2020 BMW X3

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

• 12/23/2025· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  The contact owns a 2020 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V636000 (Electrical System). The local dealer was contacted on three occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The contact had not experienced a failure.

• 12/22/2025· SEAT BELTS

  Active protection reduced message Pretensioning of seatbelts not possible. I barely use the car and was not in any kind of accident.

• 12/22/2025· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  Appears to be related to recall 25V636. Vehicle is 2020 BMW X3 M40i, equipped with same engine as the Supra (B58). Engine would not start with the push of the "start button". Pressing a second time would sometimes start, but as time went on the number of presses required to start took minutes to up to 30 minutes before engine would start. Had starter motor replaced October, 2025 and mechanic observed that starter motor was shorting out, similar to existing recall. However, my vehicle is not included in the recall.

• 12/19/2025· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  The contact owns a 2020 BMW X3. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V636000 (Electrical System). The local dealer was contacted who confirmed that parts were on backorder. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted who confirmed the recall status. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool showed no open recall.

• 12/18/2023· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS

  Received warning on screen. “Driver restraint system malfunction carefully drive to the closest service center driver restraint system is reduced. Increased risk of injury in case of collision. Continue using safety belt.” I took the car in, and this was the diagnosis: “Driver restraint system malfunction. Passenger knee airbag rewired to control module” 24,122 miles on the car. $1400

• 12/16/2023· AIR BAGS

  The driver passenger restraint system light comes on which is a manufacturer defect that should be covered for the life of the vehicle (this is not a wear-and-tear) component. I called BMW and was told that the part is out of warranty. I would like an investigation of this part for all BMW X3 as the defect can result in fatalities.

• 12/15/2025· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  The contact owns a 2020 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V636000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the fire risk was a major concern. In addition, the contact stated that the temperature was 14 degrees below freezing the past weekend where the contact resided. The contact inquired about what might happen if the vehicle were parked on the street in the neighborhood. The manufacturer was contacted; however, the contact was informed that the parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure.

• 12/12/2025· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  The contact owns a 2020 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V636000 (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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

• 12/12/2024· STRUCTURE

  The contact owns a 2020 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V534000 (Structure); 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 dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

• 12/11/2019· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  TRUNK OPENED BY ITSELF WHILE VEHICLE WAS MOVING.

• 12/07/2020· WHEELS

  MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING MY INFANT SON AND I AS WE WERE MERGING ONTO THE PA TURNPIKE. WE HIT SOME SMALL ROAD DEBRIS AT ABOUT 50-60 MPH. THE DEBRIS WAS SO SMALL THAT WE DIDN'T FEEL A BUMP OR ANYTHING, JUST HEARD A LOUD BANG AND FIGURED WE HAD A TYPICAL BLOW OUT. THE CAR DID JERK TO THE LEFT MODERATELY BUT WE WERE ABLE TO SAFELY PULL OVER. UPON INSPECTION, THE WHEEL SPLIT IN HALF ACROSS THE ENTIRE CIRCUMFERENCE IN THE DIRECTION OF ROLL. THERE WAS A SMALL BEND ON THE INSIDE EDGE OF THE WHEEL AT THE POINT OF IMPACT BUT THE SPLIT WAS SEVERAL INCHES AWAY FROM THIS DAMAGE. THERE WAS ALSO NO CRACK OR SPLIT AT THE POINT OF IMPACT. WE WOULD HAVE EXPECTED THERE TO BE A CRACK IN THIS AREA PERPENDICULAR TO THE ROAD BUT INSTEAD THE CRACK WAS IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION, AWAY FROM THE DAMAGE. THE TIRE HAD NO DAMAGE TO IT AND WAS THE ONLY THING HOLDING THE WHEEL TOGETHER AS IT WAS IN TWO SEPARATE PIECES. THE WHEEL CONTACTED THE BRAKE CALIPER, ROTOR, AND DUST SHIELD CAUSING ABRASIONS AND DENTS IN THESE PARTS. LUCKILY, THE BRAKES HELD TOGETHER BUT THIS COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE. MY HUSBAND HAS SEEN BENT WHEELS BEFORE BUT THIS LOOKS LIKE A POSSIBLE CASTING PROBLEM WITH THE ALLOY WHEEL ITSELF AS IT LITERALLY SHEARED APART. THERE WERE 3 VEHICLES IMMEDIATELY BEHIND US THAT STRUCT THE SAME DEBRIS AND ONLY SUFFERED PUNCTURES AND NO BROKEN WHEELS. THE BMW IS EQUIPPED WITH NO SPARE BUT HAS RUN FLAT TIRES WHICH WERE COMPLETELY USELESS IN THIS SCENARIO. WE WOULD NOT HAVE EXPECTED THIS KIND OF DAMAGE FROM SOME ROAD DEBRIS, POTHOLE, OR ANY OTHER NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCE.

