2025 BMW X3

FMVSS 111 is violated when iDrive9 user experience screen elements cover the rear view camera video feed. This occurs when a user HMI interaction occurs while in reverse. The HMI transitions to another window on top of the rear view. The only way to return to rear-view is to exit park assist mode and re-enter, or to put the vehicle in drive/park and then reverse again. This is dangerous while backing up and confusing to correct.

Subject: Supplemental Evidence for Existing NHTSA Complaint / ODI #11711973 I am submitting supplemental safety information for my existing NHTSA vehicle safety complaint, ODI #11711973, involving my 2025 BMW X3, VIN [XXX] . Since filing, I had an additional BMW of Sterling visit/repair estimate dated April 22, 2026, mileage 17,628, RO #[XXX]. The dealer documented additional concerns including rough acceleration/jerking during the first drive of the day, intermittent A/C not blowing cold air and randomly blowing warm air, tire/wear concerns, left rear tire tread/screw concern, rear tires worn to 3mm, and alignment recommendation. This information supplements my existing complaint involving repeated unresolved safety/electrical/system concerns, including steering/safety concerns, driver-assistance/cruise-control malfunction, tire-pressure/tire-detection issues, key/door/alarm detection issues, HVAC/defrost malfunction, and unintended movement/self-activation concerns. Please add this information and the attached repair estimate/photos/videos to ODI #11711973. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

On Feb. 25th, 2026, while driving at high speeds (about 45 mph), the vehicle suffered a sudden and total loss of motive power. Diagnostic reports(DIACODE: D6121_00000000_01_901) later confirmed a failing 12V battery system with only 37% startability limit. This critical electrical failure coincided with the engine stalling, which resulted in the immediate impairment of electronic power steering and brake assist. This made the vehicle extremely difficult to control safely, creating a life-threatening emergency. Despite being a 2025 model with only ~11000 miles, the dealership has failed to provide 48B system diagnostic and root cause upon request and the vehicle has been out of service for over 20 days.

Vehicle: 2025 BMW X3 Complaint Description: I am reporting a serious safety defect involving sudden unintended acceleration, braking abnormalities, steering looseness, and electronic system failures. Within days of purchase, the vehicle began experiencing infotainment system freezing and electronic malfunctions. Over time, steering looseness and abnormal brake behavior developed. These issues were reported to authorized BMW service centers but were not corrected or properly documented. On May 17, 2025, while the vehicle was stationary and in park, it suddenly accelerated without driver input after a passenger exited the vehicle. I attempted to brake, but the vehicle continued forward and collided with a stone structure, causing injury. BMW later claimed driver error based on post-collision data but ignored extensive pre-collision defect evidence. The vehicle was returned from repairs and continues to exhibit malfunctions. I believe this vehicle presents a serious safety risk to drivers, passengers, and the public.

I am submitting a safety complaint regarding a recurring infotainment system failure involving the 2025/2026 BMW X3. While driving, the center display screen suddenly blacks out, which creates a serious safety hazard. This issue first occurred with my personal BMW X3. More concerning, the exact same failure occurred again while I was driving a BMW X3 loaner vehicle provided by the dealership. This indicates the problem is not isolated to a single vehicle but may be systemic. I was able to capture video evidence of the incident while driving, which clearly shows the screen going completely black: [XXX] When the screen blacks out, access to navigation, vehicle settings, driver assistance displays, and other critical information is lost while the vehicle is in motion. This creates a dangerous distraction and increases the risk of an accident. Despite previous service visits, the issue has not been resolved, and the occurrence in a second vehicle raises serious concerns about the reliability and safety of BMW’s infotainment system in the X3. And most importantly, this is the brand-new redesign BMW X3 2025 and 2026 model. Not any previous model, which raises more concerns. I believe this defect warrants investigation, as it directly impacts driver safety and may affect multiple vehicles. I am uncomfortable continuing to drive the vehicle under these conditions. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

On 12/5/2025, while driving my 2025 BMW X3 at approximately 35 mph on Milwaukee Ave (IL Route 21) during rush-hour traffic, the vehicle displayed a “drivetrain malfunction” warning and immediately lost propulsion; the engine completely shut down. The vehicle could not be driven under its own power and remained stopped in traffic with a minor child passenger present, creating a traffic hazard and risk of being struck (including rear-ended). Ambient temperature was approximately 12°F and we were stranded for about 2 hours awaiting a tow. The vehicle was towed and is currently at Knauz BMW (Lake Bluff, IL) and is available for inspection. The specific failed component/system is UNKNOWN at this time This is a repeat event. Approximately three days after purchase in New Jersey (6/25/2025 purchase date, 6/28 was the incident date), the same vehicle experienced a similar sudden loss of propulsion/power/shutdown while driving in heavy traffic while driving at ~60mph, again with my minor child passenger present. This same error occurred twice before the vehicle was taken to Morristown BMW and kept approximately 10 days for diagnosis/repair. Per the dealer, BMW technical assistance was consulted during that repair. The problem has recurred despite the prior repair. I believe this presents a safety defect due to sudden loss of propulsion while driving. I drive along tollway routes weekly, with speeds of 65mph+.

The contact owns a 2025 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V202000 (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.

On May 26, 2025, after I arrived home and parked my 2025 BMW X3, the vehicle caught fire approximately 30 minutes later. The fire started due to a known recall issue (NHTSA Recall No. 25V202) related to the electrical/starter-generator connection, which can cause overheating and fire. I contacted BMW multiple times before the incident — on April 19, May 9, and May 25 — requesting help to fix the open recall, but they failed to take action. The fire was sudden and violent, putting my life and property at risk. Firefighters and police responded; case number: 25/200048976. I filed a claim with Progressive Insurance and have photos and documentation available.

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 currently no remedy available, and BMW has not provided a timeline or solution. I am afraid to drive this car due to the potential danger. I am requesting urgent action from NHTSA to escalate the resolution of this safety issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)