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VIN REPORT

5UXTY5C05LLE579072020 BMW X3xDrive30i

Risk Score
25
MODERATE RISK
out of 100
16 Found
16 campaigns
96
Reported to NHTSA
Not Tested
See iihs.org/ratings
6 yrs
Made in UNITED STATES (USA)
F
Score: 45/100
Verdict & Risk Assessment
📄

Executive Summary

2020 BMW X3 was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 16 open recalls on record — these are safety-critical and should be addressed immediately. 96 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA — review the complaint section for the most common failure patterns.

  • 16 open recalls including safety-critical systems (Active 'do not drive' recall; Fire risk — park outdoors recall)
  • 96 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — above average for this class
  • Complaint rate is accelerating — issues appear to be getting worse, not better
  • Electrical is flagged in both recalls and owner complaints — double-confirmed failure pattern
  • High lemon law risk indicators — multiple safety-critical recall and complaint patterns present
  • Component failure cascade detected — a known defect pattern that typically leads to more severe downstream damage
25/100
Moderate Risk
3 moderate risk signals detected. Negotiate accordingly and verify service history.
LOWMODERATEHIGHCRITICAL
Contributing Risk Factors — 3 detected
16 model-wide recalls on record
+12
Elevated fire risk signals detected
+7
Accelerating complaint trend — problems increasing over time
+6
Critical Alerts

No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.

Vehicle
Make
BMW
Model
X3
Year
2020
Trim / Series
xDrive30i
Body Style
Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV)
Vehicle Type
MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)
Drive Type
AWD/All-Wheel Drive
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Engine
4-cyl 2.0L 248 hp
Transmission
Automatic
Doors
4
Manufacturer
BMW MANUFACTURER CORPORATION / BMW NORTH AMERICA
Assembly
GREER, SOUTH CAROLINA, UNITED STATES (USA)
GVWR
Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg)
CQuality55/100
Standard📍 GREER, SOUTH CAROLINA

No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.

Safety
F
Score: 45/100
Crash Test Rating20/40
Recall Safety0/30
Complaint History25/30
100/100Critical
  • Active 'do not drive' recall
  • Fire risk — park outdoors recall
  • Steering system recall
  • Engine recall
  • Structural/frame recall
67/100
Advanced
12 of 20 safety features detected
Elevated
  • 4 complaint(s) involved a fire
High
  • Active 'do not drive' recall issued
  • 4 recalls on same component: Electrical
  • 2 recalls on same component: Exterior/Other
  • 2 recalls on same component: Steering
  • 2 recalls on same component: Body/Structure
  • Safety system appears in both official recalls and owner complaints

Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.

The same components appear in both official NHTSA recalls and owner-filed complaints — a double-confirmed failure signal.

Electrical
4 recalls31 complaints
Engine/Powertrain
1 recall31 complaints
Safety Systems
1 recall7 complaints
Body/Structure
2 recalls5 complaints
Steering
2 recalls2 complaints
Suspension/Wheels
1 recall1 complaint
Forward Collision WarningStandard
Automatic Emergency BrakingStandard
Pedestrian AEBStandard
Rear AEB?Unknown
Lane Departure Warning?Unknown
Lane Keep Assist?Unknown
Lane Centering Assist?Unknown
Blind Spot Monitoring?Unknown
Rear Cross Traffic Alert?Unknown
Adaptive Cruise ControlStandard
Adaptive HeadlightsStandard
Auto High BeamStandard
Parking Assist?Unknown
Backup CameraStandard
Electronic Stability ControlStandard
Tire Pressure Monitoring?Direct
Event Data Recorder?Unknown
Crash NotificationStandard
Dynamic Brake SupportStandard
Keyless IgnitionStandard
Recalls
38/100
Monitor Deferred Risk
7 component(s) approaching service intervals within the next 20,000 miles. Factor routine maintenance costs into your ownership budget.
No odometer data on record. Mileage is estimated at ~72,000 mi based on average annual driving. Items marked EST. OVERDUE may already be due — verify service history with the seller. Items marked OVERDUE are confirmed past-due based on vehicle age alone.
MONITORCriticalTiming Chain Tensioner
Service interval: 120,000 mi · Est. ~72,000 mi (no odometer on record)
Schedule Timing Chain Tensioner service before 120,000 mi
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
MONITORCriticalWater Pump
Service interval: 100,000 mi · Est. ~72,000 mi (no odometer on record)
Schedule Water Pump service before 100,000 mi
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
EST. OVERDUEHighTransmission Fluid / Service
Service interval: 5 yr · Vehicle age: 6 yr · Past due by age
Service Transmission Fluid / Service immediately — already past the 60,000 mi / 5 yr interval
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
EST. OVERDUEHighDifferential / Transfer Case Fluid
Service interval: 4 yr · Vehicle age: 6 yr · Past due by age
Service Differential / Transfer Case Fluid immediately — already past the 50,000 mi / 4 yr interval
On 4WD/AWD vehicles, neglected differential or transfer case fluid causes metal-on-metal wear. Replacement costs $1,500–$4,000.
EST. OVERDUEHighCoolant Flush
Service interval: 5 yr · Vehicle age: 6 yr · Past due by age
Service Coolant Flush immediately — already past the 100,000 mi / 5 yr interval
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
MONITORModerateSpark Plugs (iridium/platinum)
Service interval: 100,000 mi · Est. ~72,000 mi (no odometer on record)
Schedule Spark Plugs (iridium/platinum) service before 100,000 mi
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
MONITORModerateFuel Injectors
Service interval: 120,000 mi · Est. ~72,000 mi (no odometer on record)
Schedule Fuel Injectors service before 120,000 mi
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.
1616 RECALLS

NHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 16 recalls below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Estimated Repair Completion (Statistical)

1 of 16 recalls has a low industry completion rate — statistically likely unrepaired.

66%
avg repaired

Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.

BMW Recall Completion Rate — Industry Context
91%Good

BMW completes recalls at a good rate (91%), averaging about 16 months to remedy. Most affected vehicles are fixed.

Avg time to remedy open recall: ~16 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports

Avg Fix Time
16mo
#20V598000
Invalid Date

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

SummaryBMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 X3 sDrive 30i, X3 xDrive 30i, X3M 40i, X3 xDrive 30e, X4 xDrive 30i, X4M 40i, 530i, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 550e, 550e xDrive, and 550e iPerformance vehicles. A small portion of the rearview image may be slightly obscured. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Read full details...
ConsequenceIf the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Est. Repair Completion~69%

~31% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#21V096000
Invalid Date

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

SummaryBMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Coupe, Convertible and Grand Coupe, 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le, 745Le xDrive, X5 xDrive45e, X3 xDrive30e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, M760i Drive, M760Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive Alpina, Alpina B7 xDrive, and 2021 4 Series Coupe 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive vehicles. When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Read full details...
ConsequenceIf the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Est. Repair Completion~69%

~31% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#20V152000
Invalid Date

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

SummaryBMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 X4 xDrive30i and X4 M40i, and 2018-2020 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, and X3M vehicles. The instrument panel casing may not have been tightened properly to the passenger air bag.
Read full details...
ConsequenceIn the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, the air bag could damage the instrument panel and cause small pieces of the panel to strike the driver or other occupants, increasing the risk of injury.
Est. Repair Completion~69%

~31% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#19V684000
Invalid Date

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

SummaryBMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 530e, 530e xDrive, X3 sDrive, X3 xDrive, X3 M40i, X3 M, and 2019-2020 X4 xDrive, X4 M40i, X4 M, X7 xDrive, X7 M50i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 8 Series Convertible and Coupe 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, X5 sDrive, X5 xDrive, X5 M50i, X6 xDrive, X6 M50i, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, Z4 sDrive, Z4 M40i, 740Le xDrive and 745Le xDrive, 2018-2019 640i xDrive Gran Turismo and Rolls-Royce Phantom, 2019 M850i xDrive Gran Coupe and Rolls-Royce Cullinan and 2020 Toyota Supra vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Read full details...
ConsequenceThe lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Est. Repair Completion~69%

~31% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#20V164000
Invalid Date

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

SummaryBMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X3 xDrive30e, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, X4M, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, 840i Gran Coupe, 840i xDrive Gran Coupe, M850i xDrive Gran Coupe, M8 Gran Coupe, X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, and 840i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The sensors in the front seat belt buckles may inaccurately detect a belted occupant as unbelted, possibly causing the air bag and seat belt pretensioners to deploy improperly in the event of a crash.
Read full details...
ConsequenceIf the air bag and/or seat belt pretensioners deploy improperly in the event of a crash, there is an increased risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
Est. Repair Completion~63%

~37% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#19V678000
Invalid Date

SUSPENSION:FRONT

SummaryBMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, and X3 M40i vehicles, X4 xDrive30i, and X4 M40i vehicles. The front axle swivel bearings may not have been properly heat treated during manufacturing, reducing their strength and possibly causing them to break.
Read full details...
ConsequenceBroken swivel bearings can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Est. Repair Completion~69%

~31% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#20V601000
Invalid Date

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY

SummaryBMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 530e iPerformance and X3 xDrive30e and MINI Cooper Countryman All4 SE, 2020 BMW i8, and 2021 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le xDrive and X5 xDrive45e vehicles. Debris may have entered one or more of the hybrid battery cells during their production.
Read full details...
ConsequenceThe debris could result in a short-circuit, increasing the risk of fire or injury.
Est. Repair Completion~69%

~31% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#19V738000
Invalid Date

STEERING:RACK AND PINION:PINION SHAFT

SummaryBMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 BMW X3 M40i and X4 M40i vehicles. The steering rack pinion teeth may break under load, resulting in a loss of steering control.
Read full details...
ConsequenceA loss of steering control increases risk of a crash.
Est. Repair Completion~73%

