Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

2004 Bmw X3: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

138 owner complaints analyzed

1 distinct recall campaigns

65,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2004 model year. Data updated: . 106 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Seats is the most frequently named component, appearing in 28 of 138 complaints (20.3%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Braking behavior128.7%
Electrical and battery issues85.8%
Engine operation64.3%
Transmission and shifting53.6%
Steering behavior42.9%
Fuel system concerns21.4%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Seats
28
Air Bags
18
Electrical System
17
Air Bags:Frontal
11
Vehicle Speed Control
8
Engine
6
Power Train:Automatic Transmission
6
Unknown Or Other
6
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Seats28
Air Bags18
Electrical System17
Air Bags:Frontal11
Vehicle Speed Control8
Engine6
Power Train:Automatic Transmission6
Unknown Or Other6

Seats: 28; Air Bags: 18; Electrical System: 17; Air Bags:Frontal: 11; Vehicle Speed Control: 8; Engine: 6; Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 6; Unknown Or Other: 6

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
29
25,000 to 49,999
13
50,000 to 74,999
18
75,000 to 99,999
20
100,000 to 149,999
19
150,000 and above
7
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,00029
25,000 to 49,99913
50,000 to 74,99918
75,000 to 99,99920
100,000 to 149,99919
150,000 and above7

Under 25,000: 29; 25,000 to 49,999: 13; 50,000 to 74,999: 18; 75,000 to 99,999: 20; 100,000 to 149,999: 19; 150,000 and above: 7

Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (29). 32 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2004
9
2005
23
2006
8
2007
7
2008
5
2009
5
2010
14
2011
9
2012
12
2013
8
2014
6
2015
9
2016
5
2017
3
2018
6
2020
5
2022
2
2023
1
2025
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20049
200523
20068
20077
20085
20095
201014
20119
201212
20138
20146
20159
20165
20173
20186
20205
20222
20231
20251

2004: 9; 2005: 23; 2006: 8; 2007: 7; 2008: 5; 2009: 5; 2010: 14; 2011: 9; 2012: 12; 2013: 8; 2014: 6; 2015: 9; 2016: 5; 2017: 3; 2018: 6; 2020: 5; 2022: 2; 2023: 1; 2025: 1

Pattern summary

Seats leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 12 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 8 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 6 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10078431 · 2004-06-18 (June 18, 2004)

WHEN DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO PARK VEHICLE IN THE GARAGE. VEHICLE SELF ACCELERATED VIOLENTLY AND CRASHED THROUGH THE WALL.MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WAS CONTACTED THE NEXT MORNING, MANUFACTURER PROMISED TO INVESTIGATE.MESSAGE LEFT WITH DEALER'S ASS'T SHOP MANAGER FOR INSTRUCTION, STILL WAITING FOR CALL BACK.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. 2,522 miles reported. Look up ODI 10078431 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10086340 · 2004-08-06 (August 6, 2004)

MULTIPLE ELECTRONIC PROBLEMS FROM DAY OF PURCHASE. FUEL GAUGE PROBLEMS/AIR CONDITIONING SHUT DOWN AND SLOWING/DASHBOARD MALFUNCTIONED, CUMULATING IN FAILURE OF IGNITION. 3 DAYS LATER, BATTERY INDICATED A GREEN SENSOR, THEREFORE ASSUMPTION ELECTRONIC FAILURE OCCURRED ELSEWHERE. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. 120 miles reported. Look up ODI 10086340 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10095934 · 2004-10-18 (October 18, 2004)

CAR WAS IN PARK WHILE RUNNING. I PUT IN DRIVE (NOT COLD START) HAD BEEN DRIVING FOR 2 HOURS(STOPPED AT STORE). I PUT IN DRIVE AND THE ENGINE REVVED LIKE THE GAS PEDAL WAS FLOORED. I TRIED TO MAKE IT STOP BY PUTTING IN PARK. I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO CUT OFF THE ENGINE TO MAKE IT STOP. I AM GLAD NO ONE WAS NEAR THE CAR BECAUSE THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN INJURED. IT JUMPED FORWARD VERY HARD AND I WAS HOLDIING DOWN THE BRAKE. IT LURCHED FORWARD AND MADE A LOUD CLUNKING SOUND AND I SHUT THE CAR OFF. I THINK IT HAS TO DO WITH THE TRANS. I JUST BOUGHT THE CA…

Owner-reported narrative. 730 miles reported. Look up ODI 10095934 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10096209 · 2004-10-22 (October 22, 2004)

BLINDED BY HIGH INTENSITY HEADLAMPS. ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE. FIRST, LET ME THANK YOU FOR CLOSING DOWN THE DISTRIBUTION OF AFTER-MARKET HI DEVICES MADE BY AMTEX IN DAYTON, TX. THE AFTER-MARKET ONES ARE PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS BECAUSE THEY ARE PLACED IN HEADLIGHTS NOT DESIGNED FOR THE HI INTENSITY LAMPS. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE A CONTINUING PROBLEM, ESPECIALLY THE BLUE-WHITE LAMPS. SOME ARE SO INTENSE AS TO CAUSE PAIN - LIKE LOOKING INTO A WELDER'S ELECTRIC ARC. THESE LAMPS MAY BE OK ON THE AUTOBAHN, BUT THEY HAVE NO PLACE IN URBAN CROWD…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10096209 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10096254 · 2004-10-22 (October 22, 2004)

THE TRANSMISSION SELECTOR IS ABLE TO BE MOVED FROM DRIVE TO REVERSE WITHOUT HAVING TO DEPRESS THE BRAKES AND SAFETY. THIS CAN BE DONE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS STILL MOVING. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. 150 miles reported. Look up ODI 10096254 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10098002 · 2004-10-29 (October 29, 2004)

COPY OF EMAIL SENT TO BMW USA RE: X3 I LEARNED TODAY THAT MY NEW X3 HAS NO DISPLAY PANEL WARNING LIGHT OR SOUND TO WARN WHEN DOORS ARE UNLATCHED OR AJAR. THIS TYPE OF WARNING -- OFTEN USING BOTH PANEL LIGHTS AND SOUND -- HAS BEEN STANDARD EQUIPMENT IN MOST CARS FOR THE PAST 20 YEARS TO PROTECT PASSENGERS, ESPECIALLY CHILDREN, FROM ACCIDENTALLY FALLING OUT OF VEHICLES. MY OWN BMW DEALER REFUSED TO BELIEVE THAT MY X3 HAD NO SUCH WARNING DEVICE UNTIL HE FINALLY CHECKED HIS INVENTORY AND FOUND NO X3'S WITH ANY DOOR WARNING LIGHTS OR SOUNDS. H…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10098002 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10100298 · 2004-11-21 (November 21, 2004)

SINCE BUYING MY CAR, I HAD ISSUES WITH THE FLAT TIRE MONITOR INDICATOR LIGHT COMING ON. I CONTINUALLY CHECKED THE PRESSURE OF ALL 4 TIRES AND VENTUALLY, THIS PAST SEPTEMBER, AFTER ONLY 1,845 MILES, HAD TO HAVE A TIRE REPAIRED (COST $15). THE DIAGNOSIS WAS SIMPLY A LEAKING BEAD. AT 2,651 MILES, ANOTHER TIRE SUFFERED IRREPARABLE DAMAGE CAUSED. ALSO, FROM A LEAKING BEAD. A REPLACEMENT TIRE WILL NEED TO BE ORDERED ($217+), AND SINCE THERE'S NO SPARE WITH MY MINI, I NEED TO MAKE OTHER TRANSPORTATION ARRANGEMENTS. I AM EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED …

Owner-reported narrative. 2,703 miles reported. Look up ODI 10100298 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10100471 · 2004-11-24 (November 24, 2004)

I WAS HELPING ONE OF OUR CONSUMERS RESOLVE AN ISSUE WITH THIS MFG. WHEN I LOOKED AT THEIR STREET LEGAL MOTORCYCLES, I DISCOVERED THAT THEY HAVE NO EMISSION CONTROL EQUIPMENT AT ALL, YET THEY CLAIM THEY ARE C.A.R.B., D.O.T. AND E.P.A. CERTIFIED. HERE IS A LINK TO THE IMPOSTERS WEB PAGE. HTTP://WWW.BI-TANK.COM/ IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO E-MAIL ME OR CONTACT ME BY PHONE. RANDY CASTLEMAN PROGRAM REPRESENTATIVE II'S [phone removed] *NOTE* I PUT IN VEHICLE INFORMATION FOR A MOTORCYCLE MFG. THAT IS NOT ASSOCIATED …

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10100471 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

1 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

08V384000 · Air Bags:Frontal

Reported: 2008-08-05 (August 5, 2008)

BMW IS RECALLING 200,000 MY 2006 3 SERIES SPORT SEAT, MY 2004-2006 5 SERIES STANDARD AND SPORT SEAT, AND MY 2004-2006 X3 PASSENGER VEHICLES. DEPENDING ON THE MANNER AND FREQUENCY OF THE FRONT PASSENGER'S ENTRY AND EXIT, SMALL CRACKS HAVE DEVELOPED IN THE MAT. IF THIS OCCURS, THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM, WILL BE DEACTIVATED AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP AS WELL AS THE PASSENGER AIR BAG "ON-OFF" LAMP WILL BE ILLUMINATED.

Consequence: IN THIS SITUATION THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY EVEN IF A SUFFICIENTLY SEVERE ACCIDENT WOULD OCCUR AND OCCUPANT PROTECTION PROVIDED BY THE SYSTEM WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REWORK THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR MAT SO THAT EXTERNAL FORCE APPLICATION TO THE SEAT DOES NOT CAUSE A CRACK TO THE MAT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 6, 2008. BMW WILL ALSO EXTEND THE WARRANTY ON THESE VEHICLES TO 10 YEARS FROM FIRST REGISTRATION WITHOUT ANY MILEAGE LIMIT. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

138 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

76.8%Usable mileage106 / 138 records
100.0%Valid incident date138 / 138 records
100.0%Valid filing date138 / 138 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates138 / 138 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026
Engine
819.0%
ODI 10508349 · 10,000 mi

WE STOPPED FOR A LIGHT AND THE CAR STARTED TO ACCELERATE WHILE YOUR FOOT IS ON THE BRAKE. THE RPM GAUGE WENT UP TO AROUND 3500 AND THE CAR WAS EXTREMELY HARD TO KEEP FROM GOING FORWARD. THIS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES, THE CAR WAS BROUGHT IN FOR DIAGNOSTICS BUT THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. IT HAPPENED RECENTLY AND WE ARE TAKING THE CAR IN AGAIN TO TRY TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *TR

Look up ODI 10508349 at NHTSA ↗

14765.0%
ODI 10503104 · 150 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW X3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRYING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. AFTER INSPECTION, THEY ADVISED HER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ACTING AS NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 200. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. *TR

Look up ODI 10503104 at NHTSA ↗

1922.1%
ODI 10825713 · 17,000 mi

1) AT 14K MILES, THE TRANSMISSION TRANSFER CASE FAILED. LOCAL BMW SERVICE SHOP REPLACED THE CASE TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE. I WAS SURPRISED BY THIS ISSUE AT THIS LOW MILEAGE AS I HAVE BEEN DRIVING MANY CARS FOR PAST 25+ YEARS, BUT NEVER HAD SUCH PROBLEMS. 2) IN LAST WEEK OF JAN , MY CAR ENGINE COMPLETELY STOPPED AND CAR CAME OFF DRIVE MODE WHILE I WAS DRIVING MY CAR ON HIGHWAY. FORTUNATELY, THERE WAS NONE BEHIND MY CAR AND I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY STOP MY CAR WITH THE EMERGENCY LIGHTS ON. CAR WOULD NOT GO IN DRIVE MODE UNTIL I HAD STOP…