• 11/29/2021· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  The contact owns a 2020 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V601000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. 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. Parts distribution disconnect.

• 11/28/2020· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  ALARM SPONTANEOUSLY TRIGGERED (WHISTLING SOUND AND FLASHING LIGHTS) TWICE. THE FIRST TIME, THE VEHICLE HAD COME TO A STOP AND WAS IN PARK (PASSENGERS IN VEHICLE), WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING IN DRIVE-READY MODE. THE ALARM TURNED OFF BY ITSELF AFTER ABOUT 10 SECONDS. THE SECOND TIME, THE ALARM TRIGGERED WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET. IT STAYED TRIGGERED FOR SEVERAL MINUTES, EVEN AFTER STOPPING AND TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF AND ON SEVERAL TIMES. (WE DIDN'T TRY TO LOCK THE VEHICLE.) THE ALARM WAS FINALLY TURNED OFF PRESSING THE ALARM BUTTON ON THE KEY FOB.

• 11/28/2020· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  TAILGATE OPENED SPONTANEOUSLY WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET. HAD TO STOP AND CLOSE THE TAILGATE FROM THE OUTSIDE (INTERIOR SWITCH DID NOT WORK).

• 11/27/2023· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  1. Whenever I refill my tank the car will start knocking. It will be only for 1 or 2 sudden jerks. I have tried every grade and nearly all the brands of fuel but its still the same. Even I escalated the same issue when I had my car service done. But to no avail. It happens when I refuel the tank. Otherwise, no issue to my surprise. I Need to know if it’s a known issue? If yes then why no one reached out to me to provide solution for it? Its been years i have tried to escalate it but no resolution. 2. When i use turn signals (either left or right) it start skipping click sound. even when the engine is ON and even when auto engine start is switched off. It happens not all the times but occasionally. I also escalated it when i went for service but i was told if its not logged in system then nothing cant be done. For both issues i dont see any resolution. First issue is way too annoying as sometimes i loose power to engine.

• 11/20/2025· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE

  The contact owns a 2020 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the emergency sensor warning light illuminated, as well as the camera system, the Forward Collision Avoidance warning light, and the key proximity features malfunctioned. The contact stated that the shark fin cover was missing from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the backup battery and wiring harness were damaged due to water intrusion from the missing shark fin cover. The contact was informed that the backup battery, wiring harness, and shark fin cover need to be replaced; however, the vehicle remained unrepaired. The contact had contacted the insurance provider, and the insurance provider declined to cover the repairs under the comprehensive coverage, citing that the failure was a known issue with BMW vehicles. The manufacturer had not been notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 70,000.

• 11/12/2020· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  WHEN DRIVING THE CAR DURING THE DAY THE INFORTAINMENT DIGITAL DISPLAY AND DASH BOARD DIMS TO ALMOST BLACK INTERMITTENTLY MAKING IT DANGEROUS AND DISTRACTING TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE IF TRYING TO USE THE RADIO, THE PHONE, OR DRIVING MILES MPH AND MILAGE GAUGES. THE SCREENS BRIGHTEN UP IF THE DRIVER WINDOW IS OPENED UP. BUT, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO DO THIS WHEN DRIVING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN COMPLAINED ABOUT WITHIN TWO MONTHS OF DRIVING IT OFF THE SHOWROOM FLOOR IN DEC 2019. I HAVE BEEN TOLD 10 TIMES SO FAR, THAT THERE IS NO FIX FOR THIS PROBLEM.

• 11/11/2024· SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  Vehicle began intermittently turning lights on and off while parked and driving. Upon dealer inspection, sunroof frame failed causing water to leak and corrode the VDP module which controls items like the headlights and suspension. Dealer did confirm, vehicle is being repaired at this moment. There were no warning lights about the headlight malfunction, noticed it while driving and while parked. There was a warning light regarding the suspension however it turned off next start and only came back on once more, again disappearing next start. Upon completion of repair, can provide parts inspection, receipts and video of the lighting issue while parked.

