BMW X3 Complaints (2018)

76 consumer complaints on file.

#11615038September 17, 2024
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2017 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System) 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 stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact observed that the temperature warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over and waited more than 30 minutes for the engine to cool down and was able to restart the vehicle. The contact had to stop again when the engine temperature warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that there was an electrical failure with the windows lowering independently, and the door locks locking and unlocking independently. The contact stated that the heater was no longer functioning as designed. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11610210August 22, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
January 15, 2021 our BMW burned to the ground. I had just picked it up after an oil change at the dealership. Only the second oil change and the SUV had less than 17,000 miles. My safety was certainly at risk as I was stopped at a red light when the engine started smoking. I exited the car, but within 1-2 minutes the car was engulfed in flames. Several pieces flew off the SUV was tires popped or other components exploded. People in the area were near the SUV when pieces flew off the car. I am sure by now the car has been destroyed. Until I saw a recent BMW car fire recall and read the documents I did not know I had the ability to file a claim. We submitted an insurance claim and they investigated and the dealer investigated. The dealer was found to not be at fault. To my knowledge the insurance investigator and the dealer (BMW of Portland) inspected the car. Warning lights appeared on the dash one traffic light, about one mile prior to the vehicle dying at the light where it caught fire. The warning lights came at the same time the vehicle died. I was able to start it again and then it died a the next light and started smoking. Also important is that I just saw the recent BMW fire potential recall that does not include the X3 in the 2018 model year, but does include the 2017 model year. NHTSA recall # 24V-608. We were paid a significantly diminished value for the vehicle based on depreciation, which meant we were out $10-$12,000 on a vehicle we had planned to keep for a very long time.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11608576August 14, 2024
AIR BAGS, SEATS
Passneger occupancy sensor keeps failing due to a known issue with BMW X3 G01. Seat wiring circuit keeps experiencing electrical problems and failing to detect passenger. This can lead to airbags not deploying in the event of collision. Third time the issue has been repaired and customer was responsible for almost $1200 in costs
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11606354August 4, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The sos antenna in our x3 had a leak around the seal due to a poor design. Over time the tcb got corroded and caused an sos system malfunction. I have researched other cases in which a malfunction had not popped up, but still replicated the same issues as with the warning. Part of the module is the automatic sos help, if one were to get into an accident and rely on this system not realizing it was faulty, it could result in much slower response times if said person were unable to access a phone able to call proper emergency response teams.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11591193May 29, 2024
SUSPENSION
While reversing heard a clanking noise (like a heavy wrench falling off from few feet). Came out and checked and found a broken piece of suspension coil spring near the front left wheel. Checked the inner portion of the coil with hand and felt uneven surface on the lower part of the coil similar to the unevenness on the broken part. Remaining coil is still hard to move and seems to be in place. Car is only 6 yrs old and driven for less than 35k miles. Asked around with local shops and they say with this age and miles it should not crack like this and could be a quality issue. No rust is visible and remaining part of coil looks intact. Please check photo as well.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11575803March 6, 2024
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2018 BMW X3. The contact stated while his wife was driving 65 MPH, a message advising to stop driving was displayed, and the vehicle simultaneously shifted into neutral(N) independently. The vehicle stalled in the middle of the highway and failed to respond while depressing the accelerator pedal. The message advising to drive with caution was displayed after several minutes, and the contact was able to continue driving upon depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was then towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that coolant was leaking from a hose. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that excessive engine temperature could have damaged the cylinder head and the rod bearings. The dealer recommended replacing the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that his son-in-law then towed the vehicle to another facility, where the vehicle was diagnosed by a mechanic; however, no engine failure or coolant leak were found. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 152,942.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11573659February 23, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2018 BMW X3 M40i - after the car was washed in a car wash, the tailgate started opening and closing on its own. Would open all the way up, wait a few seconds then close all the way down and lock itself. It happened about 20 times until it stopped on its own. This started immediately after the car was parked in the garage. Did not happen while driving. The button on the remote control was not pressed at all. The tailgate would beep and flash the taillights when opening and closing.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11572318February 16, 2024
ENGINE