Look up ODI 10825713 at NHTSA ↗

2927.6%
ODI 10693873 · 112 mi

THERE WERE A TOTAL OF 4 INCIDENCES. 2/21/15 TOOK BMW X3 XDRIVE28I TO DEALER WITH 112 MILES ON CAR, AFTER CAR ENGINE REVVED HIGHER AS I WAS COMING DOWN A HILL TO A COMPLETE STOP. I HAD TO PRACTICALLY STAND ON THE BRAKE FOR CAR TO STOP. ACCELERATION LASTED ABOUT 4 SECONDS AFTER STOPPING. HAD TO KEEP MY FOOT ON BRAKE DURING THAT TIME. IT HAPPENED A SECOND TIME ON THE WAY TO DEALER; GOING UP A SLIGHT HILL, WHILE COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. PRIOR TO THE ABOVE DATE, ON 2/16/15, CAR ALSO ACCELERATED BY ITSELF WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 55 MPH ON THE HIGHWA…

Look up ODI 10693873 at NHTSA ↗

1315.9%
ODI 11132051 · 45,569 mi

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

Look up ODI 11132051 at NHTSA ↗

1718.5%
ODI 10948114 · 600 mi

I WAS STOPPING MY CAR AT A RED SIGNAL BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE. I APPLIED BREAKS AND VEHICLE REACHED TO COMPLETE STOP. IMMEDIATELY, ENGINE PICKED UP AND STARTED MOVING FORWARD EVEN THOUGH BREAKS ARE COMPLETELY PRESSED. I HAD TO DO SOMETHING TO STOP THE CAR REAR ENDING. SO, I RELEASED AND RE-APPLIED BREAKS. VEHICLE REACHED COMPLETE STOP AND AGAIN STARTED ACCELERATING FORWARD. I REPEATED THE PROCESS BUT THE THIRD TIME IT HIT THE CAR INFRONT OF ME. THE CAR IS EQUIPPED WITH : AUTO START/STOP ENGINE (WHICH STOPS THE ENGINE WHEN THE CAR IS AT COMP…

Look up ODI 10948114 at NHTSA ↗

1621.3%
ODI 11351328 · 6,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 BMW X3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER HUSBAND WAS DRIVING AT 80 MPH, THE COOLANT LEVEL LOW, DRIVE AT A MODERATE SPEED WARNING MESSAGE HAD APPEARED ON HER INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND CONTINUED TO DRIVE AT A MODERATE SPEED AS ADVISED, SOON AFTER, THE PULL OVER, STOP THE CAR WARNING MESSAGE ALSO ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND HER HUSBAND PROCEEDED AS ADVISED. DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE AUTOMASTER BMW (3328 SHELBURNE RD #3, SHELBURNE, VT 05482). THE DEA…

Look up ODI 11351328 at NHTSA ↗

3420.0%
ODI 11205853 · 100 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 BMW X3. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE LIFTGATE SPONTANEOUSLY OPENED. ADDITIONALLY, WHEN THE PUSH TO START WAS ENGAGED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHUT OFF. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JACKIE COOPER BMW MINI (14145 N BROADWAY EXT, EDMOND, OK 73013, [phone removed]), BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100. *BF CONSUMER STATED WHILE THE REAR HATCH OPENED AND SPILLED …

Look up ODI 11205853 at NHTSA ↗

2522.9%
ODI 11405954 · 8,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 BMW X3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND UNATTENDED, IT SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT FIRE. ADDITIONALLY, A LINCOLN MKZ PARKED ADJACENT TO THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO REPORTED INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT LOT. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000.

Look up ODI 11405954 at NHTSA ↗

2320.7%
ODI 11424300

I was at a stop light and when the light changed I stepped on the gas. The car suddenly turned completely off. I had no steering, no braking no ability to turn the hazard lights on. I was in the middle of the street with traffic behind me and my child was in the back seat with me. The car completely died. There were no warning signs at all Cars started to go around me and I exited the car with my child to avoid getting hit because I could not put my hazard lights. I called my husband and after about 10 minutes I could see the headlights…

Look up ODI 11424300 at NHTSA ↗

911.5%
ODI 11509735

I have two major concerns 1) When I drive in the snow and engage "traction control" the brakes stop working properly - to the point that I had to stomp on the pedal with both feet to get them to kick in. It was truly terrifying. Another friend with a 2023 model X3 experienced the exact same thing. No warning signs appeared and my car only has 9000 miles. This just happened so I have no complained to the dealer yet. 2) When I leave my house and head down hill to the stop sign the transmission automatically kicks itself out of "Drive" into "Ne…

Look up ODI 11509735 at NHTSA ↗

426.7%
ODI 11571407 · 20 mi

The contact owns a 2023 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle independently accelerated. The contact depressed the brake pedal however, the vehicle independently accelerated. The contact also stated that the failure had previously occurred several times. The vehicle was scheduled for an upcoming service appointment. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to schedule an appointment with the deale…

Look up ODI 11571407 at NHTSA ↗

37.9%
ODI 11654166

I was entering 4-lane highway from a side street. While accelerating, the engine suddenly stopped. The dashboard went black, except for a red outline of the car. In the second or two that I was looking for a place to get off the highway, the car restarted, and all indicators returned to normal on the dash. I completed my errands without incident. Since the original incident on Monday, [XXX], I have driven the car on several short errands without incident. I believe this incident may be related to your recall 25V-202. Thank you [XXX] [XX…

Look up ODI 11654166 at NHTSA ↗

410.5%
ODI 11625787

A CUSTOMER STATES CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON CAUSE: WIRE REPAIR 0000556 Performing vehicle test (with vehicle diagnosis system) 5270WPB94 61-13-8-353-748 CABLE CONNECTOR: 619900 61-13-5-A4F-528 SHRINKING HOSE: 619900 12-63-5-A55-720 INTEGRATED POWER SUPPLY Charging battery (at support point in 1299000 W/T GIVEN TO REPAIR ENGINE WIRING HARNESS 1263586 Replacing power distribution module (after vehicle diagnosis) 5270WPB94 PART#: 61-13-8-353-748 COUNT: 1 CLAIM TYPE: AUTH CODE: ARTS duplicated complaint, checked fault memory TOTAL LINE A: and code cd8c…

Look up ODI 11625787 at NHTSA ↗

15.9%
ODI 11747350 · 10 mi

The contact owns a 2026 BMW X3. The contact stated that while vehicle was stopped at an intersection with the engine running, the message “Auto Start Feature Off” was displayed, and the starter was cycling unexpectedly. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted but was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10.

Look up ODI 11747350 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System
24.8%
ODI 11052143

JUST CAME ACROSS THIS ARTICLE! I THINK I KNOW WHY THEY R BURSTING INTO FLAMES! I DRIVE A BMW 2012 X3. SEVERAL MONTHS AGO I WAS PREPARING TO LEAVE FOR WORK & MY CAR WAS PARKED IN MY GARAGE. I OPENED THE PASSENGER DOOR TO PUT MY PURSE & LUNCH TOTE ON SEAT & THERE WAS WHITE SMOKE SWIRLING FROM MY IPHONE CAR CHARGER THAT WAS PLUGGED INTO MY CIGARETTE LIGHTER. I IMMEDIATELY UNPLUGGED IT & IT RESOLVED THE PROBLEM. HAD IT STARTED DURING THE NIGHT MY CAR & CONDO WOULD HAVE BEEN TORCHED! I DIDN'T REPORT THIS TO BMW, BUT TOOK THE CHARGER TO AT&T…

Look up ODI 11052143 at NHTSA ↗

2812.4%
ODI 10509834 · 740 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW X3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR WINDSHIELD WIPER WOULD NOT STOP AND IT DRAINED THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE PARTS SENT OUT TO CORRECT THIS FAILURE BUT THAT THE MANUFACTURER WAS STILL LOOKING INTO CORRECTING THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 740. *TR

Look up ODI 10509834 at NHTSA ↗

3034.9%
ODI 10680741 · 8,000 mi

CIGARETTE LIGHTERS ARE NON OPERATIONAL. FUSES ARE BLOWN EVERY 2 TO 3 MONTHS. CONSTANTLY REPLACING FUSES. *TR

Look up ODI 10680741 at NHTSA ↗

2221.0%
ODI 10661974 · 9,003 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 BMW X3 DIESEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE AND DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. ALSO, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH ON AN INTERSTATE, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AGAIN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,003.

Look up ODI 10661974 at NHTSA ↗

2328.0%
ODI 11354903

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.

Look up ODI 11354903 at NHTSA ↗

3032.6%
ODI 11150181 · 20,441 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 BMW X3. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH UPHILL, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO PARK AVE BMW (530 HUYLER STREET, SOUTH HACKENSACK, NJ 07606) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL DELIVERY MODULE UNDER THE REAR SEAT GOT WET AND SHORTED OUT. AS A RESULT, FUEL WAS NOT BEING DELIVERED TO THE ENGINE. THE NIGHT BEFORE, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A COOLER IN THE REAR SEAT THAT TILTED AND SPILLED WATER AND ICE ONTO THE REAR SEAT. THE SEAT WAS IMMEDIATELY CL…

Look up ODI 11150181 at NHTSA ↗

2128.0%
ODI 11119677 · 5,900 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 BMW X3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER DISPLAYED THE INCORRECT SPEED. THE DEALER (GAULT AUTO SPORT BMW, 2311 NORTH ST, ENDICOTT, NY 13760, [phone removed]) INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS NO REMEDY FOR THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 5,900.

Look up ODI 11119677 at NHTSA ↗

4526.5%
ODI 11205853 · 100 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 BMW X3. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE LIFTGATE SPONTANEOUSLY OPENED. ADDITIONALLY, WHEN THE PUSH TO START WAS ENGAGED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHUT OFF. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JACKIE COOPER BMW MINI (14145 N BROADWAY EXT, EDMOND, OK 73013, [phone removed]), BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100. *BF CONSUMER STATED WHILE THE REAR HATCH OPENED AND SPILLED …

Look up ODI 11205853 at NHTSA ↗

3532.1%
ODI 11361036 · 1,500 mi

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.

Look up ODI 11361036 at NHTSA ↗

3329.7%
ODI 11390549 · 6,900 mi

OUR CAR HAS JUST SHUTDOWN ALTOGETHER WAITING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. ALSO, THE MAIN CONSOLE ABOVE THE STEERING WHEEL HAS GONE COMPLETELY BLACK SEVERAL TIMES WHILE DRIVING.

Look up ODI 11390549 at NHTSA ↗

1417.9%
ODI 11439252

When a door or hatch is opened, the car horn is continuously activated for up to two minutes. No switches or key fob buttons deactivate the horn. The dealer service department thinks it is a defective switch or relay in the steering column. The vehicle is underivable because of he loud noise of the horn. It risks damaging hearing, making other sounds undetectable, disturbing others including drivers, pedestrians, and neighbors (one called me to complain, thank you). It also puts one at risk for violent road rage incidents.

Look up ODI 11439252 at NHTSA ↗

320.0%
ODI 11737666

The contact owns a 2023 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V056000 (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.

