2016 BMW X3

These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.

• 12/31/2017· SERVICE BRAKESCrash

  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.

• 12/29/2024· AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  the passenger restraint system malfunction error came out several times since last month.

• 12/29/2019· SEAT BELTS

  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.

• 12/26/2024· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  BMW has failed to issue a remedy for the COOLANT PUMP that may lead to fires, if not replaced. For months now, I have called several BMW dealerships and they do not have an idea of when BMW would issue a remedy. BMW needs a push from the NHTSA to address this recall instead of looking to the other side because the car's date is 2016. If they cannot fix that hazard, then they must replace vehicles.

• 12/17/2016· SERVICE BRAKES

  THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IN THIS VEHICLE THAT OUR BRAKES HAVE FAILED. WE FILED A COMPLAINT THE FIRST TIME, GAVE THE CAR TO BMW SERVICE, HAD AN ENGINEER FROM BMW COME AND LOOK AT THE CAR - THE ENGINEER FILED A REPORT SAYING THAT THE BRAKES WERE FINE AND NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. WE BEGGED AND PLEADED TO BE GIVEN ANOTHER CAR BUT BMW NA REFUSED TO BUDGE. FORCED TO TAKE THE CAR BACK, WE DROVE THIS MORNING AND AS WE WERE SLOWING TO A RED LIGHT NEARING A BUSY INTERSECTION, OUR BRAKES FAILED ONCE MORE. I PUSHED DOWN ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE CAR ACCELERATED INTO THE INTERSECTION. I HAD TO HONK THE HORN TO WARN OTHER DRIVERS AND USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE CAR. THIS IS A 2016 BMW X3 XDRIVE28I AND IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. TWO BRAKE MALFUNCTIONS 1 MONTH APART, BMW REFUSES TO ADMIT ANY FAULT.

• 12/05/2024· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  The contact owns a 2016 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the steering wheel became difficult to turn to the left or the right. In addition, the contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle loss automotive power on several occasions. The vehicle was towed to the local Midas where the battery was replaced; however, the failure occasionally reoccurred. 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 not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

• 12/05/2024· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  The contact owns a 2016 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from under the hood. In addition, the contact noticed a burning odor. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The dealer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that parts for the repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

• 12/02/2025· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  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.

• 11/20/2024· POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  I have reached out to the manufacturer for a solution and they said to wait till there is a remedy. I’m scared to drive this car for fear that something could happen to me or my family.

• 11/20/2024· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

• 11/18/2025· POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  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.

• 11/18/2016· SERVICE BRAKESCrash

  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.

• 11/07/2018· POWER TRAIN

  TRANSMISSION - UNCOMMANDED CHANGE FROM DRIVE TO PARK THE AUTO START/STOP FEATURE TURNS THE CAR OFF WHEN YOU STOP AND BACK ON WHEN YOU START. THE FAULT IS THAT IT INTERMITTENTLY PUTS THE TRANSMISSION IN PARK OR NEUTRAL. IT HAPPENS WHEN YOU TAKE YOUR FOOT OFF THE BRAKE, WHILE IT IS RESTARTING THE VEHICLE. IT OCCASIONALLY HAPPENS WHILE YOU ARE JUST STOPPED AND THE ENGINE RESTARTS. USUALLY THIS IS WHEN YOU ARE TRYING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP SIGN OR TRAFFIC SIGNAL TO GET INTO TRAFFIC. NEARLY GOT REAR-ENDED WHEN MY BRAKE LIGHTS CAME OFF, BUT I DID NOT ACCELERATE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE HAD SWITCHED FROM DRIVE TO PARK.I HAVE VIDEO OF IT OCCURRING, BUT THE DEALER CANNOT REPEAT IT, AND UPLOADING NEW SW DID NOTHING.

