Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 6 of 76 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Electrical System. Review the 12 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Structure. Review the 12 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Forward Collision Avoidance. Review the 11 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
2 crash reports4 fire reports3 injury reports
What owners actually said
76 reports
Mileage unknown · Sep 16, 2026
Power Train
Purchased BMW X3 Feb 2025. On test drive left wheel shimmy on left turn noted. Salesman stated it "was a safety feature he could not turn off". Vehicle continues to have shimmy/vibration on left front wheel with left turns. I have had the tires balanced/rotated and aligned multiple times with no change to left vibration on le…
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Purchased BMW X3 Feb 2025. On test drive left wheel shimmy on left turn noted. Salesman stated it "was a safety feature he could not turn off". Vehicle continues to have shimmy/vibration on left front wheel with left turns. I have had the tires balanced/rotated and aligned multiple times with no change to left vibration on left turn. I have informed BMW of issue every time the vehicle is in for service. They finally did a "check" on the vehicle and found no issues. The dealer kept my vehicle for a week for the service tech to test drive, he was unable to reproduce the issue. In doing research, BMW Service information Bulletin (Revision 3) replaces SI B27 2 20 May 2024 was located. I presented it to the Service Tech and Service Director. The Service Director stated they have seen a lot of this issue coming in lately, and in the future expected there would be a recall. He stated it was covered under warranty, CPO and 50, 000 miles. The dealership changed out the transfer case fluid as per SI B27 02 20 states. I was informed to drive it for 125 miles and record any wheel issues. I did. The issued continued with turns and now would pull to the right at times. I made an appt to have the transfer case replaced. After having my vehicle for 8 days, I received a call stating that they cannot reproduce the issue and therefore, will not replace the transfer case. I have stated to them that it is not consistent. Their service tech may drive very differently than I. Any change in brake pressure, gas pedal pressure, turning ratio and temperature may have an affect on it, and they should be aware of this. I did not see any reference in the safety bulletin stating that the issue must be reproducible by a BMW service technician.
NHTSA ODI #11764787
Mileage unknown · Sep 15, 2026
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other
Safety Campaign: 26V-056:532 (Tech Code 0012650600 / Bulletin B120126)Incident Chronology & Causal Link:Prior to recall servicing, the vehicle began stalling during start attempts. I contacted BMW and was instructed to bring the vehicle to the franchise dealership due to an active federal safety recall regarding internal starter…
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Safety Campaign: 26V-056:532 (Tech Code 0012650600 / Bulletin B120126)Incident Chronology & Causal Link:Prior to recall servicing, the vehicle began stalling during start attempts. I contacted BMW and was instructed to bring the vehicle to the franchise dealership due to an active federal safety recall regarding internal starter short-circuiting and overload risks. On August 3, 2026, the dealership (BMW of Winter Park) replaced the starter assembly under the campaign.However, prior to replacement, the starter’s factory defect had already severely overloaded the electrical grid, inducing heavy parasitic drain and cell degradation on my healthy, original 2021 factory BMW AGM battery (which features an engineered 6-to-8-year life expectancy). Exactly five weeks later, on September 7, 2026, the degraded battery suffered a permanent, catastrophic voltage collapse and died. A routine battery replacement and a safe, standard jump-start were required solely due to this recall-induced no-start state.Following the battery install, the vehicle’s local data network experienced an undervoltage desynchronization, causing the anti-theft system to malfunction. The alarm now triggers continuously shortly after locking, rendering the vehicle insecure.Franchise Evasion & Severe Hardship:The vehicle is currently held at BMW of Winter Park. The service manager and shop lead have verbally dismissed the safety recall timeline and are making unverified claims of an "incorrect customer jump-start" to evade liability for the repair. However, factory ISTA diagnostic data pulled by their own technicians completely disproves their claim: Check Control Code 00229 explicitly logs an extreme, prolonged undervoltage event (power starvation), and the ISTA system reads full live communication with the BDC module at PAD U = 14.0 V, proving the hardware is not physically fried. The alarm memory read-out explicitly confirms this is a result of the recall.
