80 consumer complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2016 BMW X3. Click any complaint to view the full owner description.
ENGINEMarch 5, 2026
Key Details of BMW EGR Recall: • Affected Models: Primarily 2013-2018 BMW 328d/xDrive, 535d/xDrive, 740Ld, X3 xDrive28d, and X5 XDrive35d. • The Problem: The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may leak coolant internally, which can mix with soot to form flammable deposits, potentially leading to a Fire I was driving and my car started to smoke out of engine compartment I pulled over and waited called my husband and drove it back home. Took it to a shop and they are saying it’s my erg leaking internally and need it replaced along with the intake manifold. I looked up recalls and only the diesel one is on recall for the exact same issue,
STEERINGFebruary 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 BMX X3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The RPM was elevated; however, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with Electronic Power Steering Control Unit failure. The contact was informed that the Electronic Power Steering Control Unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised to tow the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the failure was confirmed as an Electronic Power Steering Control Unit failure. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar description; however, the VIN was not under recall. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMDecember 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair; however, the dealer refused to perform the recall repair and stated that since the vehicle was manufactured in Canada, the recall repair could not be performed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMNovember 18, 2025
The low-pressure fuel temperature/pressure sensor failed internally, causing diesel fuel to intrude via capillary action into the engine wiring harness and ultimately contaminate the Digital Diesel Electronics (DDE) control unit (ECU). The failed components (sensor, harness, DDE) are available for inspection upon request at BMW of Loveland, CO. My safety was put at risk in two primary ways: Engine Stalling Risk: The DDE is the engine control unit. As the fuel contaminated the electrical connections, the engine's reliability was compromised, creating a significant risk of sudden engine stalling while driving in traffic or at high speeds. Fire Hazard: The intrusion of diesel fuel—a combustible fluid—directly into the electrical wiring harness and the DDE created a clear fire hazard. Fuel near active electrical components poses a serious safety risk. Inaccurate Temperature Readings: The EGT (Exhaust Gas Temperature) sensor received incorrect readings due to the DDE/wiring issue, leading to potential engine damage due to excessively high exhaust temperatures. The problem has been confirmed by BMW of Loveland. The Service Director and their technical team identified the root cause in less than one day and confirmed it requires the replacement of the sensor, harness, and DDE. This was also validated by an internal BMW technical support case (TSARA). Gebhardt BMW failed to diagnose the issue correctly over three prior attempts starting in June 2023 through Aug 2025. Prior symptoms appeared over a period of months and included: Intermittent check engine light/MIL. Multiple, confusing diagnostic fault codes (related to air mass, charging pressure, and DPF efficiency). Increased frequency of DPF regeneration intervals.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGOctober 27, 2025
The contact owned a 2016 BMW X3. The contact stated that while parking in the garage, the warning message "engine overheated" had displayed, but the temperature gauge displayed a normal temperature reading. The contact noticed smoke coming from under the hood before entering the home, along with a strange sound. Moments later, the contact returned to the garage and discovered flames coming from under the front end of the vehicle. The contact quickly drove the vehicle out of the garage onto the driveway. The vehicle became engulfed in flames, and the fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. During the fire, the vehicle was destroyed, and the driveway and parts of the lawn were damaged. No injuries were reported. A fire and police reporter was taken to the scene. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet contacted. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000(ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The failure mileage was 220,000.
ENGINEAugust 23, 2025
BMW has not been able to offer a repair for the engine coolant pump recall issued in August 2024. I wanted to register a formal complaint because I would like to get this repaired and off my vehicle record. I have not experienced any problem with the recalled part yet.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMAugust 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHERJuly 28, 2025
The complete A/C unit has completely gone out and I am just now getting notice after almost a year of a coolant pump recall that could potentially create a fire hazard. I am told that to date a remedy has still not been available.
ENGINEJuly 22, 2025
The manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall remedy. NHTSA: #24V-608, Recall: #24V-608:474 Engine Coolant Pump
POWER TRAINJuly 16, 2025
* in 2018, the car started automatically going into Park when the engine is running but at a stop (e.g. Stop light). This created a safety issue because the gear had to be reengaged into Drive * It was repaired under warranty by BMW * It started reoccuring this year. We have stopped driving it because it creates a safety issue * BMW has refused to fix this (though it was previously addressed under warranty). In addition, they have said it may cost thousands or 10's of thousands of dollars to fix because they do not know the problem (could be camshaft sensor or mechatronics or something else). * The problem has been confirmed by BMW * We cannot risk the car not being in gear and getting rear-ended because it takes a while to move it back to drive. * No warnings or any mesages * We have already spent money at the dealer replacing unnecessary parts because they thought it would fix the problem (e.g. batteries) * The car is available for inspection on request
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJuly 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMApril 16, 2025
The electric water pump, has shorted internally , even with the vehicle off , this caused the battery to run down.
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESELApril 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving approximately 75 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly decelerated and failed to properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V586000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 55,000.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMarch 28, 2025
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 dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
UNKNOWN OR OTHERMarch 28, 2025
a long overdue recall without remedy
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMarch 4, 2025
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 dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFebruary 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFebruary 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJanuary 2, 2025
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 available.