The oil filter housing, which is made of plastic, cracked while the vehicle was running on the highway, leading to sudden loss of the all the coolant and engine overheating.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11539024August 16, 2023
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Something is wrong with the BMW OEM windshields with HUD. I have had to completely replace 3 in 5 years. In between replacements have had Safeliite try and fill pits in it. My last windshield lasted 21 days before cracking on the side at the very edge. I was driving and the road construction had very uneven lane heights so the car was higher on the passenger side. All of the sudden I heard a crack. The was not rock or debris that hit the windshield. There have been lots of complaints about the BMW windshields with HUD especially the X series SUV’s. People are saying softer glass. All I know is this is dangerous and BMW is up charging for replacement windshields if you don’t have insurance or a warranty. The cost is in the thousands for the replacement. I’ve never had a car that had such issues with the windshield being damaged so easily and or faulty glass. My last windshield replacement was 6/29/23, cracked 7/20/23
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11534844July 27, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The trunk on the vehicle can be opened while on the freeway. If you bump the trunk open switch or key fob button the trunk will open even when the car is in motion leading to personal belongings being thrown all over the road. This is a massive issue that should have been caught and fixed immediately.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11533203July 19, 2023
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
Rear camera is malfunctioning. It blinks and then goes black.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11522928May 19, 2023
STRUCTURE:BODY
I am writing to report a potential safety problem with my 2018 BMW X3, VIN: (provide VIN here if available), that was purchased in May 2018 and has covered 36,000 miles since then. The vehicle has always been garaged and well-maintained. A few weeks ago, I experienced a critical malfunction with the vehicle's moonroof. I opened it normally, but it failed to close afterwards. I should note that this was merely the 4th or 5th time I have ever operated the moonroof since the car was purchased. As of now, the moonroof remains in the open position unable to close it even manually. With summer on the horizon, the interior of the car is exposed to direct sunlight and increasing temperatures. This situation raises significant concerns for my family, particularly the potential health risks to my 7-year-old daughter due to prolonged exposure to excessive heat and sunlight. Upon experiencing this issue, I contacted the service department for troubleshooting. The technicians diagnosed the issue as a problem with the interior sunshade motor, an electrical issue that necessitates a labor-intensive process to fix, including the removal of the vehicle's headliner. Subsequently, I reached out to BMW North America, seeking support and resolution for this significant malfunction. To my disappointment, they declined to acknowledge the problem or offer any assistance towards remediation. This response was unexpected and unsatisfactory, considering the potential health risks and safety concerns the malfunctioning moonroof poses to occupants of the vehicle. I respectfully request your department to investigate this matter and take appropriate action to protect the safety and wellbeing of consumers who may be dealing with similar issues. This may well represent a widespread manufacturing defect that could affect numerous vehicles of the same make and model, thereby posing substantial risks to a large number of people. Thank you for your attention to this matter. The contact stated that the manufacturer initially told them that th
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11500667January 8, 2023
STEERING, SUSPENSION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
First Failure 3/22- Vehicle makes clanking/rattling of metal sound when going over bumps. Sound is felt near driver caliper and rattles. Can be felt in steering. 4/22 Vehicle is taken to BMW for inspection; needed to come back as they couldn't figure it out. 5/22 Vehicle sound is replicated by BMW dealer service center. I have not received any warning messages or lights prior. Current lights that stay lit longer than usual are the assisted driving and the hazard. This has been since the power failure however. Vehicle has been out of service for a collective 150+ days this year. No remedy to to issue. 11/22 Car broke down again on the highway; extreme shaking, bouncing, loose and uncontrolled steering. 12/22 Car back in service and immediate rattle under front driver's side, loose steering and wobbly tires. Electrical failure, no start and all dash lights glowing. (possible battery issue). 1/23 Car is back to BMW for further inspection. No information yet I believe safety and others is at risk because there have been two times that I was driving and the car felt that is was not controllable. The BMW service center has had it in their garage 5 occasions without remedy. One certified mechanic has been unable to diagnose as well. Parts repaired: Struts, Guides, Swing Arm/Sway, Both front lower control arms, tires and drivers side CV axle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11488781October 11, 2022
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
The contact owns a 2018 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the forward collision avoidance feature would be active without incident. The contact stated that both the warning chime would sound and a red alert warning light would appear on the instrument panel during the failure. The contact also stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle came to an abrupt stop as the forward avoidance collision feature activated. The contact stated that both vehicles were more than a vehicle's distance apart and that the feature should not have been activated. The dealer was notified about the failure and informed her that they were aware of the matter; the contact was then given an appointment for a diagnostic. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. The contact stated that the failure mileage was 13,600.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11475035July 20, 2022
