NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
21 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Aug 4, 2024
Electrical System
The sos antenna in our x3 had a leak around the seal due to a poor design. Over time the tcb got corroded and caused an sos system malfunction. I have researched other cases in which a malfunction had not popped up, but still replicated the same issues as with the warning. Part of the module is the automatic sos help, if one …
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The sos antenna in our x3 had a leak around the seal due to a poor design. Over time the tcb got corroded and caused an sos system malfunction. I have researched other cases in which a malfunction had not popped up, but still replicated the same issues as with the warning. Part of the module is the automatic sos help, if one were to get into an accident and rely on this system not realizing it was faulty, it could result in much slower response times if said person were unable to access a phone able to call proper emergency response teams.
NHTSA ODI #11606354
152,942 miles · Mar 6, 2024
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingPower Train
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 a…
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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 vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was then towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that coolant was leaking from a hose. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that excessive engine temperature could have damaged the cylinder head and the rod bearings. The dealer recommended replacing the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that his son-in-law then towed the vehicle to another facility, where the vehicle was diagnosed by a mechanic; however, no engine failure or coolant leak were found. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 152,942.
NHTSA ODI #11575803
Mileage unknown · Feb 23, 2024
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other
2018 BMW X3 M40i - after the car was washed in a car wash, the tailgate started opening and closing on its own. Would open all the way up, wait a few seconds then close all the way down and lock itself. It happened about 20 times until it stopped on its own. This started immediately after the car was parked in the garage. Did n…
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2018 BMW X3 M40i - after the car was washed in a car wash, the tailgate started opening and closing on its own. Would open all the way up, wait a few seconds then close all the way down and lock itself. It happened about 20 times until it stopped on its own. This started immediately after the car was parked in the garage. Did not happen while driving. The button on the remote control was not pressed at all. The tailgate would beep and flash the taillights when opening and closing.
NHTSA ODI #11573659
Mileage unknown · Jul 27, 2023
Electrical System
The trunk on the vehicle can be opened while on the freeway. If you bump the trunk open switch or key fob button the trunk will open even when the car is in motion leading to personal belongings being thrown all over the road. This is a massive issue that should have been caught and fixed immediately.
NHTSA ODI #11534844
Mileage unknown · Jan 8, 2023
Electrical SystemSteeringSuspension
First Failure 3/22- Vehicle makes clanking/rattling of metal sound when going over bumps. Sound is felt near driver caliper and rattles. Can be felt in steering. 4/22 Vehicle is taken to BMW for inspection; needed to come back as they couldn't figure it out. 5/22 Vehicle sound is replicated by BMW dealer service center. I h…
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First Failure 3/22- Vehicle makes clanking/rattling of metal sound when going over bumps. Sound is felt near driver caliper and rattles. Can be felt in steering. 4/22 Vehicle is taken to BMW for inspection; needed to come back as they couldn't figure it out. 5/22 Vehicle sound is replicated by BMW dealer service center. I have not received any warning messages or lights prior. Current lights that stay lit longer than usual are the assisted driving and the hazard. This has been since the power failure however. Vehicle has been out of service for a collective 150+ days this year. No remedy to to issue. 11/22 Car broke down again on the highway; extreme shaking, bouncing, loose and uncontrolled steering. 12/22 Car back in service and immediate rattle under front driver's side, loose steering and wobbly tires. Electrical failure, no start and all dash lights glowing. (possible battery issue). 1/23 Car is back to BMW for further inspection. No information yet I believe safety and others is at risk because there have been two times that I was driving and the car felt that is was not controllable. The BMW service center has had it in their garage 5 occasions without remedy. One certified mechanic has been unable to diagnose as well. Parts repaired: Struts, Guides, Swing Arm/Sway, Both front lower control arms, tires and drivers side CV axle.
NHTSA ODI #11500667
36,500 miles · Jan 13, 2021
Electrical System
WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH THE ELECTRONIC DASHBOARD COMPLETELY SHUT OFF. IT RESTARTED ITSELF AFTER SOME 30 SECONDS. WHEN IT REAPPEARS IT DOES NOT SHOW CORRECT SPEED, IT STARTS AT 0 AND WORKS ITS WAY UP TO THE CORRECT SPEED. I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO GET A PICTURE OF THE DASHBOARD AS IT HAS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS THIS CAR …
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WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH THE ELECTRONIC DASHBOARD COMPLETELY SHUT OFF. IT RESTARTED ITSELF AFTER SOME 30 SECONDS. WHEN IT REAPPEARS IT DOES NOT SHOW CORRECT SPEED, IT STARTS AT 0 AND WORKS ITS WAY UP TO THE CORRECT SPEED. I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO GET A PICTURE OF THE DASHBOARD AS IT HAS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS THIS CAR HAD PREVIOUS DASHBOARD PROBLEMS WITH THE DASH SLIDING TO THE LEFT. THIS WAS BROUGHT TO THE DEALER FOR CORRECTION. THIS IS DIFFERENT. IT IS A MOMENTARY COMPLETE DASH FAILURE.
