Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

2006 Bmw X3: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

143 owner complaints analyzed

2 distinct recall campaigns

76,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2006 model year. Data updated: . 110 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Air Bags is the most frequently named component, appearing in 66 of 143 complaints (46.2%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Electrical and battery issues64.2%
Braking behavior42.8%
Transmission and shifting32.1%
Engine operation21.4%
Steering behavior21.4%

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.

Air Bags
66
Seats
40
Electrical System
13
Air Bags:Frontal
12
Engine
6
Engine And Engine Cooling
4
Fuel System, Gasoline
4
Structure:Body
4
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Air Bags66
Seats40
Electrical System13
Air Bags:Frontal12
Engine6
Engine And Engine Cooling4
Fuel System, Gasoline4
Structure:Body4

Air Bags: 66; Seats: 40; Electrical System: 13; Air Bags:Frontal: 12; Engine: 6; Engine And Engine Cooling: 4; Fuel System, Gasoline: 4; Structure:Body: 4

Reported problems by failure mileage

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

Under 25,000
3
25,000 to 49,999
15
50,000 to 74,999
35
75,000 to 99,999
29
100,000 to 149,999
22
150,000 and above
6
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0003
25,000 to 49,99915
50,000 to 74,99935
75,000 to 99,99929
100,000 to 149,99922
150,000 and above6

Under 25,000: 3; 25,000 to 49,999: 15; 50,000 to 74,999: 35; 75,000 to 99,999: 29; 100,000 to 149,999: 22; 150,000 and above: 6

50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (35). 33 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.

2008
2
2009
3
2010
11
2011
18
2012
9
2013
15
2014
8
2015
8
2016
15
2017
10
2018
22
2019
13
2020
1
2021
4
2022
3
2026
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20082
20093
201011
201118
20129
201315
20148
20158
201615
201710
201822
201913
20201
20214
20223
20261

2008: 2; 2009: 3; 2010: 11; 2011: 18; 2012: 9; 2013: 15; 2014: 8; 2015: 8; 2016: 15; 2017: 10; 2018: 22; 2019: 13; 2020: 1; 2021: 4; 2022: 3; 2026: 1

Pattern summary

Air Bags leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 6 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 4 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 3 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 10238010 · 2008-08-13 (August 13, 2008)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW X3. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 60-65 MPH, THE CONTACT BEGAN DECELERATING FOR TRAFFIC AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN SHAKING AND THEN SHUT OFF. APPROXIMATELY TWO MINUTES LATER, THE VEHICLE WOULD RESTART. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED FOUR TIMES AND HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER THREE TIMES FOR THE STALLING. THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. MOST RECENTLY, THE ENGINE LIGHT BEGAN ILLUMINATING INTERMITTENTLY. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 18,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,352.

Owner-reported narrative. 16,352 miles reported. Look up ODI 10238010 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10239542 · 2008-08-24 (August 24, 2008)

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT APPROX. 20 - 30 MPH. THERE WAS A VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. AS THE LIGHT TURNED FROM YELLOW TO RED, FIRST IT WAS GOING TO GO THROUGH THE LIGHT BUT THEN STOPPED. I SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES AND THE ABS BRAKES DID NOT WORK. MY BRAKES LOCKED AND I SKIDDED. FORTUNATELY, THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME HEARD ME SQUEALING, AND STARTED EASING FORWARD. IT HAPPENED TO BE A TRUCK WITH A RECEIVER HITCH ON THE BACK. THAT'S WHAT I HIT, PUSHING HIM INTO THE INTERSECTION. HE WAS NOT HIT. THE PERSON I HIT TURNED OUT TO BE A POLICEMAN…

Owner-reported narrative. 34,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10239542 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10276249 · 2009-07-09 (July 9, 2009)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW X3. WHENEVER THE HEAT OR AIR CONDITIONING IS ACTIVATED, THE CONTACT SMELLS BURNING PLASTIC INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE ODOR IS SO STRONG THAT IT BURNS HER EYES AND NOSE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER APPROXIMATELY THREE TIMES. DURING THE FIRST VISIT, THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THERE WERE PROBABLY LEAVES INSIDE THE VEHICLE, SO THEY CLEANED OUT THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM. THERE WAS NO IMMEDIATE DIFFERENCE. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER TWO WEEKS LATER AND THEY STATED THAT THEY COULD SMELL SOMETHING I…

Owner-reported narrative. 24,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10276249 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10281975 · 2009-08-27 (August 27, 2009)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW X3. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS; THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO AN OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V384000 (AIR BAGS;FRONTAL). THE VIN NUMBER WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL DEFECT. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN…

Owner-reported narrative. 73,900 miles reported. Look up ODI 10281975 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10290337 · 2009-10-30 (October 30, 2009)

I WAS EXITING A CITY PARK, I WAS STOPPED WAITING FOR A STEADY STREAM OF TRAFFIC TO PASS SO I COULD MAKE A LEFT TURN. MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND SUDDENLY IT SEEMED AS THOUGH SOMEONE HAD PUSHED THE GAS PEDAL TO THE FLOOR AS I WAS HOLDING DOWN THE BRAKE PEDAL. I HELD DOWN THE BRAKE PEDAL AS HARD AS I COULD BECAUSE THE CAR WANTED TO TAKE OFF AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED ACROSS THE TRAFFIC. I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS IN THIS CAR OR ANY CAR BEFORE, NEEDLESS TO SAY IT WAS VERY FRIGHTENING. THE ENGINE WAS RACING AT A EXTREMELY HIGH RATE OF SPEED.…

Owner-reported narrative. 59,550 miles reported. Look up ODI 10290337 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10315778 · 2010-03-02 (March 2, 2010)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW X3. THE DRIVER STATED THAT HER AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT HER AIR BAGS WERE NOT ACTIVATED AND IF SHE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION, HER AIR BAGS WOULD NOT WORK. THE DEALER ALSO TOLD HER THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE SENSOR. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 64,000.

