2018 BMW X3

75 complaints on file, page 1 of 4.

1. Filed Sep 17, 2026Failure Aug 16, 2026Humble, TXBody

   A rock hit the front of the moonroof glass and a minutes later the moonroof tempered glass exploded while driving.

   NHTSA complaint 11765127
2. Filed Sep 10, 2026Failure Sep 8, 2026Fresno, CAElectrical system

   My car suddenly lost all power when at a red light in a turn lane on an active roadway. Fortunately, it was daytime because I could not turn on hazards or lights. I couldn't open the trunk and more importantly I couldn't shift into neutral because of the power failure. A tow truck was sent but he didn't have rollers and couldn't jump start the car, so a second tow was called. We ended up there with the car in the road blocking traffic for 3 hours. If it was night, someone could have hit my car. The car was towed to BMW and diagnosed with a faulty alternator, internal failure of the main battery and failure of the second battery. The technician said the battery failures were due to the alternator. I just had the car in for maintenance (at BMW) 3 weeks prior and no indicator lights ever came on. There are clear safety issues being stuck on an active roadway with no hazard lights for 3 hours because the car couldn't be shifted out of neutral to move to safety or for routine tow. The police came to try to help me and to stay with the car because it was a highway danger, but no police report was filed.

   NHTSA complaint 11763447
3. Filed Aug 14, 2026Failure Jan 31, 2026Little Ferry, NJEngine

   There were several radiatior hose leaks that happened in the winter due to the outdated plastic housing and lines that seized and cracked with colder temperatures. It has become extremely common historically and not considered affordable part or labor to replace.

   NHTSA complaint 11756942
4. Filed Apr 14, 2026Failure Aug 1, 2023Miami Shores, FLElectrical system, Body

   The sunroof drains of the vehicle become easily clogged. When this happens, water drains into the battery compartment and interior of the vehicle. Although BMW is aware of this, and the attendant danger of having water pooling in the battery compartment, they have not addressed the issue. There are no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms prior to the problem.

   NHTSA complaint 11731138
5. Filed Apr 9, 2026Failure Feb 21, 2026Crawfordsville, INEngine

   While driving on the interstate lost coolant through the oil cooler housing. I had to quickly get to the shoulder of the road having to cross several lanes of traffic. The car had to be towed. I had it towed to the dealership where I purchased it as I paid for an extended warranty. Warranty company denied the claim. Through research I am finding this is an issue with BMWs as they part is plastic and does not stand up well with the temperature changes it is subjected to. This needs to be a recall. The car is still in the shop, 45 days later. Approximate cost to repair $2,840.00 plus tax.

   NHTSA complaint 11730148
6. Filed Feb 27, 2026Failure Jan 6, 2026Anchorage, AKEngine

   BMW installed a part that is failing quite a number of vehicles including this vehicle. The oil filter housing was not properly constructed at the factory. Fails.

   NHTSA complaint 11721034
7. Filed Feb 27, 2026Failure Jan 1, 2026Poway, CAEngine

   Oil pump failure due to plastic brittle materials failing prematurely. It is a common problem that is well documented across the owners that have this vehicle.

   NHTSA complaint 11721022
8. Filed Feb 11, 2026Failure Feb 3, 2026Havertown, PAEngine

   Vehicle lost coolant and warned me to pull over because of the engine overheating. Later was diagnosed with a leaking oil filter housing. Simply too early for such a component to fail. Left my wife stranded miles away from home in the snow.

   NHTSA complaint 11717167
9. Filed Jan 2, 2026Failure Dec 31, 2025West Chester, OHElectrical system, Exterior lighting

   This problem has occurred to me now twice. Both occurrences were on very cold days where the temperature was below 20 degrees F. The car starts promptly and runs, but the entire dashboard electronic instrument cluster is non-functioning and dark . In this condition, you cannot tell your speed, engine rpm, fuel level, engine temperature, or any mileage numbers. The turn signals also do not work. The headlights and the iDrive screen and the climate control were all lit properly and functioned. I did not think to check the brake or tailights, unfortunately. Multiple restarts of the car had no effect, and so I drove home without the dash functions. After the car sat overnight in my garage (which is somewhat warmer) the dash lights returned to their proper function.

   NHTSA complaint 11708423
10. Filed Dec 23, 2025Failure Dec 23, 2025Olmsted Falls, OHAir bags

    The Front Passenger Seat Occupancy Sensor Mat (CIS) in my 2018 BMW X3 failed at 56,000 miles. This failure is confirmed by the specific BMW fault code 930A1C (Seat Occupancy Detector Malfunction) stored in the Advanced Crash Safety Module (ACSM). The component is currently installed in the vehicle and available for inspection. This defect poses a severe safety risk: the system fails to consistently detect a seated front passenger. As a result, the passenger airbag may be disabled and fail to deploy in a collision, significantly increasing the risk of injury or death. The dashboard displays a "Passenger Restraint System" malfunction warning, accompanied by an airbag light and chime. The issue is intermittent and load-dependent. It triggers specifically when an adult passenger occupies the seat for extended periods (e.g., highway driving), indicating a physical fatigue failure of the sensor mat grid under compression. I diagnosed the fault using BMW factory-level diagnostics. However, both the local BMW dealership and BMW North America have refused to cover the diagnosis or repair under the existing warranty extension (SIB 72 01 25) for this exact component, stating my specific VIN is excluded despite the vehicle exhibiting the known safety defect.