NHTSA ODI #11387846
12,500 miles · Oct 27, 2020
Electrical System
DIGITAL IMAGE OF SPEEDOMETER AND TACHOMETER NEEDLES SHIFTED TO THE LEFT MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO ACCURATELY READ THE SPEED OF THE VEHICLE. CONSISTENT WHEN VEHICLE STATIONARY OR IN MOTION; NEEDLE POSITION WOULD CHANGE WHILE IN MOTION AND CHANGING SPEEDS BUT MAJORITY OF "NEEDLE" NOT VISIBLE. DID NOT RESET AFTER RESTARTING THE VEH…
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DIGITAL IMAGE OF SPEEDOMETER AND TACHOMETER NEEDLES SHIFTED TO THE LEFT MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO ACCURATELY READ THE SPEED OF THE VEHICLE. CONSISTENT WHEN VEHICLE STATIONARY OR IN MOTION; NEEDLE POSITION WOULD CHANGE WHILE IN MOTION AND CHANGING SPEEDS BUT MAJORITY OF "NEEDLE" NOT VISIBLE. DID NOT RESET AFTER RESTARTING THE VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES. DID RESET AFTER A FEW DAYS.
NHTSA ODI #11366680
14,000 miles · Mar 27, 2020
Electrical SystemService BrakesSuspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 BMW X3. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 65-70 MPH, THE VEHICLE BECAME UNSTABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SEVERAL UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT REDUCED THE VEHICLE SPEED AND REGAINED CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WIDE WORLD OF CARS BMW LOCATED AT (125 NY-59,…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 BMW X3. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 65-70 MPH, THE VEHICLE BECAME UNSTABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SEVERAL UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT REDUCED THE VEHICLE SPEED AND REGAINED CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WIDE WORLD OF CARS BMW LOCATED AT (125 NY-59, SPRING VALLEY, NY 10977) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO TIRE TREADWEAR. THE TIRES WERE NOT REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,000.
NHTSA ODI #11319429
20,600 miles · Jun 4, 2019
Back Over PreventionElectrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 BMW X3. WHILE REVERSING THE VEHICLE, THE REARVIEW CAMERA SPONTANEOUSLY BLACKED OUT INTERMITTENTLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED FOUR TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ADVANTAGE BMW CLEAR LAKE (400 GULF FWY S, LEAGUE CITY, TX 77573, (281) 557-7000) WHERE THEY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE SOFTWARE WAS UPDATED. T…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 BMW X3. WHILE REVERSING THE VEHICLE, THE REARVIEW CAMERA SPONTANEOUSLY BLACKED OUT INTERMITTENTLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED FOUR TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ADVANTAGE BMW CLEAR LAKE (400 GULF FWY S, LEAGUE CITY, TX 77573, (281) 557-7000) WHERE THEY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE SOFTWARE WAS UPDATED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SAME DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CAMERA NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,600.
NHTSA ODI #11217855
3,000 miles · Nov 21, 2018
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
AS I WAS MAKING A 10 MINUTE DRIVE, ON A HIGHWAY ABOUT 30 MINUTES BEFORE DARK, IT JUST STARTED TO SNOW. SUDDENLY ALL OF THE FRONT SENSORS STARTED TO FLASH "TROUBLE" ON THE DASH. I CHECKED THE FRONT OF THE CAR AND ICE HAD FORMED OVER THE SENSORS AND HEADLIGHTS. THAT RENDERED THE CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE IN THE DARK SINCE THE HEADLIG…
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AS I WAS MAKING A 10 MINUTE DRIVE, ON A HIGHWAY ABOUT 30 MINUTES BEFORE DARK, IT JUST STARTED TO SNOW. SUDDENLY ALL OF THE FRONT SENSORS STARTED TO FLASH "TROUBLE" ON THE DASH. I CHECKED THE FRONT OF THE CAR AND ICE HAD FORMED OVER THE SENSORS AND HEADLIGHTS. THAT RENDERED THE CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE IN THE DARK SINCE THE HEADLIGHTS COULD NOT SHINE THROUGH THE ICE. AS FOR THE DISTANCE SENSORS, I GUESS THAT IS A DESIGH FLAW AS A FUNCTION OF HOW SNOW PASSES OVER THE SENSORS. I BELIEVE THAT THE LED HEADLIGHTS DO NOT GENERATE ENOUGH HEAT TO PREVENT ICE FROM FORMING ON THE LENS OF THE HEADLIGHTS.
NHTSA ODI #11153096
Official recalls
11Oct 15, 2024
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2022 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, and X3 M vehicles. The attachment for the rear cargo rail may become damaged in a rear crash and result in the cargo rail detaching.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Interior rear cargo rail detachment during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear cargo rail attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicles in this recall were previously remedied for this issue under recall number 24V-534 and will need to have the new repair completed.
