2021-2023 BMW X3/X4 A-Pillar Knocking Noise TSB
Owners of 2021-2023 BMW X3 and X4 vehicles may experience a knocking noise emanating from the passenger side front A-pillar, particularly when driving over uneven pavement or cobblestones. This issue is documented in NHTSA Manufacturer Communication 10242699.

Si applica anche a
- BMW X3
- 2022–2023
- BMW X4
- 2021–2023
Symptoms
Owners of 2021-2023 BMW X3 and X4 vehicles may notice a distinct BMW X3 knocking noise coming from the passenger side front area, specifically the A-pillar. This noise is typically described as a knocking sound.
Diagnosis / Trigger Conditions
The BMW X3 knocking noise is primarily triggered by specific driving conditions. It is most noticeable when the vehicle is driven over uneven pavement or cobblestones. The noise tends to disappear once the vehicle transitions to a flat, even surface.
This condition affects components related to the vehicle's visibility systems, including the windshield wiper/washer, the windshield itself, and the surrounding structure.
Repair Procedure Summary
NHTSA Manufacturer Communication 10242699 identifies and describes the condition of a BMW X3 knocking noise from the A-pillar. However, the provided summary of this communication does not detail a specific repair procedure or recommended fix for this issue. It primarily serves to document the reported symptom and its trigger conditions.
Owner Action
If your 2021-2023 BMW X3 or X4 is experiencing a BMW X3 knocking noise from the passenger side front A-pillar, particularly over uneven surfaces, it is recommended to contact your authorized BMW dealership. While a specific repair is not outlined in this communication, the dealership can diagnose the issue and determine the appropriate course of action based on the manufacturer's latest service bulletins and technical guidance.
Source: NHTSA Manufacturer Communication 10242699
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.
Visibility and Structure, the system this article covers, accounts for 143 of 2,295 complaints (6%), including 12 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 visibility and structure
The sunroof glass spontaneously shattered while the vehicle was in motion. There were no weather events, debris, or damage to the sunroof prior to the incident. The panoramic moonroof behind the sunroof remained intact.
Read owner complaints →The contact owns a 2021 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V534000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted.
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.
Related Articles
2021 BMW X3 / X4 Active PDC Undesired Braking TSB
BMW has released Service Information Bulletin SIB 66 17 19 to address an issue where 2021 BMW X3 and X4 vehicles may experience undesired braking when reversing on an incline with Active Park Distance Control (PDC) engaged. This TSB outlines a software correction for the PDC control unit.
2021 BMW X3/X4 Knee Airbag Wiring Harness Extended Warranty
BMW has announced an extended limited warranty for the knee airbag wiring harness in certain 2021 BMW X3 and X4 vehicles. This extension addresses potential chafing issues that can lead to airbag warning lights and specific fault codes, covering repairs for 10 years or 120,000 miles.
2021-2022 BMW X3 Rear Cargo Rails Delivery Stop
BMW has issued a Delivery Stop, SIB 51 28 24, for certain 2021-2022 BMW X3 models (F97, G01) due to an insecure screw connection for the rear cargo rail bolts. This affects vehicles previously subject to Recall 24V-534. Dealers are instructed not to deliver or sell affected vehicles until repaired.
2021-2024 BMW M Front Strut Noise TSB 31 01 24
BMW has issued Service Information Bulletin 31 01 24 for 2021-2024 M models (X3, X4, M2, M3, M4) addressing a 'cracking or clicking type noise' from the front struts. This bulletin clarifies that the noise is a normal operating sound of the thrust bearing and does not require parts replacement.
2018-2021 BMW X3/X4 Knee Air Bag Wiring Harness Repair
BMW SIB 65 01 22 details a repair for knee airbag warning lights and fault codes (930949, 93094F, 93094C, 930952) in 2018-2021 BMW X3 and X4 models. The issue stems from chafed wiring harnesses. This bulletin outlines the diagnostic and repair steps.
Leave a comment
Comments are moderated and may take a moment to appear. Only your first name and the initial of your last name are shown publicly.
Comments
Be the first to comment.