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,UNKNOWN OR OTHERDecember 29, 2024
the passenger restraint system malfunction error came out several times since last month.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMDecember 26, 2024
BMW has failed to issue a remedy for the COOLANT PUMP that may lead to fires, if not replaced. For months now, I have called several BMW dealerships and they do not have an idea of when BMW would issue a remedy. BMW needs a push from the NHTSA to address this recall instead of looking to the other side because the car's date is 2016. If they cannot fix that hazard, then they must replace vehicles.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMDecember 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from under the hood. In addition, the contact noticed a burning odor. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The dealer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that parts for the repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMDecember 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the steering wheel became difficult to turn to the left or the right. In addition, the contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle loss automotive power on several occasions. The vehicle was towed to the local Midas where the battery was replaced; however, the failure occasionally reoccurred. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNovember 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHERNovember 20, 2024
I have reached out to the manufacturer for a solution and they said to wait till there is a remedy. I’m scared to drive this car for fear that something could happen to me or my family.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMOctober 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMOctober 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed a burning odor inside the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the contact was informed that parts to repair the vehicle was not available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, however, was unable to confirm when parts would become available. The failure mileage was 99,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMOctober 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMOctober 23, 2024
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.
SEAT BELTSSeptember 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 BMW X3. The contact stated that there was a message that the passenger’s side restraint had malfunctioned. The dealer had been contacted to schedule an appointment; however, the vehicle had not been taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 107,000.
ENGINESeptember 10, 2024
I got an engine light and found a recall for BMW's online so I made the service call. Once there at Fields Winter Park, I was asked to sign a service agreement where i would pay $219.95 for the diagnostic if the issue didn't fall into a recall. Well, I saw the recall in my computer, in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, for a coolant thermostast, and also one for the engine Coolant Pump, so I knew it should be covered, so I signed. Later they said that the issue was the thermostat, and that since they couldn't find a recall on the BMW USA website, I would be responsible for payment. I did bring my laptop and phone and showed them both recalls. They say they do not go by any other website than theirs, which conveniently does not reflect any recall on my vehicle. When I said that I was looking at the information in an official website, they said said that technically, I set the appointment because of an engine light, not a recall. I politely mentioned that technicalities on this case come down to wording from a consumer that trusts the dealership of a brand but should not be used against such consumer in any tricky and deceiving way. I called for an engine light and saw two recalls for BMW of my year. On official sites. I was overwhelmed while talking to both a service manager and the general manager, in the presence of also the service representative. They said to me that the engine light would NOT be triggered by a coolant pump issue (which is not true). And they said that even when Safety Recall Report 24V-608 is in the NHTSA website, it is not active on their side and therefore they do not need to do anything about it, until I receive a letter to come to have it looked at. So they denied any action until i received a letter and even then, they said I would not be welcome to do business there. So basically they did not take any action on the recall! And then they gave me my car back with a large scratch in the front bumper and fender!
SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINEMay 18, 2024
We have had several occurrences of the following issue during the last several months. When slowing the vehicle down at a traffic light/stop with the goal of bringing the vehicle to a complete halt, as the vehicle decelerates to almost a stop with the foot firmly on the brake pedal, there have been several instances where the engine suddenly revs up and the vehicle lunges forward instead of stopping. It is an intermittent issue which is very hard to predict. It has occurred on flat roads, or going downhill, a couple of times with the air conditioner on. It's a split second lunge needing one to apply brakes even harder. Since at other times, this doesn't happen it's very concerning since we're questioning the reliability of the vehicle. It's a matter of chance that this may cause rearending the vehicle ahead. Thankfully, that hasn't happened but have come within a hair of happening.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGSeptember 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 BMW X3. The contact stated while cold starting the vehicle, there was significant amounts of white and blueish smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that oil was leaking onto the turbocharger, and that the turbo charger oil supply lines needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
STRUCTUREAugust 3, 2023
The liftgate opened while the car was being driven down the road.
ENGINEAugust 2, 2023
Driving on highway when car would not accelerate. No power. N for neutral on dashboard and transmission malfunction. No other warning or warning lights came on dashboard. Temp was in middle not elevated. Coasted to breakdown lane. No power, unable to start. Towed to BMW dealership that we go to. Told it was a catastrophic engine failure. Video from dealership, has mechanic showing metal pieces in oil filter. As of this date, car has been at dealershipabout 10 days without findings. *Car was at dealership two days prior for oil change. Unsure if dealer did something or this is a problem with this series. Australia had recall for engine failures in this model. Just letting NHTSA know.
ENGINEMay 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low oil pressure and drive train warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the timing chain guide failed which and caused a catastrophic engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 110317 (Engine Timing Chain and Oil Pump Drive Chain). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESELFebruary 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V907000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNovember 2, 2022
When coming to a stop, my trunk continues to open and will not close unless you turn the car off and get out and close it. I tried to replace the battery in my key fob, but it will not work. The trunk button when you hold it down, says “remote battery, change battery.”. The rear hatch continues to open every time you stop your car unless you hold the trunk button down. This is extremely unsafe having things, people, or items in your car or trunk because it opens while operating your car.
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESELOctober 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V907000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Drive Train Malfunction" message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler needed to be replaced but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The failure recurred with an abnormal fuel odor detected while the vehicle was parked inside the garage. Additionally, fuel was leaking from underneath the vehicle and the check engine warning light illuminated while driving. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was determined that there was a pinhole in the fuel hose and the fuel hose was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 66,869. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
POWER TRAINAugust 17, 2022
This vehicle shuts down the engine when stopped at a stop sign or light. The engine resumes when you press on the brake or gas peddle. But sometimes, the engine will turn back on for no apparent reason. That is not an issue of concern. BUT, sometimes, when the engine turns on automatically, it will drop the transmission into PARK. So when you attempt to apply gas, the car will not move forward as it is not in gear. This is intermittent. My German Auto repair shop has observed the issue and spoken with many other shops who have reported the same issue with the X3. BMW does not have a solution to the problem. The driver never knows if the car will move forward after a traffic stop, as it is not obvious that the transmission has dropped into park until you attempt to move forward. Instead of using this engine turn-off feature of the vehicle, they suggest turning it off to avoid the problem. That is a gas-saving feature of the car.