Owner-reported narrative. 64,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10315778 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10320623 · 2010-03-18 (March 18, 2010)

2/5/10 SMELL OF FIRE IN MY 2006, BMW, X3, NOTICED DRIVERS SEAT HAD A BURNT HOLE MARK. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO THE BMW SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT FOUND A MANUFACTURING FAULT IN THE SEAT, HEATER SHORTED OUT. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 40,395 miles reported. Look up ODI 10320623 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10323535 · 2010-04-02 (April 2, 2010)

2006 BMW X3 PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEACTIVATION LIGHT COME ON INTERMITTENTLY. SOMETIMES THE "FASTEN SEAT BELT" LIGHT ON THE DASH COMES ON WHILE DRIVING WITH A LOUD BEEP (WHILE THE DRIVER IS WEARING THE SEAT BELT AND THERE IS NO ONE OR NO OBJECT ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THIS IS MORE ALARMING AS ONE IS NOT SURE IF THE AIR BAG IS GOING TO WORK OR NOT IN EMERGENCY. THIS HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY AND SEARCHING THE WEB SHOWS OTHERS ARE HAVING SIMILAR ISSUES. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER A FEW TIMES AND EACH TIME THEY RUN SOME DIAGNOSTICS, KEEP IT OV…

Owner-reported narrative. 43,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10323535 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

2 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 ↗
17V605000 · Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification

Reported: 2017-09-28 (September 28, 2017)

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2010 BMW X3 2.5i, X3 3.0i and X3 xDrive30i Sports Activity Vehicles. The front passenger seat occupant detection mat that determines if, and how, the passenger frontal air bag should deploy in a crash may fatigue and develop cracks which could lead to a system failure.

Consequence: Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger seat occupant detection mat, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. A second notification letter will be sent when parts are available. Owners may contact BMW customer service 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

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

76.9%Usable mileage110 / 143 records
100.0%Valid incident date143 / 143 records
100.0%Valid filing date143 / 143 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates143 / 143 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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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10.4%
ODI 11166010 · 143,000 mi

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

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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?

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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.

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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

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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…

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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

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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.

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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…

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

25.3%
ODI 11625806

Passenger restraint system malfunction

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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

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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 …

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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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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…

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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…

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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…

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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…

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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.

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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…

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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…

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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
Air Bags60,438–99,750 mi80,000 mi42
ODI 10323535 · 43,000 mi

2006 BMW X3 PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEACTIVATION LIGHT COME ON INTERMITTENTLY. SOMETIMES THE "FASTEN SEAT BELT" LIGHT ON THE DASH COMES ON WHILE DRIVING WITH A LOUD BEEP (WHILE THE DRIVER IS WEARING THE SEAT BELT AND THERE IS NO ONE OR NO OBJECT ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THIS IS MORE ALARMING AS ONE IS NOT SURE IF THE AIR BAG IS GOING TO WORK OR NOT IN EMERGENCY. THIS HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY AND SEARCHING THE WEB SHOWS OTHERS ARE HAVING SIMILAR ISSUES. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER A FEW TIMES AND EACH TIME THEY RUN SOME DIAGNOSTICS, KEEP IT OV…

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ODI 10328015 · 70,000 mi

AIR BAGS. FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR MAT FAULT AND AIR BAG WARNING LAMP AS WELL AS THE PASSENGER AIR BAG ON - OFF LAMP WILL BE ILLUMINATED. *TR

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ODI 10393908 · 37,000 mi

FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG SENSOR FAILED IN FEBRUARY. AS A RESULT, PASSENGER AIR BAGS WILL NO LONGER DEPLOY UNTIL THE SENSOR IS REPLACED. COST TO REPLACE IS ABOUT $1,300--MAINLY LABOR. *TR

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Seats55,000–105,250 mi74,500 mi36
ODI 10320623 · 40,395 mi

2/5/10 SMELL OF FIRE IN MY 2006, BMW, X3, NOTICED DRIVERS SEAT HAD A BURNT HOLE MARK. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO THE BMW SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT FOUND A MANUFACTURING FAULT IN THE SEAT, HEATER SHORTED OUT. *TR

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ODI 10363973 · 55,000 mi

2006 BMW X3 .HEATED SEATS BURNED A HOLE ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE DRIVER SEAT CAUSING BURNS TO MY LEFT THIGH. *TR

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ODI 10368850 · 46,110 mi

WE WERE DRIVING IN COLD WEATHER AND ACTIVATED THE SEAT WARMERS ON THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SIDES WHEN WE DETECTED AN ODOR OF SOMETHING BURNING AND SMOKING. WE STOPPED AND GOT OUT OF OUR SUV AND DISCOVERED A BURNT HOLE/SPOT ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT, LOWER LEFT SEAT BACK BOLSTER. ON TAKING IT OUR BMW DEALER FOR REPAIR, WE WERE TOLD THAT THE SEAT WARMER WAS DEFECTIVE AND THAT IS WHAT CAUSED THE BURNT HOLE/SPOT ON THE SEAT BACK, I.E., "FAILED COMPONENT 3". FURTHER WE WERE TOLD THAT OUR SUV WAS TWO MONTHS OUT OF WARRANTY, AND THAT THE COST OF R…

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Electrical System54,138–85,000 mi66,107 mi10
ODI 10368850 · 46,110 mi

WE WERE DRIVING IN COLD WEATHER AND ACTIVATED THE SEAT WARMERS ON THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SIDES WHEN WE DETECTED AN ODOR OF SOMETHING BURNING AND SMOKING. WE STOPPED AND GOT OUT OF OUR SUV AND DISCOVERED A BURNT HOLE/SPOT ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT, LOWER LEFT SEAT BACK BOLSTER. ON TAKING IT OUR BMW DEALER FOR REPAIR, WE WERE TOLD THAT THE SEAT WARMER WAS DEFECTIVE AND THAT IS WHAT CAUSED THE BURNT HOLE/SPOT ON THE SEAT BACK, I.E., "FAILED COMPONENT 3". FURTHER WE WERE TOLD THAT OUR SUV WAS TWO MONTHS OUT OF WARRANTY, AND THAT THE COST OF R…

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ODI 10376284 · 48,130 mi

06 BMW X3 3.0 DRIVER SEAT HEATER GETS EXTREMEMY HOT IN ONE SPOT. HOT ENOUGH TO CAUSE A BURN IF NOT TURNED OFF QUICKLY. *TR