~27% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#20V355000
Invalid Date

STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

SummaryBMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019 Z4 sDrive30i, 2019-2020 330i xDrive, M340i and M340i xDrive, 2020 X3M and X4M, and Toyota Supra vehicles. In certain driving conditions, such as high temperatures and rough road surfaces, a steering gear tie rod may become damaged, possibly resulting in a fractured tie rod.
Read full details...
ConsequenceA damaged or fractured tie rod may affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Est. Repair Completion~73%

~27% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#21V598000
Feb 2021

ENGINE

SummaryBMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 M340i, M340i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, X3 M40i, 2020-2021 X4 M40i, 745Le xDrive, 2019-2021 Z4 M40i, and 2020-2021 Toyota Supra vehicles. During engine start, the engine management software may cause loss of braking assist. Full mechanical braking (without assist) remains available.
Read full details...
ConsequenceLoss of braking assist can increase the risk of a crash.
Est. Repair Completion~74%

~26% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#20V490000
Invalid Date

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

SummaryBMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 330e and X5 xDrive45e, 2020-2021 X3 xDrive30e, and 2020 MINI Countryman SE ALL4 vehicles. Loose welding beads may form a conductive path between the hybrid battery cells which could lead to a short-circuit.
Read full details...
ConsequenceA short-circuited hybrid battery may increase the risk of a fire.
Est. Repair Completion~69%

~31% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#20V443000
Invalid Date

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

SummaryBMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X3 sDrive40i, X3 xDrive40i and X3M40i vehicles. These vehicles were not programmed with rearview camera software during assembly, therefore, when the transmission is shifted to reverse, a rearview image is not displayed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Read full details...
ConsequenceAn inoperative rearview camera display can increase the risk of a crash when reversing.
Est. Repair Completion~69%

~31% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#23V211000
Invalid Date

SEATS

SummaryBMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i xDrive, 2020-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, 2021 X3 xDrive30e, X4 xDrive30i, and X4M vehicles. The seat frame may not have been welded properly to the seat rails.
Read full details...
ConsequenceAn improperly welded seat frame may not properly restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Est. Repair Completion~66%

~34% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#24V534000
Invalid Date

STRUCTURE

SummaryBMW 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.
Read full details...
ConsequenceInterior cargo rail detachment during a rear crash can increase the risk of injury.
Est. Repair Completion~65%

~35% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#24V764000
Invalid Date

STRUCTURE

SummaryBMW 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.
Read full details...
ConsequenceInterior rear cargo rail detachment during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Est. Repair Completion~58%

~42% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#25V636000
Invalid Date

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY:RELAY

SummaryBMW 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.
Read full details...
ConsequenceA short circuit in the starter relay may increase the risk of a fire.
Est. Repair Completion~35%

~65% of these vehicles are statistically unrepaired

High Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

LONG-STANDING OPEN
ENGINE
5.2yr open

⚠ One or more recalls have been open for over 5 years — may never have been repaired on this vehicle.

🚫
DO NOT DRIVE Recall Active
NHTSA has issued a "park it" recall — vehicle should not be driven until repaired.
02/08/2021
16 total campaigns
ElectricalSafety SystemsExterior/OtherSuspension/WheelsSteeringEngine/PowertrainBody/Structure
10
Part Replacements
6
Software/OTA Updates
0
Buyback/Refund
0
High-Effort Repairs
1 recall is over 2 years old — statistically less likely to have been completed. Verify repair status with any dealer using your VIN.
RECALL DIDN'T FIX IT

100% of complaints about "ENGINE" were filed AFTER recall campaign 21V598000 (2021-02-08) — the recall remedy may not have fully resolved the issue.

ENGINE
100% post-recall
Recall: 2021-02-080 before · 21 after#21V598000

Continuing complaints after a recall may indicate an inadequate fix, a new failure mode, or that many vehicles never had the recall performed. Verify recall completion status directly with NHTSA.

1.2yr
Lag from first complaint to recall
First complaint: 2019-12-11 · Recall issued: 2021-02-08

14 months elapsed between first complaint and recall issuance — a significant delay in consumer protection.

Complaints
Electrical
2 crash31
Engine/Powertrain
31
Other
15
Safety Systems
7
Body/Structure
5
Brakes
2
Visibility
2
Steering
2
2019
1
2020
9
2021
8
2022
5
2023
20
2024
13
2025
17
2026
23
105% trend in recent years (increasing complaints)
Accelerating +100%
50
Last 24 months
25
Prior 24 months

⚠ Complaint rate is accelerating — issue may be getting worse

Electrical failure12
Fire/smoke9
Engine stalling3
Sudden acceleration1
Conditions Reported
Rain/wet (17)Parking/low-speed (10)Cold weather (7)Highway/high-speed (7)Startup (4)
96HIGH VOLUME
4
Fires
2
Crashes
ODI #11729629ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V636000 (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 contacted and confirmed that the part to do the recall repair was not available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