FIRERELATEDAugust 15, 2022
The contact owned a 2016 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V907000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the dealer had previously performed an engine inspection and pressure test for the coolant system due to coolant loss with the low coolant warning light illuminated. The contact had added a quart of coolant. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with a loss of power warning message displayed. The contact's wife was able to pull over on the shoulder of the roadway and noticed there was smoke coming from underneath the hood before it caught fire. The contact's wife was able to safely exit the vehicle. The fire department arrived on the scene and was able to extinguish the fire. Police and fire department reports were filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and then to the contact's residence. The dealer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the manufacturer. The vehicle was not yet deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that an inspector would perform an inspection to determine the cause of the fire. The failure mileage was approximately 88,500. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, DIESELAugust 1, 2022
2016 BMW X3, CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO DEFECTIVE DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER. THE CONSUMER STATED THE EXHAUST GAS ISSUE HAD NO REMEDY. THE VEHICLE ALSO HAD A LEAKING VALVE COVER AND DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE REPAIRS AND HAVE THE VEHICLE BOUGHT BACK FROM THE DEALER.
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESELApril 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V907000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMApril 20, 2022
In early August 2021, the fuel pump on our BMW X3 failed in the middle of an intersection and the car stopped completely. No way to move to one side until a flatbed wrecker came. Fuel pumps will fail after 100,000 miles and we above that figure, Which is why it was surprising then to have the same problem four months later when we had multiple error codes come up on the same car. At least this time I could pull over to the side off the road. The problem was a failing fuel pump. When a pump fails the car stops. If we had been on a highway we would have been rear ended and potentially killed. I shared my concern with a contact at BMW Corporate who only noted that the repair was under extended warranty. One BMW service rep I spoke to said that fuel pump failures are a known issue and yet in my experience there still seems to be a major problem with the part.
UNKNOWN OR OTHERJanuary 6, 2022
The incident that happened to us was the shattered front panel sunroof while driving in a cold temperature on the highway. We don't believe this was caused by a rock because it should have cracked the whole panel but instead, it shattered.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHERMay 5, 2021
IT HAD BEEN RAINING IN MY AREA THE WEEK OF 4/16/2021. ON THE EVENING OF 4/16/2021 MY REAR HATCH CONTROL AND REAR HATCH ALARM STARTED MALFUNCTIONING. I DISCOVERED WATER HAD GOTTEN INTO THE ELECTRICAL COMPARTMENT IN THE REAR HATCH. I BROUGHT MY SUV TO THE SHOP/DEALER FOR REPAIR AND WAS TOLD THE SUNROOF FRAME WAS CRACKED ALLOWING WATER PENETRATION FROM THE HEADLINER TO THE REAR HATCH CAUSING THE HATCH CONTROL UNIT TO MALFUNCTION. MY VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND I HAVE NEVER STORED OR TRANSPORTED ANYTHING ON MY ROOF. THE REPAIR SHOP/DEALER WAS UNABLE TO OFFER A REASON FOR WHAT COULD HAVE CAUSED THE SUNROOF FRAME TO CRACK. THE ONLY EXPLANATION THAT MAKES SENSE IS THAT THE SUNROOF WAS EITHER INSTALLED IMPROPERLY BY THE MANUFACTURER OR THE SUNROOF FRAME IS DEFECTIVE. IT WAS $4,298.08 TO REPAIR THE SUNROOF AND CONTROL UNIT. THIS IS MOST CONCERNING AS MY SUV IS LESS THAN 5 YEARS OLD, ONLY HAS 81,448 MILES AND THERE IS NO RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE FOR THE SUNROOF.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMApril 13, 2021
I DROVE MY 2016 BMW X3 FOR ABOUT 30 MILES ON THE HIGHWAY. I EXITED THE HIGHWAY AND CAME TO A STOP AT A LIGHT. MY REAR HATCH OPENED WHILE AT THE LIGHT AND MY VEHICLE WAS IN DRIVE. I HAD TWO DOGS IN THE REAR AREA THAT NEARLY JUMPED OUT. WE DID DETERMINED THAT A KEY FOB IN A POCKET PROBABLY WAS PRESSED. WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN DRIVE AND THE DOORS ARE LOCKED THERE IS NO REASON A REAR HATCH SHOULD BE ABLE TO OPEN. I WAS ABLE TO REENACT THIS EXACT SAME SITUATION WITH THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE, AND THE DOORS LOCKED BY PUSHING THE HATCH BUTTON. ITDOES ALLOW THE REAR HATCH TO FULLY OPEN EVEN WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN DRIVE.
POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKESMarch 15, 2021
MY EMERGENCY BRAKE KEEPS MALFUNCTIONING, I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO USE THEM FOR ABOUT 3 MONTHS NOW. ALSO STARTING AROUND 2/20/21 WHEN IM AT A RED LIGHT FOR MORE THAN A MINUTE AND THE LIGHT TURNS GREEN, MY TRANSMISSION GETS STUCK AND THE CAR WONT GO, A WARNING SIGN COMES ON. THEN I HAVE TO RE PUT IT IN DRIVE AND CAN GO.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMSeptember 14, 2020
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.
