2024 BMW X3 Complaints

ENGINE — Filed 07/08/2026

My vehicle is part of recall # 26V438 (starter motor issue.) My concern is that the delay in resolving this is causing me to take the precaution of NOT parking my vehicle in my (attached) garage due to potential for fire. The concern here is that as we move into the colder months here in the northeast, a far-too-common problem people have is rodents (mice, squirrels, chipmunks) crawling up into the engine area and making nests - and sometimes doing severe damage to wires - in cars not parked in garages. I have the ability to park in a garage, but am disinclined to do so due to a potential fire being caused by the unaddressed starter motor issue. BMW has known about the starter motor for months, but seemingly there is still no remedy available. I am requesting that this be expedited. Thank you.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE — Filed 07/08/2026

The vehicle is under an open fire‑risk recall involving the starter system. The manufacturer has not provided a remedy. The dealership confirmed that parts for the few vehicles BMW claims are repairable are backordered until 2027. This means there is effectively no fix available. The vehicle is equipped with Remote Start, which activates the starter while the vehicle is unattended. This increases the risk described in the recall and makes the manufacturer’s only interim instruction (“park outside”) even more difficult to follow in winter conditions or in areas with theft/vandalism concerns. The manufacturer responded to an inquiry but did not provide a remedy, timeline, or meaningful interim safety guidance. The response did not acknowledge the hazard of a potential electrical fire in a garage with a gas line. The dealership confirmed customer frustration and stated that no remedy is realistically available. No fire, crash, or injury has occurred, but the unresolved fire risk and lack of remedy present an ongoing safety concern.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 10/02/2026

The contact owns a 2024 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V438000 (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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS — Filed 09/14/2026

I was driving through a green light through an intersection and a car on the opposite side of me had a yield green which they were suppose to wait for me to go and then continue with their left turn, but instead the driver decide to just go and our vehicles collided. The other car, which was a toyota corolla, had damage to their passenger side in which the front bumper looks like it got detached but the airbags were deployed. On my BMW, my entire grill, structural bumper beam, front crumple zone, radiator, driver side beam and bumper were all pretty much destroyed. My hood is dented inward and the insurance company has filed it a total loss. However, due to the extensive damage on my front, it is questionable on why my airbags didn't pop out, at least even on my driver side. I had my seatbelt on at impact but the breaks were slammed when I saw that the other driver had just continued driving. Therefore, at the point of collision, we're not sure if this was a manufacturing problem with BMW with this car. It heavily comprises the safety and integrity of the car, since if it was a even more serious accident and the airbags remained to not pop out, fatalities could've been involved. I did have to go to urgent care and then the hospital the next day because I got pretty bad whiplash.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 09/14/2026

The contact owns a 2024 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V438000 (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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 08/31/2026

The contact owns a 2024 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V438000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was not 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 and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure.

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE — Filed 07/18/2026

I was pulling out of a parking spot and my X3 completely stalled and lost power. I got infomation on my screen to take my car to my dealer as soon as possible. I was able to start and drive it home. The following week I took it to the dealer for the problem. My local BMW dealer has had my X3 since July 27th over 2 weeks. They said they waiting for a code or fix for what happened. I don’t know if it’s a power train or engine problem. My X3 only has 21,000 miles on it. My concern is this problem could have happened on highway and I could have had a different outcome.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE — Filed 08/23/2024

Since purchasing my vehicle, I have experienced numerous ongoing issues that BMW has failed to address. The problems include: A squealing and beeping noise coming from the engine. The headlights turning on by themselves. Interior lights turning on without warning. The vehicle shaking while driving. The check engine light repeatedly coming on. A recent gasoline smell that required me to take the vehicle to the shop due to safety concerns. The roof making a popping noise when driving over uneven driveways or surfaces. I have documented many of these issues with multiple videos. Despite providing evidence and repeatedly reporting these problems, BMW has ignored my concerns and has not adequately resolved the defects.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 07/07/2026

