BMW X3 Complaints

271 consumer complaints on file.

#11677606July 31, 2025
TIRES
Subject: Tire Safety Concern – BMW OEM Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season (UTQG 500) 245 50 R19 I am writing to raise a serious vehicle safety concern involving the BMW OEM Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season tires that came factory-installed on my leased 2022 BMW X3. These tires are labeled with a UTQG 500 treadwear rating, which typically implies a lifespan of 40,000 to 50,000 miles. Yet, all four of my tires were found to be severely worn and unsafe at just 23,456 miles. More troubling, I began experiencing significant handling and traction issues as early as 18,000 miles. During normal driving—without aggressive braking, cornering, or high-speed use—the car exhibited: Hydroplaning in moderate rain Slipping and sliding under light acceleration Noticeable vibration and poor stability on dry roads These symptoms were initially confusing until a routine service appointment at Motorwerks BMW in Bloomington, MN revealed that all four tires were nearly bald and posed a safety risk. The dealership confirmed the tread depth was between 1 and 2 mm—well below the safe limit—and told me, alarmingly, that this level of premature failure is typical for this tire. This raises two critical safety issues: The tires were functionally unsafe well before 20,000 miles, long before I was aware of the degradation. The UTQG 500 label creates a false sense of security. A consumer would not expect traction loss or hydroplaning risks within the first 18,000–20,000 miles of normal use from a 500-rated tire. I have since learned that this OEM tire, while labeled identically to the Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season Plus sold at retail, is actually a different tire made specifically for BMW. It carries no treadwear warranty, despite its 500 label, and reportedly has never been separately tested to confirm its rating. Both BMW and Pirelli have pointed fingers at each other, offering no solution or responsibility—leaving consumers with unsafe tires and no remedy. I urge NHTSA to investigate this issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11676680July 28, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The windshield on my BMW X3 has cracked 3 times and required replacement each time, in the past 3 years. I have owned it 4-1/2 years and driven it less than 35,000 miles. I have only had 3 other cracked windshields in the 58 years I have been driving so I am suspicious about the quality of the BMW glass.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11671969July 8, 2025
AIR BAGS
The contact owned a 2021 BMW X3. The contact stated while parked and occupied in the vehicle, while shifting the gear shift into park, the vehicle accelerated independently and collided with a Tesla occupied by a mom and daughter, which was in front of her. The contact mentioned that the Tesla collided with another vehicle. The vehicle then reversed independently at a high speed and then accelerated again, and collided a second time with the Tesla and then into a BMW several times. The contact, while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. After accelerating independently, the vehicle came to a complete stop. The contact stated that no air bags deployed. The vehicle was towed was B&D Towing, and the vehicle was then towed to Copart. The contact sustained an injury in her lower back. The contact mentioned the doctor informed her that she sustained whiplash as well. No medical attention was required. No police report was filed. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The contact mentioned that the seat belt had retracted during the impact. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and they informed her that they would send someone from BMW to inspect the vehicle. The approximate failure mileage was 57,303.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11671753July 7, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
It has been a long time since this safety recall was issued on this vehicle. I keep getting notices from BMW of Clear Lake at 15943 Gulf Freeway to schedule the vehicle for the recall repair, but when I call to schedule I am told that BMW international has not yet made and released the parts to this dealer/service center. I am filing this online complaint as the original safety notice directs, since this safety issue is not being fixed in a timely manner. It should not take this long to implement the repair for this safety issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11670970July 3, 2025
STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:DASHBOARD, VISIBILITY/WIPER, VISIBILITY:REAR WINDOW WIPER/WASHER
See attached document for complaint.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11670316June 30, 2025
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Per the manufacturer, the car requires an oil change every 10,000 miles. However, the engine has a known defect to the manufacturer so that the car only makes it to about 6000 miles before you have to do an oil change. And sometimes the car doesn’t alert you. So your engine could possibly burn up and catch fire. Also, it’s a known issue to them that the back up camera malfunctions suddenly. So it’s really like you don’t have a back up camera at all.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11669573June 26, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