SEAT BELTSDecember 29, 2019
MY 8-YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS SITTING ON REAR PASSENGER SIZE SEAT ON A BOOSTER SEAT WITH SEAT BELT ON. SHE FIRST PLAYED WITH MY SON WHO WAS SITTING ON A READ DRIVER SEAT ON A CAR SEAT. THEN SHE FELL ASLEEP. IN THIS PROCESS THE SEAT BELT SOME HOW GOT WRAPPED AROUND HER. WHEN WE STOPPED FOR A BATHROOM BREAK WE UNBUCKLED THE BELT TO FIND OUT THAT THE BELT WAS WRAPPED AROUND HERE AND WE COULD NOT UNWRAP IT. THE MORE WE TRIED TO PULL OUT THE MORE TIGHTER IT GOT. SHE WAS IN SEVERE PAIN. WE HAD TO BORROW A SCISSOR FROM THE GAS STATION TO CUT THE BELT.SEE THE PIC WITH THE SCAR. SHE WAS IN PAIN FOR NEXT FEW DAYS. WE TOOK THE CAR TO DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT BELT WORKED AS DESIGNED. THE CHILD LOCK KICKED IN AND THE LOCK WONT RELEASE UNTIL THE BELT GOES ALL THE WAY IN. BELT COULD NOT GO ALL THE WAY IN BECAUSE IT WAS WRAPPED AROUND HER. THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN SOME MANUAL BUTTON/SWITCH TO RELEASE THE BELT.
AIR BAGSSeptember 25, 2019
PASSENGER AIRBAG POSSIBLE FAILURE. PASSENGER AIRBAG HAS BEEN TURNED OFF BY THE VEHICLE.
UNKNOWN OR OTHERJune 13, 2019
WHEN AT A STOP (LIGHT OR STOP SIGN), TRANSMISSION SWITCHES TO PARK FROM DRIVE. DOES NOT HAPPEN IN SPORT MODE JUST STANDARD AND ECONO. THIS PROBLEM OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY WITH NO KNOWN TREND WHEN OR WHY OCCURRING. THIS PROBLEM PRESENTS A SAFETY RISK TO BOTH THE OCCUPANTS AND OTHER DRIVERS. IF CAR FORWARD MOTION FROM A STOPPED POSITION IS DELAYED DUE TO HAVING TO SWITCH FROM STANDARD TO SPORT AND FROM PARK TO DRIVE, CAR IN REAR COULD ASSUME SUBJECT CAR WILL BE TIMELY WITH MOVING FORWARD AND STRIKE THE SUBJECT CAR OR THE DRIVER OF SUBJECT CAR (WITH PROBLEM) PANICS AND HAS A DELAY IN MOVING INTO TRAFFIC, THIS SITUATION COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE OR CYCLIST OR PEDESTRIAN STRIKE. APPEARS THAT TREND IS WELL KNOWN BASED ON INTERNET SEARCH. ENCINITAS, CA. BMW HAS SEEN CAR ON THREE OCCASIONS AND HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE TRIGGER FOR CONDITION (IE. ROOT CAUSE IS UNKNOWN). HOWEVER, A BATTERY WAS REPLACED BUT PROBLEM STILL PERSISTS. AND, ENCINITAS BMW HAS BEEN VERY HELPFUL TRYING TO ADDRESS WITH WONDERFUL CUSTOMER SERVICE. HOWEVER, I FEEL A MORE FOCUSED AND EXPANDED STRATEGY IS NEEDED BY BMW TO IDENTIFY ROOT CAUSE. I'M REPORTING THIS DUE TO THE POTENTIAL WIDESPREAD /SIMILAR CONDITION THAT OTHER BMW OWNERS MAY BE FACED WITH. PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT I CAN DO TO HELP EXPEDITE ADDRESSING THIS SITUATION. I'M WORRIED THAT MY WIFE AND DAUGHTER (DRIVERS OF CAR) COULD BE EXPOSED TO A SERIOUS BAD EVENT DUE TO THE VEHICLE MALFUNCTION DESCRIBED ABOVE. AND OTHER PERSONS MAY BE EXPOSED AS WELL. THANK YOU AND I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU. (XXXXX) PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
ENGINEApril 22, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 BMW X3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V755000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. AUTOBAHN BMW FORT WORTH (2828 WHITE SETTLEMENT RD, FORT WORTH, TX 76107, (817) 665-5831) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
ENGINEMarch 6, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 BMW X3. WHEN PARKING THE VEHICLE, THE RPMS INCREASED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO BMW OF ONTARIO (1301 AUTO CENTER DR, ONTARIO, CA 91761, (909) 402-3052) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE RESULTS WERE NOT DISCLOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
WHEELSFebruary 28, 2019
VALVE STEM BODY FAILED DURING TIRE INFLATION. IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO INFLATE TIRE TO SPEC. POSSIBLE RAPID AIR PRESSURE LOSS WHILE DRIVING. BMW OF SAN FRANCISCO REFUSED TO REPAIR UNDER EXISTING MANUFACTURED WARRANTY.
SEAT BELTSFebruary 25, 2019
2016 BMW X3. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ISSUES WITH THE SEAT BELTS IN VEHICLE. *LD *TR
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SEAT BELTSJanuary 11, 2019
DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO PERFORM RECALL ON CAR FOR SEAT BELT BRACKET SAYING THEY DID NOT HAVE THE TIME. APPOINTMENT WAS MADE NEARLY 3 MONTHS PRIOR
POWER TRAINNovember 7, 2018
TRANSMISSION - UNCOMMANDED CHANGE FROM DRIVE TO PARK THE AUTO START/STOP FEATURE TURNS THE CAR OFF WHEN YOU STOP AND BACK ON WHEN YOU START. THE FAULT IS THAT IT INTERMITTENTLY PUTS THE TRANSMISSION IN PARK OR NEUTRAL. IT HAPPENS WHEN YOU TAKE YOUR FOOT OFF THE BRAKE, WHILE IT IS RESTARTING THE VEHICLE. IT OCCASIONALLY HAPPENS WHILE YOU ARE JUST STOPPED AND THE ENGINE RESTARTS. USUALLY THIS IS WHEN YOU ARE TRYING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP SIGN OR TRAFFIC SIGNAL TO GET INTO TRAFFIC. NEARLY GOT REAR-ENDED WHEN MY BRAKE LIGHTS CAME OFF, BUT I DID NOT ACCELERATE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE HAD SWITCHED FROM DRIVE TO PARK.I HAVE VIDEO OF IT OCCURRING, BUT THE DEALER CANNOT REPEAT IT, AND UPLOADING NEW SW DID NOTHING.