• 11/04/2018· STEERING,POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

  WHILE APPROACHING A STOPLIGHT, BRAKED, THEN WENT TO ACCELERATE AND THE VEHICLE TOTALLY SHUTDOWN AND STOPPED WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC. THIS WAS A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE, WHICH COULD HAVE KILLED BOTH OCCUPANTS OF THIS VEHICLE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ACTIVATED. UPON ATTEMPTING TO RESTART THE VEHICLE TO MOVE IT OUT OF THE WAY OF TRAFFIC, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT BE PLACED IN NEUTRAL NOR COULD THE PARKING BRAKE BE DISENGAGED SO THE VEHICLE COULD BE PUSHED OUT OF THE WAY OF TRAFFIC. THIS WAS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. THIS VEHICLE IS DANGEROUS AND SHOULD BE TAKEN OFF OF THE MARKET.

• 11/02/2022· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  When coming to a stop, my trunk continues to open and will not close unless you turn the car off and get out and close it. I tried to replace the battery in my key fob, but it will not work. The trunk button when you hold it down, says “remote battery, change battery.”. The rear hatch continues to open every time you stop your car unless you hold the trunk button down. This is extremely unsafe having things, people, or items in your car or trunk because it opens while operating your car.

• 10/30/2024· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  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 not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

• 10/28/2024· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  The contact owns a 2016 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed a burning odor inside the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the contact was informed that parts to repair the vehicle was not available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. 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 failure, however, was unable to confirm when parts would become available. The failure mileage was 99,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

• 10/27/2025· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGFire

  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.

• 10/23/2024· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  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 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 had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not unavailable.

• 10/23/2024· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  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 contact had not experienced a failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

• 10/23/2017· AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKESCrash

  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.

• 10/11/2017· TIRES

  TIRE IS A RUN FLAT TYPE OF TIRE AND THE WEAR OF ALL FOUR TIRES WAS SEVERE ON THE INSIDE OF TIRE WHILE TREAD ACROSS THE REST OF THE TIRE WAS STILL SATISFACTORY. REAR TIRE TREAD STARTED SEPARATING AND THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TAKEN OFF THE ROAD DUE TO THE SEVERITY OF THE TREAD SEPARATION. CONTINUED OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE RESULTED IN COMPLETE DESTRUCTION OF THE TIRE AND LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE INTERNET RESEARCH INDICATES THIS TO BE A "COMMON" PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE AND THE MANUFACTURER REFUSES TO RECOGNIZE THE DANGER TO THE PUBLIC.

• 10/03/2022· FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

  The contact owns 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 manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Drive Train Malfunction" message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler needed to be replaced but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The failure recurred with an abnormal fuel odor detected while the vehicle was parked inside the garage. Additionally, fuel was leaking from underneath the vehicle and the check engine warning light illuminated while driving. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was determined that there was a pinhole in the fuel hose and the fuel hose was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 66,869. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

• 09/28/2018· ENGINE

  EARLY FAILURE OF DIESEL EMISSIONS SYSTEM AT 45,569 MILES DEALER REPLACED BOTH NOX SENSORS, UPPER O2 SENSOR, AND DPF FILTER

• 09/25/2019· AIR BAGS

  PASSENGER AIRBAG POSSIBLE FAILURE. PASSENGER AIRBAG HAS BEEN TURNED OFF BY THE VEHICLE.