Jul 17, 2024
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2023 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, and X3 M vehicles. The attachment for the interior cargo rail may become damaged in a rear crash and result in the cargo rail detaching.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Interior cargo rail detachment during a rear crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear cargo rail attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 2, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Jul 8, 2021
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2019 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i and 2019 X4 xDrive30i, and X4 M40i vehicles. The front passenger seat occupant classification system may have been improperly assembled, which could result in the misclassification of the seat as unoccupied, and deactivate the front air bag.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A deactivated front air bag will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat foam, which includes the occupant classification system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification:front Passenger
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2019 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i and 2019 X4 xDrive30i, and X4 M40i vehicles. The front passenger seat occupant classification system may have been improperly assembled, which could result in the misclassification of the seat as unoccupied, and deactivate the front air bag.
Consequence: A deactivated front air bag will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat foam, which includes the occupant classification system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Air Bags:frontal
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2019 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i and 2019 X4 xDrive30i, and X4 M40i vehicles. The front passenger seat occupant classification system may have been improperly assembled, which could result in the misclassification of the seat as unoccupied, and deactivate the front air bag.
Consequence: A deactivated front air bag will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat foam, which includes the occupant classification system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Mar 18, 2020
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 X4 xDrive30i and X4 M40i, and 2018-2020 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, and X3M vehicles. The instrument panel casing may not have been tightened properly to the passenger air bag.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, the air bag could damage the instrument panel and cause small pieces of the panel to strike the driver or other occupants, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the instrument panel casing, free of charge. The recall began May 15, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 X4 xDrive30i and X4 M40i, and 2018-2020 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, and X3M vehicles. The instrument panel casing may not have been tightened properly to the passenger air bag.
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, the air bag could damage the instrument panel and cause small pieces of the panel to strike the driver or other occupants, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the instrument panel casing, free of charge. The recall began May 15, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 X4 xDrive30i and X4 M40i, and 2018-2020 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, and X3M vehicles. The instrument panel casing may not have been tightened properly to the passenger air bag.
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, the air bag could damage the instrument panel and cause small pieces of the panel to strike the driver or other occupants, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the instrument panel casing, free of charge. The recall began May 15, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Sep 27, 2019
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 530e, 530e xDrive, X3 sDrive, X3 xDrive, X3 M40i, X3 M, and 2019-2020 X4 xDrive, X4 M40i, X4 M, X7 xDrive, X7 M50i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 8 Series Convertible and Coupe 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, X5 sDrive, X5 xDrive, X5 M50i, X6 xDrive, X6 M50i, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, Z4 sDrive, Z4 M40i, 740Le xDrive and 745Le xDrive, 2018-2019 640i xDrive Gran Turismo and Rolls-Royce Phantom, 2019 M850i xDrive Gran Coupe and Rolls-Royce Cullinan and 2020 Toyota Supra vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.
Jul 31, 2019
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2019 X3 sDrive30i, xDrive30i and M40i and 2019 X4 xDrive30i and M40i vehicles. The front seatback frames may have been improperly welded, allowing the seatback to unexpectedly fold forward or rearward.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash, there is an increased risk of injury if the seatback folds forward or rearward.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front seats, free of charge. The recall began September 27, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service 1-800-525-7417.
Jul 6, 2018
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2019 BMW X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i and certain 2019 X4 xDrive30i and X4 M40i vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have an insufficient coating, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the rear brake circuit, free of charge. The recall began August 31, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Jun 21, 2018
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW X3 xDrive30i and X3 M40i vehicles. The rear turn signals on the outboard side panel will illuminate red, while the inboard turn signals simultaneously illuminate amber. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Turn signals that flash multiple colors may confuse other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear turn signal lights, and replace if necessary, free of charge. The recall began August 20, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Jun 6, 2018
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2019 BMW X3 xDrive30i, X3 sDrive30i, and X3 M40i vehicles equipped with the "Active Lane Keeping Assistant" option. The steering wheel may be incompatible with the lane keeping assistant function and may not detect if the driver's hands are off the wheel.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the sensors do not properly detect the driver's hands are off the wheel, the driver may not be alerted by one or more warning signals, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the steering wheel, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on July 19, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Mar 7, 2018
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW X3 xDrive30i and X3 M40i vehicles. The rear spoiler may not have been properly attached during assembly, or may be missing screws, possibly causing the spoiler to detach while driving.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the spoiler detaches while driving, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the spoiler, correcting its attachment as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 1, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Nov 15, 2017
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 230i, 230i xDrive, M240i, M240i xDrive, M2, and X3 xDrive 30i SAV vehicles. These vehicles may have an error in the software for the instrument panel, causing the display to not properly illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Control and Displays."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the display does not illuminate during start up or does not illuminate various control and warning symbols while driving, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster display software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 8, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