2025 BMW X3 Owner Complaints

**NHTSA Complaint — 2025 BMW X3 M50 Category: Suspension / Vehicle Stability** Video Evidence: A video showing the body motion over a standard safety speed bump is available here: [[XXX]] Complaint Summary: I am reporting a suspension and stability concern with my 2025 BMW X3 M50. At very low speeds (under 5 mph), when driving over standard safety zone speed bumps, the vehicle exhibits excessive side to side body motion. After crossing the bump, the SUV rocks left to right at least twice before settling, even when all four wheels travel over the bump in a straight line. This behavior is repeatable and occurs on multiple similar speed bumps in my parking garage. The condition is significantly reduced in Sport mode, where the suspension feels tighter and more controlled. In Comfort mode, the rocking motion is pronounced and feels unstable. Dealer Visit: I brought the vehicle to the BMW Service Center in Port Chester, NY on XXXThe dealer documented the issue exactly as I described it: “At very low speeds under 5 mph the vehicle has excessive side to side body motion, feels unsettled, rocks back and forth twice before settling… The condition is significantly reduced in Sports mode.” Despite acknowledging the symptoms, the service manager stated that “the suspension is normal,” noted that there were “no Check Control Messages,” and reported that they “compared to another X3 M50 and vehicle feels the same.” No repairs were performed. Safety Concern: The side to side oscillation affects vehicle stability and driver control during low speed maneuvers, especially in confined areas such as parking garages. I am submitting this complaint to request further investigation into whether this suspension behavior is normal for this model or indicative of a potential defect in the suspension damping or stability control calibration. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11753386

Incident

May 1, 2026

Vehicle: 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive | VIN: [XXX] | Dealer: Weatherford BMW of Berkeley | No crash, no injury Complaint narrative: My 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive (VIN [XXX]) has an open, active safety recall. BMW of North America has confirmed to me in writing (Executive Customer Care case #[XXX], most recently June 18, 2026) that the remedy parts are not available, and it has provided no repair date or estimated availability. I first raised this in April 2026; it remains unrepaired. Because of the open recall, BMW Financial Services will not allow me to transfer or pay off my lease, yet I continue to be charged $631.98 per month for a vehicle I cannot transfer and that has an unremedied safety defect. BMW has not offered a loaner, interim payment relief, or a repair timeline. I am requesting that NHTSA note the extended unavailability of the recall remedy for this vehicle. The 2025 X3 30 xDrive is subject to multiple BMW safety recalls; at least one campaign — NHTSA 25V202000 (starter-generator / positive battery cable; risk of engine stall and fire) — was issued with an interim notice stating the remedy was not yet available and that a second notice would follow once the remedy is ready, which is consistent with what BMW has told me. I am seeking confirmation of the exact open campaign on my VIN and a timely, free remedy as required by federal law. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11745088

Incident

Apr 15, 2026

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)

NHTSA ID

11739574

Incident

Apr 22, 2026

The headlights have a shadow half way down the windshield making it very difficult to see at night. We don't feel safe driving when it is dark out. We took it to the dealer the end of January they saw what we were talking about. One of the foreman drove it home at night. He saw what we were talking about but gave no solutions. We took it in again the shop foreman adjusted the headlights up. We drove it at night. The adjustment did not help. I have been in contact with BMW of North America. They have offered no solution.

NHTSA ID

11737246

Incident

Oct 25, 2025

The contact's husband owns a 2025 BMW X3. The contact stated that on multiple occasions while retrieving items out of the vehicle's liftgate, the liftgate door would independently shut while an individual was there. The contact stated that on one occasion, the liftgate door had pinned her against the vehicle and the contact used excessive force to open the liftgate. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer on three separate occasion; however, they failed to duplicate the failure after each visit. The contact stated that she fears using the vehicle due to the liftgate failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact made multiple attempts to reach the manufacturer; however, both the contact and the manufacturer repeatedly missed each others phone calls. The contact eventually sent an email to the manufacturer; the contact had yet to receive a response to his email. The failure mileage was 1,500.

NHTSA ID

11736492

Incident

Sep 15, 2025

Mileage

1,500 mi

While actively driving at speed this loaner vehicle, the vehicle's Driving Assistance Professional Package (DAPP) completely deactivated without warning. This caused an immediate, unexpected loss of both adaptive cruise control and active lane-keeping steering assistance, requiring sudden manual emergency intervention to maintain control of the vehicle and avoid a collision. This is a severe safety defect. The vehicle has been presented to an authorized BMW dealership twice for this exact failure. It is currently on its second repair attempt and has been out of service for over 20 consecutive days. The dealership and manufacturer have been unable to permanently resolve my personal vehicle this electronic/steering system malfunction.