Look up ODI 11737666 at NHTSA ↗

1026.3%
ODI 11663514

The digital instrument cluster that displays the speedometer and other information will occasionally not illuminate when the car is started leaving the driver unable to know how fast they are going. This is so dangerous. This has happened to me at least 4 times in the past 6 months

Look up ODI 11663514 at NHTSA ↗

1539.5%
ODI 11625787

A CUSTOMER STATES CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON CAUSE: WIRE REPAIR 0000556 Performing vehicle test (with vehicle diagnosis system) 5270WPB94 61-13-8-353-748 CABLE CONNECTOR: 619900 61-13-5-A4F-528 SHRINKING HOSE: 619900 12-63-5-A55-720 INTEGRATED POWER SUPPLY Charging battery (at support point in 1299000 W/T GIVEN TO REPAIR ENGINE WIRING HARNESS 1263586 Replacing power distribution module (after vehicle diagnosis) 5270WPB94 PART#: 61-13-8-353-748 COUNT: 1 CLAIM TYPE: AUTH CODE: ARTS duplicated complaint, checked fault memory TOTAL LINE A: and code cd8c…

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211.8%
ODI 11719738

NHTSA Safety Complaint – Narrative VIN: [XXX] | Vehicle: 2026 BMW X3 | Purchase Date: December 2025 | Mileage at First Failure: 360 miles | Incident Date: January 14, 2026 | Crash: No | Injuries: No | Vehicle Moving: Yes I am filing this complaint regarding a serious, recurring defect in my 2026 BMW X3, purchased new in December 2025 in California. Defect: While driving at highway and surface street speeds, the instrument panel goes completely black without warning, causing me to lose visibility of vehicle speed, fuel level, warning indicators…

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Air Bags
1228.6%
ODI 10618998 · 34,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW X3. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REVERSED INTO BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. ALL OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED ABRUPTLY CAUSING THE DRIVER TO SUSTAIN INJURIES TO THE FACE, INCLUDING SWELLING AND NERVE DAMAGE. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS RECEIVED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, BUT THE DIAGNOSTIC REPORT WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,000.

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83.5%
ODI 10935877 · 35,500 mi

THIS MESSAGE JUST KEEP POPPING UP ON THE SCREEN "PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION." PASSENGER AIRBAGS INDICATED AS OFF EVEN THE PASSENGER SEAT IS OCCUPIED. I HAD CONTACTED BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS, AND THERE WAS A RECALL FOR AIRBAG SENSOR ISSUE BUT NOT INCLUDING THE MODEL X3.

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910.5%
ODI 10682885 · 15,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 BMW X3. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND CAUSING THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THEY FAILED TO RESPOND AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE N…

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109.5%
ODI 10875452 · 10,000 mi

AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY IN HIGH-IMPACT FRONT END CRASH. VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING 30-35 MPH. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED.

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44.9%
ODI 10991289 · 11,500 mi

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…

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77.6%
ODI 11014494

RECEIVED NOTICE FROM CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT STATING THE TAKATA AIR BAGS ARE DEFECTIVE IN MY BMW. HAVE NOT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE AS OF YET. WOULD LIKE TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM DUE TO SAFETY CONCERNS.

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56.7%
ODI 11150446 · 2,000 mi

2018 BMW X3 M40I: UPON START UP THE VEHICLE DISPLAYS A WARNING 'SEATBELT RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION.' THE CAR THE ENTERS A LIMP MODE AND SAYS TO DRIVE TO THE NEAREST BMW SERVICE CENTER AND THAT SOME SAFETY FEATURES ARE UNAVAILABLE. POWER ASSIST STEERING NO LONGER WORKS, AND THE VEHICLE DEFAULTS TO 4WD MODE. ADDITIONALLY, IT FURTHER STATES AIRBAG FUNCTIONALITY IS LIMITED, AND CRASH AVOIDANCE IS UNAVAILABLE, BUT THAT DRIVING IS STILL POSSIBLE! WHAT'S DISTURBING IS THAT I DISCOVERED THAT MANY OTHER LATE MODEL BMW OWNERS ARE REPORTING THIS SAME I…

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42.4%
ODI 11481066

While driving, an error message appeared on the car screen that said: Passenger restraint system malfunction: Contact BMW Carefully drive to the closest service center. Passenger restraint system is limited. Increased risk of injury in case of a collision. Continue wearing safety belt. 1) What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Passenger restraint system 2) How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Increased risk of injury in case of collision 3) Has the problem been…

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76.4%
ODI 11361557 · 1,341 mi

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.

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10.9%
ODI 11671969 · 57,303 mi

The contact owned a 2021 BMW X3. The contact stated while parked and occupied in the vehicle, while shifting the gear shift into park, the vehicle accelerated independently and collided with a Tesla occupied by a mom and daughter, which was in front of her. The contact mentioned that the Tesla collided with another vehicle. The vehicle then reversed independently at a high speed and then accelerated again, and collided a second time with the Tesla and then into a BMW several times. The contact, while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle fai…

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33.8%
ODI 11651829

I don't know what happen, but Friday March 28, 2024 after getting gas and I started my vehicle a noticed appeared "Passenger Restraint System Malfunctioned. This is related to my Air Bag, and I am told this is not covered under my extended warranty. This is something should be Bmw responsibility.

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

25.3%
ODI 11659896 · 17,000 mi

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 stat…

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Unknown Or Other
511.9%
ODI 10882277

BMW ON 2013 AND OLDER MODELS HAS DISABLED THE EMERGENCY SOS BUTTON WHICH ALLOWS YOU TO CALL FOR ASSISTANCE IN AN EMERGENCY. THEY ALSO HAVE TURNED OFF THE ABILITY OF THE CAR TO AUTOMATICALLY CALL FOR HELP WHEN A COLLISION OCCURS. THESE SAFETY FEATURES WERE DISABLED DUE TO THE CAR USING OLDER 2G CELLULAR TECHNOLOGY. I PURCHASED THE CAR WITH THE PEACE OF MIND THAT IT HAD THESE DESIRABLE SAFETY FEATURES. BMW SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR RETROFITTING NEW ANTENNAS/SOFTWARE TO WORK WITH NEWER 3G OR LTE MOBILE PHONE SERVICE. A CHEAP THROWAWAY PHONE …

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146.2%
ODI 10783368

THE BATTERY OF THE VEHICLE DRAINS EVEN WHEN IT IS NOT RUNNING. THE BATTERY GETS SO DRAINED THAT IT CANNOT BE RECHARGED AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.INITIALLY THE SERVICE MAN KEPT TELLING ME THAT I HAD LEFT SOMETHING ON AND THAT IS WHY THE BATTERY DRAINED. BUT SOMEONE TOLD ME OFF THE RECORD THAT IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE COMPUTER SYSTEM DID NOT SHUT DOWN PROPERLY AND THAT WAS DRAINING THE BATTERY AND SINCE I WAS NOT DRIVING A LONG DISTANCE (I DRIVE APPROX 25 MILES TOTAL EACH DAY), THAT WAS NOT ENOUGH TIME FOR BATTERY TO RECHARGE. THE CAR MAKES WEIRD…

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910.5%
ODI 10825713 · 17,000 mi

1) AT 14K MILES, THE TRANSMISSION TRANSFER CASE FAILED. LOCAL BMW SERVICE SHOP REPLACED THE CASE TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE. I WAS SURPRISED BY THIS ISSUE AT THIS LOW MILEAGE AS I HAVE BEEN DRIVING MANY CARS FOR PAST 25+ YEARS, BUT NEVER HAD SUCH PROBLEMS. 2) IN LAST WEEK OF JAN , MY CAR ENGINE COMPLETELY STOPPED AND CAR CAME OFF DRIVE MODE WHILE I WAS DRIVING MY CAR ON HIGHWAY. FORTUNATELY, THERE WAS NONE BEHIND MY CAR AND I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY STOP MY CAR WITH THE EMERGENCY LIGHTS ON. CAR WOULD NOT GO IN DRIVE MODE UNTIL I HAD STOP…

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1312.4%
ODI 11000881 · 1 mi

THIS MORNING AROUND 10AM CENTRAL TIME WHILE I AM DRIVING THE VEHICLE STRAIGHT ON A CITY STREET AT ABOUT 10MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED BY ITSELF. I IMMEDIATELY HIT THE BRAKE HARDEST TRYING TO STOP IT. THANKS GOD, IT STOPPED. FORTUNATELY, NOTHING CLOSER IN FRONT OF MY VEHICLE, NO ONE GOT HURT. BUT I LIKE TO REPORT IT AND WANT TO KNOW IF THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE.

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1214.6%
ODI 10736180 · 1,050 mi

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.

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99.8%
ODI 11000162 · 5 mi

THE REAR VIEW CAMERA FAILS TO ENGAGE OFTEN WHEN BACKING UP. IT IS ALWAYS SLOW TO TURN ON, HOWEVER THERE ARE TIMES WHEN IT WOULD NOT TURN ON AT ALL. MORE CONCERNING IS THAT THE SERVICE ADVISOR WAS NOT CONCERNED ABOUT IT AND DISMISSED IT SAYING THAT THE SYSTEM GETS AUTOMATICALLY DISENGAGED WHEN THE CAMERA IS DIRTY AND THAT HE KNOWS "BECAUSE HE HEARS THIS COMPLAINT ALL THE TIME"

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1216.0%
ODI 11071958 · 2,000 mi

THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING AND WHEN I TRIED TO STOP BECAUSE THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME STOPPED. MY CAR HAD A BRAKE FAILURE AND CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. ABS AND/OR THE COLLUSION DETERRENT SYSTEM ENGAGED TO AVOID THIS ACCIDENT.

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4325.3%
ODI 11209562 · 200 mi

THE PLASTIC COVERS OVER THE LOWER CHILD SAFETY RESTRAINT BUCKLES RIPPED OUT DURING DRIVING, CAUSING THE CHILD SEAT TO BECOME LOOSE AND UNSAFE. THE ANGLE OF THESE COVERS FORCES THE CHILD SEAT LOWER BUCKLE TO ANGLE HORIZONTALLY OUTWARDS. THESE COVERS ARE ONLY SECURED BY A THIN PLASTIC TAB, SO IF THE PRESSURE OF THE STRAP PULLS UPWARDS ON THE COVER AND BREAKS THE TAB DURING AN ACCIDENT OR REGULAR USAGE, THE CHILD SEAT STRAPS WILL BECOME LOOSE AND THE CHILD WILL BE AT SERIOUS RISK OF INJURY. THE CHILD SEAT I HAD THIS HAPPEN WITH WAS A COMMON, B…

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1715.6%
ODI 11288513 · 1,300 mi

TRUNK OPENED BY ITSELF WHILE VEHICLE WAS MOVING.

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2522.5%
ODI 11417659

Exploding rear passenger window glass sent fine glass particles and glass chips everywhere. Was driving from 5300 ft elevation to 10800 ft elevation so it appears to be caused by faulty glass and air pressure change causing an outward push of air pressure. Nothing hit the window. This was my first time driving the car. Any rear passengers would have been hospitalized due to glass in the eyes. BMW is denying the issue is with their product.

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1823.1%
ODI 11453844

SUV's lift gate has opened on its own twice. Once in the garage resulting garage door damage as well as $798.00 in lift gate damage. The second time the vehicle was outside unattended.

