BMW X3 Complaints

271 consumer complaints on file.

#11745781June 22, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
BRAKES ARE DEFECTIVE AND ARE A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. BOTH BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS ARE FACTORY DEFECTIVE. ROTORS ARE PITTED AND WARPED - BRAND NEW FROM FACTORY. BRAKES SEQUEL EXCESSIVELY IN BOTH FORWARD OR BACKWARDS MOTION. UNSAFE.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11745394June 20, 2026
STEERING, SERVICE BRAKES, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I purchased a new 2026 bmw x3 in November 2025 and a couple of months later as I was getting in the car for work, I turned the vehicle on and a ton of alerts were dinging off and the steering wheel went haywire along with the breaking, I could not brake and it was steering me off of the road without me steering. I had to have the vehicle towed to the shop. I have another appt on 6/23/26 as I am having another issue with the display screen in my vehicle not coming on and turning black including the speedometer on the dash, as well as the volume button. I did try to manually reboot but it did not work. I told BMW the first incident is a severe safety issue and I have been hesitant to drive the vehicle but they did not seem to care about the issues I have been having as this should not be happening within a few months of buying a brand new vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11745088June 18, 2026
STEERING, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
Vehicle: 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive | VIN: [XXX] | Dealer: Weatherford BMW of Berkeley | No crash, no injury Complaint narrative: My 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive (VIN [XXX]) has an open, active safety recall. BMW of North America has confirmed to me in writing (Executive Customer Care case #[XXX], most recently June 18, 2026) that the remedy parts are not available, and it has provided no repair date or estimated availability. I first raised this in April 2026; it remains unrepaired. Because of the open recall, BMW Financial Services will not allow me to transfer or pay off my lease, yet I continue to be charged $631.98 per month for a vehicle I cannot transfer and that has an unremedied safety defect. BMW has not offered a loaner, interim payment relief, or a repair timeline. I am requesting that NHTSA note the extended unavailability of the recall remedy for this vehicle. The 2025 X3 30 xDrive is subject to multiple BMW safety recalls; at least one campaign — NHTSA 25V202000 (starter-generator / positive battery cable; risk of engine stall and fire) — was issued with an interim notice stating the remedy was not yet available and that a second notice would follow once the remedy is ready, which is consistent with what BMW has told me. I am seeking confirmation of the exact open campaign on my VIN and a timely, free remedy as required by federal law. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11742908June 9, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER
During the second day of ownership I was driving with no vehicles in front of me and only oncoming traffic, and I heard a loud cracking sound from the windshield. It did not sound like something impacted the windshield, and I did not see any object coming toward the vehicle. Two parallel cracks immediately developed in the windshield beginning from the headliner directly in front of the driver's seat, and they spread down toward the dash approximately 4", then the cracks turned, remaining parallel, and spread horizontally toward the passenger side of the vehicle. The lower crack stopped, while the upper crack spread the following day to the rearview mirror assembly. Dealership determined it to be caused by impact, but the manner in which the crack spread and the path it took suggests improper windshield installation from the factory and improper tension on the glass, perhaps from a faulty or improperly installed windshield clip. BMW online forums suggest many customers are having identical problems with windshield tension cracking on this generation of the X3, complete with narratives and photographs.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11742602June 7, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Car suffered a complete electrical failure when stopped at a traffic light. No warnings on dash, wipers made one swipe then vehicle completely shut down. Hazards did not work. Car was towed to dealership
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11742130June 4, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owns a 2024 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH, attempting to park the vehicle in the park the vehicle, while depressing the brake pedal the vehicle unintendedly accelerated independently causing the vehicle to drove over the curb and the contact mention due to the impact the rear passenger tire was damaged and before the brake pedal she could hear the vehicle began to decelerate independently and while depressing the brake pedal with her left foot . No warnings light illuminated A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where they inspected the vehicle, and they informed the consumer there was no failure. The contact mention that this failure had occurred on two different occasions. The manufacturer was notified of the failure offered no assistance and denied helping the consumer. The approximate failure mileage was 17,903.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11741989June 4, 2026
ENGINE
car starts emitting white smoke with plastic burning smell inside car and outside. no notifications on dash board before this happens therefore emitting this white smoke into car which we are subjected to inhaling further
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11741742June 3, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2021 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V636000(ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced the failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11741729June 3, 2026
ENGINE
Explosion, fires while the vehicle was off and parked
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11740409May 27, 2026
SEATS
The driver's seat frame is loose, it has a play and a when accelerating or reducing speeds. The frames produce a click and some noise is heard coming from the seat frame when accelerating or reducing speed. I am the original owner of this BMW 2021 X3.at 34,500 miles. as of this date.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11740379May 27, 2026
ENGINE
Filing regarding NHTSA Recalls 25V-636 and 26V-056. My 2021 BMW X3 M40i (VIN: [XXX] , built September 2020) contains the recall-affected starter part number ending in 997 — confirmed by a BMW Level 1 certified technician — not the non-recall part number ending in 505. BMW denied coverage based solely on manufacture date, with no consideration of the actual components installed. My vehicle displays an active fire risk. On April 30, 2026, my dashboard displayed Engine cannot be started, Starter system fault. Call Roadside Assistance, and Repeat start attempt — all photographed and timestamped. Fault codes 216119, 35AE00, and 8040A9 were confirmed by diagnostic scan. BMW of Catonsville (Work Order XXX) attributed the fault to the battery and charged me $280.50. I replaced the battery with a BMW OEM unit on May 13, 2026 at a cost of $590.31. On May 21, 2026, the identical starter fault returned — conclusively disproving the battery diagnosis and confirming the starter as the root cause. BMW denied recall coverage by phone through BMW of Catonsville. No written denial was provided. I am requesting NHTSA investigate whether the recall scope incorrectly excludes vehicles built with the recall-affected starter component, compel BMW to expand coverage to include my VIN, replace my starter at no cost, and reimburse my out-of-pocket costs of $870.81. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11740159May 26, 2026