NHTSA ID

11727845

Incident

Mar 28, 2026

While actively driving at speed, the vehicle's Driving Assistance Professional Package (DAPP) completely deactivated without warning. This caused an immediate, unexpected loss of both adaptive cruise control and active lane-keeping steering assistance, requiring sudden manual emergency intervention to maintain control of the vehicle and avoid a collision. This is a severe safety defect. The vehicle has been presented to an authorized BMW dealership twice for this exact failure. It is currently on its second repair attempt and has been out of service for about 30 consecutive days. It is stilll in the shop. The dealership and manufacturer have been unable to permanently resolve this electronic/steering system malfunction. Additionally, they gave me another 2025 BMW X3 VIN [XXX] which experienced the same problem yesterday 3/28/2026 while I was driving about 35 miles per hour on the freeway. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11727843

Incident

Mar 4, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11724957

Incident

Feb 25, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11711973

Incident

May 17, 2025

When using the headlights there is a shadow across the top half of our windshield. The dealership was not able to fix, they acknowledged they could see what we are referring to. They are going to file a report with BMW. I do not know what to do in the meantime. This is our main transportation. This definitely needs a safety recall.

NHTSA ID

11711233

Incident

Nov 1, 2025

After driving car a few minutes with the heated seats “on”, the driver’s seat became extremely hot. Driver burned finger upon checking the seat and a hole was burned through the seat upholstery. No warning lamps or messages appeared. We were concerned for further overheating or possible fire. Car has been at A & L Dealership, Monroeville, PA, since November 28, 2025. A & L Dealership notified us the vehicle had “short circuit in wiring”.

NHTSA ID

11709186

Incident

Nov 27, 2025

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)

NHTSA ID

11708119

Incident

Dec 31, 2025

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+.

NHTSA ID

11703724

Incident

Dec 5, 2025

Started the car and received a "Changed Steering effort" error. Car is currently undrivable as the power steering is not working at all. Dealer indicates this is a "known issue" and the steering rack may need to be replaced

NHTSA ID

11698707

Incident

Nov 11, 2025

OE Windshield failed with a crack from no strike or extremely small pebbles. Have had to replace windshield 2x in 3 months of ownership. Others with the same FUYAO glass have had to replace multiple times as well. Owners are starting to figure out there may be a manufacturing defect in the glass.

NHTSA ID

11694061

Incident

Oct 5, 2025

The digital display went blank and no controls on the display . This has happened multiple times. We have reported it to the dealership. However this is a significant problem to loose all digital displays while driving

NHTSA ID

11689565

Incident

Sep 24, 2025

Within 2 months of buying the new vehicle this year in February 2025, a rodent entered the vehicle through the air suction vent, reached the cabin air filter and damaged it. The vehicle tech told me that it was good that the rodent didn't damage the car wiring. Else it could have cost me thousands of dollars. But I think, it is a safety concern as well. If the rodent would have chewed the wiring insulation, shorting of two wires or broken wires can cause safety risk while driving by causing sudden malfunctioning. So, I told BMW that it is manufacturing defect, and they should 1) Put a mesh barrier to prevent from future access of any rodent. 2) Pay for the repair because my car is covered by bumper-to-bumper warranty. They didn't accept any of my above requests. So, I had to pay for the repairs, and the defect still remains which can cause similar or worse damage.

NHTSA ID

11689291

Incident

Apr 15, 2025

My wife was driving our 2025 BMW X3 in traffic and when the car in front braked suddenly. She tried to change lanes but clipped the car in front, resulting in nearly $22 thousand in damages. BMW's review of the car's "black box" purportedly shows that the Forward Collision Mitigation system engaged, but only a split second prior to the crash, which my wife did not experience. BMW's review also purports that my wife did not brake, which she also disputes. Even more concerning is that the parts need to repair the car seem to be completely unavailable from BMW--the car has been sitting in a body shop for almost 2 months and BMW has "no ETA" for the parts.

NHTSA ID

11688420

Incident

Jul 31, 2025

Brand new 2025 BMW X3 loud suspension noise coming front the font below 20 miles per hour. The car has ~5,000 miles. It happens every time and is pretty consistent. You can hear every imperfection on the road. I think is can be a safety concert - I see multiple reports that having similar concern.