• 11/11/2024· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  There is no remedy to fix the recall. This vehicle is a part of my income and I haven't been able to operate on any ride-share platforms. -rear cargo rails -BMW NA has declined my request to buy back my car. They don't provide loaners or alternative vehicles. -BMW NA ignored my request to speak with someone in regard to lost wages.

• 11/07/2024· STRUCTURE

  This recall was determined in July 2024. It's now November 7, 2024 and there is still not a fix for it.

• 10/29/2024· STRUCTURE

  The contact owns a 2020 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. 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.

• 10/27/2025· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  The contact owns a 2020 BMW X3. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while starting. The contact then stated that while at a relative's home, the vehicle failed to start after multiple attempts, with white colored smoke coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact used a code reader and retrieved DTC: 216113, 21611A, 21A511, and 216115. Due to the failure, the vehicle remained at the relative's home. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V636000 (Electrical System); and linked it to the failure. The manufacturer and the dealer were notified of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 90,500.

• 10/19/2025· STRUCTURE

  So this just happened today - I was driving my 2020 BMW X3 on the freeway, cruising around 80 mph. No cars around me, no rocks, nothing hit the car… and suddenly, BANG! It sounded like a gunshot or small explosion. The sunroof shattered outward - completely blown out. Luckily, I had my interior sunshade closed, so all the glass shards were caught there instead of raining down on me. I pulled over immediately to check - there’s no sign of impact or debris. It just seems like the glass literally exploded on its own. Looks like BMWs have a defective sunroof coz there are thousands of reports on sunroofs exploding on various forums. The only reason I want to report this is because this is huge safety issue based on my experience when it happened and god forbid someone loses their life if they get all the glass into their eyes when their sunroof explodes while driving on freeway at this speed without any warning!

• 10/18/2023· SERVICE BRAKES

  Trying to come to a redlight stop at about 35mph. Brakes stopped working and engine started revving really high by itself while trying to stop. Almost slammed into the car in front. Could not reproduce the problem and have no idea what is going on. The car also has all the safety features to prevent hitting something but did not work. Luckily the car in front moved forward to avoid the collision. Turned car off and back on to try to reset the car.

• 10/15/2024· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLCrash

  The accident happened at Noon on [XXX] at the Amazon Fresh/Post office parking lot’s far right exit lane facing [XXX] The address is [XXX] . We were leaving the parking lot and I stopped at the exit lane with 2 cars in front of us. After the first car exited, the second car, a black Ford Explorer, moved forward. I released the brake slightly but my foot was still on the brake pedal. At this moment, my car suddenly accelerated and quickly approached the Explorer. I immediately pressed the brake pedal hard but was unable to stop my car and hit the back of the Explorer. The Explorer was forced out in front of the stop sign but the driver was able to turn right to park at the roadside. With my foot still firmly on the brake pedal, my car kept on accelerating into [XXX] , crossing 5 lanes of traffic until we hit the roadside curb of westbound [XXX] . The car then swerved left and hit a roadside tree, turning sideways into [XXX] middle turn lane. During this entire time, I did not press the accelerator and the car was violently shaking and jerking right and left. As the car slowed down, I was able to steer the car to the right eastbound lane of [XXX] , next to the parking lot near Bank of America’s ATM sign. After I got out of the car, I noticed the front and right sides of the body and tires were damaged including crushing, dents, and significant scratching. The problem I believe is as follows: 1.Sudden Unintended Acceleration and Control Circuit Malfunction. 2.Airbags did not deploy even though we hit a car, curb and tree. 3.Onboard Data Recorder should have the information needed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

• 10/14/2025· ENGINE

  Beginning Oct 1, 2025. The cars drivetrain warning came on intermittently until mechanics correctly diagnosed the issue. Thermostat valve failed to shut off properly causing the car to overheat. This has been an issue and recall already, just did not include my vin. Now it has happened to me at the cost of 2K and under 45k miles. heat management module had to be replaced due to the danger of overheating and complete car shut down. I am turning this into BMW as well.

• 10/06/2022· STEERING

  After car warms up and while driving in warmer temperatures, steering becomes loose, vehicle drifts in lane and becomes difficult to control. Even with steering assist enabled, vehicle cannot maintain a straight line. Knocking sound from underneath vehicle when steering to center at low speeds.

