2016 BMW X3 Complaints

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE — Filed 07/13/2026

While driving on a two-lane 40 MPH road in the left lane the vehicle suddenly lost power, stopped in traffic, and displayed a transmission warning message. Multiple warning lights were "on" and the car would not restart. Additionally, the vehicle would not come out of "Park." Occupants needed to await police who stopped traffic in order for occupants to be able to exit the vehicle safely. The vehicle was towed to BMW of Atlantic City located at [XXX]. Technician found ground missing at EGS, inspected ground strap on transmission and found it severely corroded. Technician replaced ground strap and vehicle was repaired. Was advised by dealer service department that when this situation occurs, the only way to get the transmission into neutral in an emergency is to disconnect the transmission linkage under the vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL — Filed 06/21/2026

The contact owns a 2016 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle stalled with the drive train warning light illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the high-pressure and the pressure-regulating valves needed to be replaced. The high-pressure fuel pump was replaced three times. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V586000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 98,773.

ENGINE — Filed 03/01/2026

Key Details of BMW EGR Recall: • Affected Models: Primarily 2013-2018 BMW 328d/xDrive, 535d/xDrive, 740Ld, X3 xDrive28d, and X5 XDrive35d. • The Problem: The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may leak coolant internally, which can mix with soot to form flammable deposits, potentially leading to a Fire I was driving and my car started to smoke out of engine compartment I pulled over and waited called my husband and drove it back home. Took it to a shop and they are saying it’s my erg leaking internally and need it replaced along with the intake manifold. I looked up recalls and only the diesel one is on recall for the exact same issue,

STEERING — Filed 01/24/2026

The contact owns a 2016 BMX X3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The RPM was elevated; however, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with Electronic Power Steering Control Unit failure. The contact was informed that the Electronic Power Steering Control Unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised to tow the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the failure was confirmed as an Electronic Power Steering Control Unit failure. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar description; however, the VIN was not under recall. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 12/02/2025

The contact owns a 2016 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair; however, the dealer refused to perform the recall repair and stated that since the vehicle was manufactured in Canada, the recall repair could not be performed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 06/09/2025

The low-pressure fuel temperature/pressure sensor failed internally, causing diesel fuel to intrude via capillary action into the engine wiring harness and ultimately contaminate the Digital Diesel Electronics (DDE) control unit (ECU). The failed components (sensor, harness, DDE) are available for inspection upon request at BMW of Loveland, CO. My safety was put at risk in two primary ways: Engine Stalling Risk: The DDE is the engine control unit. As the fuel contaminated the electrical connections, the engine's reliability was compromised, creating a significant risk of sudden engine stalling while driving in traffic or at high speeds. Fire Hazard: The intrusion of diesel fuel—a combustible fluid—directly into the electrical wiring harness and the DDE created a clear fire hazard. Fuel near active electrical components poses a serious safety risk. Inaccurate Temperature Readings: The EGT (Exhaust Gas Temperature) sensor received incorrect readings due to the DDE/wiring issue, leading to potential engine damage due to excessively high exhaust temperatures. The problem has been confirmed by BMW of Loveland. The Service Director and their technical team identified the root cause in less than one day and confirmed it requires the replacement of the sensor, harness, and DDE. This was also validated by an internal BMW technical support case (TSARA). Gebhardt BMW failed to diagnose the issue correctly over three prior attempts starting in June 2023 through Aug 2025. Prior symptoms appeared over a period of months and included: Intermittent check engine light/MIL. Multiple, confusing diagnostic fault codes (related to air mass, charging pressure, and DPF efficiency). Increased frequency of DPF regeneration intervals.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING — Filed 10/24/2025

The contact owned a 2016 BMW X3. The contact stated that while parking in the garage, the warning message "engine overheated" had displayed, but the temperature gauge displayed a normal temperature reading. The contact noticed smoke coming from under the hood before entering the home, along with a strange sound. Moments later, the contact returned to the garage and discovered flames coming from under the front end of the vehicle. The contact quickly drove the vehicle out of the garage onto the driveway. The vehicle became engulfed in flames, and the fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. During the fire, the vehicle was destroyed, and the driveway and parts of the lawn were damaged. No injuries were reported. A fire and police reporter was taken to the scene. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet contacted. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000(ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The failure mileage was 220,000.