My accident on [XXX] with my 2025 BMW X3 VIN [XXX] was avoidable and caused by either failure in design, or in execution in two BMW systems, I'll discuss rear emergency braking here. Pictures and videos (even one of the crash) can be downloaded here: [XXX] . I was driving the car in what I believe to be an assisted parking situation, but the car did not follow the assisted path. I've filled out a safety report on that already. According to page 172 of BMW’s 416 page manual, there is a rear collision mitigation function with audible, visual, and autonomous braking. The system provided no warning of any kind—not audible, visual, or any braking whatsoever to avoid this accident. My husband had installed a trailer hitch on this vehicle. That involved removal of the bumper fascia that houses some sensors that may be involved in rear autonomous braking. However, my husband reports that the fascia was removed and replaced without incident and in exactly the same location as it originally was. We never experienced any error codes of any kind from the vehicle at any time and these sensors were working during parking to note proximity to other vehicles. There is nothing in the owner's manual to indicate any issues with removing the bumper when installing a hitch. The trailer hitch was purchased from [XXX] and they have 2 videos regarding hitch installation on the 2025 BMW X3 and my husband says he installed it consistent with these videos, as well as the PDF from the hitch manufacturer. None note having to readjust the safety system after installation of the hitch. BMW has not specifically claimed that the trailer hitch was involved, but did note that it was installed. They are involved in assessing this accident. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11669566June 26, 2025
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
My accident on [XXX] with my 2025 BMW X3 VIN [XXX] was avoidable and caused by either failure in design, or in execution in two BMW systems, I'll discuss parking assist here. Pictures and videos (even one of the crash) can be downloaded here: [XXX] Prior to the accident my husband set a backing up path “Home 1” within the BMW parking assist program for me to follow to align the car when backing into our driveway. This takes over braking and steering to move the car on a predetermined path and stops at the end. I have successfully used it many times. It shows up as an option when backing near the top of our driveway. In the video of the crash ([XXX]), the car turns into the driveway, slows to a rolling stop, and then continues back and crashes. I pressed the “Start Home 1” icon to enable it when I thought the car was stopped but retrospectively was likely rolling very slowly at the top of the driveway. The icon showed me the “Home 1” path as being accepted by changing from “Start Home 1” to “Cancel Home 1” thus I believed the car was following the “Home 1” path, but the car evidently did not actually engage “Home 1.” My husband's investigation shows that this happens if the car is not fully stopped, even while the brake pedal is pressed, while pressing the “Start Home 1” button. This behavior is documented in the mp4 ([XXX]). I thought that “Home 1” was engaged and the car following the predetermined path, even though in retrospect, it was not. Evidently, the car was rolling backward in reverse on a downgrade NOT following the "Home 1" path. The car gave me the opportunity to cancel the "Home 1" path even though the car wasn't following it! By the time I saw the car was not stopping, I pressed the brake pedal hard, but it was too late to avoid the car hitting our house, damaging car and house. BMW has the car and is investigating. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11667229June 16, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
We have had 3 windshields crack in exactly the same spot with little or no signs of impact. The first incident we heard something impact the windshield and within 1/2 hour a crack developed at the top of the windshield and spread straight down to the base. The second no impact was heard but the crack showed the same pattern as the first. The third time there was a slight impact sound, the crack began showing 5 days later. These are all OEM windshields, the dealer says there have been no other reports like this.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11664529June 3, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2025 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V202000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11663898May 30, 2025
EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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. At the next oil change I had a diagnostic test done and was told that the modules for both daylight running lights had overheated and melted and that a headlight also would need replacement. The cost of this was quoted at $4,200. This is a huge safety concern as this could easily cause an electrical fire. BMW was contacted and refused to cover the cost as it was 2000 miles out of warranty when the oil was changed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11663514May 28, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The digital instrument cluster that displays the speedometer and other information will occasionally not illuminate when the car is started leaving the driver unable to know how fast they are going. This is so dangerous. This has happened to me at least 4 times in the past 6 months
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11663080May 27, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