• 10/05/2021· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  On August 31, 2020, I purchased a new 2020 BMW X3E, manufactured and warranted by BMW, from Habberstad BMW, located at 945 East Jericho Turnpike, Huntington Station, New York 11746. On or about October 14, 2020, I was notified by a BMW Safety Recall regarding a defective battery in my hybrid vehicle. I later learned that on or about September 2, 2020, BMW submitted a Part 573 Safety Recall Report to the NHTSA, that on August 11, 2020, BMW decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall, and that per the Safety Recall in August 2020, BMW dealerships were expressly told NOT to sell any new motor vehicles that were subject to this recall. Thus, when I purchased my new vehicle, BMW and the dealership knew about the safety recall and they still sold me the vehicle. The value of the vehicle has cratered since the Safety Recall was announced and I made payments for the vehicle and maintained insurance on the vehicle for many months while the safety defect was being addressed by BMW. I attempted to resolve these issues with BMWNA for a sum on money and for BMW to take back the defective vehicle, but no agreement was reached. Finally, I recently filed a lawsuit against BMW of North America, LLC and Habberstad Motorsport, Inc. under the New York State Lemon Law, for unlawful and deceptive trade practice, and for fraudulent inducement. All relevant documents, including the Summons and Complaint from the lawsuit are attached to this Vehicle Complaint Form. I would be happy to provide additional documentation or answer additional questions on this matter.

• 10/05/2020· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  MEDIA COUNSEL KEEP SHUTTING DOWN

• 09/28/2020· AIR BAGS

  REPEATED PASSENGER AIRBAG/ RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION. WHEN THIS FAULT HAPPENS, THE AIRBAGS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WILL NOT INFLATE IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT, CREATING A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD. FIRST TIME THE FAULT OCCURRED AT 1341 MILES, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS NOT OCCUPIED. DEALER THEN REPLACED THE OCCUPANCY SENSOR. THE FAULT RETURNED A MONTH LATER AT 2219 MILES WHEN A PASSENGER WAS ADJUSTING THE SEAT DURING A TRIP. DEALER FOUND NO PERSISTENT FAULT AND JUST SECURED THE CONNECTORS.

• 09/25/2020· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE

  THE BACK UP CAMERA FAILS TO SHOW THE IMAGES AND PDC SENSORS DO NOT BEEP. EVEN WHEN IN REVERSE THE CAMERAS MALFUNCTION AND FREEZE. WAS PARKING IN A TIGHT SPOT AND NONE OF THE PDC SENSORS AND CAMERAS WORKED. EVEN WITH OPTION TO AUTOMATICALLY COME ON THE PDC AND CAMERA SYSTEM DID NOT TURN ON EVEN AT VERY SLOW SPEED IN THE PARKING GARAGE. AFTER PARKING AND LIFTING THE FOOT OFF THE BRAKE THE CAR HIT THE WALL AND THEN PDC SENSORS BEEPED AFTER THE IMPACT AND CREATED DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END OF THE CAR.

• 09/19/2024· STRUCTURE

  The contact owns a 2020 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V534000 (Structure); 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 available.

• 09/17/2020· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  WHILE DRIVING HOME, WE HEARD A LOUD NOISE (EXPLOSION) AND AFTER PULLING OFF THE ROAD, WE FOUND THE SUN ROOF HAD A LARGE HOLE. WE WERE VERY CONFUSED AS TO WHY IT HAPPENED, AS THE BMW X3 IS ONLY 9 MONTHS OLD.

• 08/26/2025· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  The sunroofs on BMWs are known to have issues with leaking, can be a distraction while driving in bad weather when conditions arent great to begin with. I have read where this is a constant problem and when brought to the dealership they are looking for upward of $2000 to repair for somethig that is a manufacturers defect.

• 08/14/2024· AIR BAGS

  The contact owns a 2020 BMW X3. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the message to “Drive Safely - See Nearest BMW Service Center” was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was driven to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the wiring harness associated with the driver’s and passenger’s side knee air bags needed to be replaced; however, the part for the repair was not available. The contact researched online and became aware of Manufacturer Communications Number: B650122; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 20,243.