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16.7%
ODI 11518108

I have noticed that my vehicle seems to be lagging behind when driving at the poster speed limit. Other vehicles were catching up rapidly and stacking up behind me. I compared the indicated vehicle speed with two separate GPS devices and found the indicated speed was slower the the GPS indicated speed. At highway speed, 75 mph as indicated on the speedometer, the vehicle is traveling at 70 to 71 mph as reported be the GPS. I confirmed this by pacing another on vehicle with an accurate speedometer. I took my vehicle (2023 BMW X3 with 2218 miles…

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513.2%
ODI 11620873

Whenever the vehicle is driven, despite the temperature, the panoramic moon roof cracks and creaks and sounds like it is going to break. The dealer said numerous people have also complained about this happening and BMW will NOT do anything about it. This is my 3rd X3 of this body style and my other two did not have this issue because BMW didn't "cheapen" out on the window sealant and materials of the lining and mounts in the sunroof until the LCI redesign or 2023. I am afraid that one of these days it will crack and break downward, causing a ma…

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37.9%
ODI 11655649

I am reporting an unresolved safety recall (NHTSA Recall Number: 25V202) on my 2025 BMW X3 (VIN: [XXX] ). The recall is related to a defect in the electrical connection between the starter-generator and the positive battery cable. This could lead to engine stalling while driving, or in extreme cases, a fire due to overheating and smoldering. The defect creates a serious safety risk to both driver and passengers. I purchased this vehicle under financing, and I am still making monthly payments while being unable to safely use it. There is curren…

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423.5%
ODI 11694459

BMW USA has stopped providing warranty and service manuals, probably to save on costs. Instead, BMW requires a user to log into its website to find these documents. However, despite the 2026 model year BMW X3 being offered in the market since September 2025, the website does not offer these important documents. This is a safety violation because owners cannot determine what recommended service is for their vehicles. It's also a consumer protection issue as the abbreviated printed card provided at delivery specifically refers owners to the onlin…

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Power Train
716.7%
ODI 10515147 · 30,000 mi

OUR X3 NEW X3 HAS SURGED VIOLENTLY AHEAD ON TWO OCCASIONS NOW, ON ONE OCCASION WITH FOOT ON BRAKE. BMW ARE DENYING ANY OTHER EXAMPLES OF THIS PROBLEM EXIST, WHICH BY VIEWING THIS WEBSITE CLEARLY IS NOT THE CASE. I ENCOURAGE ALL THAT HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM TO LODGE AN OFFICIAL COMPLAINT TO CAUSE A FULL RECALL OF THIS DANGEROUS DESIGN FLAW. PLEASE NOTE THAT WE ARE IN AUSTRALIA, AND THAT BMW IN GERMANY ARE DENYING ANY KNOWLEDGE OF THIS PROBLEM. *TR

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6026.5%
ODI 10777698 · 45,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW X3. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT PICK UP SPEED AND STARTED HESITATING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVETRAIN WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.

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67.0%
ODI 10670308 · 22,769 mi

BOUGHT A NEW 2014 BMW X3. IN NOVEMBER 2014 WITHOUT ANY WARNING, THIS SUV HAD A MECHANICAL BREAKDOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. THIS VEHICLE CONTROLLED ITSELF, I WAS NOT IN CONTROL OF THIS VEHICLE. FOR MORE THAN HALF AN HOUR, THE TRUCK WAS JERKING HARD BACK AND FORTH IF I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKES. THE WHEELS WERE NOT MOVING ANY TIME. I COULD NOT EXIT THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE THE BODY WAS JERKING. I THOUGHT ABOUT JUMPING OUT BUT I DIDN'T KNOW IF THE VEHICLE WOULD HIT SOMEONE OR I WOULD HAVE BEEN HIT BY ANOTHER VEHICLE, HURT FROM JUMPING AND …

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98.6%
ODI 10821882 · 15,700 mi

UNCOMMANDED ENGINE ACCELERATION WHILE SLOWING TO A STOP: WHILE SLOWING TO A STOP AT A STOPLIGHT WITH FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY SURGED VIOLENTLY. I HAD TO APPLY FULL BRAKING PRESSURE TO STOP THE VEHICLE, FIGHTING AGAINST THE POWER OF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE TOOK MUCH LONGER THAN USUAL TO STOP.

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911.0%
ODI 11129955 · 48,000 mi

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 DOE…

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11.1%
ODI 11006636 · 1,800 mi

ENGINE SEIZED AT 65MPH HIGHWAY SPEEDS DURING COMMUTE TO WORK ON BUSY BOSTON HIGHWAY. NARROWLY AVOIDED SEVERAL COLLISIONS AS VEHICLE COASTED TO STOP. VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW FROM A BMW DEALER THREE WEEKS AGO AND HAS LESS THAN 2,000 MILES ON IT. DEALER ADVISES AN "OVERSIZED BEARING WAS FOUND IN THE ENGINE CAUSING IT TO OVERHEAT AND SEIZE". ENGINE REQUIRES REPLACEMENT. TRANSMISSION, TRANSFER CASE, ELECTRONICS AND COOLING SYSTEM DAMAGE ARE SUSPECTED BY THE DEALER TECH AND WILL REQUIRE MONITORING.

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22.7%
ODI 11575803 · 152,942 mi

The contact owns a 2018 BMW X3. The contact stated while his wife was driving 65 MPH, a message advising to stop driving was displayed, and the vehicle simultaneously shifted into neutral(N) independently. The vehicle stalled in the middle of the highway and failed to respond while depressing the accelerator pedal. The message advising to drive with caution was displayed after several minutes, and the contact was able to continue driving upon depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer to be diagnosed. The vehic…

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74.1%
ODI 11292400 · 10,000 mi

PUT THE CAR IN PARK, IN A DRIVEWAY WITH A SLIGHT INCLINE, TURNED OFF THE IGNITION, AND WENT INTO THE HOUSE. THE CAR ENGAGED AND ROLLED DOWN THE HILL. PULLED IT BACK UP THE DRIVEWAY, AND TWO MORE TIMES PUT IT IN PARK, TURNED OFF THE IGNITION, AND THE CAR ENGAGED AND ROLLED DOWN THE DRIVEWAY.

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109.2%
ODI 11455110

Vehicle engine RPM will arbitrarily increase from 500-600 RPM to 1200-1500 RPM while idling in drive and at operating temperature, such as at a stoplight or in a drive-through. The vehicle also makes a distinct clunking sound under normal stop-and-go driving conditions.

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54.5%
ODI 11534701

Severe clunk while in reverse probably coming from rear differential

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810.3%
ODI 11454264

Limpmode: Life Threatening failure of vehicle shutting down accelerating in heavy traffic in speeds over 70 mph. On 9 Nov 22 I was driving on interstate to take my wife to her radiation appointment. Within 1 mile of exit, traveling in far-right lane in 4 lanes of heavy traffic with an additional two lanes of heavy traffic merging in from the right, I had to get over into the merging oncoming traffic. When I went to accelerate to merge right into the heavy traffic, my BMW dash lit up red and the acceleration was shut off leaving the car coast…

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16.7%
ODI 11534242

Rear differential bolt failure: Failure has not happened yet, but will happen eventually with enough mileage as seen with many other BMW X3M vehicles. Problem is with the rear differential bolt. The bolt is prone to shearing or snapping, noises may be heard from differential up until failure occurs at some point. Once this occurs it can wreak havoc on the differential and associated parts and cause thousands of dollars worth of damage if you are outside of the warranty period. The bolt needs to be stronger or something needs to be added to the …

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410.5%
ODI 11654166

I was entering 4-lane highway from a side street. While accelerating, the engine suddenly stopped. The dashboard went black, except for a red outline of the car. In the second or two that I was looking for a place to get off the highway, the car restarted, and all indicators returned to normal on the dash. I completed my errands without incident. Since the original incident on Monday, [XXX], I have driven the car on several short errands without incident. I believe this incident may be related to your recall 25V-202. Thank you [XXX] [XX…

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410.5%
ODI 11645729

Car suddenly wouldnt start and gave drivetrain malfunction. Had to get towed to dealer. Car is a 2025 X3 that is less than a month old and 600 miles driven so practically brand new.

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine And Engine Cooling
24.8%
ODI 11467813 · 89,000 mi

The contact owns a 2012 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking and hesitating during acceleration. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V176000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximate…

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114.9%
ODI 11051972 · 82,265 mi

EMISSIONS PROBLEM AND REDUCED ENGIN POWER PROBLEM. BMW 2017 X3 ISSUE: WORN WASTE GATE VALVE/REPLACE TURBOCHARGER AND OIL FEED LINE TO THE TURBOCHARGER JULY 11, 2017: MILEAGE =79998/80008. ENGINE/SERVICE LIGHT ON. BMW DEALER CHECK, VEHICLE TEST, REPLACED VACUUM HOSE, TEST DROVE 10 MILES, NO WARNING. TJH ADVISED WARRANTY EXPIRED. SERVICE CHARGE= $168.42 AUG 10, 2017: MILEAGE = 81700. BMW CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DIAGNOSTICS, AIR PRESSURE TOO LOW, TURBOCHARGER WASTE GATE SHAFT WORN. TJH ADVISED WARRANTY EXPIRED. SERVICE CHARGE = $125. …

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1922.1%
ODI 11506669 · 63,000 mi

The contact owns a 2014 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, an abnormal burning odor was detected while the heater was activated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.

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1514.3%
ODI 11452525 · 85,000 mi

The contact owns a 2015 BMW X3. The contact stated that the check engine and coolant warning lights were illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V907000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and it was confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was informed that coolant was leaking into the engine. The contact was advised not to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The co…

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1619.5%
ODI 11621471

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.

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2223.9%
ODI 11467307 · 81,000 mi

The contact owns a 2017 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 driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine coolant warning light illuminated. The contact refilled the coolant reservoir. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle w…

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45.3%
ODI 11575803 · 152,942 mi

The contact owns a 2018 BMW X3. The contact stated while his wife was driving 65 MPH, a message advising to stop driving was displayed, and the vehicle simultaneously shifted into neutral(N) independently. The vehicle stalled in the middle of the highway and failed to respond while depressing the accelerator pedal. The message advising to drive with caution was displayed after several minutes, and the contact was able to continue driving upon depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer to be diagnosed. The vehic…

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63.5%
ODI 11514472 · 30,000 mi

The contact owns a 2019 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle overheated. The contact added coolant to the reservoir. The coolant warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that coolant was needed. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The contact mentioned she was concerned about a vehicle fire. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

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10.9%
ODI 11720172 · 60,000 mi

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle began to shake with the message, "Pull Over Engine Oil Pressure Low Pull Over Stop Driving to Avoid Engine Failure". The contact immediately pulled over to the side of the road, inspected the vehicle, and became aware there was no issue with the oil. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the oil pump was defective due to the oil pump being manufactured with plastic. The mechanic confirmed…

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Seats
49.5%
ODI 11118161

PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION MESSAGE DUE TO BAD SEAT PAD SENSOR WHICH TURNED OF THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG INCASE OF AN ACCIDENT.

Look up ODI 11118161 at NHTSA ↗

10.4%
ODI 11166010 · 143,000 mi

PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION WARNING APPEARS MOSTLY WHEN NO ONE IS IN THE SEAT

Look up ODI 11166010 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

65.7%
ODI 11072439 · 57,000 mi

PASSENGER SIDE 'AIRBAG OFF' WARNING LIGHT COMES ON ON INITIAL START, GOES OFF MOMENTARILY AND COMES BACK ON WITH ADULT MALE SEATED IN PASSENGER SEAT OR SEAT EMPTY. PAST MODELS SUFFERED FROM PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR CRACKING. IS THIS A PROBLEM WITH 2015 X3?

Look up ODI 11072439 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

11.1%
ODI 10916680 · 1,500 mi

I CHECKED ONLINE FROM NHTSA THAT MY CAR HAS A RECALL WHICH IS IN INCOMPLETE STATUS, WHILE I CALLED BMW THEY TOLD ME THERE IS NO SUCH RECORD FOR A RECALL FOR MY CAR.