ENGINE — Filed 08/23/2025

BMW has not been able to offer a repair for the engine coolant pump recall issued in August 2024. I wanted to register a formal complaint because I would like to get this repaired and off my vehicle record. I have not experienced any problem with the recalled part yet.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 08/13/2025

The contact owns a 2016 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 not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 04/01/2025

The complete A/C unit has completely gone out and I am just now getting notice after almost a year of a coolant pump recall that could potentially create a fire hazard. I am told that to date a remedy has still not been available.

ENGINE — Filed 08/13/2024

The manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall remedy. NHTSA: #24V-608, Recall: #24V-608:474 Engine Coolant Pump

POWER TRAIN — Filed 04/09/2025

* in 2018, the car started automatically going into Park when the engine is running but at a stop (e.g. Stop light). This created a safety issue because the gear had to be reengaged into Drive * It was repaired under warranty by BMW * It started reoccuring this year. We have stopped driving it because it creates a safety issue * BMW has refused to fix this (though it was previously addressed under warranty). In addition, they have said it may cost thousands or 10's of thousands of dollars to fix because they do not know the problem (could be camshaft sensor or mechatronics or something else). * The problem has been confirmed by BMW * We cannot risk the car not being in gear and getting rear-ended because it takes a while to move it back to drive. * No warnings or any mesages * We have already spent money at the dealer replacing unnecessary parts because they thought it would fix the problem (e.g. batteries) * The car is available for inspection on request

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 08/13/2024

The contact owns a 2016 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 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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 04/09/2025

The electric water pump, has shorted internally , even with the vehicle off , this caused the battery to run down.

FIRERELATED — Filed 07/22/2022

The contact owned a 2016 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V907000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the dealer had previously performed an engine inspection and pressure test for the coolant system due to coolant loss with the low coolant warning light illuminated. The contact had added a quart of coolant. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with a loss of power warning message displayed. The contact's wife was able to pull over on the shoulder of the roadway and noticed there was smoke coming from underneath the hood before it caught fire. The contact's wife was able to safely exit the vehicle. The fire department arrived on the scene and was able to extinguish the fire. Police and fire department reports were filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and then to the contact's residence. The dealer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the manufacturer. The vehicle was not yet deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that an inspector would perform an inspection to determine the cause of the fire. The failure mileage was approximately 88,500. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 08/30/2020

ON 8/30/20,AFTER SITTING FOR AN HOUR AFTER A LONG DRIVE, THE CAR BURST INTO FLAMES AND BURNED DOWN TWO ADJACENT HOMES. THE CAR WAS PARKED FOR AN HOUR BEFORE IT STARTED TO BURN.

SEAT BELTS — Filed 10/13/2019

MY 8-YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS SITTING ON REAR PASSENGER SIZE SEAT ON A BOOSTER SEAT WITH SEAT BELT ON. SHE FIRST PLAYED WITH MY SON WHO WAS SITTING ON A READ DRIVER SEAT ON A CAR SEAT. THEN SHE FELL ASLEEP. IN THIS PROCESS THE SEAT BELT SOME HOW GOT WRAPPED AROUND HER. WHEN WE STOPPED FOR A BATHROOM BREAK WE UNBUCKLED THE BELT TO FIND OUT THAT THE BELT WAS WRAPPED AROUND HERE AND WE COULD NOT UNWRAP IT. THE MORE WE TRIED TO PULL OUT THE MORE TIGHTER IT GOT. SHE WAS IN SEVERE PAIN. WE HAD TO BORROW A SCISSOR FROM THE GAS STATION TO CUT THE BELT.SEE THE PIC WITH THE SCAR. SHE WAS IN PAIN FOR NEXT FEW DAYS. WE TOOK THE CAR TO DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT BELT WORKED AS DESIGNED. THE CHILD LOCK KICKED IN AND THE LOCK WONT RELEASE UNTIL THE BELT GOES ALL THE WAY IN. BELT COULD NOT GO ALL THE WAY IN BECAUSE IT WAS WRAPPED AROUND HER. THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN SOME MANUAL BUTTON/SWITCH TO RELEASE THE BELT.