ODI #11729502ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X3. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal thumping sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V636000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, and the contact was informed to leave the vehicle at the dealer overnight. 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 vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

ODI #11729299UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I am submitting a formal safety complaint regarding a defect in my 2020 BMW X3 that has resulted in the failure of a critical emergency safety system. The vehicle displayed an error message indicating an “Emergency Call System Malfunction.” I brought the vehicle to BMW of Murrieta on March 30, 2026, for diagnosis and repair. Upon inspection, the service center determined that the Telematic Control Unit (TCU) had sustained water damage. This damage was attributed to water intrusion originating from the vehicle’s shark fin antenna. This is a known issue documented by BMW in internal Service Information Bulletin SIB 65 12 22 (dated October 5, 2022). Despite acknowledgment of this known defect, BMW declined to cover the repair costs for both the antenna-related water intrusion and the resulting damage to the TCU. This failure presents a significant safety hazard. The emergency call system is designed to automatically notify emergency services in the event of a collision. With this system inoperable, occupants may be unable to receive timely emergency assistance, increasing the risk of serious injury or death. Given that BMW is aware of this defect and its potential to disable a critical safety feature, I believe this issue warrants further investigation and should be considered for a mandatory safety recall.

ODI #11727478ENGINE

This recall was in September 2025, and for a starter issue that could cause a fire. Despite the urgency of this recall, it's now six months later, and I am still getting a response from BMW "Remedy Not available". So, in the meantime BMW advises to keep the car outside in the hot Florida sun so it doesn't burn the house down. This is a totally unacceptable situation, and I would appreciate the NHTSA following up with BMW regarding why the delay. It appears to me that BMW is dragging their feet on correcting this serious issue.

ODI #11727239FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

We had an oil pump failure that was because the part was plastic, not metal.

ODI #11726629ENGINE

I am reporting a safety concern involving BMW vehicles equipped with the B58 Technical Update (B58TU) engine, commonly found in model years 2019–2021. These vehicles utilize a variable-displacement engine oil pump containing an internal thermoplastic adjusting component responsible for regulating oil pressure. Field failures are increasingly being reported in which this internal component fractures, resulting in sudden loss or instability of engine oil pressure. The failure frequently occurs during cold-start operation in low ambient temperatures. When the component fails, oil pressure regulation becomes erratic or is lost entirely. In many cases, drivers receive little or no actionable warning prior to engine damage or vehicle disablement. Reported precursor symptoms include inability to electronically measure engine oil level, abnormal oil pressure behavior, or sudden drivetrain malfunction warnings. Failures may rapidly progress to engine shutdown or severe mechanical damage caused by oil starvation. Loss of lubrication can cause the vehicle to become disabled without warning while driving or shortly after startup. This creates a safety hazard, particularly when vehicles become immobilized in active traffic or during winter conditions the cold is when they fail the most, where occupants may be exposed to freezing temperatures while awaiting assistance. Replacement of the oil pump requires extensive disassembly of the vehicle and repairs commonly exceed $6,000–$8,000 for just the pump, assuming the motor is unharmed. Owners are currently unable to determine whether their vehicles contain the original thermoplastic oil pump design or a later revised version utilizing metal internal components, as VIN-based parts information now identifies updated components in the car even when no replacement has occurred and the old components are actually in the car. Also, BMW has actively removed the plastic part number out of all dealer networks as well. They are aware.

ODI #11726503SEAT BELTS

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X3. The contact stated that while her son was using the rear passenger's side seat belt, the contact became aware that the seat belt was fraying. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was provided an estimate for the seat belt replacement. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.

ODI #11724444UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMFIRE

Component Failed: Engine starter relay and starter motor assembly. The vehicle stalled in traffic and ignited upon a restart attempt. The vehicle is a total loss, currently held by [Insurance Co] at [Location/Lot #], and is available for inspection. Safety Risk: The driver’s life was at immediate risk. The vehicle stalled in active traffic, creating a collision hazard, followed by a rapid, uncontrollable engine fire. The driver suffered smoke inhalation and severe trauma while escaping. A delayed exit would have been fatal. Confirmed by Dealer: The failure mirrors the defect pattern in Recall 25V-636 (Starter Relay Corrosion). While the fire prevents reproduction, the vehicle had a consistent service history with no prior electrical issues. Inspected By: The vehicle was inspected by [Insurance Co] and declared a total loss. [Optional: The Fire Dept. responded under Report #[Number]]. BMW was formally notified via demand letter on [Date]. Warning Lamps/Symptoms: No prior warnings. The failure was acute. A "Drivetrain Malfunction" message appeared seconds before the stall. Smoke and flames appeared immediately upon the attempted restart.