Look up ODI 10916680 at NHTSA ↗

22.7%
ODI 11608576

Passneger occupancy sensor keeps failing due to a known issue with BMW X3 G01. Seat wiring circuit keeps experiencing electrical problems and failing to detect passenger. This can lead to airbags not deploying in the event of collision. Third time the issue has been repaired and customer was responsible for almost $1200 in costs

Look up ODI 11608576 at NHTSA ↗

10.6%
ODI 11232884

FIRST PROBLEM IS THAT ONE THREE SEPARATE OCCASSIONS MY REAR HATCH/TAILGATE HAS OPENED ON ITS OWN WHILE PARKED. EACH OF THE THREE TIMES THE CAR WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE AND HAS HIT MY GARAGE DOOR CAUSING DAMAGE. WHILE IN THE GARAGE, MY KEYS WERE INSIDE THE HOUSE AND NO BUTTONS WERE PUSHED ON THE KEY FOB. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER ABOUT THIS ISSUE TWICE NOW AND HAVE NOT HAD SUCCESS IN SOLVING THE ISSUE. SECOND PROBLEM IS THAT THE SEAT VENTILATION ON THE PASSENGER SEAT HAS FAILED THREE TIMES. EACH TIME THE FANS WITHIN THE SEAT THAT ACTIVA…

Look up ODI 11232884 at NHTSA ↗

10.9%
ODI 11732108

The heated seat element had a runway incident that caused the seat to smoke and burn a hole through multiple layers and ultimately damaging the airbag sensor mat disabling the passenger airbag system

Look up ODI 11732108 at NHTSA ↗

21.8%
ODI 11448559

The side seat rail plastic covers are easily detached from both driver and passenger side of front seats. On one occasion, the driver seat cover detached and slid forward near pedals while driving creating a potentially serious accident.

Look up ODI 11448559 at NHTSA ↗

11.3%
ODI 11642915

I am reaching out with an official complaint regarding a defect in my BMW X3 M40i, which I purchased in November 2024 from Beverly Hills BMW with a mileage of 8,500 miles. The vehicle was certified under BMW’s CPO program, and I additionally purchased an extended warranty. Shortly I began experiencing discomfort while driving. When my back is fully pressed against the seat and my head rests on the headrest, my line of sight is not straight at the windshield but is instead shifted leftward, closer to the A-pillar. This misalignment significantly…

Look up ODI 11642915 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

25.3%
ODI 11625806

Passenger restraint system malfunction

Look up ODI 11625806 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Service Brakes
511.9%
ODI 10515147 · 30,000 mi

OUR X3 NEW X3 HAS SURGED VIOLENTLY AHEAD ON TWO OCCASIONS NOW, ON ONE OCCASION WITH FOOT ON BRAKE. BMW ARE DENYING ANY OTHER EXAMPLES OF THIS PROBLEM EXIST, WHICH BY VIEWING THIS WEBSITE CLEARLY IS NOT THE CASE. I ENCOURAGE ALL THAT HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM TO LODGE AN OFFICIAL COMPLAINT TO CAUSE A FULL RECALL OF THIS DANGEROUS DESIGN FLAW. PLEASE NOTE THAT WE ARE IN AUSTRALIA, AND THAT BMW IN GERMANY ARE DENYING ANY KNOWLEDGE OF THIS PROBLEM. *TR

Look up ODI 10515147 at NHTSA ↗

177.5%
ODI 10507348 · 184 mi

ON THE FIRST OCCURRENCE I BRAKED SMOOTHLY AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT THAT WAS RED AS I APPROACHED. THE VEHICLE STOPPED AND THEN THE ENGINE REVVED AND LURCHED FORWARD SLOWLY 3 TO 4 TIMES TAKING ME THROUGH THE INTERSECTION AS I WAS PRESSING ON THE BRAKE. I COULD NOT STOP THE VEHICLE. ONCE THROUGH THE INTERSECTION I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE AND APPLIED THE GAS PEDAL AND DROVE TO A NEARBY PARKING LOT. WHEN I CAME OUT OF A STORE AFTER 45 MINUTES, I TESTED THE BRAKES BY DRIVING SLOWLY IN THE PARKING LOT AND APPLYING THE BRAKES SEVERAL TIMES. EACH TIME BUT …

Look up ODI 10507348 at NHTSA ↗

910.5%
ODI 10682885 · 15,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 BMW X3. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND CAUSING THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THEY FAILED TO RESPOND AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE N…

Look up ODI 10682885 at NHTSA ↗

87.6%
ODI 10683454 · 2,100 mi

THIS SYSTEM HAS NOT PROVIDED A WARNING OR BRAKING FUNCTION SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE ON 14 OCT 2014. I HAD IT IN THE BMW OCALA SERVICE SHOP FOR 13 DAYS AND THEY TELL ME THAT IT IS WORKING AS DESIGNED. I DRIVE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC ON A DAILY BASIS AND HAVE YET TO RECEIVE A WARNING INDICATION OF ANY TYPE. NO ONE AT THE DEALER LEVEL OR BMW USA WILL TELL ME HOW THE SYSTEM WORKS EXCEPT THERE IS NO WAY FOR ME TO TEST IT. DEALER STATES THAT "SYSTEM WILL NOT ACTIVATE WHEN COMING UP ON SLOW OR STOP VEHICLE FROM A HIGHER RATE OF SPEED OR WHEN APPROACHI…

Look up ODI 10683454 at NHTSA ↗

1012.2%
ODI 10819810 · 2,500 mi

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. E…

Look up ODI 10819810 at NHTSA ↗

1112.0%
ODI 10934409 · 300 mi

DURING MY NORMAL CITY DRIVING ROUTE THE BRAKES STARTED MAKING AN AWFUL SCREECHING NOISE. I PULLED OVER WITHIN 1 CITY BLOCK OF HEARING THE NOISE AND MY REAR DISC BRAKE ROTOR HAD A LARGE GROOVE WORN INTO IT. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THERE WAS A ROCK THAT GOT STUCK BETWEEN THE PAD AND THE ROTOR AND THEY WOULD REPAIR THE CAR FOR FREE, WHICH INCLUDED ORDERING PARTS. I THOUGHT IT WAS STRANGE WHEN I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP & THE CLERK THAT ANSWERED THE PHONE SAID THAT THIS HAPPENS OFTEN, SO THEY JUST REPAIR IT FOR FREE. I ASKED IF IT WAS A DEFECT IN THE DESI…

Look up ODI 10934409 at NHTSA ↗

45.3%
ODI 11071958 · 2,000 mi

THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING AND WHEN I TRIED TO STOP BECAUSE THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME STOPPED. MY CAR HAD A BRAKE FAILURE AND CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. ABS AND/OR THE COLLUSION DETERRENT SYSTEM ENGAGED TO AVOID THIS ACCIDENT.

Look up ODI 11071958 at NHTSA ↗

127.1%
ODI 11205139 · 4,600 mi

AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING SYSTEM ACTIVATED WITHOUT CAUSE. THERE WAS NO VEHICLE OR OTHER OBJECT IN FRONT OF MY VEHICLE NEVERTHELESS THE BRAKES WERE AUTOMATICALLY EMPLOYED SUDDENLY SLOWING THE CAR. SPEED AT TIME OF THE EVENT WAS APPROXIMATELY 50-60 MPH. THERE WAS A WARNING SIGNAL AND DASHBOARD ICON FOR THE AEB SYSTEM.

Look up ODI 11205139 at NHTSA ↗

21.8%
ODI 11550690

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.

Look up ODI 11550690 at NHTSA ↗

54.5%
ODI 11366599 · 300 mi

PARKING DISTANCE CONTROL IS FAULTY AND SOMETIMES LOCKS UP THE BRAKES IN A JARRING MANNER WHEN BACKING UP EVEN WHEN THERE IS NOTHING BEHIND THE CAR, CLOSE TO THE CAR OR IN THE ADJACENT PARKING SPACES. BMW EVEN SAYS TO TURN OFF PDC WHEN USING PARKING ASSISTANT PLUS. MANUAL SAYS CAR CAN STILL HIT CURB USING PDC. 3 TIMES ALREADY

Look up ODI 11366599 at NHTSA ↗

56.4%
ODI 11506205

When the vehicle is moving at a speed of 4mph and lower, it is impossible to shift the vehicle from neutral to drive without applying the brakes. I was pulling out onto a 4 lane road from a side street when I accidentally bumped the transmission gear shifter into the "N" neutral position. When I realized this (I was only going 4 mph at the time) I tried to shift it back into drive but it would not work. The vehicle made a sound that I was doing something wrong. I tried to shift it again (vehicle was probably now moving around 3 mph) and i…

Look up ODI 11506205 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

25.3%
ODI 11626920

My vehicle doesn't warn me about rear cross-traffic or it stops for emergency. I paid for this option. Delaer checked the system and reassured me that everything is working. I have to backup to a busy street a few times a day and this system is not protecting me and I am afraid that I will get into a crash. I had several close calls and I am afraid of a crash with this system.

Look up ODI 11626920 at NHTSA ↗

25.3%
ODI 11682922

I am reporting a persistent and concerning mechanical issue with my 2025 BMW X3. A clunking noise is occurring frequently, particularly over uneven road surfaces and during normal driving maneuvers such as turning, accelerating, or braking at low speeds (generally below 20 mph). This noise is accompanied by a noticeable vibration that can be felt through the steering wheel and the brake pedal. The sound has been heard and confirmed by several passengers who have ridden in the vehicle with me. I have brought this issue to the attention of my loc…

Look up ODI 11682922 at NHTSA ↗

317.6%
ODI 11702834

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The braking system failed to respond when the brake pedal was pressed. Additionally, the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system did not activate. Both the vehicle and its components are available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The vehicle was traveling at approximately 25–30 mph in light rain. When the brakes did not engage, I was unable to slow down or stop, resulting in a collision with t…

Look up ODI 11702834 at NHTSA ↗

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Seats69,500–117,368 mi79,000 mi24
ODI 10369038 · 62,000 mi

MY 2004 BMW X3 HAS HEATED SEATS WHICH BURNED A HOLE THROUGH THE SEAT AND ALMOST BURNED A HOLE THROUGH MY PANTS. I WAS DRIVING AND ALMOST WRECKED FROM THE PAIN. AFTER I PULLED OVER AND JUMPED OUT I SAW A BURN IN THE SEAT THAT LOOKED LIKE A CIGARETTE BURN. BMW WANTS TO MAKE $700 TO REPLACE THE HEATER AND ANOTHER $700 TO REPLACE THE LEATHER. TOOK IT TO CHARLESTON, SC DEALERSHIP. *TR

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ODI 10369051 · 74,248 mi

HEATED DRIVER SEAT STARTED BURNING MY LEG/BUTTOCK AND SMELLED ELECTRICAL BURNING SMELL. TURNED OFF HEATED SEAT. *TR

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ODI 10373414 · 92,008 mi

BMW X3 HEATED SEAT BURNED FOAM & LEATHER AND CAUSED MINOR BURN TO LEFT LEG OF DRIVER. *TR

Look up ODI 10373414 at NHTSA ↗

Air Bags45,000–110,000 mi68,000 mi11
ODI 10133370 · 12,000 mi

DT: 2004 BMW 300 SERIES. THE CONSUMER STATES THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED SPONTANEOUSLY. SHE WAS DRIVING 10-15 MPH WHEN THIS OCCURRED. THE CONSUMER WAS NOT INJURED. THE SENSOR STRIP BENEATH THE DRIVER'S SEAT SHOWS AN AREA OF IMPACT. THE VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN IMPACT; THE CONSUMER HAS ALWAYS HAD THIS VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE STALLED WHEN THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THIS OCCURRED ON A FLAT RESIDENTIAL ROAD. SHE WAS AT A STOP SIGN AND WHEN SHE STARTED TO ACCELERATE, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED.*AK