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ODI 10445930 · 50,850 mi

DRIVER SEAT CAUGHT FIRE WHEN SEAT WARMER WAS ENGAGED. LEATHER SEAT HAS VISIBLE BURN MARK. FIRE BURNED DRIVER. WHEN SEAT WARMER WAS DISENGAGED, SMOKE BEGAN BILLOWING FROM SEAT, FILLING THE VEHICLE WITH SMOKE. SEAT WARMER WAS ENGAGED UPON VEHICLE START IN OWNER'S GARAGE. VEHICLE WAS MOVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPS (1-2 MINS LATER) WHEN FIRE BEGAN. *TT

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Air Bags:Frontal55,327–88,300 mi64,000 mi11
ODI 10281975 · 73,900 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW X3. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS; THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO AN OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V384000 (AIR BAGS;FRONTAL). THE VIN NUMBER WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL DEFECT. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN…

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ODI 10315778 · 64,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW X3. THE DRIVER STATED THAT HER AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT HER AIR BAGS WERE NOT ACTIVATED AND IF SHE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION, HER AIR BAGS WOULD NOT WORK. THE DEALER ALSO TOLD HER THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE SENSOR. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 64,000.

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ODI 10327110 · 57,000 mi

EXPERIENCED A WET FLOOR BOARD IN BACKSEAT ON THE DRIVER SIDE ALONG WITH A PUDDLE IN THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE. DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS A SEAL, THEY REMOVED THE BACKDOOR PANEL AND WATER TEST SHOWED THE VAPOR SEAL HAD BECAME LOOSE. THE NEXT RAIN, STILL A PUDDLE IN THE FRONT - WHICH MEANS THAT VAPOR SEAL WENT BAD AS WELL. ALSO, WATER IS DROPPING IN FROM THE SUNROOF CONTROLS ON THE ROOF. THEY STILL FUNCTION AND THE SEAL AROUND THE SUNROOF SEEMS BONE DRY. I ALSO EXPERIENCE THE AIR BAG ISSUE - IT WAS FIXED UNDER WARRANTY. BUT THIS MAY BE A RECALL TH…

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Engine97,500–135,500 mi110,500 mi6
ODI 10683248 · 97,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW X3. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO OVERHEAT AND STALLED CAUSING THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE THERMOSTAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000.

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ODI 10894166 · 92,000 mi

MY BMW X3 HAS HAD ITS ENGINE MOUNT BOLTS SHEARED OFF. THERE ARE NO INDICATIONS OF THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE HAVING BEEN HIT BY ANY OBJECTS. THE VEHICLE'S MILEAGE IS IN THE LOW 90,000 MILE RANGE. AN INTERNET SEARCH REVEALS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM HAPPENING TO MANY BMW X3'S, AT LOW MILEAGE. THEY ALSO CLAIM THAT THE BROKEN MOTOR MOUNT BOLTS, COULD RESULT IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. THE BMW SERVICE MANAGER, I TALKED TO, INDICATED THAT HE HAS SEEN THIS SIMILAR ISSUES, BUT WAS NOT AWARE HOW WIDE SPREAD THE PROBLEM IS. HIS GUESS OF WHY THIS M…

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ODI 10914959 · 140,000 mi

ON 8/4/2016 AROUND 7:20AM. I PULLED INTO A PARKING SPACE AT WORK. MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE AND WAS A COMPLETE STOP. SHIFTING FROM DRIVE TO PARK. THE CAR EXCELERATED THROWING ME BACK INTO MY SEAT. I KEPT PUSHING THE BRAKE AND THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP. THE CAR WENT AIRBORNE AND EXCELERATED A SECOND TIME. I HIT A FIRE HYDRANT AND LANDED IN THE STREET. I WAS THEN ABLE TO STOP THE CAR. THE DISTANCE FROM THE PARKING STOP TO THE ROAD WAS ABOUT 20 FEET. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO A BMW DEALER. BMW HAD MY CAR FOR 8 WEEKS. THEY HAD 2 DIFFERENT TECHS COME IN TO L…

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Engine And Engine CoolingToo few reports for a range53,941 mi4 (sparse)
ODI 10238010 · 16,352 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW X3. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 60-65 MPH, THE CONTACT BEGAN DECELERATING FOR TRAFFIC AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN SHAKING AND THEN SHUT OFF. APPROXIMATELY TWO MINUTES LATER, THE VEHICLE WOULD RESTART. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED FOUR TIMES AND HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER THREE TIMES FOR THE STALLING. THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. MOST RECENTLY, THE ENGINE LIGHT BEGAN ILLUMINATING INTERMITTENTLY. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 18,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,352.

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ODI 10379172 · 40,881 mi

I STARTED MY 06 BMW X3 IN MY DRIVEWAY TO WARM IT UP PRIOR TO DRIVING. IT APPEARED TO BE FINE, I BACKED OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AND NOTICED IT WAS SMOKING FROM THE EXHAUST. I DROVE ABOUT 100FT TO THE END OF MY STREET AND THE SMOKING WORSENED SO I DECIDED TO RETURN HOME. I TURNED ONTO THE MAIN STREET AND DROVE AT MOST 20MPH FOR A FEW BLOCKS TO GET BACK HOME. THE SMOKE WAS POURING OUT OF THE EXHAUST SO BADLY THAT I COULDN'T SEE OUT MY BACK WINDOW. IT WAS BLUE/GREY COLORED. THE CAR WAS PUTTING AND CHUGGING. I DID NOT MAKE IT HOME. EVENTUALLY THE…

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ODI 10438764 · 67,000 mi

THE INTAKE BOOT BETWEEN THE MASS AIR SENSOR AND THE THROTTLE BODY CRACKS OVER TIME. THIS CAUSES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON. EVEN THOUGH THIS IS A KNOWN FAILURE ITEM, AND THE CAR IS WITHIN THE CPO WARRANTY PERIOD, BMW DOES NOT COVER ANY HOSES OR TUBES, AS THEY BELIEVE THEY ARE "WEAR" ITEMS. SINCE IT IS NOT COVERED ITS A $175 DOLLAR DIAGNOSTIC FEE AND $38.54 FOR THE PART VS $50 DEDUCTIBLE. YOU DO NOT KNOW IF YOUR REPAIR IS COVERED UNTIL THE DIAGNOSTIC, SO SHORT OF HAVING TO TAKE IT TO ANOTHER MECHANIC TO HAVE IT CHECKED YOU COULD BE PENAL…