• 08/11/2025· ELECTRICAL SYSTEMCrash

  The contact owned a 2020 BMW X3. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 10-15 MPH in a parking lot and attempting to make a turn, the brake pedal was depressed, but the pedal travelled down to the floor, and the vehicle failed to respond. Additionally, the steering wheel seized, and the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the pedal travelled down to the floorboard, and the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the vehicle became inoperable, causing the front driver's side bumper and door of the vehicle to crash into the rear-end of an unoccupied parked vehicle, and then the front end of the vehicle crashed into the side of another occupied parked vehicle. All the air bags of the vehicle deployed. There were no injuries sustained. A police report was filed. The police report confirmed that the impacts occurred a few moments before the contact received failure notifications on the vehicle mobile app. The vehicle remained inoperable and was towed to Spitler's Collision, where it was deemed a total loss. The Chevrolet dealer where the vehicle was purchased was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and sent engineers who inspected the vehicle at Spitler's Collision 8 months later. The manufacturer later informed the contact that the collisions occurred because the driver did not turn away from the other vehicles and did not depress the brake pedal as needed, which the contact stated was the description of the failure. No further assistance was provided. The manufacturer and the auto finance company deemed the vehicle a total loss. The failure mileage was 67,540.

• 07/27/2021· ENGINEFire

  The contact owned a 2020 BMW X3. The contact stated the vehicle was stationary at a parking lot, when the front passenger informed her that there was smoke coming from under the passenger’s side hood. The contact stated a bystander attempted to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher but failed. The fire department arrived within 10 minutes and was able to extinguish the fire. The contact stated no one was injured nor was medical attention sought. A fire report was filed. A police officer arrived at the location and filed a police report. The vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was towed to towing lot. The insurance company deemed the vehicle a total loss. The contact called the local dealer and left a voicemail. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 7,000.

• 07/27/2020· STEERING

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 BMW X3. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, WHEN HE HEARD AN ABNORMAL SOUND COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED HE CONTINUED DRIVING THE VEHICLE TO HIS DESTINATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BMW OF RAMSEY LOCATED AT 985 NJ-17, RAMSEY, NJ 07446, (844) 743-8279, HOWEVER THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE PERSISTED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 20V355000 (STEERING) AND 19V738000 (STEERING), HOWEVER THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35.

• 07/09/2026· POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE

  Heat Management Module HMM is bad. BMW used a plastic part that is right up against the engine block. This HMM Heat Management Module resulted in STOPPING the vehicle completely in the middle of the freeway. I had no control. Then the car drove, then stopped again. I had NO CONTROL over the vehicle. Weeks later the Drivetrain Malfunction warning light appeared as i was driving home late at night from the ER. I took it to my BMW dealer. The diagnostic test was performed and was told the Heat Management Module HMM needed to be replaced at a cost to me of $3000. I contacted BMW USA, explained what transpired and they responded with a denial. I stopped driving the car completely after i found other complaints about BMW using an inferior part on the 3 series and the same issue about the car stopping in highway traffic without any control. I later got my BMW repaired, at the BMW dealer, as i could not afford to buy another car. I have the defective inferior part in my possession for inspection by NHTSA. BMW refuses to recall the Heat Management Module HMM and will not address the Drivetrain Malfunction warning light. I would like this to be escalated and investigated by NHTSA.gov so that others may be safe when driving please. Thank you.

• 07/09/2023· POWER TRAIN

  Was driving the vehicle home and while driving I heard a loud pop and a thump. Had the vehicle towed home to see that the real differential bolt had sheared off the head!

• 07/07/2023· POWER TRAIN

  The contact owns a 2020 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving 10-15 MPH, he heard an abnormal noise from the rear differential bolt. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

• 07/01/2023· VISIBILITY/WIPER

  When we closed the front driver seat of the car while the car was parked, the back moonroof glass exploded, meaning the glass shattered into a ton of little pieces. Those glass pieces fell all over the back seat. There was no external cause such as something falling on the glass, etc. This happened at the same time as when we closed the front driver door. There were no seen issues with the glass prior to it breaking such as cracks or otherwise, and we had just bought the car BMW certified 2 months prior. BMW has indicated they are not taking responsibility, as they "can't rule out external forces" (although there are clearly none) and told me to reach out to my insurance for coverage. Glass falling all over the back seat is clearly a safety issue.

• 06/28/2025· SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

  The car suddenly braked without warning, and the road was clear and no interference.