STEERING,POWER TRAIN,ENGINENovember 4, 2018
WHILE APPROACHING A STOPLIGHT, BRAKED, THEN WENT TO ACCELERATE AND THE VEHICLE TOTALLY SHUTDOWN AND STOPPED WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC. THIS WAS A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE, WHICH COULD HAVE KILLED BOTH OCCUPANTS OF THIS VEHICLE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ACTIVATED. UPON ATTEMPTING TO RESTART THE VEHICLE TO MOVE IT OUT OF THE WAY OF TRAFFIC, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT BE PLACED IN NEUTRAL NOR COULD THE PARKING BRAKE BE DISENGAGED SO THE VEHICLE COULD BE PUSHED OUT OF THE WAY OF TRAFFIC. THIS WAS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. THIS VEHICLE IS DANGEROUS AND SHOULD BE TAKEN OFF OF THE MARKET.
ENGINESeptember 28, 2018
EARLY FAILURE OF DIESEL EMISSIONS SYSTEM AT 45,569 MILES DEALER REPLACED BOTH NOX SENSORS, UPPER O2 SENSOR, AND DPF FILTER
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLSeptember 17, 2018
A VERY DANGEROUS AND CATASTROPHIC SITUATION IS CREATED WHEN USING THE START/STOP FEATURE. WHEN STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT OR STOPPED IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC ON THE HIGHWAY THIS FEATURE FAILS. ONCE THIS FEATURE IS ENGAGED WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STOPPED WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS PUSHED TO START AGAIN THE VEHICLE GOES INTO PARK INSTEAD OF ACCELERATING. THIS PRESENTS A VERY DANGEROUS AND POTENTIALLY CATASTROPHIC SITUATION BECAUSE YOU MAY BE MAKING A MANEUVER BY ACCELERATION TO SWITCH LANES OR SOMETHING SIMILAR AND THE CAR FAILS AND GOES INTO PARK AND DOES NOT MOVE. PERILLO BMW PERFORMED UNSUCCESSFUL SERVICE ON THIS APPROXIMATELY FOUR WEEKS AGO. THIS DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. PERILLO PERFORMED SERVICE AGAIN FOR THE SAME ISSUE TWO WEEKS AGO. MY HOPE IS THAT THIS IS A PERMANENT FIX BECAUSE TO NOT TAKE THIS PROBLEM SERIOUSLY AND LEAVE IT TO CHANCE THAT THIS MAY OCCUR WITH SEVERE CONSEQUENCES. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT I THINK THE NHTSA SHOULD ADDRESS DIRECTLY WITH BMW. SPECIFICALLY- 1. THE CAR COMES TO A COMPLETE STOP AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, STOP SIGN OR IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC ON THE HIGHWAY. 2. THE START/STOP FEATURE IS ENGAGED 3. WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS PUSHED TO GO AGAIN THE CAR IMMEDIATELY GOES INTO PARK AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS. 4. TO GO AGAIN, THE BREAK MUST BE PRESSED AND THE GEAR SHIFTED MANUALLY INTO DRIVE. PRIOR TO BMW SERVICING THE VEHICLE THIS HAS OCCURRED MORE THAN 20 TIMES IN A THREE-MONTH PERIOD. THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO CHANCE THAT THE DRIVER ACCIDENTALLY PRESSED THE PARK WHILE STOPPED. THE DRIVER PURPOSELY DOES NOT KEEP THEIR HANDS ON THE SHIFT GEAR.
UNKNOWN OR OTHERJune 28, 2018
EXPLODING SUNROOF. HAPPENED WITHOUT IMPACT, ON FREEWAY, NO NEARBY OVERPASS AND NOTHING TRAVELING TOWARDS VEHICLE. SOUNDED AND FELT LIKE A BOMB WAS GOING OFF, WHICH COULD HAVE BUT FORTUNATELY DID NOT CAUSE ME TO LOSE CONTROL OF VEHICLE.
UNKNOWN OR OTHERJune 22, 2018
DRIVING ~75 MPH ON I-25 NORTH OF DENVER ON JUNE 22, 2018 ABOUT 1:30 PM AND MY SUNROOF EXPLODED. FEW CARS CLOSE TO ME.