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Fuel System, GasolineToo few reports for a range64,250 mi4 (sparse)
ODI 10379172 · 40,881 mi

I STARTED MY 06 BMW X3 IN MY DRIVEWAY TO WARM IT UP PRIOR TO DRIVING. IT APPEARED TO BE FINE, I BACKED OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AND NOTICED IT WAS SMOKING FROM THE EXHAUST. I DROVE ABOUT 100FT TO THE END OF MY STREET AND THE SMOKING WORSENED SO I DECIDED TO RETURN HOME. I TURNED ONTO THE MAIN STREET AND DROVE AT MOST 20MPH FOR A FEW BLOCKS TO GET BACK HOME. THE SMOKE WAS POURING OUT OF THE EXHAUST SO BADLY THAT I COULDN'T SEE OUT MY BACK WINDOW. IT WAS BLUE/GREY COLORED. THE CAR WAS PUTTING AND CHUGGING. I DID NOT MAKE IT HOME. EVENTUALLY THE…

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ODI 10438764 · 67,000 mi

THE INTAKE BOOT BETWEEN THE MASS AIR SENSOR AND THE THROTTLE BODY CRACKS OVER TIME. THIS CAUSES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON. EVEN THOUGH THIS IS A KNOWN FAILURE ITEM, AND THE CAR IS WITHIN THE CPO WARRANTY PERIOD, BMW DOES NOT COVER ANY HOSES OR TUBES, AS THEY BELIEVE THEY ARE "WEAR" ITEMS. SINCE IT IS NOT COVERED ITS A $175 DOLLAR DIAGNOSTIC FEE AND $38.54 FOR THE PART VS $50 DEDUCTIBLE. YOU DO NOT KNOW IF YOUR REPAIR IS COVERED UNTIL THE DIAGNOSTIC, SO SHORT OF HAVING TO TAKE IT TO ANOTHER MECHANIC TO HAVE IT CHECKED YOU COULD BE PENAL…

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ODI 10520142 · 64,500 mi

EVERY TIME I FILL UP MY CAR, THE CHECK GAS CAP LIGHT COMES ON. AS I DRIVE, IT GOES OFF BUT THEN WILL ILLUMINATE AGAIN. I CHECK IT AND NOTHING APPEARS TO BE WRONG BUT AS I DRIVE, I DO NOTICE THAT THE GAS NEEDLE WILL MOVE UP AND DOWN. *TR

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Structure:BodyToo few reports for a range67,213 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10496543 · 51,970 mi

TURNING INTO A DRIVEWAY WITH A BOULDER ON THE EDGE/CORNER. WITH THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT HEATER ON, THE SEAT BURNED A HOLE THRU THE LEATHER AND MADE ME TURN ABRUPTLY AND BUMPED THE BOULDER. DAMAGE TO THE FR. BUMPER, INNER FENDER AND WHEEL. LEFT SIDE (DRIVERS) SEAT BOLSTER HAS A BURN-THROUGH HOLE. *TR

Look up ODI 10496543 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10533565 · 67,213 mi

REPEATED FLOODING IN DRIVER-SIDE BACK AND PASSENGER FRONT. IT HAS BEEN THE VAPOR SEAL ALONG THE DOOR, TOP PART OF DOOR NEAR WINDOW, SEAL ALONG THE WINDSHIELD AND FINALLY FROM THE SUNROOF LEADING TO DRAIN LEADING TO INTERIOR OF CAR. I HAVE BEEN FORTUNATE THAT NO ELECTRICAL ISSUES HAVE INCURRED, BUT DUE TO THE HIGH RISK OF THAT HAPPENING, WANTED TO REPORT THE SITUATION. THIS HAS BEEN ONGOING FOR OVER A YEAR (FIXED VARIOUS ISSUES WITH FLOODING EVERY FEW MONTHS). BMW ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THE X3 HAS WATER ISSUES BUT THAT IT IS NO FAULT OF THEIR'S. I…

Look up ODI 10533565 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10579746 · 124,092 mi

MY BMW IS 8 YEARS OLD WITH APPROXIMATELY 125 THOUSAND MILES AND BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS ARE DAMAGED. THIS IS A BMW, THE FRAME OF THIS VEHICLE SHOULD NOT BE DAMAGE IN THIS TYPE OF CAR. BMW ARE BUILT TO EMBODY THE HIGHEST QUALITY AND SAFETY STANDARDS BUT ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THE CAR BODY IS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. THERE MOST BE A DEFICIENCY ON THIS PART AND AS FAR AS I KNOW IT SHOULD BE A BMW ORIGINAL PART. WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR IN 2009, IT WAS A PRE-CERTIFIED CAR, WHEN I ASKED WHAT THAT MEANT THE SALES PERSON STATED "THAT ALL PAR…

Look up ODI 10579746 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.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

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.

2026-051None
ODI 11740974

1. The front passenger airbag light is continuously on. 2. Fasten seat belt audible alarm, and fasten seat belt dash light are continuously on when front passenger seat is NOT occupied.