NHTSA ODI #11764282
Mileage unknown · Sep 12, 2026
Electrical System
Screen keeps glitching as if it had a false contact Dealer want to charge 1000 just to to the troubleshoot, if the problem is the screen they can replace 2000 if the problem is the computer it will be 10000. The car guarantee expired 2 months ago yet it only has 33k miles. I have taking the car for tt 2 months and the first time…
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Screen keeps glitching as if it had a false contact Dealer want to charge 1000 just to to the troubleshoot, if the problem is the screen they can replace 2000 if the problem is the computer it will be 10000. The car guarantee expired 2 months ago yet it only has 33k miles. I have taking the car for tt 2 months and the first time that sad it was a software but it still doing it
NHTSA ODI #11763828
Mileage unknown · Sep 11, 2026
EngineUnknown Or Other
BMW issued safety recall 26V438 (starter fire risk) for my 2022 BMW X3. On September 11, 2026, BMW Arrowhead confirmed my vehicle is affected but has no parts available and no repair timeframe. I was instructed to park outside due to fire risk and to avoid driving the vehicle. When I asked the dealership for a loaner vehicle giv…
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BMW issued safety recall 26V438 (starter fire risk) for my 2022 BMW X3. On September 11, 2026, BMW Arrowhead confirmed my vehicle is affected but has no parts available and no repair timeframe. I was instructed to park outside due to fire risk and to avoid driving the vehicle. When I asked the dealership for a loaner vehicle given the safety instruction, I was told: "no parts, and because of that we can't give you a loaner because there is no timeframe." I called BMW Customer Relations on September 11, 2026 and was told they would follow up. I am a parent of two minor children and have an 80-mile daily commute, and currently have no safe alternative transportation. Current odometer reading: 74,668 miles.
NHTSA ODI #11763694
Mileage unknown · Sep 10, 2026
Electrical System
The contact owns a 2022 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V438000 (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 issu…
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The contact owns a 2022 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V438000 (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 contact had not experienced a failure.
NHTSA ODI #11763298
46,000 miles · Sep 9, 2026
Electrical System
The contact owns a 2022 BMW X3. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle hesitated while starting. After several attempts, the vehicle started. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent, and the vehicle was eventually parked out of fear that the vehicle would no longer start. The cont…
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The contact owns a 2022 BMW X3. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle hesitated while starting. After several attempts, the vehicle started. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent, and the vehicle was eventually parked out of fear that the vehicle would no longer start. The contact retrieved a fault code associated with the starter. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V438000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 46,000.
NHTSA ODI #11763098
Mileage unknown · Aug 31, 2026
Electrical System
The contact owns a 2022 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V438000 (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 m…
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The contact owns a 2022 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V438000 (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.