ENGINE — Filed 01/01/2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 BMW X3. WHEN PARKING THE VEHICLE, THE RPMS INCREASED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO BMW OF ONTARIO (1301 AUTO CENTER DR, ONTARIO, CA 91761, (909) 402-3052) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE RESULTS WERE NOT DISCLOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 12/29/2017

WHILE BRAKING TO SLOW THE VEHICLE TO A STOP BEHIND TRAFFIC AT A RED LIGHT, AFTER COMING OFF A HIGHWAY EXIT RAMP, THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND TO ADDED PRESSURE APPLIED TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE BMW X3 KEPT MOVING FORWARD, AND COLLIDED, AT VERY SLOW SPEED, WITH THE STOPPED VEHICLE AHEAD. I QUICKLY CHECKED TO ENSURE THAT MY FOOT WAS PROPERLY ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND DEPRESSED THE PEDAL AGAIN, WHICH AGAIN FAILED TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A COMPLETE STOP, RESULTING IN SECONDARY CONTACT WITH THE VEHICLE AHEAD. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO MOVE THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, THE ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION REPEATEDLY JUMPED INTO PARK FROM DRIVE, REQUIRING ME TO TURN OFF THE IGNITION AND RESTART THE VEHICLE BEFORE I COULD SAFELY MOVE IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD.

AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 09/07/2017

2016 BMW X3 XDRIVE28 I I PULLED INTO A FRIEND'S DRIVEWAY AND APPLIED THE BRAKES APPROXIMATELY 2 FEET FROM THE CLOSED GARAGE DOOR. MY CAR "LEAPT " INTO THE SIDE OF THE HOUSE, THEN CAREENED INTO THE GARAGE DOOR. THE CAR ACCELERATED WITH SUCH FORCE THAT BOTH AIRBAGS WERE DEPLOYED. I AM SURE THAT I DID NOT HIT THE ACCELERATOR BY ACCIDENT. AT THE CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE GARAGE I COULD NOT HAVE ACCELERATED TO CAUSE SUCH A VIOLENT CRASH THAT DEPLOYED THE AIRBAGS. MY CAR WAS DECLARED A " TOTAL LOSS ". THIS WAS ONE OF THE MORE FRIGHTENING EXPERIENCES OF MY LIFE. IT ALL HAPPENED IN A SPLIT SECOND. I AM THANKFUL THAT I WAS NOT IN TRAFFIC.

AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 05/10/2017

I HAD PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT TRAVELING VERY SLOWLY THEN TURNED LEFT INTO A PARKING SPACE WITH MY FOOT ON BRAKE BUT JUST BEFORE COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP THE CAR SUDDENLY SURGED FORWARD AT GREAT SPEED, LEAPT OVER A CONCRETE "LOG" DESIGNED TO STOP A VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE WALL 3 FEET IN FRONT OF THE CAR. MY FIRST REACTION WAS TO LIFT MY FOOT FROM THE PEDAL THINKING I HAD DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR IN ERROR, HOWEVER THE CAR INCREASED SPEED AND I JUST HAD TIME TO GLANCE DOWN AND ASCERTAIN THAT MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE BEFORE THE CAR PLOWED INTO THE WALL, DEPLOYING THE AIR BAGS. THE WHOLE INCIDENT WAS OVER IN 2 - 3 SECONDS AND THE CAR WAS PERFECTLY ALIGNED IN THE PARKING SPACE EXCEPT FOR THE FRONT WHEELS BEING THE WRONG SIDE OF "LOG". THE X3 WAS NOT DRIVE-ABLE AND WAS TOWED ON A FLATBED TO THE BMW SERVICE CENTER AND SUBSEQUENTLY DECLARED A COMPLETE WRITE-OFF BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. I AM HORRIFIED BY THE FACT THAT MANY CAR MANUFACTURERS ARE AWARE OF THIS SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION PROBLEM YET, BECAUSE IT IS DIFFICULT TO PROVE, USUALLY PUT ALL REPORTED INCIDENTS DOWN TO OPERATOR ERROR, THEREFORE ABSOLVING THEM OF RESPONSIBILITY. MY INSURANCE COMPANY IS NOT INVESTIGATING THE CAUSE, NEITHER IS BMW. WHY IS THAT? IS IT GOING TO TAKE A FATALITY BEFORE SOMETHING IS DONE TO RECTIFY THIS VERY REAL PROBLEM. BELOW IS THE CONTACT DETAILS FOR THE CHUBB CLAIMS EXAMINER WHO IS WILLING TO SHARE HIS REPORT AND PHOTOS SHOULD NHTSA DECIDE TO INVESTIGATE. SAM JACKSON 800 432 2482 EXT 0860 SAM.JACKSON@CHUBB.COM CLAIM # 77140147