ODI #11721601ENGINE

I am reporting a driver safety concern involving BMW vehicles equipped with the B58 Technical Update (B58TU) engine in model years 2019–2021. These engines use a variable-displacement oil pump containing an internal thermoplastic adjusting component that regulates oil pressure. Field failures show this component can fracture, causing sudden loss or instability of engine oil pressure. Failures most commonly occur during cold starts in low temperatures, it can occur at any time or temperature. When the part breaks, oil pressure becomes erratic or is lost entirely. Drivers often receive little or no actionable warning before the vehicle shuts down or suffers severe engine damage. Precursor symptoms may include inability to measure engine oil level electronically, abnormal oil pressure behavior, or sudden drivetrain malfunction alerts. In many cases, the condition rapidly progresses to engine stall or mechanical failure due to oil starvation. Loss of lubrication can disable the vehicle without warning while driving or shortly after startup. This creates a serious safety hazard, especially if the vehicle stalls in active traffic. The risk is heightened in winter conditions—when failures occur most often—because occupants may be stranded in freezing temperatures while awaiting assistance. Repair requires major disassembly, and oil pump replacement alone commonly exceeds $6,000–$8,000, excluding additional engine damage Owners cannot reliably determine whether their vehicles contain the original thermoplastic oil pump design or a later revised version with metal internal components. VIN-based parts systems now default to the updated design even if no replacement has occurred, and the original plastic component part number has reportedly been removed from dealer networks. This lack of transparency prevents owners from assessing their risk. I believe this represents a known manufacturer defect with direct driver safety implications that warrants formal investigation

ODI #11720985ENGINE

I am reporting a safety concern involving BMW vehicles equipped with the B58 Technical Update (B58TU) engine, commonly found in model years 2019–2021. These vehicles utilize a variable-displacement engine oil pump containing an internal thermoplastic adjusting component responsible for regulating oil pressure. Field failures are increasingly being reported in which this internal component fractures, resulting in sudden loss or instability of engine oil pressure. The failure frequently occurs during cold-start operation in low ambient temperatures. When the component fails, oil pressure regulation becomes erratic or is lost entirely. In many cases, drivers receive little or no actionable warning prior to engine damage or vehicle disablement. Reported precursor symptoms include inability to electronically measure engine oil level, abnormal oil pressure behavior, or sudden drivetrain malfunction warnings. Failures may rapidly progress to engine shutdown or severe mechanical damage caused by oil starvation. Loss of lubrication can cause the vehicle to become disabled without warning while driving or shortly after startup. This creates a safety hazard, particularly when vehicles become immobilized in active traffic or during winter conditions where occupants may be exposed to freezing temperatures while awaiting assistance. Replacement of the oil pump requires extensive disassembly of the vehicle and repairs commonly exceed $6,000–$8,000 when engine damage occurs. Owners are currently unable to determine whether their vehicles contain the original thermoplastic oil pump design or a later revised version utilizing metal internal components, as VIN-based parts information now identifies updated components even when no replacement has occurred. Failures have been reported across multiple production years, and affected vehicle population boundaries remain unclear.

ODI #11721009POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Oil pump failures have been reported across multiple production years, and affected vehicle population boundaries remain unclear. Because this condition can result in sudden vehicle disablement without adequate warning especially in the cold, I believe this issue warrants investigation as a potential safety-related defect. Loss of lubrication can cause the vehicle to become disabled without warning while driving or shortly after startup. This creates a safety hazard, particularly when vehicles become immobilized in active traffic or during winter conditions the cold is when they fail the most, where occupants may be exposed to freezing temperatures while awaiting assistance.

ODI #11721049ENGINE

I am reporting a safety concern involving BMW vehicles equipped with the B58 Technical Update (B58TU) engine, commonly found in model years 2019–2021. These vehicles utilize a variable-displacement engine oil pump containing an internal thermoplastic adjusting component responsible for regulating oil pressure. Field failures are increasingly being reported in which this internal component fractures, resulting in sudden loss or instability of engine oil pressure. The failure frequently occurs during cold-start operation in low ambient temperatures. When the component fails, oil pressure regulation becomes erratic or is lost entirely. In many cases, drivers receive little or no actionable warning prior to engine damage or vehicle disablement. Reported precursor symptoms include inability to electronically measure engine oil level, abnormal oil pressure behavior, or sudden drivetrain malfunction warnings. Failures may rapidly progress to engine shutdown or severe mechanical damage caused by oil starvation. Loss of lubrication can cause the vehicle to become disabled without warning while driving or shortly after startup. This creates a safety hazard, particularly when vehicles become immobilized in active traffic or during winter conditions the cold is when they fail the most, where occupants may be exposed to freezing temperatures while awaiting assistance. Replacement of the oil pump requires extensive disassembly of the vehicle and repairs commonly exceed $6,000–$8,000 for just the pump, assuming the motor is unharmed. Owners are currently unable to determine whether their vehicles contain the original thermoplastic oil pump design or a later revised version utilizing metal internal components, as VIN-based parts information now identifies updated components in the car even when no replacement has occurred and the old components are actually in the car. Also, BMW has actively removed the plastic part number out of all dealer networks as well. A recall should happen

ODI #11720165ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X3. The contact stated that several attempts were needed while cold-starting the vehicle. The contact stated that prior to receiving notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V636000 (Electrical System); the battery was replaced; however, the vehicle was still difficult to start. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the remedy was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.