• 09/20/2017· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  MAY 31, WHILE SLOWING TO ENTER A TOLL BOOTH, ENGINE STARTED REVVING UNCONTROLLABLY, MAINTAINING EXCESSIVE SPEED. I BRAKED HARD AND VEHICLE STOPPED IN TIME TO AVOID A COLLISION. VEHICLE OPERATED NORMALLY THEREAFTER UNTIL AUGUST 27, WHEN, STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT ON A HIGHWAY, ENGINE AGAIN STARTED REVVING, RANGING FROM ABOUT 3500 TO 4000 RPM. I SHIFTED TO PARK AND ENGINE IMMEDIATELY REVVED UP TO OVER 7000, IN RED ZONE OF TACHOMETER. REVVING STOPPED AFTER A MINUTE OR SO AND VEHICLE OPERATED NORMALLY. THE NEXT DAY, I HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO BMW ROCKVILLE. SERVICE DEPARTMENT EXAMINED VEHICLE AND FOUND NO DEFECTS, SUGGESTING POSSIBILITY THAT DRIVER MAY HAVE HAD FOOT ON BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR AT SAME TIME. I DID NOT THINK SO, ESPECIALLY AS THIS HAD NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE AND REVVING WAS UP AND DOWN, REQUIRING RHYTHMIC ACTION ON GAS WHILE HOLDING BRAKE DOWN FIRMLY. AS WIFE AND I DID NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE CAR, WE HAD ALSO ALERTED BMW NORTH AMERICA, WHICH SENT AN ENGINEER TO TEST THE VEHICLE. BMW NA'S ANALYSIS FOUND NO DEFECTS BUT OFFERED TO HELP AS WE WISHED TO TRADE IN THE CAR. IT WAS TRADED IN TO BMW ROCKVILLE SEPT 17, AT CONSIDERABLE FINANCIAL LOSS. I HAVE A COPY OF BMW NA'S REPORT, BUT IT SHOWS ONLY THAT THE CAR IS IN PERFECT OPERATING CONDITION. BMW ROCKVILLE SALESMAN SAID VEHICLE WOULD NOT BE RESOLD, BUT WOULD BE CANNIBALIZED FOR SPARE PARTS.

• 09/20/2016· WHEELS

  TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SIGNALS LOW AIR PRESSURE EVERY WEEK ON INSTRUMENTATION. RUN-FLAT TIRES LOSE AIR WEEKLY. TIRE HAS TO BE TOPPED-UP WITH AIR THEN TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR TEST PERFORMED. OWNED VEHICLE SINCE FEBRUARY, 2016 AND FREQUENT, ANNOYING, EMBARRASING TIRE AIR FILLING HAS TO BE DONE WEEKLY.

• 09/17/2018· POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

  A VERY DANGEROUS AND CATASTROPHIC SITUATION IS CREATED WHEN USING THE START/STOP FEATURE. WHEN STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT OR STOPPED IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC ON THE HIGHWAY THIS FEATURE FAILS. ONCE THIS FEATURE IS ENGAGED WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STOPPED WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS PUSHED TO START AGAIN THE VEHICLE GOES INTO PARK INSTEAD OF ACCELERATING. THIS PRESENTS A VERY DANGEROUS AND POTENTIALLY CATASTROPHIC SITUATION BECAUSE YOU MAY BE MAKING A MANEUVER BY ACCELERATION TO SWITCH LANES OR SOMETHING SIMILAR AND THE CAR FAILS AND GOES INTO PARK AND DOES NOT MOVE. PERILLO BMW PERFORMED UNSUCCESSFUL SERVICE ON THIS APPROXIMATELY FOUR WEEKS AGO. THIS DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. PERILLO PERFORMED SERVICE AGAIN FOR THE SAME ISSUE TWO WEEKS AGO. MY HOPE IS THAT THIS IS A PERMANENT FIX BECAUSE TO NOT TAKE THIS PROBLEM SERIOUSLY AND LEAVE IT TO CHANCE THAT THIS MAY OCCUR WITH SEVERE CONSEQUENCES. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT I THINK THE NHTSA SHOULD ADDRESS DIRECTLY WITH BMW. SPECIFICALLY- 1. THE CAR COMES TO A COMPLETE STOP AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, STOP SIGN OR IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC ON THE HIGHWAY. 2. THE START/STOP FEATURE IS ENGAGED 3. WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS PUSHED TO GO AGAIN THE CAR IMMEDIATELY GOES INTO PARK AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS. 4. TO GO AGAIN, THE BREAK MUST BE PRESSED AND THE GEAR SHIFTED MANUALLY INTO DRIVE. PRIOR TO BMW SERVICING THE VEHICLE THIS HAS OCCURRED MORE THAN 20 TIMES IN A THREE-MONTH PERIOD. THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO CHANCE THAT THE DRIVER ACCIDENTALLY PRESSED THE PARK WHILE STOPPED. THE DRIVER PURPOSELY DOES NOT KEEP THEIR HANDS ON THE SHIFT GEAR.