I was driving on the interstate at about 65-70 MPH when the sunroof exploded without apparent cause. This caused glass to be scattered throughout the vehicle and given the sudden event, sound and disruption to driving I would say that this is a safety issue. The same day this happened I dropped the car off at the dealer for repair estimate and coincidentally there was another BMW, a new X7, that just had the same thing happen without cause. This makes me think that there is a manufacturing defect.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL — Filed 04/18/2026

The contact owns a 2024 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH, attempting to park the vehicle in the park the vehicle, while depressing the brake pedal the vehicle unintendedly accelerated independently causing the vehicle to drove over the curb and the contact mention due to the impact the rear passenger tire was damaged and before the brake pedal she could hear the vehicle began to decelerate independently and while depressing the brake pedal with her left foot . No warnings light illuminated A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where they inspected the vehicle, and they informed the consumer there was no failure. The contact mention that this failure had occurred on two different occasions. The manufacturer was notified of the failure offered no assistance and denied helping the consumer. The approximate failure mileage was 17,903.

POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 03/05/2026

I started to pull forward from a pharmacy drive-through at an intended low speed (approximately10/15 mph) for a right turn onto a driveway. The car was on auto-hold and in drive gear. When I turned right, the vehicle went into a full throttle acceleration and continued until impact. Brakes were totally ineffective. A TWO-LINE BRIGHT YELLOW MESSAGE FLASHED IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, "TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION". There was no automatic braking or forward collision function. I made a hard left turn in about 40 feet to avoid a shopping center parking lot. The vehicle continued until colliding with a concrete filled bollard and an automotive electric charging station. The vehicle charging at this station was also struck. My vehicle fell back, landing on its right side. The driver's airbag and both side curtains deployed. I was left suspended in the seat belt until the Fire Department, Emergency Services and the Highway Patrol arrived. A Jaws of Life was used to open the sunroof and extract me. I was transported by ambulance to an emergency treatment center. I was examined there and imaging done. I sustained a ruptured tendon in the middle right finger (permanent damage) and sagittal band ruptures in two fingers on that hand. There were numerous scrapes and bruises on the left thigh, both forearms and hands as well as minor cuts on my forehead. Also, post -accident, I experienced neck pain and overall soreness for several days due to whiplash. The Event Data Recorder was unattainable as insurance paid the claim for the totaled car within one week and assumed ownership. According to the salvage yard, it was sold shortly thereafter. Refer to NHTSA ID number 11659896 for this issue with another 2024 BMW x3 Photos to accompany complaint will be sent by email with VIN #

Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness,Insert, Padding — Filed 04/24/2026

[XXX] old infant's face was cut and bleeding from the Chicco Fit360 ClearTex Rotating Car Seat's safety straps with included pads INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

VISIBILITY — Filed 04/01/2026

The contact owns a 2024 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the windshield unexpectedly cracked on several occasions without impact. The contact stated that the crack originated at the top of the windshield and extended approximately six inches toward the driver’s side. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not inspected. The dealer ordered replacement windshields several times. The contact stated that after the windshield was replaced, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 45,000.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 01/16/2026

To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this supplemental update to formally document continued delay and lack of action by BMW following notification of serious vehicle safety concerns involving risk to minor passengers. BMW was notified in writing of multiple safety-related incidents involving system reliability and unauthorized access behavior. These concerns escalated to an incident occurring while the vehicle was in motion, presenting immediate risk to occupants, including two minor children. Despite acknowledgment of these concerns, BMW has: Failed to open a repair order to document the safety defects; Conditioned inspection on continued operation of a vehicle reported as unsafe; Failed to provide a timely, safe alternative path for inspection (e.g., coordinated tow and uninterrupted transportation); Gone silent for extended periods after acknowledgment of safety risk. I have expressly stated that the vehicle is unsafe to operate and that continued delay creates ongoing risk. I have also stated my willingness to cooperate fully with inspection and documentation provided that such cooperation does not require placing occupants at risk. This supplemental notice is submitted to preserve the record that continued inaction following acknowledgment of a safety concern may constitute failure to mitigate known risk. All communications, incidents, and delays are being documented. I respectfully request that this update be added to the record and considered as part of any safety or compliance review. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 01/07/2026