On May 26, 2025, after I arrived home and parked my 2025 BMW X3, the vehicle caught fire approximately 30 minutes later. The fire started due to a known recall issue (NHTSA Recall No. 25V202) related to the electrical/starter-generator connection, which can cause overheating and fire. I contacted BMW multiple times before the incident — on April 19, May 9, and May 25 — requesting help to fix the open recall, but they failed to take action. The fire was sudden and violent, putting my life and property at risk. Firefighters and police responded; case number: 25/200048976. I filed a claim with Progressive Insurance and have photos and documentation available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11662310May 21, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
Vehicle: 2022 BMW X3 sDrive VIN: [XXX] Incident Date: [XXX] A BMW dealership technician discovered that the rear radar sensor (used for blind spot detection) was misaligned due to impact damage behind the bumper. The inspection notes stated "fault present 35 times" and showed missing screws and signs of prior repair. These safety features are critical to safe lane changes and accident prevention. The vehicle was sold as Certified Pre-Owned, and the dealership never disclosed this safety-related defect. This raises serious questions about whether the vehicle had been in a prior collision and whether the blind spot safety system is fully functional or properly calibrated. The dealership later claimed the vehicle was repaired but refused to provide documentation. I have no way to verify the sensor was ever fixed to federal safety standards 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
#11659896May 9, 2025
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL, AIR BAGS
The contact owned a 2024 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH and turning right, the vehicle unintentionally continued accelerating and veering to the right. The contact stated that she had depressed the brake pedal, but the brakes did not respond. The contact stated that the vehicle jumped the curb, the contact was not able to steer the vehicle back onto the roadway because the steering wheel was seized. The contact stated that the vehicle hit a traffic sign and side-swiped a street light pole. The contact stated that the vehicle then crashed into a parked vehicle head-on and stopped. The contact stated that the air bags had not deployed during the front-end collision. The contact stated that the police and emergency services had arrived. The contact was transported to a hospital, and the police issued a report. The contact stated that she had bruises on her chest, ribs, both arms, and wrists. The contact also had a whiplash injury to her neck. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot, and a total loss was declared. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 17,000.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11659861May 8, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Constant emergency braking when I’m not near another vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11659179May 6, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
On April 26, 2025, while driving my 2022 BMW X3, the vehicle suddenly emitted smoke and caught fire. Fortunately, all five passengers, including myself, were able to exit the car before it became fully engulfed in flames. The car was destroyed and is a total loss. The BMW app later displayed a “drivetrain malfunction” message, which did not appear until after the fire had already started. The vehicle was still under the manufacturer’s 48-month new vehicle warranty and had no open recalls at the time. Routine maintenance and service had been performed at authorized BMW dealerships. I am concerned this fire may have resulted from a manufacturing defect, especially in light of similar reports and recalls involving fuel rail cracks or leakage in this model/year. No injuries were sustained, but this was a terrifying and traumatic incident, and I am now left with significant financial loss. What I am requesting: I ask that NHTSA investigate whether this fire was caused by a manufacturing defect common to the 2022 BMW X3 and whether a broader recall or corrective action is warranted
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11659071May 5, 2025
ENGINE
BMW b58 engines have been having issues with oil pumps, common symptoms are the oil level not being able complete above 20%. Which indicates a failing oil pump upon a lot of research it’s a very common issue b58 owners know about, many report having seized engines, low oil pressure warning lights. Lots of complaints have been opened with bmw, with bmws response being to replace oil pump. I have this issue on my car and now have to look into getting the oil pump replaced
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11657796April 30, 2025
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
The contact owns a 2024 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V106000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11657070April 27, 2025
STEERING
When parking, parked or when I put it in drive and turn the wheel to drive off turning Steering wheel there is a deep gridding noise. Comment: This could be due to issues with the steering wheel assembly, suspension component, a sign of manufactory defects in the bearings, bushings, or other parts of the steering system. Driving with this noise that appears only when using the Steering System can put additional stress on other components and potentially lead to more significant damage and is a consistent Safety concern. For this issue the car had 3 service visits and continuous the same problem. Dealer Service said they try fix it changing tie rods but they are no sure solve the issue .
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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