• 09/14/2020· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMFire

  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.

• 09/12/2024· SEAT BELTS

  The contact owns a 2016 BMW X3. The contact stated that there was a message that the passenger’s side restraint had malfunctioned. The dealer had been contacted to schedule an appointment; however, the vehicle had not been taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 107,000.

• 09/12/2016· SEAT BELTS

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

• 09/10/2024· ENGINE

  I got an engine light and found a recall for BMW's online so I made the service call. Once there at Fields Winter Park, I was asked to sign a service agreement where i would pay $219.95 for the diagnostic if the issue didn't fall into a recall. Well, I saw the recall in my computer, in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, for a coolant thermostast, and also one for the engine Coolant Pump, so I knew it should be covered, so I signed. Later they said that the issue was the thermostat, and that since they couldn't find a recall on the BMW USA website, I would be responsible for payment. I did bring my laptop and phone and showed them both recalls. They say they do not go by any other website than theirs, which conveniently does not reflect any recall on my vehicle. When I said that I was looking at the information in an official website, they said said that technically, I set the appointment because of an engine light, not a recall. I politely mentioned that technicalities on this case come down to wording from a consumer that trusts the dealership of a brand but should not be used against such consumer in any tricky and deceiving way. I called for an engine light and saw two recalls for BMW of my year. On official sites. I was overwhelmed while talking to both a service manager and the general manager, in the presence of also the service representative. They said to me that the engine light would NOT be triggered by a coolant pump issue (which is not true). And they said that even when Safety Recall Report 24V-608 is in the NHTSA website, it is not active on their side and therefore they do not need to do anything about it, until I receive a letter to come to have it looked at. So they denied any action until i received a letter and even then, they said I would not be welcome to do business there. So basically they did not take any action on the recall! And then they gave me my car back with a large scratch in the front bumper and fender!

• 09/05/2023· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  The contact owns a 2016 BMW X3. The contact stated while cold starting the vehicle, there was significant amounts of white and blueish smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that oil was leaking onto the turbocharger, and that the turbo charger oil supply lines needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

• 08/23/2025· ENGINE

  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.

• 08/17/2022· POWER TRAIN

  This vehicle shuts down the engine when stopped at a stop sign or light. The engine resumes when you press on the brake or gas peddle. But sometimes, the engine will turn back on for no apparent reason. That is not an issue of concern. BUT, sometimes, when the engine turns on automatically, it will drop the transmission into PARK. So when you attempt to apply gas, the car will not move forward as it is not in gear. This is intermittent. My German Auto repair shop has observed the issue and spoken with many other shops who have reported the same issue with the X3. BMW does not have a solution to the problem. The driver never knows if the car will move forward after a traffic stop, as it is not obvious that the transmission has dropped into park until you attempt to move forward. Instead of using this engine turn-off feature of the vehicle, they suggest turning it off to avoid the problem. That is a gas-saving feature of the car.

• 08/15/2022· FIRERELATEDFire

  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.

• 08/13/2025· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  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.

• 08/03/2023· STRUCTURE

  The liftgate opened while the car was being driven down the road.

• 08/02/2023· ENGINE

  Driving on highway when car would not accelerate. No power. N for neutral on dashboard and transmission malfunction. No other warning or warning lights came on dashboard. Temp was in middle not elevated. Coasted to breakdown lane. No power, unable to start. Towed to BMW dealership that we go to. Told it was a catastrophic engine failure. Video from dealership, has mechanic showing metal pieces in oil filter. As of this date, car has been at dealershipabout 10 days without findings. *Car was at dealership two days prior for oil change. Unsure if dealer did something or this is a problem with this series. Australia had recall for engine failures in this model. Just letting NHTSA know.

• 08/01/2022· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

  2016 BMW X3, CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO DEFECTIVE DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER. THE CONSUMER STATED THE EXHAUST GAS ISSUE HAD NO REMEDY. THE VEHICLE ALSO HAD A LEAKING VALVE COVER AND DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE REPAIRS AND HAVE THE VEHICLE BOUGHT BACK FROM THE DEALER.