SERVICE BRAKESApril 15, 2018
THE VEHICLE WAS A 2016 BMW X3. MY SISTER BOUGHT IT USED AT APPROXIMATELY 30,000 MILES A FEW MONTHS AGO. IT WAS ME, MY MOM, AND MY 1 NEPHEW AND 2 NIECES. WE DECIDED TO USE IT TO TAKE IT ON A TRIP TO TYBEE ISLAND. BUT, MY SISTER DIDN'T COME WITH US. WHILE ON ISLANDS EXPRESSWAY APPROACHING THE INTERSECTION AT BRYAN WOODS RD SOUTH TO TYBEE ISLAND, MY MOM PRESSED THE BRAKES AND IT MADE A SCRUBBING SOUND. IT DIDN'T ACCELERATE, THOUGH. IT STOPPED AFTER. WE BOTH JUST DUSTED IT OFF OUR SHOULDERS AND CONTINUED TO TYBEE ISLAND. WE THEN WENT BACK TO THE HOUSE. ON THE SAME DAY, IN DECATUR, GA WE WERE HEADING OUT ONTO FLAT SHOALS PKWY AT AROUND 9:00 PM. MOM WAS AT THE STOP SIGN. SUDDENLY, THE TRUCK RAISED TO APPROXIMATELY 4000 RPM AND SURGED INTO TRAFFIC A BIT. MY MOM WAS SCARED SHE PRESSED IN MORE ON THE BRAKES AND THE TRUCK DID A BURN OUT. WE COULD'VE GOT HURT BAD. AS A CAR WAS DRIVING PAST US AND THE CAR WAS SURGING, OUR VEHICLE WAS ALMOST HIT! IT ACCELERATED FOR ABOUT 5 SECONDS AND STOPPED. MY MOM WAS VERY ANXIOUS AND REFUSED TO DRIVE THAT TRUCK AGAIN. WE HAD TO GET MY BROTHER TO PICK US UP. SHE WAS SCARED, AND THAT BOTHERED THE KIDS. MY SISTER ALSO HAD AN EXPERIENCE LIKE THIS AND SHE JUST THOUGHT IT WAS HER MIND. AFTER WE GOT OFF OF VACATION IN ATLANTA, MY SISTER TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THEY LOOKED THROUGH IT AND SAID NOTHING ELSE AFTER THAT (MY SISTER'S WORDS) MY MOM IS ANGERED. I HOPE BMW DOES A RECALL ON THIS FROM ALL THE CASES THAT HAVE OCCURRED AND ALL THE DAMAGE THAT HAS HAPPENED. I WILL PUT THIS CASE UNDER MY MOTHER'S NAME.
TIRESMarch 30, 2018
BMW TECH LOOKED TIRES OVER AND FOUND REAR TIRES WORN THROUGH INNER EDGE TO THE POINT THAT IT APPEARS ONLY THE INNER LAYER OF RUBBER IS HOLDING THE TIRE TOGETHER. FULL SEPARATION BETWEEN THE SIDEWALL AND FACE OF THE TIRE ON BOTH REAR TIRES IN SOME SPOTS. REAR TIRES ARE DANGEROUS AND SHOULD NOT BE USED ON THE ROAD OR HIGHWAY UNTIL REPLACED. THE CAR HAS ONLY 36,000 MILES AND THE REST OF THE TIRE HAS TREAD. WE FEEL THIS IS WELL BEYOND NORMAL WEAR AND IT APPEARS THAT IS A DEFECT. I'VE ATTACHED PICTURES OF THE 2 REAR TIRES.
STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLMarch 13, 2018
2016 BMW X3. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE SUDDEN ACCELERATION AND EPISODES OF STEERING WHEEL BRIEFLY UNRESPONSIVE WHEN MERGING INTO TRAFFIC. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY ACCELERATE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING AND STOPPED WITH THE DRIVER'S FOOT ON THE BRAKE. *JS
SERVICE BRAKESDecember 31, 2017
WHILE BRAKING TO SLOW THE VEHICLE TO A STOP BEHIND TRAFFIC AT A RED LIGHT, AFTER COMING OFF A HIGHWAY EXIT RAMP, THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND TO ADDED PRESSURE APPLIED TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE BMW X3 KEPT MOVING FORWARD, AND COLLIDED, AT VERY SLOW SPEED, WITH THE STOPPED VEHICLE AHEAD. I QUICKLY CHECKED TO ENSURE THAT MY FOOT WAS PROPERLY ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND DEPRESSED THE PEDAL AGAIN, WHICH AGAIN FAILED TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A COMPLETE STOP, RESULTING IN SECONDARY CONTACT WITH THE VEHICLE AHEAD. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO MOVE THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, THE ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION REPEATEDLY JUMPED INTO PARK FROM DRIVE, REQUIRING ME TO TURN OFF THE IGNITION AND RESTART THE VEHICLE BEFORE I COULD SAFELY MOVE IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD.
AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKESOctober 23, 2017
2016 BMW X3 XDRIVE28 I I PULLED INTO A FRIEND'S DRIVEWAY AND APPLIED THE BRAKES APPROXIMATELY 2 FEET FROM THE CLOSED GARAGE DOOR. MY CAR "LEAPT " INTO THE SIDE OF THE HOUSE, THEN CAREENED INTO THE GARAGE DOOR. THE CAR ACCELERATED WITH SUCH FORCE THAT BOTH AIRBAGS WERE DEPLOYED. I AM SURE THAT I DID NOT HIT THE ACCELERATOR BY ACCIDENT. AT THE CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE GARAGE I COULD NOT HAVE ACCELERATED TO CAUSE SUCH A VIOLENT CRASH THAT DEPLOYED THE AIRBAGS. MY CAR WAS DECLARED A " TOTAL LOSS ". THIS WAS ONE OF THE MORE FRIGHTENING EXPERIENCES OF MY LIFE. IT ALL HAPPENED IN A SPLIT SECOND. I AM THANKFUL THAT I WAS NOT IN TRAFFIC.