NHTSA ID

11686260

Incident

Sep 1, 2025

I am reporting a persistent and concerning mechanical issue with my 2025 BMW X3. A clunking noise is occurring frequently, particularly over uneven road surfaces and during normal driving maneuvers such as turning, accelerating, or braking at low speeds (generally below 20 mph). This noise is accompanied by a noticeable vibration that can be felt through the steering wheel and the brake pedal. The sound has been heard and confirmed by several passengers who have ridden in the vehicle with me. I have brought this issue to the attention of my local BMW dealership on August 6, 2025. During my visit, the service team was unable to replicate the issue and stated they could not confirm a problem. They advised me to continue driving the vehicle and suggested that if a defect exists, it would likely worsen over time and become easier to diagnose. I have since contacted the dealership again to request a more thorough inspection, as the issue has not resolved and remains a significant concern.

NHTSA ID

11682922

Incident

Aug 6, 2025

Rear view camera can be obstructed entirely by other full screen elements when interacting with hard of soft buttons. This 100% reproducible effect results in the need to occasionally shift back into park and then reverse to restart the rvc process and have the video appear on top of other on screen content. This appears to violate fmvss rules for reverse cameras.

NHTSA ID

11679260

Incident

Aug 7, 2025

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID

11670970

Incident

May 31, 2025

My accident on [XXX] with my 2025 BMW X3 VIN [XXX] was avoidable and caused by either failure in design, or in execution in two BMW systems, I'll discuss rear emergency braking here. Pictures and videos (even one of the crash) can be downloaded here: [XXX] . I was driving the car in what I believe to be an assisted parking situation, but the car did not follow the assisted path. I've filled out a safety report on that already. According to page 172 of BMW’s 416 page manual, there is a rear collision mitigation function with audible, visual, and autonomous braking. The system provided no warning of any kind—not audible, visual, or any braking whatsoever to avoid this accident. My husband had installed a trailer hitch on this vehicle. That involved removal of the bumper fascia that houses some sensors that may be involved in rear autonomous braking. However, my husband reports that the fascia was removed and replaced without incident and in exactly the same location as it originally was. We never experienced any error codes of any kind from the vehicle at any time and these sensors were working during parking to note proximity to other vehicles. There is nothing in the owner's manual to indicate any issues with removing the bumper when installing a hitch. The trailer hitch was purchased from [XXX] and they have 2 videos regarding hitch installation on the 2025 BMW X3 and my husband says he installed it consistent with these videos, as well as the PDF from the hitch manufacturer. None note having to readjust the safety system after installation of the hitch. BMW has not specifically claimed that the trailer hitch was involved, but did note that it was installed. They are involved in assessing this accident. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11669573

Incident

Jun 19, 2025

My accident on [XXX] with my 2025 BMW X3 VIN [XXX] was avoidable and caused by either failure in design, or in execution in two BMW systems, I'll discuss parking assist here. Pictures and videos (even one of the crash) can be downloaded here: [XXX] Prior to the accident my husband set a backing up path “Home 1” within the BMW parking assist program for me to follow to align the car when backing into our driveway. This takes over braking and steering to move the car on a predetermined path and stops at the end. I have successfully used it many times. It shows up as an option when backing near the top of our driveway. In the video of the crash ([XXX]), the car turns into the driveway, slows to a rolling stop, and then continues back and crashes. I pressed the “Start Home 1” icon to enable it when I thought the car was stopped but retrospectively was likely rolling very slowly at the top of the driveway. The icon showed me the “Home 1” path as being accepted by changing from “Start Home 1” to “Cancel Home 1” thus I believed the car was following the “Home 1” path, but the car evidently did not actually engage “Home 1.” My husband's investigation shows that this happens if the car is not fully stopped, even while the brake pedal is pressed, while pressing the “Start Home 1” button. This behavior is documented in the mp4 ([XXX]). I thought that “Home 1” was engaged and the car following the predetermined path, even though in retrospect, it was not. Evidently, the car was rolling backward in reverse on a downgrade NOT following the "Home 1" path. The car gave me the opportunity to cancel the "Home 1" path even though the car wasn't following it! By the time I saw the car was not stopping, I pressed the brake pedal hard, but it was too late to avoid the car hitting our house, damaging car and house. BMW has the car and is investigating. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11669566

Incident

Jun 19, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11664529

Incident

Jun 3, 2025