• 07/28/2025· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  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.

• 07/24/2015· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  THE REAR HATCH CAME DOWN WITHOUT WARNING WHILE I WAS LOADING ITEMS INTO THE BACK CARGO SPACE. THIS IS THE SECOND INCIDENT. THE SAME THING HAPPENED 2 OR 3 WEEKS EARLIER. AT THAT TIME BMW RAN DIAGNOSTICS AND FOUND NOTHING WRONG. I PLAN TO REPORT THIS INCIDENT.

• 07/22/2025· ENGINE

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

• 07/17/2026· POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

  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)

• 07/16/2025· POWER TRAIN

  * 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

• 07/14/2025· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  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.

• 07/01/2026· FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

  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.

• 06/28/2018· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  EXPLODING SUNROOF. HAPPENED WITHOUT IMPACT, ON FREEWAY, NO NEARBY OVERPASS AND NOTHING TRAVELING TOWARDS VEHICLE. SOUNDED AND FELT LIKE A BOMB WAS GOING OFF, WHICH COULD HAVE BUT FORTUNATELY DID NOT CAUSE ME TO LOSE CONTROL OF VEHICLE.

• 06/22/2018· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  DRIVING ~75 MPH ON I-25 NORTH OF DENVER ON JUNE 22, 2018 ABOUT 1:30 PM AND MY SUNROOF EXPLODED. FEW CARS CLOSE TO ME.

• 06/13/2019· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  WHEN AT A STOP (LIGHT OR STOP SIGN), TRANSMISSION SWITCHES TO PARK FROM DRIVE. DOES NOT HAPPEN IN SPORT MODE JUST STANDARD AND ECONO. THIS PROBLEM OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY WITH NO KNOWN TREND WHEN OR WHY OCCURRING. THIS PROBLEM PRESENTS A SAFETY RISK TO BOTH THE OCCUPANTS AND OTHER DRIVERS. IF CAR FORWARD MOTION FROM A STOPPED POSITION IS DELAYED DUE TO HAVING TO SWITCH FROM STANDARD TO SPORT AND FROM PARK TO DRIVE, CAR IN REAR COULD ASSUME SUBJECT CAR WILL BE TIMELY WITH MOVING FORWARD AND STRIKE THE SUBJECT CAR OR THE DRIVER OF SUBJECT CAR (WITH PROBLEM) PANICS AND HAS A DELAY IN MOVING INTO TRAFFIC, THIS SITUATION COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE OR CYCLIST OR PEDESTRIAN STRIKE. APPEARS THAT TREND IS WELL KNOWN BASED ON INTERNET SEARCH. ENCINITAS, CA. BMW HAS SEEN CAR ON THREE OCCASIONS AND HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE TRIGGER FOR CONDITION (IE. ROOT CAUSE IS UNKNOWN). HOWEVER, A BATTERY WAS REPLACED BUT PROBLEM STILL PERSISTS. AND, ENCINITAS BMW HAS BEEN VERY HELPFUL TRYING TO ADDRESS WITH WONDERFUL CUSTOMER SERVICE. HOWEVER, I FEEL A MORE FOCUSED AND EXPANDED STRATEGY IS NEEDED BY BMW TO IDENTIFY ROOT CAUSE. I'M REPORTING THIS DUE TO THE POTENTIAL WIDESPREAD /SIMILAR CONDITION THAT OTHER BMW OWNERS MAY BE FACED WITH. PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT I CAN DO TO HELP EXPEDITE ADDRESSING THIS SITUATION. I'M WORRIED THAT MY WIFE AND DAUGHTER (DRIVERS OF CAR) COULD BE EXPOSED TO A SERIOUS BAD EVENT DUE TO THE VEHICLE MALFUNCTION DESCRIBED ABOVE. AND OTHER PERSONS MAY BE EXPOSED AS WELL. THANK YOU AND I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU. (XXXXX) PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).