Look up ODI 11740974 at NHTSA ↗

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
ComponentAir BagsSeatsElectrical SystemAir Bags:FrontalEngineEngine And Engine CoolingFuel System, GasolineStructure:Body
Air Bags—
1
ODI 11061218 · 105,000 mi

HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM WAS DEACTIVATED THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED AND THE AIR BAG "ON-OFF" LAMP ILLUMINATED AS WELL. AFTER PURCHASE THERE WAS NO ILLUMINATION OF THESE LIGHTS AND THEN ABOUT 2 YEARS LATER WHILE DRIVING IN THE CITY AT ABOUT 45 MPH, BOTH LAMPS ILLUMINATED WHEN MY SON AND I WERE HEADING TO THE STORE. I CALLED BMW AND THEY TOLD ME THEN THAT IT WAS PROBABLY DUE TO A CRACKED SEAT MAT SENSOR AND A RECALL ON THOSE SENSORS WAS BEING EXTENDED FOR 2006 X3 MODELS. I CALLED OUR LOCAL BMW TODAY TO SCHEDULE A REPAIR OF THE SEAT AND …

Look up ODI 11061218 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 10711793 · 64,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW X3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT WAS MADE AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V384000 (AIR BAGS). ALSO, THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PILLAR ACCELERATOR SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT IMMEDIATELY AFTER REFUELING, THE "CHECK GAS CAP" WARNING INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER, WHO …

Look up ODI 10711793 at NHTSA ↗

3
ODI 10419486 · 87,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW X3. WHILE PARKED AND SEATED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT THE CONTACT NOTICED THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V384000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL) THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000. AIRBAG INDICATOR COMES ON WHEN A PASSENGER SITS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. IT USUALLY STAYS ON TIL THE VEHICLE…

Look up ODI 10419486 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10427848 · 89,600 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW X3. THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE SENSOR MAT FAILED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND CONFIRMED THE VIN DID NOT APPLY TO NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER:08V384000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED, AND THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,600 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 89,620. UPDATED 12/19/11

Look up ODI 10427848 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10552151 · 102,000 mi

FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT SENSOR IS DEFECTIVE. THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED CONSTANTLY ALONG WITH THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG OFF LIGHT. WAS INFORMED THAT THE SENSOR IS OUTSIDE OF A RECALL NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V384000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL) AND THAT THE REPAIR WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AS IT WAS OUTSIDE THE DATE OF MANF. WHICH THE RECALL APPLIED TO. THE COST OF REPAIR AT THE DEALERSHIP WOULD BE AROUND $1000. UNTIL THE REPAIR IS MADE THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG IS INOPERABLE AND WILL REMAIN THAT WAY UNTIL FIX…

Look up ODI 10552151 at NHTSA ↗

00
1
ODI 10711793 · 64,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW X3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT WAS MADE AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V384000 (AIR BAGS). ALSO, THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PILLAR ACCELERATOR SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT IMMEDIATELY AFTER REFUELING, THE "CHECK GAS CAP" WARNING INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER, WHO …

Look up ODI 10711793 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 11084295

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW X3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V605000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE REPAIR. BMW OF FREEHOLD (4225 U.S. 9, FREEHOLD, NJ 07728 [phone removed]) CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRM…

Look up ODI 11084295 at NHTSA ↗

Seats
1
ODI 11061218 · 105,000 mi

HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM WAS DEACTIVATED THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED AND THE AIR BAG "ON-OFF" LAMP ILLUMINATED AS WELL. AFTER PURCHASE THERE WAS NO ILLUMINATION OF THESE LIGHTS AND THEN ABOUT 2 YEARS LATER WHILE DRIVING IN THE CITY AT ABOUT 45 MPH, BOTH LAMPS ILLUMINATED WHEN MY SON AND I WERE HEADING TO THE STORE. I CALLED BMW AND THEY TOLD ME THEN THAT IT WAS PROBABLY DUE TO A CRACKED SEAT MAT SENSOR AND A RECALL ON THOSE SENSORS WAS BEING EXTENDED FOR 2006 X3 MODELS. I CALLED OUR LOCAL BMW TODAY TO SCHEDULE A REPAIR OF THE SEAT AND …

Look up ODI 11061218 at NHTSA ↗

—
5
ODI 10368850 · 46,110 mi

WE WERE DRIVING IN COLD WEATHER AND ACTIVATED THE SEAT WARMERS ON THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SIDES WHEN WE DETECTED AN ODOR OF SOMETHING BURNING AND SMOKING. WE STOPPED AND GOT OUT OF OUR SUV AND DISCOVERED A BURNT HOLE/SPOT ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT, LOWER LEFT SEAT BACK BOLSTER. ON TAKING IT OUR BMW DEALER FOR REPAIR, WE WERE TOLD THAT THE SEAT WARMER WAS DEFECTIVE AND THAT IS WHAT CAUSED THE BURNT HOLE/SPOT ON THE SEAT BACK, I.E., "FAILED COMPONENT 3". FURTHER WE WERE TOLD THAT OUR SUV WAS TWO MONTHS OUT OF WARRANTY, AND THAT THE COST OF R…

Look up ODI 10368850 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10376284 · 48,130 mi

06 BMW X3 3.0 DRIVER SEAT HEATER GETS EXTREMEMY HOT IN ONE SPOT. HOT ENOUGH TO CAUSE A BURN IF NOT TURNED OFF QUICKLY. *TR

Look up ODI 10376284 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10445930 · 50,850 mi

DRIVER SEAT CAUGHT FIRE WHEN SEAT WARMER WAS ENGAGED. LEATHER SEAT HAS VISIBLE BURN MARK. FIRE BURNED DRIVER. WHEN SEAT WARMER WAS DISENGAGED, SMOKE BEGAN BILLOWING FROM SEAT, FILLING THE VEHICLE WITH SMOKE. SEAT WARMER WAS ENGAGED UPON VEHICLE START IN OWNER'S GARAGE. VEHICLE WAS MOVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPS (1-2 MINS LATER) WHEN FIRE BEGAN. *TT

Look up ODI 10445930 at NHTSA ↗

0
2
ODI 10948378 · 122,000 mi

AS I DROVE HOME FROM A LONG FLIGHT HOME AFTER THE HOLIDAYS, THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE DUE TO A FROZEN CRANK CASE VENTILATION SYSTEM WHICH CAUSED OIL TO SPRAY OUT IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I PULLED OVER WHEN I NOTICED SMOKE IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AND SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE HOOD. I WAS ABLE TO BLOW OUT THE FIRE. TEMPERATURES WERE 5 DEGREES F THAT NIGHT. THE DEALER STATED THERE WAS A "MORE ROBUST CRANK CASE VENTILATION SYSTEM" THAT THEY WOULD INSTALL AT MY COST. AFTER THE WEEK LONG REPAIR, THE DEALER BROUGHT MY CAR TO THE FRONT AND TURNED ON…

