2021 BMW X3

My 2021 BMW X3 xDrive30i failed a Georgia emissions inspection on September 24, 2026, at 79,419 miles due to an MIL commanded failure. Codes P05B1 and P05AF were identified. On October 27, 2026, Nalley Collision Center performed BMW ISTA diagnostics and documented faults affecting both radiator active air flap assemblies: 138219 (lower radiator blind position sensor malfunction) and 138220 (upper radiator blind electrical fault). The affected component is the active grille shutter/radiator air flap system, including associated electrical components and position sensors. This system regulates airflow through the radiator and engine compartment. The malfunction has resulted in an emissions inspection failure and may affect airflow management and engine cooling. Actual cooling impairment has not been established. The malfunction was confirmed through BMW ISTA testing at Nalley Collision Center and supported by Georgia emissions inspection results. The vehicle and supporting documentation are available for inspection upon request. Similar active grille shutter and radiator air flap malfunctions have been reported by BMW owners across multiple model years through NHTSA complaints, automotive forums, and owner communities. BMW has also previously issued technical service bulletins and limited warranty extensions addressing active air flap failures in certain vehicles. These recurring reports raise concerns regarding component reliability and warrant investigation into whether similar failures affect additional model years, including my vehicle. The MIL/check-engine condition was present by September 24, 2026. The precise date the underlying shutter malfunction first developed is unknown. Nalley BMW Decatur has reviewed the documentation, and BMW Customer Relations is reviewing the matter. A manufacturer physical inspection has not been confirmed. Further evaluation and repair are pending.

NHTSA ID

11775581

Incident

Nov 4, 2026

On start up the entire digital display panel fails to load and is dark including the speedometer and heads up display. This lasts anywhere from ten to twenty minutes and then randomly comes back on. In addition to no speedometer there are alarms going off that you can not see or clear out. Not knowing the speed of the vehicle or what the alarms are is a danger to the driver and others. We took the vehicle to the Rowe BMW in Westbrook Maine and Ayers European Auto in Gardiner. Rowe upgraded the software and that did not fix it. They both think the car needs a new display cluster panel.

NHTSA ID

11775336

Incident

Oct 15, 2026

For the last several months, my vehicle's power-folding mirrors have malfunctioned. The mirrors fold inward automatically when the car is turned off and are supposed to unfold automatically when the car is turned on. The right (passenger-side) mirror fails to unfold automatically most of the time. I often do not notice this until I am already driving. Once the vehicle is in motion, the button to fold/unfold the mirrors does not work, and I have to pull over or come to a complete stop before the mirror can be unfolded. This is a safety concern because while the mirror remains folded I cannot safely check my right side for vehicles in the right lane before merging or changing lanes.

NHTSA ID

11775328

Incident

Nov 2, 2026

At a stoplight in Huntsville, TX, on Oct. 14, 2026, car died. No yellow lights, no warning of any kind. Policeman rerouted traffic, got a tow truck and drove us a Firestone outlet, where problem was diagnosed as a dead battery. Car has only 27,600 miles on it. Battery is OEM. Car has been garaged, beautifully maintained, driven only by a retired female school teacher. Internet has numerous other complaints about similar experiences with his car. No recalls are listed.

NHTSA ID

11771389

Incident

Oct 14, 2026

Formal complaint regarding improper recall repair of a 2021 BMW X3 and request for assistance. Dear Administrator, I am writing to submit a formal complaint regarding my 2021 BMW X3 and the handling of a recall-related starter replacement performed by BMW of Gwinnett. After taking the vehicle in for the recall repair, I later became stranded out of state when the vehicle would not start. I paid 165 dollars to have my vehicle towed to BMW of Greensboro in Greensboro, North Carolina. That dealership has stated the starter was not installed correctly and that approximately 740 dollars is required to correct the problem. I am extremely concerned that a repair performed in connection with a safety recall was allegedly completed improperly. I am requesting assistance and appropriate review regarding the following matters. One, review of the original repair. Two, correction of the repair at no additional cost to me. Three, reimbursement of the 165 dollar towing expense. Four, prompt attention to this matter to resolve the alleged repair issue. Five, review of any potential safety concerns related to this reported installation problem. I relied on an authorized dealer to perform the recall-related repair correctly. Instead, I've experienced a breakdown while traveling, unexpected costs, and significant distress. Thank you for your time and consideration.

NHTSA ID

11770511

Incident

Oct 8, 2026

Active Grill shutter malfunction. Randomly the check engine light came on the code was for the grill shutter. Upon inspection the grill shutter is not closing. This was an extended warranty on several prior X3/ X5 models. This appears to be the same issue, I wanted to make BMW aware so they can reevaluate the extendeded warranty.

NHTSA ID

11767421

Incident

Sep 25, 2026

My vehicle was serviced at arrowhead bmw and they found most steering bushings were cracked front and rear, and only wanted $4,500.00 for repair

NHTSA ID

11764924

Incident

Jul 31, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V438000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive with the unrepaired recall repair. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the concern. The contact was informed that the remedy was unavailable. The contact was advised that if he did not feel safe driving the vehicle, the vehicle should not be driven. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID

11763602

Incident

Sep 11, 2026

the engine oil pump assembly coveragefor the issue described in the Service Information Bulletin that addresses defects inmaterials and / or workmanship has been extended to 10 years / 120,000 miles, asdetermined from the original first in-service/delivery date

If the manual electronic engine oil level measurement aborts or is inoperative and the vehicles I-level is lower than S18A-26-07-518, a one-time software update procedure is covered up to 10 years / 120,000 miles, as determined from the original first in-service/delivery date.

The manual starting of electronic engine oil level measurement from inside the vehicle, usually afterperforming an engine oil service task, is inoperative or it may lock up at between a 15% to 30% completionrate.

The EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date.

The EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original in-service date.

The vehicle applies the brakes on its own when reversing onto an inclined roadway or driveway. This appliesonly to the situation where the Active PDC option is activated via the iDrive.