POWER TRAIN, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
I started to pull forward from a pharmacy drive-through at an intended low speed (approximately10/15 mph) for a right turn onto a driveway. The car was on auto-hold and in drive gear. When I turned right, the vehicle went into a full throttle acceleration and continued until impact. Brakes were totally ineffective. A TWO-LINE BRIGHT YELLOW MESSAGE FLASHED IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, "TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION". There was no automatic braking or forward collision function. I made a hard left turn in about 40 feet to avoid a shopping center parking lot. The vehicle continued until colliding with a concrete filled bollard and an automotive electric charging station. The vehicle charging at this station was also struck. My vehicle fell back, landing on its right side. The driver's airbag and both side curtains deployed. I was left suspended in the seat belt until the Fire Department, Emergency Services and the Highway Patrol arrived. A Jaws of Life was used to open the sunroof and extract me. I was transported by ambulance to an emergency treatment center. I was examined there and imaging done. I sustained a ruptured tendon in the middle right finger (permanent damage) and sagittal band ruptures in two fingers on that hand. There were numerous scrapes and bruises on the left thigh, both forearms and hands as well as minor cuts on my forehead. Also, post -accident, I experienced neck pain and overall soreness for several days due to whiplash. The Event Data Recorder was unattainable as insurance paid the claim for the totaled car within one week and assumed ownership. According to the salvage yard, it was sold shortly thereafter. Refer to NHTSA ID number 11659896 for this issue with another 2024 BMW x3 Photos to accompany complaint will be sent by email with VIN #
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11739686May 23, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
regarding my 2022 BMW X3 due to ongoing issues involving low coolant warnings, coolant leaking, and repeated cooling system problems shortly after reaching approximately 55,000 miles. My vehicle began displaying “low coolant” warnings and has required frequent coolant refills despite normal driving conditions and regular maintenance.the vehicle appears to have an active coolant leak and ongoing cooling system malfunction that has not been permanently resolved.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11739574May 22, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Subject: Supplemental Evidence for Existing NHTSA Complaint / ODI #11711973 I am submitting supplemental safety information for my existing NHTSA vehicle safety complaint, ODI #11711973, involving my 2025 BMW X3, VIN [XXX] . Since filing, I had an additional BMW of Sterling visit/repair estimate dated April 22, 2026, mileage 17,628, RO #[XXX]. The dealer documented additional concerns including rough acceleration/jerking during the first drive of the day, intermittent A/C not blowing cold air and randomly blowing warm air, tire/wear concerns, left rear tire tread/screw concern, rear tires worn to 3mm, and alignment recommendation. This information supplements my existing complaint involving repeated unresolved safety/electrical/system concerns, including steering/safety concerns, driver-assistance/cruise-control malfunction, tire-pressure/tire-detection issues, key/door/alarm detection issues, HVAC/defrost malfunction, and unintended movement/self-activation concerns. Please add this information and the attached repair estimate/photos/videos to ODI #11711973. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11739418May 21, 2026
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The oil filter housing failed and needed to be replaced due to be leaking coolant.. after changed that the failure of the water pump started to failed and engine started to spike high temperatures..
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11737897May 14, 2026
ENGINE
The oil pump is exhibiting erratic oil pressure behavior, verified by certified BMW technicians. This behavior has been documented by BMW to indicate that the oil pump can fail without warning, leading to an Uncommanded Loss of Propulsion Angle. The sudden and unexpected loss of power-assisted steering and braking, when the engine stalls in active traffic, can lead to death of the occupants or other drivers that the uncommanded automobile may collide with. Additionally, the thermoplastics in the oil pump component tend to shatter during cold starts, leaving occupants stranded in cold weather, and again, potentially leading to death. BMW is aware of this safety concern but is not offering a remedy at this time.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11737666May 13, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2023 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V056000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11737643May 13, 2026
ENGINE
Oil Filter Housing leak confirmed on my 2022 BMW X3 M40i. My current odomoter reading is at 47K miles and I was told that I could have a catastrophic failure of my engine if not repaired. I am several weeks out of my warranty expiration date and am frustrated that BMW won't honor a warranty claim for an issue known to take a long time to find symptons before being able to fix.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11737246May 12, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING, VISIBILITY/WIPER
The headlights have a shadow half way down the windshield making it very difficult to see at night. We don't feel safe driving when it is dark out. We took it to the dealer the end of January they saw what we were talking about. One of the foreman drove it home at night. He saw what we were talking about but gave no solutions. We took it in again the shop foreman adjusted the headlights up. We drove it at night. The adjustment did not help. I have been in contact with BMW of North America. They have offered no solution.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736492May 8, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE
The contact's husband owns a 2025 BMW X3. The contact stated that on multiple occasions while retrieving items out of the vehicle's liftgate, the liftgate door would independently shut while an individual was there. The contact stated that on one occasion, the liftgate door had pinned her against the vehicle and the contact used excessive force to open the liftgate. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer on three separate occasion; however, they failed to duplicate the failure after each visit. The contact stated that she fears using the vehicle due to the liftgate failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact made multiple attempts to reach the manufacturer; however, both the contact and the manufacturer repeatedly missed each others phone calls. The contact eventually sent an email to the manufacturer; the contact had yet to receive a response to his email. The failure mileage was 1,500.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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