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 01/23/2017

I WAS IN TRAFFIC AT A LIGHT AND MOVING SLOWLY BEHIND CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS BRAKING AND THE CAR JUST KEPT GOING FORWARD. I HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. THEN I HIT IT AGAIN AS IT MOVED FORWARD AND A THIRD TIME AS IT MOVED FORWARD. ALL THE TIME I WAS HITTING THE BRAKES. THE CAR SEEMED TO BE ACCELERATING.... I FINALLY HAD TO PULL OFF ONTO A SIDEWALK AND PUT THE CAR IN PARK TO GET IT TO STOP. THE POLICE WHO ARRIVED ON THE SCENE ALSO TESTED THE BRAKES AND SAID THEY WERE NOT WORKING. LATER WHEN THE CAR WAS TOWED THE BRAKES WORKED? I DO NOT WANT TO DRIVE THIS CAR WITHOUT THE BRAKES BEING FIXED. I AM WAITING FOR NEWS FROM BMW ON THE SITUATION. VERY SCARY.... *TR

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 11/18/2016

I WAS SLOWING TO A STOP AT A RED LIGHT ON A VERY BUSY STREET AND THE BRAKES IN MY X3 FAILED. INSTEAD OF SLOWING THE CAR DOWN - IT SPED UP AND CRASHED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I PUSHED DOWN ON THE BRAKES AND THE CAR JUMPED FORWARD. THERE IS MINIMAL DAMAGE TO THE FRONT BUMPER BUT I AM SCARED TO GET BEHIND THE WHEEL AGAIN.

SEAT BELTS — Filed 09/11/2016

SEATBELT PRETENSIONER FAILING TO HOLDBACK PASSENGER ON DECCELLERATION ON EXIT RAMP AT 4 DEGREES INCLINE OR DECLINE FROM 65 TO ZERO ON CONTROLLED DECCELERATION

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 12/29/2015

THIS ALL HAPPENED THE SAME DAY BEGINNING ABOUT 10AM ON 12/29/15. THE CAR IS A 2016 BMW X3 THAT I BOUGHT NEW IN AUGUST 2015. 1.SLOWED TO BRAKE AT A RED LIGHT. I WAS THE FIRST CAR AT THE INTERSECTION. AS I PUSHED THE BRAKE TO COME TO A FULL STOP, THE CAR LURCHED INTO THE INTERSECTION. I LOOKED DOWN AND SAW MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND THE CAR IN DRIVE. FORTUNATELY, THERE WAS NO CROSS TRAFFIC. I SLOWLY ACCELERATED AND CONTINUED WITH MY ERRAND. 2. I STOPPED AT A BUSINESS WITH A PARKING LOT. I SLOWLY DROVE THROUGH THE LOT AND FOUND A OPEN SPOT. EACH PARKING SPOT HAD A CONCRETE "STOP BAR". I SLOWLY TURNED INTO THE SPOT. WHEN I PUSHED ON THE BRAKE FOR A FULL STOP, IT LURCHED FORWARD OVER THE "STOP BAR" AND HIT THE CAR PARKED DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF ME. I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE AND WAS ABLE TO GET BACK OVER THE "STOP BAR". I LOOKED CAREFULLY AT BOTH CARS AND COULD FIND NO DAMAGE ON EITHER ONE. 3. I DROVE SLOWLY DIRECTLY TO THE BMW DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR ON AUGUST 13, 2015. TWO DIFFERENT SERVICE TECHS DROVE IT AND THEY RAN ALL POSSIBLE SYSTEM TESTS ON IT. THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. 4. I WAS SO AFRAID TO DRIVE IT, I TRADED IN THE 2016 X3 FOR A 2016 X1 THE SAME DAY - 12-29-15. BOTH WERE NEW WHEN I BOUGHT THEM. THE X3 HAD 2,500 MILES ON IT WHEN I TRADED IT IN. I DROVE 139 DAYS. 5. MY CONCERN IS THAT THE X3 WILL BE SOLD AS A USED CAR WITHOUT ANY FURTHER INVESTIGATION INTO THE PROBLEM. 6. THE NHTSA REPORTED THAT 88,000 BMWS (VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING THE X3) WERE RECALLED IN 2014 FOR A BRAKE PROBLEM. I GAVE THIS INFORMATION TO THE DEALERSHIP. NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER #14V627000, NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: PE13030. I DO NOT KNOW IF THIS PROBLEM IS THE SAME PROBLEM I HAD. NHTSA COMPLAINTS LIKE MINE: 4 OUT 8 COMPLAINTS FOR 2014 X3 4 OUT 8 COMPLAINTS FOR 2015 X3 0 OUT OF 1 COMPLAINT FOR 2016 X3