TIRESOctober 11, 2017
TIRE IS A RUN FLAT TYPE OF TIRE AND THE WEAR OF ALL FOUR TIRES WAS SEVERE ON THE INSIDE OF TIRE WHILE TREAD ACROSS THE REST OF THE TIRE WAS STILL SATISFACTORY. REAR TIRE TREAD STARTED SEPARATING AND THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TAKEN OFF THE ROAD DUE TO THE SEVERITY OF THE TREAD SEPARATION. CONTINUED OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE RESULTED IN COMPLETE DESTRUCTION OF THE TIRE AND LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE INTERNET RESEARCH INDICATES THIS TO BE A "COMMON" PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE AND THE MANUFACTURER REFUSES TO RECOGNIZE THE DANGER TO THE PUBLIC.
UNKNOWN OR OTHERSeptember 20, 2017
MAY 31, WHILE SLOWING TO ENTER A TOLL BOOTH, ENGINE STARTED REVVING UNCONTROLLABLY, MAINTAINING EXCESSIVE SPEED. I BRAKED HARD AND VEHICLE STOPPED IN TIME TO AVOID A COLLISION. VEHICLE OPERATED NORMALLY THEREAFTER UNTIL AUGUST 27, WHEN, STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT ON A HIGHWAY, ENGINE AGAIN STARTED REVVING, RANGING FROM ABOUT 3500 TO 4000 RPM. I SHIFTED TO PARK AND ENGINE IMMEDIATELY REVVED UP TO OVER 7000, IN RED ZONE OF TACHOMETER. REVVING STOPPED AFTER A MINUTE OR SO AND VEHICLE OPERATED NORMALLY. THE NEXT DAY, I HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO BMW ROCKVILLE. SERVICE DEPARTMENT EXAMINED VEHICLE AND FOUND NO DEFECTS, SUGGESTING POSSIBILITY THAT DRIVER MAY HAVE HAD FOOT ON BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR AT SAME TIME. I DID NOT THINK SO, ESPECIALLY AS THIS HAD NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE AND REVVING WAS UP AND DOWN, REQUIRING RHYTHMIC ACTION ON GAS WHILE HOLDING BRAKE DOWN FIRMLY. AS WIFE AND I DID NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE CAR, WE HAD ALSO ALERTED BMW NORTH AMERICA, WHICH SENT AN ENGINEER TO TEST THE VEHICLE. BMW NA'S ANALYSIS FOUND NO DEFECTS BUT OFFERED TO HELP AS WE WISHED TO TRADE IN THE CAR. IT WAS TRADED IN TO BMW ROCKVILLE SEPT 17, AT CONSIDERABLE FINANCIAL LOSS. I HAVE A COPY OF BMW NA'S REPORT, BUT IT SHOWS ONLY THAT THE CAR IS IN PERFECT OPERATING CONDITION. BMW ROCKVILLE SALESMAN SAID VEHICLE WOULD NOT BE RESOLD, BUT WOULD BE CANNIBALIZED FOR SPARE PARTS.
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKESMay 23, 2017
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 PLOWED INTO THE WALL, DEPLOYING THE AIR BAGS. THE WHOLE INCIDENT WAS OVER IN 2 - 3 SECONDS AND THE CAR WAS PERFECTLY ALIGNED IN THE PARKING SPACE EXCEPT FOR THE FRONT WHEELS BEING THE WRONG SIDE OF "LOG". THE X3 WAS NOT DRIVE-ABLE AND WAS TOWED ON A FLATBED TO THE BMW SERVICE CENTER AND SUBSEQUENTLY DECLARED A COMPLETE WRITE-OFF BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. I AM HORRIFIED BY THE FACT THAT MANY CAR MANUFACTURERS ARE AWARE OF THIS SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION PROBLEM YET, BECAUSE IT IS DIFFICULT TO PROVE, USUALLY PUT ALL REPORTED INCIDENTS DOWN TO OPERATOR ERROR, THEREFORE ABSOLVING THEM OF RESPONSIBILITY. MY INSURANCE COMPANY IS NOT INVESTIGATING THE CAUSE, NEITHER IS BMW. WHY IS THAT? IS IT GOING TO TAKE A FATALITY BEFORE SOMETHING IS DONE TO RECTIFY THIS VERY REAL PROBLEM. BELOW IS THE CONTACT DETAILS FOR THE CHUBB CLAIMS EXAMINER WHO IS WILLING TO SHARE HIS REPORT AND PHOTOS SHOULD NHTSA DECIDE TO INVESTIGATE. SAM JACKSON 800 432 2482 EXT 0860 SAM.JACKSON@CHUBB.COM CLAIM # 77140147
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGApril 6, 2017
BOTH HEADLIGHT LENSES ARE CRACKING AND PITTED ON THE INSIDE OF THE LENSES. VEHICLE IS UNDER WARRANTY AND HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE 2ND TIME AT THE DEALER THEY HAD A REGIONAL TECH MANAGER CHECK THE HEADLIGHTS.THE CONCLUSION HE CAME TO IS THAT THE PITTING AND CRACKING IS ON THE OUTSIDE AND THEREFORE NOT A DEFECT. WELL, A CHILD COULD SEE AND TELL, EVEN BY TOUCHING THE FACE OF THE HEADLIGHTS THAT THIS IS ON THE INSIDE OF THE PLASTIC HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AT NIGHT, AS WELL AS A CLEAR MATERIALS DEFECT. I BELIEVE THAT BMW DOES KNOW THAT THEY ARE DEFECTIVE, AND SIMPLY DOESN'T WANT TO PAY FOR THE HEADLIGHTS. THEY SAID I COULD REPLACE THEM MYSELF IF I WANTED TO AT A COST OF $5000.00.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLMarch 24, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 BMW X3. WHILE STATIONARY, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED RAPIDLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BE REPAIRED, BUT THE DEALER COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,000.