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ODI 10240874 · 68,000 mi

TL- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS IMPACTED AND THE ROLLED OVER SEVERAL TIMES BUT THE DRIVER SIDE NOR PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK, HEAD AND UPPER BACK. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED MAJOR DAMAGE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE IS 68000. JP UPDATED 10/14/08. *LJ THE RIGHT REAR POWER WINDOW WOULD NOT ROLL UP. UPDATED 10/16/08. *JB

Look up ODI 10240874 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10245384 · 20,347 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X3. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE AIR BAG DEACTIVATION LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR WAS MALFUNCTIONING IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THE CONTACT HAD THE SAME FAILURE REPAIRED TWO YEARS AGO. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 93,500 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,347. UPDATED 11/17/08 *BF UPDATED 11/18/08.*JB

Look up ODI 10245384 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System27,500–80,000 mi74,568 mi13
ODI 10086340 · 120 mi

MULTIPLE ELECTRONIC PROBLEMS FROM DAY OF PURCHASE. FUEL GAUGE PROBLEMS/AIR CONDITIONING SHUT DOWN AND SLOWING/DASHBOARD MALFUNCTIONED, CUMULATING IN FAILURE OF IGNITION. 3 DAYS LATER, BATTERY INDICATED A GREEN SENSOR, THEREFORE ASSUMPTION ELECTRONIC FAILURE OCCURRED ELSEWHERE. *AK

Look up ODI 10086340 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10121189 · 10,000 mi

DT: CONSUMER EXPERIENCED COMPUTER FAILURE, THAT INCLUDED ALL OF THE GAUGES ON THE DASHBOARD I.E., FUEL, TEMPERATURE, ELECTRONIC SPEED). THE EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR LIGHTING FAILED, BRAKE LIGHTS, SIGNAL LIGHTS. THE VEHICLE ALWAYS HAD A ELECTRONIC MESSAGE STATING THAT THERE WAS AN AIRBAG FAILURE. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER AND THEY ADVISED NOT TO WORRY ABOUT THE AIRBAG FAILURE MESSAGE. THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED DOOR LOCK FAILURE. THE LOCKS WOULD NOT LOCK. THE LOCKS WOULD WORK MOST OF THE TIME WITH THE KEYLESS ENTRY. THE RADIO NEVER …

Look up ODI 10121189 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10125003 · 27,500 mi

HI, I WAS WONDERING IF ANYONE HAS HEARD OF 3SERIES SPONTANEOUSLY CATCHING FIRE WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. MY LADY AND I WERE DRIVING IN HOUSTON MAY 1ST WHEN SMOKE STARTED TO COME OUT OF THE AIR DUCTS.THEN THE GAUGES STARTED TO GO UP AND DOWN, AS SOON AS I SAW THAT I PULLED OVER AND STARTED TO GET MY VALUABLES OUT. WITHIN 9-13 MIN THE CAR WAS FULLY INVOLVED WITH FIRE. I WAS IN AWE STANDING THERE WATCHING MY 2004 BMW AS IT WNT UP IN SMOKE. THE NEXT DAY BMW OF HOUSTON NORTH, MY LOCAL DEALER, WENT AND PICKED IT UP FROM THE TOW YARD AND TOOK IT TO…

Look up ODI 10125003 at NHTSA ↗

Air Bags:Frontal48,720–81,650 mi70,500 mi10
ODI 10148965 · 25,000 mi

AIR BAG WARNINGS IN 2004 BMW. BROUGHT IN FOR SERVICE TWICE AND WAS INGORNED. THEN, HAD ACCIDENT AND COMPLAINED AGAIN TO BMW CUSTOMER SERVICE. RESULT-THEY COULD CARE LESS. SENT AT LEAST THREE EMAILS-NO ACTION, LITTLE RESPONSE . *AK

Look up ODI 10148965 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10238012 · 65,000 mi

PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT GOES ON AND OFF WITH SEATBELT BOTH ON OR OFF. *TR

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ODI 10263766 · 45,960 mi

THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD STAYS ILLUMINATED WHILE DRIVING. THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT GOES ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING AND MY HUSBAND IS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. CALLED LOCAL BMW DEALERSHIP AND 800 NUMBER- AS AFTER RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE IT IS A RECALL. THEY SAID IT DIDN'T PERTAIN TO MY VEHICLE. THE RECALL STATES FOR MODEL YEARS 2004 - 2006 BMW X3. I HAVE A 2004 BMW X3 AND AM WONDERING HOW IT DOESN'T PERTAIN TO MY VEHICLE. *TR

Look up ODI 10263766 at NHTSA ↗

Vehicle Speed Control57,750–103,000 mi71,000 mi6
ODI 10078431 · 2,522 mi

WHEN DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO PARK VEHICLE IN THE GARAGE. VEHICLE SELF ACCELERATED VIOLENTLY AND CRASHED THROUGH THE WALL.MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WAS CONTACTED THE NEXT MORNING, MANUFACTURER PROMISED TO INVESTIGATE.MESSAGE LEFT WITH DEALER'S ASS'T SHOP MANAGER FOR INSTRUCTION, STILL WAITING FOR CALL BACK.*AK

Look up ODI 10078431 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10306418 · 82,000 mi

I WAS IN TRAFFIC AND NOT MOVING WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. WITHOUT WARNING, MY CAR ACCELERATED AND HOPPED FORWARD, ALMOST HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I HAD TO PRESS FIRMLY ON THE BRAKE AND PUT MY CAR IN PARK, BUT THE ENGINE REVVED UP OR SQUEALED, LASTING FOR ABOUT FORTY SECONDS. THE DEALERSHIP CALLED IT 'UNINTENDED ACCELERATION' AND COULD NOT REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM. *TR

Look up ODI 10306418 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10492014 · 57,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X3. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED UNINTENTIONALLY. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO STEER THE VEHICLE AWAY FROM A PARKED VEHICLE BUT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND POWERED OFF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED FOUR DIFFERENT TIMES INTERMITTENTLY. ON THE LAST OCCURRENCE OF THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AND A WOODEN POST. THE CONTACT WAS NOT…

Look up ODI 10492014 at NHTSA ↗

Engine130,250–169,500 mi161,500 mi6
ODI 10470300 · 20,206 mi

DRIVING IN NEIGHBORHOOD WITH STOP SIGNS AND CROSS STREETS. SPOUSE DRIVING. OTHER PASSENGER IN FRONT. ME IN REAR SEAT PASS SIDE. 10 MIN INTO TRIP. APPROACHING STOP SIGN, A FEW SECONDS AFTER BRAKE INITIALLY APPLIED, ENGINE BEGINS TO REV. HEAVY BRAKING STOPS VEHICLE, BUT ENGINE STILL REVVING. FROM BACK SEAT, I HAVE CLEAR VIEW OF DRIVER'S FEET AND CAN SEE THAT PROBLEM IS NOT MISAPPLICATION OF PEDALS. CAN ALSO SEE THAT HAND POSITION IS "10 & 2" AND NOT NEAR CRUISE CONTROL BUTTONS DRIVER TURNS OFF ENGINE TO STOP REVVING. WE CHECK FLOOR MATS TO SEE…

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ODI 10653915 · 170,000 mi

AFTER JUST SPENDING $2400 LAST WEEK ON MY CAR. I WAS TRAVELING 65 MPH ON INTERSTATE 78 WHEN MY 2004 BMW X3 LOST ALL POWER. I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO GLIDE MY CAR FROM THE LEFT LANE TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER. I TRIED TO START THE CAR AGAIN AND ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD KEPT FLASHING ON & OFF AND CAR WOULD NOT START. AS I SAT IN MY CAR ON BARELY A SHOULDER 18 WHEELER'S AND CARS FLEW BY ME SHAKING MY CAR. I SERIOUSLY THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO DIE. *TR

Look up ODI 10653915 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10723743 · 122,000 mi

THE ENGINE MOUNT BRACKET BOLTS HAVE ALL SHEARED OFF INSIDE THE ENGINE BLOCK CAUSING A SAFETY CONCERN WITH THE ENGINE NOT BEING FULLY SUPPORTED. THIS PROBLEM IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT, BUT RATHER VERY COMMON ON ALL X3 MODELS. THE INTERNET IS FULL OF CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I AM THE SECOND OWNER OF THE CAR AND JUST AFTER PURCHASE I FOUND THE PROBLEM. IT WOULD APPEAR THAT THIS FAILURE OCCURRED A LONG TIME AGO, CONSISTENT WITH THE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OF FAILURE AT 60,000 MILES. THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW AND BMW SHOULD HAVE PROVI…

Look up ODI 10723743 at NHTSA ↗

Power Train:Automatic Transmission732–15,750 mi6,368 mi6
ODI 10095934 · 730 mi

CAR WAS IN PARK WHILE RUNNING. I PUT IN DRIVE (NOT COLD START) HAD BEEN DRIVING FOR 2 HOURS(STOPPED AT STORE). I PUT IN DRIVE AND THE ENGINE REVVED LIKE THE GAS PEDAL WAS FLOORED. I TRIED TO MAKE IT STOP BY PUTTING IN PARK. I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO CUT OFF THE ENGINE TO MAKE IT STOP. I AM GLAD NO ONE WAS NEAR THE CAR BECAUSE THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN INJURED. IT JUMPED FORWARD VERY HARD AND I WAS HOLDIING DOWN THE BRAKE. IT LURCHED FORWARD AND MADE A LOUD CLUNKING SOUND AND I SHUT THE CAR OFF. I THINK IT HAS TO DO WITH THE TRANS. I JUST BOUGHT THE CA…

Look up ODI 10095934 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10105678 · 17,000 mi

2004 BMW WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMITION, NO ENGAGEMENT OF THE D RIVE AFTER THE CAR IS SET FOR 12-24 HOURS.*AK

Look up ODI 10105678 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10114496 · 12,000 mi

I PURCHASED A 2004 BMW 325XI IN MARCH OF 2004 FROM HUNTERDON BMW IN LEBANON, NEW JERSEY. AT 10,000 MILES, MY TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTIONED, LIGHT KEPT COMING ON SO THEY REPLACED THE VALVE BODY. A WEEK LATER, THE TRANSMISSION LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. THIS TIME HUNTERDON BMW HAD MY CAR IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT OVER 2 WEEKS AND REPLACED MY TRANSMISSION. HOWEVER, THEY REPLACED MY NEW TRANSMISSION WITH A USED TRANSMISSION, WHICH I TRIED TO FIGHT BECAUSE I BOUGHT A NEW CAR, NOT A USED CAR, BUT THEY KEPT TELLING ME IT WAS THEIR "POLICY". THEY ALSO REFUSED …

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Unknown Or OtherToo few reports for a range137,000 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10446035 · 106,000 mi

FAULTY OIL SEPERATOR - CHRONIC PROBLEMS. *TT

Look up ODI 10446035 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11338163 · 168,000 mi

CHECK OIL LIGHT CAME ON SO VEHICLE WAS PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. WITHIN SECONDS, SMOKE HAD ENGULFED THE ENGINE BAY. THE ENTIRE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES WITHIN A FEW MINUTES.

Look up ODI 11338163 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-102026-09

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-091None
ODI 11685452

Odometer failed - unable to get this fixed!