ODI #11720172ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle began to shake with the message, "Pull Over Engine Oil Pressure Low Pull Over Stop Driving to Avoid Engine Failure". The contact immediately pulled over to the side of the road, inspected the vehicle, and became aware there was no issue with the oil. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the oil pump was defective due to the oil pump being manufactured with plastic. The mechanic confirmed it was a known issue, and the oil pumps were changed to a metal material to avoid the failure. The dealer was contacted, and the new metal pump part, PN: 11418646454, was ordered. The vehicle was scheduled to be repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was purchased at a dealer not associated with BMW, and the cost of the repair would not be covered. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

ODI #11719564ENGINE

70-80k mileage the oil filter housing gushed coolant fluid. Replacement at dealership quoted at $4,000. Dealership indicated they replace part with current part and do not upgrade to an all aluminum to prevent future problems. Employee also stated they are seeing more of these issues of late. The housing has plastic components that fail easily. There was a 2020 bulletin warning of similar failures for this type of engine and vehicle but BMW has not issued a recall. If this draining of coolant is not detected early enough, the engine could overheat and fail, creating a traffic hazard and safety concern to passengers. Local certified mechanics quoted $2,500 for replacement using an aluminum part. These two quotes were from different mechanics and were based on phone conversation, so additional charges may have applied once they began work.they both opined if part is not replaced with aluminum, the part will fail again prematurely. There is a recently filed class action lawsuit in New Jersey.

ODI #11714818ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

There is an open recall(NHTSA Recall Number25V636) for my vehicle since September 2025 and there is still no remedy available from the manufacturer (BMW). I am told by the dealer that they won't have the part for next several months. This is unacceptable as I need to get the urgent safety recall fixed as soon as possible.

ODI #11712554UNKNOWN OR OTHER

My 2020 BMW X3 (VIN: [XXX] ) is subject to NHTSA Recall 25V636 (urgent fire risk when parked). The remedy is not yet available for my VIN, and my dealer has only given verbal assurances with no written confirmation of repair availability. I am unable to safely park the vehicle per recall instructions. I request NHTSA assistance to ensure BMW provides a loaner, rental, or other mitigation until the recall repair can be completed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ODI #11711467ENGINE

The lower radiator blinds/air flaps are not working. I have a check engine light on and the dealership is stating that is what is wrong. This is a known issue with BMW vehicles and has been a recall with other BMW models.

ODI #11710751ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Announcing the recall in September 2025 and still no remedy available 4 months later is unacceptable. My car is at risk of catching fire randomly even if it's parked with ignition off. I need a fix and I need BMW to pay for it.

ODI #11710561ENGINE

The car has active air shutters on the grill/radiator, which are known to fail prematurely, causes overheating and emissions issues that trigger a check engine light. This was a know issue that BMW issued service bulletin and a 15 year, 150k mile warranty on the part/component up to 2019 model years. BMW did not resolve this malfunction in the same body style car in 2020, and the issue persists. BMW refuses to cover repairs on this issue that they have previously acknowledged and failed to fix, which effects the safety and drivability of the vehicle. There is a class of owners experiencing this issue who are not covered as a result of BMW failing to take accountability for the design failure in 2020+ model years. Estimated repair costs are $1,600 on average. Previous bulletin: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ODI #11709973ENGINE

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The variable displacement oil pump contains a plastic (Duoplex) internal adjusting ring/vane carrier that is known to become brittle and shatter. Status: While the pump has not yet suffered a total mechanical collapse, it is a documented inherent defect. The manufacturer (BMW) has already superseded this part (Original #11418646454 or ...453) with a reinforced metal version (Part #11419895359), admitting the original material was insufficient for the engine's lifespan. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Risk: The failure mode is sudden and unpredictable. If the plastic ring shatters while driving, it can lead to an instantaneous loss of oil pressure, causing the engine to seize or stall at highway speeds. This creates an immediate risk of: Loss of power steering and braking assist in traffic. Potential rear-wheel lockup (in RWD/Manual configurations) leading to loss of vehicle control. Catastrophic engine failure in the middle of active traffic, requiring an emergency maneuver. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Assessment: The existence of the defect is confirmed by BMW’s internal technical case PuMA Measure 65494813. Furthermore, the manufacturer released a software update (S18A-21-03-567) specifically to reduce oil pressure during cold starts to mitigate stress on this plastic component—a "band-aid" fix that acknowledges the hardware's fragility. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Assessment: Not yet, as the vehicle is being operated under the assumption of a known safety defect. However, independent mechanics and BMW master technicians across the industry have verified that early B58TU builds (2018–2020) almost universally contain the defective plastic-internals pump.

ODI #11709747ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V636000 (Electrical System); however, parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The dealer was contacted; however, the parts were still not yet available. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure.