This submission is a supplemental update to my existing NHTSA complaint regarding my BMW X3. On [XXX], at approximately [XXX], while the vehicle was traveling approximately 40 MPH with the doors locked, the rear passenger door opened while the vehicle was in motion. A [XXX] child was secured in a rear car seat at the time. A [XXX] child witnessed the event while I was dropping him off at school. No audible or visual warning alerts activated before or during the incident. This event follows prior electronic access and system reliability concerns reported in November and December 2025, including operation without key presence and unauthorized access behavior. I believe these events may be related and indicative of a broader electronic or body control system failure. Due to the seriousness of this incident involving minor occupants, I no longer consider the vehicle safe to operate. The vehicle is pending inspection and has not been driven further. I am submitting this update to document a potential child-safety defect and to ensure this information is considered as part of NHTSA’s review. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 12/29/2025

I am submitting a supplemental update to my existing safety complaint regarding my BMW vehicle. On December 29, 2025, additional safety-related malfunctions occurred while the vehicle was parked and without the key present. A vehicle window rolled down autonomously, and the heating system temporarily stopped functioning during winter conditions. These failures follow an earlier incident on November 15, 2025, in which the vehicle continued operating without the key present and without any audible or visual warning, while two minor children were occupants. The involvement of multiple electronic systems—including key detection, window controls, and HVAC—suggests a potential electronic network or CAN-bus-related defect. These conditions present risks related to vehicle security, environmental exposure, and passenger safety. The vehicle is currently unsafe for transport of minors and unreliable for use during winter conditions. I am submitting this update so NHTSA’s records reflect continued post-notice safety malfunctions.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 11/15/2025

Supplemental Update – Manufacturer Response to Safety Complaint (BMW) I am submitting this supplemental update in connection with my existing NHTSA safety complaint regarding my BMW vehicle. Following my report that the vehicle continued operating without the key present while transporting minor children, BMW of North America acknowledged the concern and indicated it was under review. However, BMW has now stated that it is closing my case file without: • Conducting any inspection; • Issuing written findings; • Providing a safety explanation or analysis; or • Confirming whether the reported behavior is a defect, system failure, or normal operation. BMW has conditioned further assistance on dealership inspection while simultaneously closing the manufacturer-level case, creating a gap in accountability and preventing meaningful review of the safety issue at the corporate level. I am not refusing inspection and remain willing to present the vehicle. My concern is that BMW’s attempt to close the case prior to evaluation undermines safety reporting and limits transparency regarding potential risks to drivers and passengers. Please add this update to my complaint record for consideration in any review or investigation.

VISIBILITY/WIPER — Filed 11/26/2025

I am reporting a serious safety issue involving my 2024 BMW X3 purchased from Countryside Mitsubishi in Countryside, Illinois, on November 7, 2025. Within hours of purchase, I discovered multiple defects that were not disclosed before the sale. The most concerning issue involves the windshield wiper system and forward sensor components, which began to malfunction immediately. The vehicle’s onboard system initially flagged a windshield sensor fault. I later discovered that the original BMW windshield had been replaced with a non-OEM part, which BMW confirmed voided the vehicle's factory warranty and disabled key safety features dependent on OEM calibration. I was never informed of the windshield replacement at time of sale. When I raised concerns with the dealership, they admitted to using a sensor “workaround” instead of a proper replacement, which BMW later explained is not compliant with their specifications and leaves the vehicle’s advanced safety systems—such as forward collision alerts—compromised. The dealership falsely stated the repair was done by BMW-certified technicians, which was later denied by the repair staff. This defect creates a major visibility and safety hazard. I experienced intermittent wiper failure during poor weather, and the washer fluid system also failed to operate reliably. Despite repeated contacts, the dealership refused to install an OEM windshield or resolve the defect through an authorized BMW service provider. BMW has confirmed that their safety systems will not function correctly unless an OEM windshield and correct calibration process are used. This places me and others at serious risk during adverse weather or emergency braking situations. I have full documentation, a repair timeline, videos of the malfunction, and correspondence with the dealership. The vehicle is still in my possession and available for inspection upon request. I urge NHTSA to investigate this case for potential noncompliance and safety risk.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 11/17/2025