Look up ODI 11685452 at NHTSA ↗

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-09 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 239 reports

2022: 39 complaints · 2023: 9 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
202252139
2023689
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
20227503
20231500

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentSeatsAir BagsElectrical SystemAir Bags:FrontalVehicle Speed ControlEnginePower Train:Automatic TransmissionUnknown Or Other
Seats—
1
ODI 11534460

AIRBAG LAMP REMIANS ON DUE TO FAILED PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY DETECTION MAT. HONOLULU BMW DEALER CLAIMS RECALL 08V384000 WAS PERFORMED JULY 18, 2008- WHICH IS THE EXACT SAME DATE LISTED IN THE RECALL AS BMW'S REPORT DATE TO NHTSA. THE RECALL CAMPAIGN AND PROCEDURE DID NOT GET PUBLISHED OR BEGIN FOR NEARLY A YEAR LATER. THE RECALL CAMPAIGN ASKS THAT A SMALL STICKER BE AFFIXED ADJACENT TO THE VIN TAG- THERE IS NO STICKER, NOR IS THERE EVIDENCE OF A STICKER EVER HAVING BEEN THERE ( I KNOW WHAT IT SHOULD LOOK LIKE). THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN RE…

Look up ODI 11534460 at NHTSA ↗

6
ODI 10449051 · 47,598 mi

DRIVER'S SEAT BACK HEATER GRID SHORTED CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE INSULATION AND LEATHER SEAT COVER. IT WAS HOT ENOUGH TO CAUSE PHYSICAL BURNS. *TR

Look up ODI 10449051 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10515345 · 75,000 mi

SHORT CIRCUIT IN HEATING ELEMENT FOR DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT. SHOCKS OCCUR THROUGH LEATHER WHEN HEATER IS ACTIVE. TURNED OFF HEAT AND DISCONTINUED USE OF HEATING ELEMENT TO AVOID DAMAGE/BURNS. PASSENGER SIDE HEATING ELEMENT IS STILL OK. *TR

Look up ODI 10515345 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10549706 · 98,621 mi

AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY WITH THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEATED SEAT ON THE LOW SETTING, I FELT A SUDDEN BURNING SENSATION ON MY BACK OF MY UPPER LEFT THIGH AND SHIFTED SLIGHTLY, PUTTING MY HAND UNDER THE AREA TO SEE WHAT WAS THE MATTER. THE REAR AREA OF THE LEFT SIDE SEAT BOLSTER HAD GOTTEN SO HOT I HAD TO TURN OFF THE SEAT HEATER IMMEDIATELY. I DECIDED NOT TO TURN IT ON AGAIN UNTIL ANOTHER TIME IN LATE MARCH WHEN I AGAIN TURNED ON THE SEAT HEATER. THE SAME SUDDEN FEELING OF "OVERHEATING" WAS IMMEDIATELY FELT IN THE SAME AREA, I TURNED OFF TH…

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00000
Air Bags
1
ODI 11534460

AIRBAG LAMP REMIANS ON DUE TO FAILED PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY DETECTION MAT. HONOLULU BMW DEALER CLAIMS RECALL 08V384000 WAS PERFORMED JULY 18, 2008- WHICH IS THE EXACT SAME DATE LISTED IN THE RECALL AS BMW'S REPORT DATE TO NHTSA. THE RECALL CAMPAIGN AND PROCEDURE DID NOT GET PUBLISHED OR BEGIN FOR NEARLY A YEAR LATER. THE RECALL CAMPAIGN ASKS THAT A SMALL STICKER BE AFFIXED ADJACENT TO THE VIN TAG- THERE IS NO STICKER, NOR IS THERE EVIDENCE OF A STICKER EVER HAVING BEEN THERE ( I KNOW WHAT IT SHOULD LOOK LIKE). THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN RE…

Look up ODI 11534460 at NHTSA ↗

—
3
ODI 10279035 · 74,568 mi

STARTED THE CAR AND THE AIRBAG WARNING LAMP CAME ON AND WILL NOT GO OFF. THE AIRBAG HAS NOT BEEN DEPLOYED AND THERE HAS NOT BEEN AN ACCIDENT. THE PASSENGER AIRBAG STATUS LAMP IS ALSO ON ALL THE TIME. I AM CONCERNED THE AIRBAGS ARE NOT WORKING. THE WARNING LIGHTS HAVE BEEN ON FOR ABOUT 2 WEEKS. *TR

Look up ODI 10279035 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10445065

ON JANUARY 23, 2012 AFTER A WHOLE WEEKEND OF DOWNPOUR RAIN, I GET INTO MY X3 TO NOTICE WATER ON THE CENTER CONSOLE (NEAR MY CUP HOLDER) I LOOK UP AND NOTICE THE WATER IS DRIPPING FROM THE TOP MIDDLE CONSOLE (WHERE THE MOON ROOF CONTROL, AIR BAG BUTTON AND SOS CALL BUTTON ARE LOCATED). NOT ONLY WAS IT DRIPPING WATER BUT THE WHOLE AREA AROUND BUT IT WAS SOAKED AND WET. AFTER READING ABOUT THIS ON-LINE THAT OTHER PEOPLE HAVE AND ARE EXPERIENCING THIS WATER LEAK PROBLEM, I REALIZED I NEED TO CHECK THE OTHER AREAS PEOPLE MENTION THEY HAD WATER LEAKS…

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ODI 11534460

AIRBAG LAMP REMIANS ON DUE TO FAILED PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY DETECTION MAT. HONOLULU BMW DEALER CLAIMS RECALL 08V384000 WAS PERFORMED JULY 18, 2008- WHICH IS THE EXACT SAME DATE LISTED IN THE RECALL AS BMW'S REPORT DATE TO NHTSA. THE RECALL CAMPAIGN AND PROCEDURE DID NOT GET PUBLISHED OR BEGIN FOR NEARLY A YEAR LATER. THE RECALL CAMPAIGN ASKS THAT A SMALL STICKER BE AFFIXED ADJACENT TO THE VIN TAG- THERE IS NO STICKER, NOR IS THERE EVIDENCE OF A STICKER EVER HAVING BEEN THERE ( I KNOW WHAT IT SHOULD LOOK LIKE). THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN RE…

Look up ODI 11534460 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 11075288 · 120,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 BMW X3. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY IN THE REVERSE GEAR, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED RAPIDLY AND CRASHED INTO FIVE OTHER VEHICLES. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK, BACK, AND CHEST. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DEEMED DESTROYED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE CRASH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000.

Look up ODI 11075288 at NHTSA ↗

000
Electrical System
6
ODI 10449051 · 47,598 mi

DRIVER'S SEAT BACK HEATER GRID SHORTED CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE INSULATION AND LEATHER SEAT COVER. IT WAS HOT ENOUGH TO CAUSE PHYSICAL BURNS. *TR

Look up ODI 10449051 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10515345 · 75,000 mi

SHORT CIRCUIT IN HEATING ELEMENT FOR DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT. SHOCKS OCCUR THROUGH LEATHER WHEN HEATER IS ACTIVE. TURNED OFF HEAT AND DISCONTINUED USE OF HEATING ELEMENT TO AVOID DAMAGE/BURNS. PASSENGER SIDE HEATING ELEMENT IS STILL OK. *TR

Look up ODI 10515345 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10549706 · 98,621 mi

AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY WITH THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEATED SEAT ON THE LOW SETTING, I FELT A SUDDEN BURNING SENSATION ON MY BACK OF MY UPPER LEFT THIGH AND SHIFTED SLIGHTLY, PUTTING MY HAND UNDER THE AREA TO SEE WHAT WAS THE MATTER. THE REAR AREA OF THE LEFT SIDE SEAT BOLSTER HAD GOTTEN SO HOT I HAD TO TURN OFF THE SEAT HEATER IMMEDIATELY. I DECIDED NOT TO TURN IT ON AGAIN UNTIL ANOTHER TIME IN LATE MARCH WHEN I AGAIN TURNED ON THE SEAT HEATER. THE SAME SUDDEN FEELING OF "OVERHEATING" WAS IMMEDIATELY FELT IN THE SAME AREA, I TURNED OFF TH…

Look up ODI 10549706 at NHTSA ↗

3
ODI 10279035 · 74,568 mi

STARTED THE CAR AND THE AIRBAG WARNING LAMP CAME ON AND WILL NOT GO OFF. THE AIRBAG HAS NOT BEEN DEPLOYED AND THERE HAS NOT BEEN AN ACCIDENT. THE PASSENGER AIRBAG STATUS LAMP IS ALSO ON ALL THE TIME. I AM CONCERNED THE AIRBAGS ARE NOT WORKING. THE WARNING LIGHTS HAVE BEEN ON FOR ABOUT 2 WEEKS. *TR

Look up ODI 10279035 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10445065

ON JANUARY 23, 2012 AFTER A WHOLE WEEKEND OF DOWNPOUR RAIN, I GET INTO MY X3 TO NOTICE WATER ON THE CENTER CONSOLE (NEAR MY CUP HOLDER) I LOOK UP AND NOTICE THE WATER IS DRIPPING FROM THE TOP MIDDLE CONSOLE (WHERE THE MOON ROOF CONTROL, AIR BAG BUTTON AND SOS CALL BUTTON ARE LOCATED). NOT ONLY WAS IT DRIPPING WATER BUT THE WHOLE AREA AROUND BUT IT WAS SOAKED AND WET. AFTER READING ABOUT THIS ON-LINE THAT OTHER PEOPLE HAVE AND ARE EXPERIENCING THIS WATER LEAK PROBLEM, I REALIZED I NEED TO CHECK THE OTHER AREAS PEOPLE MENTION THEY HAD WATER LEAKS…

Look up ODI 10445065 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11534460

AIRBAG LAMP REMIANS ON DUE TO FAILED PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY DETECTION MAT. HONOLULU BMW DEALER CLAIMS RECALL 08V384000 WAS PERFORMED JULY 18, 2008- WHICH IS THE EXACT SAME DATE LISTED IN THE RECALL AS BMW'S REPORT DATE TO NHTSA. THE RECALL CAMPAIGN AND PROCEDURE DID NOT GET PUBLISHED OR BEGIN FOR NEARLY A YEAR LATER. THE RECALL CAMPAIGN ASKS THAT A SMALL STICKER BE AFFIXED ADJACENT TO THE VIN TAG- THERE IS NO STICKER, NOR IS THERE EVIDENCE OF A STICKER EVER HAVING BEEN THERE ( I KNOW WHAT IT SHOULD LOOK LIKE). THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN RE…

Look up ODI 11534460 at NHTSA ↗

—00
1
ODI 11063787 · 155,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X3. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND WAS UNABLE TO RESTART ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. BURDICK BMW (5947 E CIRCLE DR, CICERO, NY 13039, [phone removed]) WAS CONTACTED, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Look up ODI 11063787 at NHTSA ↗

00
Air Bags:Frontal000—0000
Vehicle Speed Control0
1
ODI 11075288 · 120,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 BMW X3. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY IN THE REVERSE GEAR, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED RAPIDLY AND CRASHED INTO FIVE OTHER VEHICLES. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK, BACK, AND CHEST. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DEEMED DESTROYED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE CRASH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000.

Look up ODI 11075288 at NHTSA ↗

00—000
Engine00
1
ODI 11063787 · 155,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X3. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND WAS UNABLE TO RESTART ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. BURDICK BMW (5947 E CIRCLE DR, CICERO, NY 13039, [phone removed]) WAS CONTACTED, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Look up ODI 11063787 at NHTSA ↗

00—0
1
ODI 11338163 · 168,000 mi

CHECK OIL LIGHT CAME ON SO VEHICLE WAS PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. WITHIN SECONDS, SMOKE HAD ENGULFED THE ENGINE BAY. THE ENTIRE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES WITHIN A FEW MINUTES.