    NHTSA complaint 11706711
11. Filed Dec 19, 2025Failure Jan 3, 2023Sterling Heights, MIEngine, Unknown or other

    Part number 17127799184 keeps melting. Over the years I have had multiple components under the hood to melt. I’ve replaced hydraulic lines, coolant reservoirs you name it. Most recently part number 17127799184 keeps melting. I’ve replaced this part three times. My car is currently at Bloomfield hill bmw of Michigan. They did a diagnostic but it states they cannot definitively tell me what’s causing the issue. They advise I start with replacing the heating module but cannot guarantee it will resolve the issue. They stated my car is producing no symptoms. I contacted the corporate office with hopes they would assist with a good will service request. However it appears not only do they not stand behind their products but apparently bmw’s are only meant to last 4-5 years. When questioned if it’s normal for components to continuously melt under the hood he agreed it is not. However refused to offer an equitable solution considering the issues I’ve had over the years and their mechanics currently not being able to state 100 percent what’s wrong with the automobile. When I told him my mother drove a Volvo for 20 years are you saying in 7 years parts on a car should melt? He didn’t offer a response wished me a happy holiday and concluded the call.

    NHTSA complaint 11706065
12. Filed Oct 30, 2025Failure Oct 9, 202571,000 milesShelton, CTLane departure, Blind spot detection

    The contact owns a 2018 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving over 45 MPH, the Lane Departure and Blind Spot features deactivated unintendedly. The message that the system was deactivated was displayed. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11696601
13. Filed Oct 16, 2025Failure Oct 15, 2025Virginia Beach, VAEngine

    A BMW dealership has indicated that the motor mounts on my vehicle need to be replaced. My vehicle has under 29,000 miles, and these parts are designed to last for 60,000 to 100,000 miles. A premature collapse of the motor mounts indicates a manufacturing defect, material weakness or installation error from the factory. I understand that this defect is common for 2018-2020 X3 models. The vehicle did not display any symptoms of this defect and no indicators were displayed on the on-screen monitor.

    NHTSA complaint 11693868
14. Filed Oct 10, 2025Failure May 1, 2025West Palm Beach, FLEngine, Power train

    Vehicle: 2018 BMW X3 VIN: [XXX] My 2018 BMW X3 has had continuous oil and coolant leaks for several years. Major parts have already been replaced including the turbocharger, oil cooler, water pump, turbo lines, radiator hose, thermostat, and valve cover gaskets. The dealer recently confirmed my crankshaft seals are leaking. These issues are consistent with a defective Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) system, which causes excess crankcase pressure and oil leaks. BMW issued an Extended Limited Warranty for PCV/valve cover defects on other models but said my VIN isn’t included—even though I’m experiencing the same failure pattern. This creates potential fire and safety hazards from oil leaking onto hot engine components, as well as the risk of sudden engine failure and environmental hazards from oil dripping onto roads. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate whether 2018 BMW X3 vehicles should be included in BMW’s PCV/valve cover recall or extended warranty coverage. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

    NHTSA complaint 11692532
15. Filed Sep 11, 2025Failure Sep 4, 2025Apex, NCEngine

    Coolant leak. Oil filter housing coolant leak. Water pump leak. Coolant leaked while driving, and vehicle was not driveable after arriving at the dealership when all the coolant purged out of the vehicle.

    NHTSA complaint 11686666
16. Filed Sep 11, 2025Failure Sep 4, 2025Apex, NCElectrical system, Exterior lighting

    Drivers left front daytime running lights failed after <4 years from warranty replacement. 3rd set of lights in under 7 years on this vehicle.

    NHTSA complaint 11686664
17. Filed Sep 11, 2025Failure Oct 1, 2021Apex, NCElectrical system, Exterior lighting

    Front headlights were replaced under warranty after daytime running lights both stopped working in Oct. 2021. Similar problem now on 9/4/25 approximately 4 years later, and BMW is leaving me to foot the bill on a barely 7 year old vehicle, forcing me to have 3 sets of lights on a car that is 7 years old.

    NHTSA complaint 11686663
18. Filed Aug 12, 2025Failure Jul 18, 2025Danville, CAEngine

    Light indicator showed low coolant levels. Car was leaking coolant slowly. Filled up coolant but levels continued to go down. Brought to mechanic and they had to remove oil filter housing to replace failing gasket. Car is about 113K miles.

    NHTSA complaint 11680111
19. Filed Aug 11, 2025Failure Mar 6, 2025Austin, TXVehicle speed control

    Around April 2025, While driving at highway speeds for approximately 1hour with cruise control engaged, vehicle suddenly began to decelerate as if I had taken my foot off the throttle. Pressing the throttle had no effect on engine RPM or vehicle speed as the vehicle continued to decelerate. Tapping the brakes then pressing the throttle had no effect as vehicle continued to decelerate. I was able to negotiate across lanes of highway traffic at low speed to reach shoulder with no throttle control. After coming to a stop on the highway shoulder, pressing the throttle failed to rev the engine or move the vehicle forward in drive. After placing transmission in reverse, the vehicle did back up normally allowing me to put the car in a safer position on the shoulder. After turning off the ignition and restarting, the vehicle operated normally. I was able to complete my trip without incident. I did not engage the cruise control. A few days later, I took the vehicle to an BMW dealer service center but no error codes or malfunctions were identified. A second incident similar to the first occurred in August 2025. Again, I was able to reach the shoulder without serious incident. After turning off the ignition and restarting, the vehicle operated normally. I was able to complete my trip. I did not engage the cruise control.

    NHTSA complaint 11680007
20. Filed Jul 29, 2025Failure Jan 1, 2025Springfield, VAElectrical system, Exterior lighting

    headlights flash due to possible faulty switch. very bad safely problem that affects other cars

    NHTSA complaint 11677099