ENGINE
* Components: Per dealership, Heat exchanger (metal) and oil filter housing (plastic), oil filter housing supports the heat exchanger, vehicle inspected by dealership and available for further inspection. *Vehicle unexpectedly overheated while driving on interstate risking the safety of driver/passengers and others. Dealer's (manufacturer) technician stated that the heat from the metal exchanger warped the plastic oil filter housing causing coolant to leak from heat exchanger, thus not allowing coolant to circulate to engine (leaking out) and causing vehicle to overheat. Metal warping (or potentially melting) plastic seems hazardous *Dealer's technician (manufacturer) inspected and identified the problem and quoted a cost of $3,140.80 to repair (this is seemingly a manufacturer's design flaw). Vehicle's warning system displayed an alert that coolant level was low while driving on interstate and recommended adding coolant soon. Driver pulled over within 5 min of warning light and added coolant. Within 5 min of driving away, Vehicle's onboard warning system displayed warning that vehicle coolant was low and engine temperature was elevated but it was safe to drive a low speed and consult nearest dealership, 2 min afterwards, vehicle alerted driver that engine overheated and to stop vehicle and contact nearest dealership. Vehicle towed to nearest dealership.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11469022June 13, 2022
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2018 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal went to the floorboard while depressed; however, the brakes failed to stop the vehicle. The contact was able to steer the vehicle into a gas station before the vehicle came to a complete stop. Car’s computer failed to indicate there were any hazardous issues nor dangerous concerns. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with brake master cylinder failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11403480March 17, 2021
STRUCTURE:BODY
THE VEHICLE'S REAR LIFTGATE HAS OPENED RANDOMLY SEVERAL TIMES WITHOUT NOTICE OR WITHOUT INPUT FROM THE USER. THE FIRST INCIDENT WAS WHEN BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT, THE REAR LIFTGATE OPENED SUDDENLY. THIS IS CONCERNING BECAUSE IT WAS A BUSY PARKING LOT AND OUR DOG WAS IN THE CAR AND BEGAN TO JUMP OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND COULD HAVE JUMPED INTO MOVING TRAFFIC. ANOTHER INCIDENT OCCURRED IN OUR DRIVEWAY WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND UNLOCKED AND UNOCCUPIED. WE NOTICED THAT THE HATCH HAD OPENED BY ITSELF AT SOME POINT WITHOUT ANY INPUT FROM ANYONE. I DO NOT WANT TO WAIT FOR AN ADDITIONAL INCIDENT TO OCCUR WHICH COULD LEAD TO THE INJURY OR DEATH OF AN OCCUPANT, HUMAN OR OTHERWISE. OUR VEHICLE IS OUTFITTED WITH A FACTOR TOW HITCH SO WE BELIEVE THAT THE CAR DOES NOT HAVE THE CAPABILITY OF HANDS-FREE LIFTGATE OPENING WITH A 'KICK' MOTION. WE DO NOT KNOW IF THE SENSORS FOR THIS FEATURE ARE STILL INSTALLED BUT DISABLED AND/OR IF THEY BECAME ENABLED BY MISTAKE THROUGH A SOFTWARE UPDATE AT THE DEALERSHIP.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11387846January 13, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH THE ELECTRONIC DASHBOARD COMPLETELY SHUT OFF. IT RESTARTED ITSELF AFTER SOME 30 SECONDS. WHEN IT REAPPEARS IT DOES NOT SHOW CORRECT SPEED, IT STARTS AT 0 AND WORKS ITS WAY UP TO THE CORRECT SPEED. I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO GET A PICTURE OF THE DASHBOARD AS IT HAS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS THIS CAR HAD PREVIOUS DASHBOARD PROBLEMS WITH THE DASH SLIDING TO THE LEFT. THIS WAS BROUGHT TO THE DEALER FOR CORRECTION. THIS IS DIFFERENT. IT IS A MOMENTARY COMPLETE DASH FAILURE.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11366680October 27, 2020
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DIGITAL IMAGE OF SPEEDOMETER AND TACHOMETER NEEDLES SHIFTED TO THE LEFT MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO ACCURATELY READ THE SPEED OF THE VEHICLE. CONSISTENT WHEN VEHICLE STATIONARY OR IN MOTION; NEEDLE POSITION WOULD CHANGE WHILE IN MOTION AND CHANGING SPEEDS BUT MAJORITY OF "NEEDLE" NOT VISIBLE. DID NOT RESET AFTER RESTARTING THE VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES. DID RESET AFTER A FEW DAYS.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11351328August 26, 2020
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 BMW X3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER HUSBAND WAS DRIVING AT 80 MPH, THE COOLANT LEVEL LOW, DRIVE AT A MODERATE SPEED WARNING MESSAGE HAD APPEARED ON HER INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND CONTINUED TO DRIVE AT A MODERATE SPEED AS ADVISED, SOON AFTER, THE PULL OVER, STOP THE CAR WARNING MESSAGE ALSO ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND HER HUSBAND PROCEEDED AS ADVISED. DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE AUTOMASTER BMW (3328 SHELBURNE RD #3, SHELBURNE, VT 05482). THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY DISCOVERED A COOLANT LEAK AND THAT A PART NEEDED TO BE ORDERED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SAME COOLANT LEVEL WARNING MESSAGE HAD APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT HAD TWICE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO SOUTH SHORE BMW(1040 HINGHAM ST, ROCKLAND, MA 02370) WHERE THEY NEVER DISCOVERED A COOLANT LEAK AND WOULD TOP OFF HER COOLANT LEVELS EACH TIME SHE VISITED THE DEALER FOR THE SAME MATTER. THE DEALER WAS THEN NOTIFIED AGAIN OF THE LATEST FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO NORMAL VEHICLE OPERATION, THEY OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WITH THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE REMAINED IN THE POSSESSION OF THE AUTOMASTER BMW(3328 SHELBURNE RD #3, SHELBURNE, VT 05482) AND HAD YET TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD YET TO BE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 6,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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