Look up ODI 11338163 at NHTSA ↗

Power Train:Automatic Transmission000000—0
Unknown Or Other00000
1
ODI 11338163 · 168,000 mi

CHECK OIL LIGHT CAME ON SO VEHICLE WAS PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. WITHIN SECONDS, SMOKE HAD ENGULFED THE ENGINE BAY. THE ENTIRE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES WITHIN A FEW MINUTES.

Look up ODI 11338163 at NHTSA ↗

0—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

6 patterns with matching reports.

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

10 mentions · 7.2% of complaints

Median mileage: 57,000 mi (5 usable records).

ODI 10098002

COPY OF EMAIL SENT TO BMW USA RE: X3 I LEARNED TODAY THAT MY NEW X3 HAS NO DISPLAY PANEL WARNING LIGHT OR SOUND TO WARN WHEN DOORS ARE UNLATCHED OR AJAR. THIS TYPE OF WARNING -- OFTEN USING BOTH PANEL LIGHTS AND SOUND -- HAS BEEN STANDARD EQUIPMENT IN MOST CARS FOR THE PAST 20 YEARS TO PROTECT PASSENGERS, ESPECIALLY CHILDREN, FROM ACCIDENTALLY FALLING OUT OF VEHICLES. MY OWN BMW DEALER REFUSED TO BELIEVE THAT MY X3 HAD NO SUCH WARNING DEVICE UNTIL HE FINALLY CHECKED HIS INVENTORY AND FOUND NO X3'S WITH ANY DOOR WARNING LIGHTS OR SOUNDS. H…

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ODI 10121189 · 10,000 mi

DT: CONSUMER EXPERIENCED COMPUTER FAILURE, THAT INCLUDED ALL OF THE GAUGES ON THE DASHBOARD I.E., FUEL, TEMPERATURE, ELECTRONIC SPEED). THE EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR LIGHTING FAILED, BRAKE LIGHTS, SIGNAL LIGHTS. THE VEHICLE ALWAYS HAD A ELECTRONIC MESSAGE STATING THAT THERE WAS AN AIRBAG FAILURE. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER AND THEY ADVISED NOT TO WORRY ABOUT THE AIRBAG FAILURE MESSAGE. THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED DOOR LOCK FAILURE. THE LOCKS WOULD NOT LOCK. THE LOCKS WOULD WORK MOST OF THE TIME WITH THE KEYLESS ENTRY. THE RADIO NEVER …

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ODI 10148113

DRIVING @ 60-65 MPH ON HWY, FLAT WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. ON INSPECTION OF WHEEL THERE WAS SMALL PUNCTURE IN TIRE AND A LARGE, SILVER DOLLAR SIZE "BLOW OUT" OF WHEEL MID PORTION OF WHEEL REMOTE SITE FROM TIRE PUNCTURE. TIRE WAS ONLY 3 WEEKS OLD. DENY DRIVING OVER ANY LARGE OBJECT TO CAUSE THIS TYPE OF WHEEL FAILURE. BROUGHT TIRE/WHEEL TO NTB (WHERE I BOUGHT TIRE). THEY BELIEVE THERE WAS A WHEEL FAILURE BASED UPON INSPECTION. SEVERAL PERSONS AT NTB LOOKED AT WHEEL THAT HAD SEEN FAILURES BEFORE AND ARE CONVINCED THAT THE WHEEL FAILED BASED UPON T…

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Matching rule\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Stalling or loss of power

6 mentions · 4.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 54,000 mi (6 usable records).

ODI 10133370 · 12,000 mi

DT: 2004 BMW 300 SERIES. THE CONSUMER STATES THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED SPONTANEOUSLY. SHE WAS DRIVING 10-15 MPH WHEN THIS OCCURRED. THE CONSUMER WAS NOT INJURED. THE SENSOR STRIP BENEATH THE DRIVER'S SEAT SHOWS AN AREA OF IMPACT. THE VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN IMPACT; THE CONSUMER HAS ALWAYS HAD THIS VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE STALLED WHEN THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THIS OCCURRED ON A FLAT RESIDENTIAL ROAD. SHE WAS AT A STOP SIGN AND WHEN SHE STARTED TO ACCELERATE, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED.*AK

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ODI 10138742 · 150 mi

DEAR NHTSA, I AM WRITING TODAY TO TELL YOU MY PERSONAL EPXERIENCE WITH MY CAR. I BOUGHT A BRAND NEW BMW 330CI ON JULY 18, 2003. ONE WEEK AFTER THE PURCHASE, THE TRANSMISSION STOPPED TO ENGAGE WHEN I START UP THE CAR. AFTER I BROUGHT IT IN FOR A FIX, I WAS TOLD IT WAS FIXED. TWO MONTHS LATER, THE SAME TRANSMISSION PROBLEM CAME BACK AGAIN, AND IT WAS DIAGNOSED TO NEED REPLACEMENT. IN DECEMBER 2003, THE TRANSMISSION IS REPLACED AFTER A FEW MONTH'S WAITING FOR THE NEW TRANSMISSION. IN MAY 2004, THE CAR'S ENGINE STOPPED IN TRAFFIC. AND BMW T…

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ODI 10312274 · 50,000 mi

1. NO ADVANCE WARNING. 2. FAILURE OF PCV VALVE SYSTEM, WITH RESULTING IMMEDIATE CONSUMPTION OF ENGINE OIL THROUGH COMBUSTION PROCESS. ENGINE STALLS AND VEHICLE IS BROUGHT TO COMPLETE STOP. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED THREE TIMES IN THE PAST 3 YEARS. 3. PCV RELATED HARDWARE REPLACED IN FIRST INCIDENT, WITH CLAIM THAT "REDESIGN" WOULD PREVENT RECURRENCE. SAME IN SECOND AND THIRD INCIDENT. THIS IS NOT ONLY AN INCONVENIENT PROBLEM, IT IS ALSO SAFETY RELATED, AS THE PROBLEM CAN RESULT IN THE VEHICLE BEING IMMOBILIZED IN TRAFFIC. IT IS AL…

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Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Hard or delayed shifting

4 mentions · 2.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 6,368 mi (4 usable records).

ODI 10095934 · 730 mi

CAR WAS IN PARK WHILE RUNNING. I PUT IN DRIVE (NOT COLD START) HAD BEEN DRIVING FOR 2 HOURS(STOPPED AT STORE). I PUT IN DRIVE AND THE ENGINE REVVED LIKE THE GAS PEDAL WAS FLOORED. I TRIED TO MAKE IT STOP BY PUTTING IN PARK. I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO CUT OFF THE ENGINE TO MAKE IT STOP. I AM GLAD NO ONE WAS NEAR THE CAR BECAUSE THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN INJURED. IT JUMPED FORWARD VERY HARD AND I WAS HOLDIING DOWN THE BRAKE. IT LURCHED FORWARD AND MADE A LOUD CLUNKING SOUND AND I SHUT THE CAR OFF. I THINK IT HAS TO DO WITH THE TRANS. I JUST BOUGHT THE CA…

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ODI 10114496 · 12,000 mi

I PURCHASED A 2004 BMW 325XI IN MARCH OF 2004 FROM HUNTERDON BMW IN LEBANON, NEW JERSEY. AT 10,000 MILES, MY TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTIONED, LIGHT KEPT COMING ON SO THEY REPLACED THE VALVE BODY. A WEEK LATER, THE TRANSMISSION LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. THIS TIME HUNTERDON BMW HAD MY CAR IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT OVER 2 WEEKS AND REPLACED MY TRANSMISSION. HOWEVER, THEY REPLACED MY NEW TRANSMISSION WITH A USED TRANSMISSION, WHICH I TRIED TO FIGHT BECAUSE I BOUGHT A NEW CAR, NOT A USED CAR, BUT THEY KEPT TELLING ME IT WAS THEIR "POLICY". THEY ALSO REFUSED …

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ODI 10152365 · 736 mi

INTERMITTENTLY WHEN COMING TO A QUICK STOP, THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT AND HEAVY BANG CAUSING YOU TO JERK FORWARD AS IF SOMEONE HIT YOU IN THE REAR. THIS HAS HAPPENED SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR AS NEW IN 2004. IT HAS BEEN REPORTED TO THE DEALER AT EACH SERVICE CALL BUT NOT BEEN FIXED. *JB

Look up ODI 10152365 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(hard shift\w*|rough shift\w*|delay\w* shift\w*|shift\w* hard|jerk\w*|lurch\w*)\b

Battery drain and no-start mentions

2 mentions · 1.4% of complaints

Median mileage: 170,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10200356

I PURCHASED A 'CERTIFIED" BMW 330I IN DECEMBER OF 2006 AND HAVE HAD THE FUEL PUMP REPLACED, INSTRUMENT CARRIER REPLACED, BOTH PASSENGER WINDOW REGULATORS REPLACED, SUNROOF REPAIRED, HEADLINER REPAIRED (IT JUST FELL DOWN ONE DAY). THE CAR WON'T START RIGHT UP, AND WHEN IT DOES IT RUNS REAL HARD AND THE RPM GOES UP SUDDENLY, THE CAR TAKES A MINUTE BEFORE IT WILL EVEN MOVE & THEN IT DOES SO FAST! I HAVE HAD IT IN SEVERAL TIMES WITH THIS COMPLAINT AND THEY CAN'T DIAGNOSE WHAT'S WRONG WITH IT. I WAS TOLD THAT THE COMPUTER ISN'T SHOWING ANYTHING, SO…

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ODI 10653915 · 170,000 mi

AFTER JUST SPENDING $2400 LAST WEEK ON MY CAR. I WAS TRAVELING 65 MPH ON INTERSTATE 78 WHEN MY 2004 BMW X3 LOST ALL POWER. I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO GLIDE MY CAR FROM THE LEFT LANE TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER. I TRIED TO START THE CAR AGAIN AND ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD KEPT FLASHING ON & OFF AND CAR WOULD NOT START. AS I SAT IN MY CAR ON BARELY A SHOULDER 18 WHEELER'S AND CARS FLEW BY ME SHAKING MY CAR. I SERIOUSLY THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO DIE. *TR

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Matching rule\b(parasitic drain|battery drain\w*|dead battery|won.t start|would not start|no.start)\b

Brake response concerns

1 mentions · 0.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 200,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 11309334 · 200,000 mi

WHILE SITTING AT A RED LIGHT THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND I COULDN'T CONTROL IT OR STOP IT WHILE PUSHING HEAVILY ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. I HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OR ME. THIS HAS HAPPENED MORE THAN ONCE.

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Matching rule\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b

Steering assistance concerns

1 mentions · 0.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 2,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10106521 · 2,000 mi

JUNE 6, 2004, WE PURCHASED THE BMW 545I FROM IRVINE BMW. WHILE DRIVING IN JULY, IN THE MIDDLE OF A TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED, I SHUT OF THE ENGINE AND THE STEERING RESET ITSELF. THE CAR WAS AT THE DEALER FOR 3 WEEKS. UPON RECEIPT, THE STEERING FAILED AGAIN IN OCTOBER, THE CAR WAS IN SERVICE 4 WEEKS. UPON RECEIPT, THE CAR AGAIN FAILED IN NOVEMBER, THE CAR WAS IN SERVICE 4 WEEKS. UPON RECEIPT THE ACTIVE STEERING MALFUNCTIONED AGAIN IN JANUARY 2005. THE DEALER OFFERED US A REPLACEMENT OR A REFUND. THE ACTIVE STEERING MALFUNCTION CAUSE…

Look up ODI 10106521 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b