ODI #11708511ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Emergency call system - TCB module failure. A Telematics Control Box, is an embedded computer in my X3. It processes, and transmits data wirelessly. it is a hub for my car to connect services like GPS tracking, diagnostics, infotainment, emergency calls (e.g., eCall), and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, enabling real-time monitoring for safety, efficiency, and fleet management. It connects the car to the internet for emergency services. If the TCB were working properly it would call 911 automatically. It has failed and now it will not call automatically if I get into an accident. The car had less than 50K miles and the dealer wanted to charge $2500 to fix. This should be a recall due to the safety issue. This isn't just a minor inconvenience; it's a critical safety feature failure, disabling automatic crash notification and location services. It has disabled all other msg and the error msg stays on continuously and I am unable to see any other msg that could appear.

ODI #11706728ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V636000 (Electrical System). The local dealer was contacted on three occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The contact had not experienced a failure.

ODI #11706471SEAT BELTS

Active protection reduced message Pretensioning of seatbelts not possible. I barely use the car and was not in any kind of accident.

ODI #11706506ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Appears to be related to recall 25V636. Vehicle is 2020 BMW X3 M40i, equipped with same engine as the Supra (B58). Engine would not start with the push of the "start button". Pressing a second time would sometimes start, but as time went on the number of presses required to start took minutes to up to 30 minutes before engine would start. Had starter motor replaced October, 2025 and mechanic observed that starter motor was shorting out, similar to existing recall. However, my vehicle is not included in the recall.

ODI #11706144ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X3. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V636000 (Electrical System). The local dealer was contacted who confirmed that parts were on backorder. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted who confirmed the recall status. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool showed no open recall.

ODI #11705100ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V636000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the fire risk was a major concern. In addition, the contact stated that the temperature was 14 degrees below freezing the past weekend where the contact resided. The contact inquired about what might happen if the vehicle were parked on the street in the neighborhood. The manufacturer was contacted; however, the contact was informed that the parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure.

ODI #11704759ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V636000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not 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.

ODI #11700603ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the emergency sensor warning light illuminated, as well as the camera system, the Forward Collision Avoidance warning light, and the key proximity features malfunctioned. The contact stated that the shark fin cover was missing from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the backup battery and wiring harness were damaged due to water intrusion from the missing shark fin cover. The contact was informed that the backup battery, wiring harness, and shark fin cover need to be replaced; however, the vehicle remained unrepaired. The contact had contacted the insurance provider, and the insurance provider declined to cover the repairs under the comprehensive coverage, citing that the failure was a known issue with BMW vehicles. The manufacturer had not been notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 70,000.

ODI #11695784ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X3. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while starting. The contact then stated that while at a relative's home, the vehicle failed to start after multiple attempts, with white colored smoke coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact used a code reader and retrieved DTC: 216113, 21611A, 21A511, and 216115. Due to the failure, the vehicle remained at the relative's home. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V636000 (Electrical System); and linked it to the failure. The manufacturer and the dealer were notified of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 90,500.

ODI #11694426STRUCTURE

So this just happened today - I was driving my 2020 BMW X3 on the freeway, cruising around 80 mph. No cars around me, no rocks, nothing hit the car… and suddenly, BANG! It sounded like a gunshot or small explosion. The sunroof shattered outward - completely blown out. Luckily, I had my interior sunshade closed, so all the glass shards were caught there instead of raining down on me. I pulled over immediately to check - there’s no sign of impact or debris. It just seems like the glass literally exploded on its own. Looks like BMWs have a defective sunroof coz there are thousands of reports on sunroofs exploding on various forums. The only reason I want to report this is because this is huge safety issue based on my experience when it happened and god forbid someone loses their life if they get all the glass into their eyes when their sunroof explodes while driving on freeway at this speed without any warning!

ODI #11693285ENGINE

Beginning Oct 1, 2025. The cars drivetrain warning came on intermittently until mechanics correctly diagnosed the issue. Thermostat valve failed to shut off properly causing the car to overheat. This has been an issue and recall already, just did not include my vin. Now it has happened to me at the cost of 2K and under 45k miles. heat management module had to be replaced due to the danger of overheating and complete car shut down. I am turning this into BMW as well.

ODI #11683226UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The sunroofs on BMWs are known to have issues with leaking, can be a distraction while driving in bad weather when conditions arent great to begin with. I have read where this is a constant problem and when brought to the dealership they are looking for upward of $2000 to repair for somethig that is a manufacturers defect.

