2021 BMW X3 Daytime Running Light Dim or Discolored
A manufacturer communication, NHTSA ID 10186226, addresses a common issue in 2021 BMW X3 and other models where the daytime running lights appear dim or discolored. This problem stems from a damaged connection between the LED module and the light tube inside the headlight assembly.
Si applica anche a
- BMW 530e
- 2021
- BMW 530i
- 2021
- BMW 540i
- 2021
- BMW 740i
- 2021
- BMW M550i
- 2021
- BMW M760i
- 2021
- BMW X4
- 2021
- BMW X5
- 2021
- BMW X6
- 2021
- BMW X7
- 2021
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Symptoms
Owners of certain 2021 BMW models, including the X3, may notice that one or more of their LED daytime running lights (DRL) are dim or appear discolored. This issue affects the visibility and aesthetic of the vehicle's front lighting.
Diagnosis / Trigger Conditions
The root cause for the BMW X3 daytime running light dim or discolored appearance has been identified. The problem lies within the headlight assembly itself. Specifically, the connection between the LED module and the light tube inside the headlight becomes damaged, leading to the observed lighting malfunction.
Owner Action
If you observe your 2021 BMW X3 daytime running light dim or discolored, it is recommended to contact your authorized BMW dealership. They can diagnose the specific issue and perform the necessary repairs. Since this is a known issue addressed by a manufacturer communication (NHTSA ID 10186226), the dealership will be aware of the underlying cause and appropriate corrective actions.
Source: NHTSA ID: 10186226
What BMW X3 owners report
Counted from the records in our database across 23 model years.
- 2,295
- Owner complaints
- 64
- Recalls
- 1,126
- Service bulletins
- 114
- Crashes reported
- 133
- Fires reported
- 118
- Injuries reported
The 2021 model year
113 complaints, the 8th most of 23 model years on file. Owners reported 5 crashes, 2 fires and 2 injuries for this year, which also has 10 recalls on file.
Exterior Lighting, the system this article covers, accounts for 60 of 2,295 complaints (3%), including 5 for 2021.
Complaints by model year
| 2004 | 138 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 143 | |
| 2007 | 258 | |
| 2008 | 122 | |
| 2011 | 126 | |
| 2013 | 226 | |
| 2015 | 105 | |
| 2019 | 171 | |
| 2020 | 110 | |
| 2021 | 113 |
Most-reported systems
- Engine — 494
- Electrical System — 450
- Air Bags — 404
- Power Train — 247
- Seats — 218
Latest recalls for the 2021 model year
- 26V056000 — Electrical System (Jan 2026)
- 25V636000 — Electrical System (Sep 2025) — Park outside
- 24V764000 — Structure (Oct 2024)
Recent owner reports about exterior lighting
The headlights will turn on and off irregularly without any drastic changes in outside lighting conditions while set in the Auto setting. No controls will be touched and the lights will turn on and off completely by themselves.
Read owner complaints →The passenger side daylight running light stopped functioning. I called BMW dealership while it was still under warranty and was told that if it was simply a light needing replacement it would be $500.
Complaints are owner reports filed with NHTSA. They are unverified, and counts depend on how many vehicles were sold, so they are not a failure rate.
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