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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.

ByAhmet Topcu — Founder & Editor-in-ChiefAutomated summary2021 BMW X3
2021 BMW X3 — BMW X3 knocking noise
Editorial illustration generated for this article.
BMW X3 knocking noiseBMW X4 knocking noiseknocking noise from the passenger side front area (A pillar)NHTSA ID 10242699BMW X3 A-pillar noiseBMW X4 A-pillar noiseBMW X3 uneven pavement noiseBMW X4 cobblestone noiseBMW X3 windshield noiseBMW X4 windshield wiper noise
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

Model years with the most complaints for the BMW X3
2004138
2006143
2007258
2008122
2011126
2013226
2015105
2019171
2020110
2021113

Most-reported systems

  1. Engine — 494
  2. Electrical System — 450
  3. Air Bags — 404
  4. Power Train — 247
  5. 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)
All 2021 recalls →

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.

2021 BMW X3 owner, Dec 2025

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.

2021 BMW X3 owner, Jan 2025
Read owner complaints →

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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