I am reporting a safety defect involving a 2024 BMW X3 xDrive30i. The vehicle continued operating for several miles with no key inside the vehicle, and at no point did the car display a “Key Not Detected” warning, icon, or audible alert. Two minors were present during this incident. This indicates a failure of the key-recognition system, immobilizer logic, and associated warning functions. BMW’s safety system should detect the absence of the key and immediately warn the driver. Failure to issue a warning presents a significant safety hazard, as the driver may unknowingly operate the vehicle without the ability to restart, secure the car, or be alerted to a loss of security control. BMW Roadside Assistance documented the incident. BMW North America has not provided a case number, safety review, or written plan for addressing the defect despite multiple requests. This lack of response is concerning for a safety-critical malfunction. I am requesting NHTSA’s review of this defect and BMW’s handling of the matter.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 09/18/2025

I own a 2024 BMW X3 that has developed a recurring and unpredictable safety issue with the tailgate. Without any input from me — and without pressing the key fob, tailgate button, or any switch — the rear tailgate will open on its own. This has occurred multiple times while the vehicle was parked, locked, and unattended, and it has also happened shortly after driving and parking. I brought the vehicle to an authorized BMW dealership for diagnosis under warranty. The dealership inspected the vehicle but was unable to identify the cause and returned the vehicle without repairing the problem. Despite my request for further escalation (such as opening a technical case with BMW’s engineering team), the issue remains unresolved. This defect poses a significant safety risk. An uncommanded tailgate opening could result in the vehicle’s contents falling out, create a road hazard, or lead to injury to people nearby. It also increases the risk of theft or water intrusion into the cargo area. The problem is intermittent and unpredictable, but it continues to happen. I am submitting this report because the issue remains unresolved by the manufacturer and could endanger both occupants and the public.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 08/28/2025

*Rear differential bolt and bushing failure two times in less than twelve months. Rear drive making loud banging noises. Vehicle not able to drive. Vehicle rear drive failed as vehicle was in motion. *If I was traveling at high rate of speed, this could have cause the vehicle to lose control. *Problem was reported to dealer and fixed the first time. The second time the dealer refused to fix the problem. *Vehicle was inspected by dealer and I was blamed for the bolt and bushing failure, with no proof of any fault or abusive driving. *No warning lamps or messages were alerted to warn of any danger or damage to vehicle. *First Incident was January 14th, 2025. Second incident was August 28th, 2025.

STEERING — Filed 07/28/2025

Driving on the highway, unexpectedly i was not able to turn anymore. On the road was something I wanted to not hit, but steering did not work as usual. The car was forced to the left into the wall and the only thing i was able to do was using the breaks steady and slowly. Steering in the other direction did not work and in the end i hit the divider wall on the left shoulder

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 05/23/2025

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.

AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL — Filed 03/26/2025

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.

SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 01/27/2025

As I was pulling into a parking stall at work, I pressed on the brake and the vehicle did not stop. It went up over the sidewalk which is stepped up from the parking lot 4-6". i continued to press the break in as far as I could and the vehicle continued to travel at least 20 and stopped when it hit the building. The vehicle is equipped with the automatic emergency breaking and collision warning in which neither worked. The brick on the building was only scrapped. However, there are windows right at the brick line at the location that my car stopped. The car did not go through the window or the building. If it would have, it could have injured those inside. I was pressing on the breaks so hard that I have an injury to my toe. I have not seen a doctor yet, but it's possible that I broke it as I was pressing that hard. The vehicle has not been inspected by the insurance company, manufacturer, or dealership yet. I called the dealership and asked that it be inspected and a diagnostic run immediately. The dealership said they cannot get me in for a week. My vehicle is equipped with a Event Data Recorder.