Look up ODI 10948378 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11153582 · 99,000 mi

PROBLEM WITH THE DRIVER'S SEAT HEATING MAT. PROBLEM WITH DETERMINING THE CAUSE OF ERRORS POSTED ON THE PHOTO

Look up ODI 11153582 at NHTSA ↗

00
1
ODI 10496543 · 51,970 mi

TURNING INTO A DRIVEWAY WITH A BOULDER ON THE EDGE/CORNER. WITH THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT HEATER ON, THE SEAT BURNED A HOLE THRU THE LEATHER AND MADE ME TURN ABRUPTLY AND BUMPED THE BOULDER. DAMAGE TO THE FR. BUMPER, INNER FENDER AND WHEEL. LEFT SIDE (DRIVERS) SEAT BOLSTER HAS A BURN-THROUGH HOLE. *TR

Look up ODI 10496543 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System
1
ODI 10711793 · 64,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW X3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT WAS MADE AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V384000 (AIR BAGS). ALSO, THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PILLAR ACCELERATOR SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT IMMEDIATELY AFTER REFUELING, THE "CHECK GAS CAP" WARNING INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER, WHO …

Look up ODI 10711793 at NHTSA ↗

5
ODI 10368850 · 46,110 mi

WE WERE DRIVING IN COLD WEATHER AND ACTIVATED THE SEAT WARMERS ON THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SIDES WHEN WE DETECTED AN ODOR OF SOMETHING BURNING AND SMOKING. WE STOPPED AND GOT OUT OF OUR SUV AND DISCOVERED A BURNT HOLE/SPOT ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT, LOWER LEFT SEAT BACK BOLSTER. ON TAKING IT OUR BMW DEALER FOR REPAIR, WE WERE TOLD THAT THE SEAT WARMER WAS DEFECTIVE AND THAT IS WHAT CAUSED THE BURNT HOLE/SPOT ON THE SEAT BACK, I.E., "FAILED COMPONENT 3". FURTHER WE WERE TOLD THAT OUR SUV WAS TWO MONTHS OUT OF WARRANTY, AND THAT THE COST OF R…

Look up ODI 10368850 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10376284 · 48,130 mi

06 BMW X3 3.0 DRIVER SEAT HEATER GETS EXTREMEMY HOT IN ONE SPOT. HOT ENOUGH TO CAUSE A BURN IF NOT TURNED OFF QUICKLY. *TR

Look up ODI 10376284 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10445930 · 50,850 mi

DRIVER SEAT CAUGHT FIRE WHEN SEAT WARMER WAS ENGAGED. LEATHER SEAT HAS VISIBLE BURN MARK. FIRE BURNED DRIVER. WHEN SEAT WARMER WAS DISENGAGED, SMOKE BEGAN BILLOWING FROM SEAT, FILLING THE VEHICLE WITH SMOKE. SEAT WARMER WAS ENGAGED UPON VEHICLE START IN OWNER'S GARAGE. VEHICLE WAS MOVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPS (1-2 MINS LATER) WHEN FIRE BEGAN. *TT

Look up ODI 10445930 at NHTSA ↗

—000
1
ODI 10711793 · 64,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW X3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT WAS MADE AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V384000 (AIR BAGS). ALSO, THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PILLAR ACCELERATOR SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT IMMEDIATELY AFTER REFUELING, THE "CHECK GAS CAP" WARNING INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER, WHO …

Look up ODI 10711793 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 10533565 · 67,213 mi

REPEATED FLOODING IN DRIVER-SIDE BACK AND PASSENGER FRONT. IT HAS BEEN THE VAPOR SEAL ALONG THE DOOR, TOP PART OF DOOR NEAR WINDOW, SEAL ALONG THE WINDSHIELD AND FINALLY FROM THE SUNROOF LEADING TO DRAIN LEADING TO INTERIOR OF CAR. I HAVE BEEN FORTUNATE THAT NO ELECTRICAL ISSUES HAVE INCURRED, BUT DUE TO THE HIGH RISK OF THAT HAPPENING, WANTED TO REPORT THE SITUATION. THIS HAS BEEN ONGOING FOR OVER A YEAR (FIXED VARIOUS ISSUES WITH FLOODING EVERY FEW MONTHS). BMW ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THE X3 HAS WATER ISSUES BUT THAT IT IS NO FAULT OF THEIR'S. I…

Look up ODI 10533565 at NHTSA ↗

Air Bags:Frontal
3
ODI 10419486 · 87,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW X3. WHILE PARKED AND SEATED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT THE CONTACT NOTICED THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V384000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL) THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000. AIRBAG INDICATOR COMES ON WHEN A PASSENGER SITS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. IT USUALLY STAYS ON TIL THE VEHICLE…

Look up ODI 10419486 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10427848 · 89,600 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW X3. THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE SENSOR MAT FAILED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND CONFIRMED THE VIN DID NOT APPLY TO NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER:08V384000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED, AND THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,600 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 89,620. UPDATED 12/19/11

Look up ODI 10427848 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10552151 · 102,000 mi

FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT SENSOR IS DEFECTIVE. THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED CONSTANTLY ALONG WITH THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG OFF LIGHT. WAS INFORMED THAT THE SENSOR IS OUTSIDE OF A RECALL NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V384000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL) AND THAT THE REPAIR WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AS IT WAS OUTSIDE THE DATE OF MANF. WHICH THE RECALL APPLIED TO. THE COST OF REPAIR AT THE DEALERSHIP WOULD BE AROUND $1000. UNTIL THE REPAIR IS MADE THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG IS INOPERABLE AND WILL REMAIN THAT WAY UNTIL FIX…