• 06/22/2026· ENGINE

  I own a 2020 BMW X3 M40i, VIN [XXX], manufactured November 2019, now at approximately 100,000 miles, equipped with the B58TU engine. My oil level sensor stopped completing measurements at approximately 45,000 miles, a known precursor to thermoplastic oil pump failure. For 55,000 miles I had no way to identify whether my vehicle contained the defective component because BMW removed the original thermoplastic part number from all dealer networks. VIN-based lookup now falsely returns updated metal component information regardless of what is physically present in the vehicle. This makes proactive identification impossible for both owners and dealers, meaning the defect cannot be remediated even by willing owners. I had no actionable path forward. On [XXX] I was driving on a Florida highway at 80 mph when a low oil pressure warning appeared. I pulled over immediately. A fault log pulled at 2:05PM showed code 1C3002. A second log pulled at 6:49PM after briefly running the engine showed three additional oil system faults including 1C2002 - engine oil pump pressure too low - indicating active progressive failure within hours. This failure occurred in 90 degree Florida summer heat, not cold weather. If NHTSA’s investigation is scoped around cold climate failures, my case demonstrates that scope is incomplete and the affected population is broader than currently documented. Carfax records confirm 18 total service records over 100,000+ miles, including 8 dealer visits between 18,000 and 50,000 miles under active CPO warranty. This vehicle has been consistently and properly maintained throughout its life. The vehicle became a safety hazard at highway speed without adequate warning. I will file a second complaint after physical inspection confirming which pump variant is actually present. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

• 06/18/2025· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  Backup camera failure , missing rearview image when car gear is shifted to R, increasing the risk of crash and injury. When reversing the backup camera does not display any image/video feed on the screen, only the collision warning system is displayed.

• 06/16/2026· ENGINE

  reporting a safety issue with BMW vehicles equipped with the B58TU engine, primarily 2019-2021 models. These vehicles have an oil pump with an internal plastic component that regulates oil pressure, and this part is fracturing in the field, causing sudden loss of oil pressure. The failure typically occurs during cold starts in low temperatures. When it fails, oil pressure becomes erratic or is lost entirely, often with little to no warning before engine damage or vehicle disablement. Warning signs, when present, include inability to measure oil level electronically, abnormal oil pressure, or sudden drivetrain malfunction warnings. These can rapidly progress to engine shutdown or severe damage from oil starvation. This creates a dangerous situation because the vehicle can become disabled without warning while driving or after startup. This is especially hazardous when cars become immobilized in traffic or during winter conditions when failures occur most frequently, leaving occupants exposed to freezing temperatures while awaiting assistance. Pump replacement requires extensive disassembly and commonly costs $6,000-$8,000, assuming no engine damage. A critical concern: owners cannot determine if their vehicle has the original plastic pump or the later metal revision. BMW's VIN-based parts lookup now shows updated components even when original plastic parts remain installed, and BMW has removed the original plastic part number from dealer networks entirely. Failures are reported across multiple production years, and the scope of affected vehicles remains unclear. Because this condition causes sudden vehicle disablement without adequate warning, especially in cold weather, I believe this warrants investigation as a potential safety-related defect.

• 06/10/2024· POWER TRAIN

  The differential mounting bolt will fail causing your differential to fall which breaks your driveshaft your transfer case and your exhaust system. This has been reported in well over 100 cars there is no warning light if driving at interstate speeds and this happens it could be catastrophic.

• 06/07/2023· POWER TRAIN

  The contact owns a 2020 BMW X3. The contact stated while accelerating from a stop, there was a loud, popping sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact inspected the vehicle and discovered that the upper rear differential mounting bolt head had sheared off. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and the failure was confirmed. The vehicle was repaired under warranty. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.

• 06/07/2023· POWER TRAIN

  The issue is with the rear differential carrier bolt, Part # 33176760336. This bolt shears at the hex head and causes the differential assembly to misalign with the rest of the driveline components and causes further failures of the driveshaft and other items. Just in the past month I have seen several people post on the BMW X3M facebook groups and also on Internet forums about their broken bolt causing issues. The OEM bolt is a 10.9 grade bolt that does not appear to be able to take the stress put on it for daily driving. My car is exhibiting symptoms that others have heard in their cars before the failure occurred, Clunking when putting the car into drive or reverse. This can also be heard while going into second gear and driving at 5-20mph on light throttle then letting off the gas pedal and getting back on, this will cause the differential to clunk back onto the bolt and off. This is a failure due to a simple bolt component that could be enhanced by BMW to a higher tensile strength to avoid this situation from happening on the highway.

• 06/07/2023· POWER TRAIN

  Consistently breaking differential bolt that hold the rear differential in place, very widespread issue as well as being consistently noted in forums. Also a high number of differential completely failing across all years. Mine failed recently, two other vehicles at the same dealership had a broken differential. There needs to be a recall on both of these issues.