SERVICE BRAKESJanuary 23, 2017
I WAS IN TRAFFIC AT A LIGHT AND MOVING SLOWLY BEHIND CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS BRAKING AND THE CAR JUST KEPT GOING FORWARD. I HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. THEN I HIT IT AGAIN AS IT MOVED FORWARD AND A THIRD TIME AS IT MOVED FORWARD. ALL THE TIME I WAS HITTING THE BRAKES. THE CAR SEEMED TO BE ACCELERATING.... I FINALLY HAD TO PULL OFF ONTO A SIDEWALK AND PUT THE CAR IN PARK TO GET IT TO STOP. THE POLICE WHO ARRIVED ON THE SCENE ALSO TESTED THE BRAKES AND SAID THEY WERE NOT WORKING. LATER WHEN THE CAR WAS TOWED THE BRAKES WORKED? I DO NOT WANT TO DRIVE THIS CAR WITHOUT THE BRAKES BEING FIXED. I AM WAITING FOR NEWS FROM BMW ON THE SITUATION. VERY SCARY.... *TR
SERVICE BRAKESDecember 17, 2016
THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IN THIS VEHICLE THAT OUR BRAKES HAVE FAILED. WE FILED A COMPLAINT THE FIRST TIME, GAVE THE CAR TO BMW SERVICE, HAD AN ENGINEER FROM BMW COME AND LOOK AT THE CAR - THE ENGINEER FILED A REPORT SAYING THAT THE BRAKES WERE FINE AND NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. WE BEGGED AND PLEADED TO BE GIVEN ANOTHER CAR BUT BMW NA REFUSED TO BUDGE. FORCED TO TAKE THE CAR BACK, WE DROVE THIS MORNING AND AS WE WERE SLOWING TO A RED LIGHT NEARING A BUSY INTERSECTION, OUR BRAKES FAILED ONCE MORE. I PUSHED DOWN ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE CAR ACCELERATED INTO THE INTERSECTION. I HAD TO HONK THE HORN TO WARN OTHER DRIVERS AND USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE CAR. THIS IS A 2016 BMW X3 XDRIVE28I AND IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. TWO BRAKE MALFUNCTIONS 1 MONTH APART, BMW REFUSES TO ADMIT ANY FAULT.
SERVICE BRAKESNovember 18, 2016
I WAS SLOWING TO A STOP AT A RED LIGHT ON A VERY BUSY STREET AND THE BRAKES IN MY X3 FAILED. INSTEAD OF SLOWING THE CAR DOWN - IT SPED UP AND CRASHED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I PUSHED DOWN ON THE BRAKES AND THE CAR JUMPED FORWARD. THERE IS MINIMAL DAMAGE TO THE FRONT BUMPER BUT I AM SCARED TO GET BEHIND THE WHEEL AGAIN.
WHEELSSeptember 20, 2016
TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SIGNALS LOW AIR PRESSURE EVERY WEEK ON INSTRUMENTATION. RUN-FLAT TIRES LOSE AIR WEEKLY. TIRE HAS TO BE TOPPED-UP WITH AIR THEN TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR TEST PERFORMED. OWNED VEHICLE SINCE FEBRUARY, 2016 AND FREQUENT, ANNOYING, EMBARRASING TIRE AIR FILLING HAS TO BE DONE WEEKLY.
SEAT BELTSSeptember 12, 2016
SEATBELT PRETENSIONER FAILING TO HOLDBACK PASSENGER ON DECCELLERATION ON EXIT RAMP AT 4 DEGREES INCLINE OR DECLINE FROM 65 TO ZERO ON CONTROLLED DECCELERATION
SERVICE BRAKESJanuary 12, 2016
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. EACH PARKING SPOT HAD A CONCRETE "STOP BAR". I SLOWLY TURNED INTO THE SPOT. WHEN I PUSHED ON THE BRAKE FOR A FULL STOP, IT LURCHED FORWARD OVER THE "STOP BAR" AND HIT THE CAR PARKED DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF ME. I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE AND WAS ABLE TO GET BACK OVER THE "STOP BAR". I LOOKED CAREFULLY AT BOTH CARS AND COULD FIND NO DAMAGE ON EITHER ONE. 3. I DROVE SLOWLY DIRECTLY TO THE BMW DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR ON AUGUST 13, 2015. TWO DIFFERENT SERVICE TECHS DROVE IT AND THEY RAN ALL POSSIBLE SYSTEM TESTS ON IT. THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. 4. I WAS SO AFRAID TO DRIVE IT, I TRADED IN THE 2016 X3 FOR A 2016 X1 THE SAME DAY - 12-29-15. BOTH WERE NEW WHEN I BOUGHT THEM. THE X3 HAD 2,500 MILES ON IT WHEN I TRADED IT IN. I DROVE 139 DAYS. 5. MY CONCERN IS THAT THE X3 WILL BE SOLD AS A USED CAR WITHOUT ANY FURTHER INVESTIGATION INTO THE PROBLEM. 6. THE NHTSA REPORTED THAT 88,000 BMWS (VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING THE X3) WERE RECALLED IN 2014 FOR A BRAKE PROBLEM. I GAVE THIS INFORMATION TO THE DEALERSHIP. NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER #14V627000, NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: PE13030. I DO NOT KNOW IF THIS PROBLEM IS THE SAME PROBLEM I HAD. NHTSA COMPLAINTS LIKE MINE: 4 OUT 8 COMPLAINTS FOR 2014 X3 4 OUT 8 COMPLAINTS FOR 2015 X3 0 OUT OF 1 COMPLAINT FOR 2016 X3
UNKNOWN OR OTHERJuly 24, 2015
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.