Look up ODI 10552151 at NHTSA ↗

00—0000
Engine0
2
ODI 10948378 · 122,000 mi

AS I DROVE HOME FROM A LONG FLIGHT HOME AFTER THE HOLIDAYS, THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE DUE TO A FROZEN CRANK CASE VENTILATION SYSTEM WHICH CAUSED OIL TO SPRAY OUT IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I PULLED OVER WHEN I NOTICED SMOKE IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AND SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE HOOD. I WAS ABLE TO BLOW OUT THE FIRE. TEMPERATURES WERE 5 DEGREES F THAT NIGHT. THE DEALER STATED THERE WAS A "MORE ROBUST CRANK CASE VENTILATION SYSTEM" THAT THEY WOULD INSTALL AT MY COST. AFTER THE WEEK LONG REPAIR, THE DEALER BROUGHT MY CAR TO THE FRONT AND TURNED ON…

Look up ODI 10948378 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11153582 · 99,000 mi

PROBLEM WITH THE DRIVER'S SEAT HEATING MAT. PROBLEM WITH DETERMINING THE CAUSE OF ERRORS POSTED ON THE PHOTO

Look up ODI 11153582 at NHTSA ↗

00—000
Engine And Engine Cooling00000—
2
ODI 10379172 · 40,881 mi

I STARTED MY 06 BMW X3 IN MY DRIVEWAY TO WARM IT UP PRIOR TO DRIVING. IT APPEARED TO BE FINE, I BACKED OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AND NOTICED IT WAS SMOKING FROM THE EXHAUST. I DROVE ABOUT 100FT TO THE END OF MY STREET AND THE SMOKING WORSENED SO I DECIDED TO RETURN HOME. I TURNED ONTO THE MAIN STREET AND DROVE AT MOST 20MPH FOR A FEW BLOCKS TO GET BACK HOME. THE SMOKE WAS POURING OUT OF THE EXHAUST SO BADLY THAT I COULDN'T SEE OUT MY BACK WINDOW. IT WAS BLUE/GREY COLORED. THE CAR WAS PUTTING AND CHUGGING. I DID NOT MAKE IT HOME. EVENTUALLY THE…

Look up ODI 10379172 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10438764 · 67,000 mi

THE INTAKE BOOT BETWEEN THE MASS AIR SENSOR AND THE THROTTLE BODY CRACKS OVER TIME. THIS CAUSES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON. EVEN THOUGH THIS IS A KNOWN FAILURE ITEM, AND THE CAR IS WITHIN THE CPO WARRANTY PERIOD, BMW DOES NOT COVER ANY HOSES OR TUBES, AS THEY BELIEVE THEY ARE "WEAR" ITEMS. SINCE IT IS NOT COVERED ITS A $175 DOLLAR DIAGNOSTIC FEE AND $38.54 FOR THE PART VS $50 DEDUCTIBLE. YOU DO NOT KNOW IF YOUR REPAIR IS COVERED UNTIL THE DIAGNOSTIC, SO SHORT OF HAVING TO TAKE IT TO ANOTHER MECHANIC TO HAVE IT CHECKED YOU COULD BE PENAL…

Look up ODI 10438764 at NHTSA ↗

0
Fuel System, Gasoline
1
ODI 10711793 · 64,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW X3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT WAS MADE AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V384000 (AIR BAGS). ALSO, THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PILLAR ACCELERATOR SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT IMMEDIATELY AFTER REFUELING, THE "CHECK GAS CAP" WARNING INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER, WHO …

Look up ODI 10711793 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 10711793 · 64,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW X3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT WAS MADE AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V384000 (AIR BAGS). ALSO, THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PILLAR ACCELERATOR SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT IMMEDIATELY AFTER REFUELING, THE "CHECK GAS CAP" WARNING INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER, WHO …

Look up ODI 10711793 at NHTSA ↗

00
2
ODI 10379172 · 40,881 mi

I STARTED MY 06 BMW X3 IN MY DRIVEWAY TO WARM IT UP PRIOR TO DRIVING. IT APPEARED TO BE FINE, I BACKED OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AND NOTICED IT WAS SMOKING FROM THE EXHAUST. I DROVE ABOUT 100FT TO THE END OF MY STREET AND THE SMOKING WORSENED SO I DECIDED TO RETURN HOME. I TURNED ONTO THE MAIN STREET AND DROVE AT MOST 20MPH FOR A FEW BLOCKS TO GET BACK HOME. THE SMOKE WAS POURING OUT OF THE EXHAUST SO BADLY THAT I COULDN'T SEE OUT MY BACK WINDOW. IT WAS BLUE/GREY COLORED. THE CAR WAS PUTTING AND CHUGGING. I DID NOT MAKE IT HOME. EVENTUALLY THE…

Look up ODI 10379172 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10438764 · 67,000 mi

THE INTAKE BOOT BETWEEN THE MASS AIR SENSOR AND THE THROTTLE BODY CRACKS OVER TIME. THIS CAUSES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON. EVEN THOUGH THIS IS A KNOWN FAILURE ITEM, AND THE CAR IS WITHIN THE CPO WARRANTY PERIOD, BMW DOES NOT COVER ANY HOSES OR TUBES, AS THEY BELIEVE THEY ARE "WEAR" ITEMS. SINCE IT IS NOT COVERED ITS A $175 DOLLAR DIAGNOSTIC FEE AND $38.54 FOR THE PART VS $50 DEDUCTIBLE. YOU DO NOT KNOW IF YOUR REPAIR IS COVERED UNTIL THE DIAGNOSTIC, SO SHORT OF HAVING TO TAKE IT TO ANOTHER MECHANIC TO HAVE IT CHECKED YOU COULD BE PENAL…

Look up ODI 10438764 at NHTSA ↗

—0
Structure:Body
1
ODI 11084295

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW X3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V605000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE REPAIR. BMW OF FREEHOLD (4225 U.S. 9, FREEHOLD, NJ 07728 [phone removed]) CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRM…

Look up ODI 11084295 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 10496543 · 51,970 mi

TURNING INTO A DRIVEWAY WITH A BOULDER ON THE EDGE/CORNER. WITH THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT HEATER ON, THE SEAT BURNED A HOLE THRU THE LEATHER AND MADE ME TURN ABRUPTLY AND BUMPED THE BOULDER. DAMAGE TO THE FR. BUMPER, INNER FENDER AND WHEEL. LEFT SIDE (DRIVERS) SEAT BOLSTER HAS A BURN-THROUGH HOLE. *TR

