal complaints and impressive third-party reliability ratings giving peace of mind to prospective buyers.

2

2020 BMW X2

Reliability Highlights

• J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 84/100
• RepairPal Reliability Rating: N/A
• NHTSA Complaints: 51 complaints

BMW’s newest baby on the scene is the dynamic X2 – a compact SUV with heaps of appeal, thanks to powerful engine options, all-wheel drive, and one of the smartest cabins in the segment, especially on higher-trim models. Likely due to how new it is on the scene, having first appeared for the 2018 model year, the BMW X2 has not yet been rated by RepairPal. However, the solid 84 out of 100 J.D. Power score, and the respectable number of complaints listed by the NHTSA tell us that the X2 typically offers trouble-free motoring.

Tried and tested drivetrains, hard-wearing interiors, and proven electronics are all key ingredients to the 2020 BMW X2 recipe, which is why it’s so easily recommended as one of BMW’s best used buys in 2025.

1

2021 BMW X6

Reliability Highlights

• J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 85/100
• RepairPal Reliability Rating: 2.0 out of 5
• NHTSA Complaints: 3 complaints

2021 BMW X6

Base Trim Engine

3.0L Turbo Inline-6 Gas

Base Trim Drivetrain

Rear-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Transmission

8-Speed Automatic

Base Trim Horsepower

335 hp

Base Trim Torque

330 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm

Base Trim Curb Weight

4,687 lbs

Fuel Economy

21/26 MPG

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Our most reliable BMW SUV to buy used in 2025, however, is the 2021 BMW X6 – a stylish and rakish SUV blessed with the sleek and dynamic lines of a coupe. It boasts more power, more space, and more presence than the mass-majority of BMW’s SUV range, which gives buyers plenty of reasons to place it at the forefront of their hot-list this year. Providing plenty of peace of mind is a commendable 85 out of 100 reliability score from J.D. Power, in addition to the fact that only three complaints are currently listed with the NHTSA. If past performance is anything to go by, then this reassuring lack of complaints should be music to the ears of future buyers.

This X6 also features the six-cylinder B58 engine, which is quickly gaining a reputation for being one of the most reliable modern BMW engines ever produced. While this X6 will still have high maintenance costs, it appears to be a very solidly engineered vehicle.

Source: BMW, J.D. Power, RepairPal, NHTSA