NHTSA ODI #11761070
Mileage unknown · Aug 21, 2026
Forward Collision AvoidanceLane Departure
2022 BMW X3 M40i. The Driver Assistance system appears to activate normally after startup with no warning or indication that a fault is present. However, within approximately 3–5 minutes of driving, a Check Control message appears stating “Driver Assistance limited. Camera vision.” The vehicle then identifies affected systems in…
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2022 BMW X3 M40i. The Driver Assistance system appears to activate normally after startup with no warning or indication that a fault is present. However, within approximately 3–5 minutes of driving, a Check Control message appears stating “Driver Assistance limited. Camera vision.” The vehicle then identifies affected systems including Pedestrian Warning, Frontal Collision Warning, Side Collision Warning, Automatic Lane Change, Active Blind Spot Detection, and Steering Assistant. A separate message states that Active Cruise Control is reduced and there may be no brake intervention for stationary vehicles. The safety concern is that the system can appear active and available before the warning appears, even though at least some driver-assistance functions may already not be operating. Before the warning was displayed, I observed that Steering Assistant/lane-keeping did not intervene and I crossed out of my lane without steering correction or a lane-departure warning. There was no prior warning that the camera-based system was malfunctioning. I cannot confirm whether the other affected safety functions were operational during this interval. A BMW dealer inspected the vehicle and physically found the KAFAS camera hood/trim warped from heat. The warped component was removed and shown to me, and the dealer ordered a replacement. BMW has issued SIB 66 13 23 addressing KAFAS camera hood deformation on affected vehicles. Fault memory also contained KAFAS codes 800ABF, 800ABE, and 800AC4 for camera field-of-view disturbance and calibration failure. This creates a potential safety defect because the driver may reasonably believe lane-keeping and other camera-based safety systems are functioning until the vehicle detects the failure several minutes later. The vehicle/component can be made available for inspection
NHTSA ODI #11758544
Mileage unknown · Jul 15, 2026
Visibility
- Customer Reports: ac not cooling, stopped cooling yesterday while on the highway, approved evac and recharge if needed Caused by Leaking a/c hose from compressor to condenser Tech: CHRISTOPHER ARCHER (F88) Installed 64 53 9 868 421 : B1-Pressure hose assy c Installed 64 53 9 284 018 : B1BIMIRRZN-Gasket ring Confirmed concern. …
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- Customer Reports: ac not cooling, stopped cooling yesterday while on the highway, approved evac and recharge if needed Caused by Leaking a/c hose from compressor to condenser Tech: CHRISTOPHER ARCHER (F88) Installed 64 53 9 868 421 : B1-Pressure hose assy c Installed 64 53 9 284 018 : B1BIMIRRZN-Gasket ring Confirmed concern. Performed vehicle
NHTSA ODI #11750496
Mileage unknown · Jul 10, 2026
Power Train
belt tensioner failed while on highway without warning, leading to complete shutdown of the engine. Car had to be towed for repair. Complete disintegration of the timing belt, the car only had 51,000 miles. Expensive repair
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Toyota Supra, 2022-2023 2 Series Coupe, 2021-2024 5 Series (xDrive), 2021-2022 Z4, 2022-2024 4 Series (Gran Coupe), 2021-2024 4 Series (Convertible and xDrive Convertible), 2021-2023 4 Series (Coupe), 2021-2024 3 Series, 2021-2023 X4, 2021-2024 X3 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of all models. The engine starter may overheat and catch fire due to wear on an internal component.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 24, 2026.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 BMW 330i, 2019-2022 BMW Z4, 2020-2022 BMW 530i, X3, X4, Toyota Supra, 2021-2022 BMW 430i, 430i Convertible, and 2022 BMW 230i vehicles. The engine starter relay may corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short circuit.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A short circuit in the starter relay may increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is complete. Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 6, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov November 14, 2025.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022-2024 X3 sDrive30i and X3 xDrive30i vehicles. The second-row seat side door locking modules may not function properly and allow the doors to be unlocked with a single motion. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Doors that can be inadvertently unlocked and unlatched may open unexpectedly, increasing the risk of injury to rear seat occupants.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the second-row seat side door locking modules, free of charge. A letter informing owners of the safety risk was mailed on April 21, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 800-525-7417.
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.
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.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022 X1 xDrive 28i, X3 xDrive30i, and 228i Gran Coupe vehicles. The high-pressure fuel rail may crack and result in a fuel leak within the engine compartment.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the high-pressure fuel rail, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 19, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022 330i, 530i, X3 xDrive30i, and X4 xDrive30i vehicles. The mechatronics unit inside the transmission may not have been assembled properly, which could result in an internal leak.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An internal transmission leak can result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the transmission mechatronics unit, free of charge. All of the vehicle population for this recall have been repaired. Owner notification letters were not mailed. 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 ↗
NHTSA investigations
0
No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
2022 BMW X3 Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year