Look up ODI 10496543 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 10533565 · 67,213 mi

REPEATED FLOODING IN DRIVER-SIDE BACK AND PASSENGER FRONT. IT HAS BEEN THE VAPOR SEAL ALONG THE DOOR, TOP PART OF DOOR NEAR WINDOW, SEAL ALONG THE WINDSHIELD AND FINALLY FROM THE SUNROOF LEADING TO DRAIN LEADING TO INTERIOR OF CAR. I HAVE BEEN FORTUNATE THAT NO ELECTRICAL ISSUES HAVE INCURRED, BUT DUE TO THE HIGH RISK OF THAT HAPPENING, WANTED TO REPORT THE SITUATION. THIS HAS BEEN ONGOING FOR OVER A YEAR (FIXED VARIOUS ISSUES WITH FLOODING EVERY FEW MONTHS). BMW ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THE X3 HAS WATER ISSUES BUT THAT IT IS NO FAULT OF THEIR'S. I…

Look up ODI 10533565 at NHTSA ↗

0000—

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.

5 patterns with matching reports.

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

23 mentions · 16.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 76,950 mi (20 usable records).

ODI 10281975 · 73,900 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW X3. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS; THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO AN OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V384000 (AIR BAGS;FRONTAL). THE VIN NUMBER WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL DEFECT. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN…

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ODI 10373137 · 93,539 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW X3. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH WHEN THE PASSENGER AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS OCCUPIED AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIGHT WOULD SPORADICALLY ILLUMINATE OVER A SIX MONTH PERIOD WHETHER THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS OCCUPIED OR NOT. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V384000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 93,539.

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ODI 10379172 · 40,881 mi

I STARTED MY 06 BMW X3 IN MY DRIVEWAY TO WARM IT UP PRIOR TO DRIVING. IT APPEARED TO BE FINE, I BACKED OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AND NOTICED IT WAS SMOKING FROM THE EXHAUST. I DROVE ABOUT 100FT TO THE END OF MY STREET AND THE SMOKING WORSENED SO I DECIDED TO RETURN HOME. I TURNED ONTO THE MAIN STREET AND DROVE AT MOST 20MPH FOR A FEW BLOCKS TO GET BACK HOME. THE SMOKE WAS POURING OUT OF THE EXHAUST SO BADLY THAT I COULDN'T SEE OUT MY BACK WINDOW. IT WAS BLUE/GREY COLORED. THE CAR WAS PUTTING AND CHUGGING. I DID NOT MAKE IT HOME. EVENTUALLY THE…

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

Stalling or loss of power

2 mentions · 1.4% of complaints

Median mileage: 56,676 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10238010 · 16,352 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW X3. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 60-65 MPH, THE CONTACT BEGAN DECELERATING FOR TRAFFIC AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN SHAKING AND THEN SHUT OFF. APPROXIMATELY TWO MINUTES LATER, THE VEHICLE WOULD RESTART. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED FOUR TIMES AND HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER THREE TIMES FOR THE STALLING. THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. MOST RECENTLY, THE ENGINE LIGHT BEGAN ILLUMINATING INTERMITTENTLY. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 18,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,352.

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ODI 10683248 · 97,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW X3. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO OVERHEAT AND STALLED CAUSING THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE THERMOSTAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000.

Look up ODI 10683248 at NHTSA ↗

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

Battery drain and no-start mentions

1 mentions · 0.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 40,881 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10379172 · 40,881 mi

I STARTED MY 06 BMW X3 IN MY DRIVEWAY TO WARM IT UP PRIOR TO DRIVING. IT APPEARED TO BE FINE, I BACKED OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AND NOTICED IT WAS SMOKING FROM THE EXHAUST. I DROVE ABOUT 100FT TO THE END OF MY STREET AND THE SMOKING WORSENED SO I DECIDED TO RETURN HOME. I TURNED ONTO THE MAIN STREET AND DROVE AT MOST 20MPH FOR A FEW BLOCKS TO GET BACK HOME. THE SMOKE WAS POURING OUT OF THE EXHAUST SO BADLY THAT I COULDN'T SEE OUT MY BACK WINDOW. IT WAS BLUE/GREY COLORED. THE CAR WAS PUTTING AND CHUGGING. I DID NOT MAKE IT HOME. EVENTUALLY THE…

Look up ODI 10379172 at NHTSA ↗

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: 59,550 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10290337 · 59,550 mi

I WAS EXITING A CITY PARK, I WAS STOPPED WAITING FOR A STEADY STREAM OF TRAFFIC TO PASS SO I COULD MAKE A LEFT TURN. MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND SUDDENLY IT SEEMED AS THOUGH SOMEONE HAD PUSHED THE GAS PEDAL TO THE FLOOR AS I WAS HOLDING DOWN THE BRAKE PEDAL. I HELD DOWN THE BRAKE PEDAL AS HARD AS I COULD BECAUSE THE CAR WANTED TO TAKE OFF AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED ACROSS THE TRAFFIC. I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS IN THIS CAR OR ANY CAR BEFORE, NEEDLESS TO SAY IT WAS VERY FRIGHTENING. THE ENGINE WAS RACING AT A EXTREMELY HIGH RATE OF SPEED.…

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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: 40,881 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10379172 · 40,881 mi

I STARTED MY 06 BMW X3 IN MY DRIVEWAY TO WARM IT UP PRIOR TO DRIVING. IT APPEARED TO BE FINE, I BACKED OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AND NOTICED IT WAS SMOKING FROM THE EXHAUST. I DROVE ABOUT 100FT TO THE END OF MY STREET AND THE SMOKING WORSENED SO I DECIDED TO RETURN HOME. I TURNED ONTO THE MAIN STREET AND DROVE AT MOST 20MPH FOR A FEW BLOCKS TO GET BACK HOME. THE SMOKE WAS POURING OUT OF THE EXHAUST SO BADLY THAT I COULDN'T SEE OUT MY BACK WINDOW. IT WAS BLUE/GREY COLORED. THE CAR WAS PUTTING AND CHUGGING. I DID NOT MAKE IT HOME. EVENTUALLY THE…

Look up ODI 10379172 at NHTSA ↗

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