ODI #11679881ELECTRICAL SYSTEMCRASH

The contact owned a 2020 BMW X3. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 10-15 MPH in a parking lot and attempting to make a turn, the brake pedal was depressed, but the pedal travelled down to the floor, and the vehicle failed to respond. Additionally, the steering wheel seized, and the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the pedal travelled down to the floorboard, and the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the vehicle became inoperable, causing the front driver's side bumper and door of the vehicle to crash into the rear-end of an unoccupied parked vehicle, and then the front end of the vehicle crashed into the side of another occupied parked vehicle. All the air bags of the vehicle deployed. There were no injuries sustained. A police report was filed. The police report confirmed that the impacts occurred a few moments before the contact received failure notifications on the vehicle mobile app. The vehicle remained inoperable and was towed to Spitler's Collision, where it was deemed a total loss. The Chevrolet dealer where the vehicle was purchased was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and sent engineers who inspected the vehicle at Spitler's Collision 8 months later. The manufacturer later informed the contact that the collisions occurred because the driver did not turn away from the other vehicles and did not depress the brake pedal as needed, which the contact stated was the description of the failure. No further assistance was provided. The manufacturer and the auto finance company deemed the vehicle a total loss. The failure mileage was 67,540.

ODI #11669865SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

The car suddenly braked without warning, and the road was clear and no interference.

ODI #11667592ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Backup camera failure , missing rearview image when car gear is shifted to R, increasing the risk of crash and injury. When reversing the backup camera does not display any image/video feed on the screen, only the collision warning system is displayed.

ODI #11663735BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X3. The contact stated that while reversing, the back over prevention camera displayed a black screen. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V096000 (Back Over Prevention). The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 21,000.

ODI #11649060ENGINE

The lower radiator blinds had to be replace and was causing the engineer light to come. I feel that this is a big problem with the BMW and should be cover under warranty.

ODI #11634326POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the message "Drivetrain Malfunction" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the heat management module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure but offered no assistance and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 29,400.

ODI #11630429STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V534000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

ODI #11624466UNKNOWN OR OTHER

There is no remedy to fix the recall. This vehicle is a part of my income and I haven't been able to operate on any ride-share platforms. -rear cargo rails -BMW NA has declined my request to buy back my car. They don't provide loaners or alternative vehicles. -BMW NA ignored my request to speak with someone in regard to lost wages.

ODI #11624584SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Vehicle began intermittently turning lights on and off while parked and driving. Upon dealer inspection, sunroof frame failed causing water to leak and corrode the VDP module which controls items like the headlights and suspension. Dealer did confirm, vehicle is being repaired at this moment. There were no warning lights about the headlight malfunction, noticed it while driving and while parked. There was a warning light regarding the suspension however it turned off next start and only came back on once more, again disappearing next start. Upon completion of repair, can provide parts inspection, receipts and video of the lighting issue while parked.

ODI #11624011STRUCTURE

This recall was determined in July 2024. It's now November 7, 2024 and there is still not a fix for it.

ODI #11622482STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V534000 (Structure); 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

ODI #11619886ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLCRASH

The accident happened at Noon on [XXX] at the Amazon Fresh/Post office parking lot’s far right exit lane facing [XXX] The address is [XXX] . We were leaving the parking lot and I stopped at the exit lane with 2 cars in front of us. After the first car exited, the second car, a black Ford Explorer, moved forward. I released the brake slightly but my foot was still on the brake pedal. At this moment, my car suddenly accelerated and quickly approached the Explorer. I immediately pressed the brake pedal hard but was unable to stop my car and hit the back of the Explorer. The Explorer was forced out in front of the stop sign but the driver was able to turn right to park at the roadside. With my foot still firmly on the brake pedal, my car kept on accelerating into [XXX] , crossing 5 lanes of traffic until we hit the roadside curb of westbound [XXX] . The car then swerved left and hit a roadside tree, turning sideways into [XXX] middle turn lane. During this entire time, I did not press the accelerator and the car was violently shaking and jerking right and left. As the car slowed down, I was able to steer the car to the right eastbound lane of [XXX] , next to the parking lot near Bank of America’s ATM sign. After I got out of the car, I noticed the front and right sides of the body and tires were damaged including crushing, dents, and significant scratching. The problem I believe is as follows: 1.Sudden Unintended Acceleration and Control Circuit Malfunction. 2.Airbags did not deploy even though we hit a car, curb and tree. 3.Onboard Data Recorder should have the information needed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ODI #11615441STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V534000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. 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.

ODI #11608527AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X3. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the message to “Drive Safely - See Nearest BMW Service Center” was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was driven to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the wiring harness associated with the driver’s and passenger’s side knee air bags needed to be replaced; however, the part for the repair was not available. The contact researched online and became aware of Manufacturer Communications Number: B650122; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 20,243.

ODI #11593373POWER TRAIN

The differential mounting bolt will fail causing your differential to fall which breaks your driveshaft your transfer case and your exhaust system. This has been reported in well over 100 cars there is no warning light if driving at interstate speeds and this happens it could be catastrophic.

ODI #11585521ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS

This is the message I get: "Driver restraint system malfunction. Passenger knee airbag rewired to control module . Carefully drive to the closest service center. Driver restraint system is reduced. Increased risk of injury in case of a collision. Continue wearing safety belt. Driver restraint system malfunction. " I went to Cavender BMW and was told the problem is with the Passenger knee airbag rewired to control module. The cost would be $1,400. I have 24,122 miles on the car. My salesman said that there have been quite a few of these problems. It seems there should be a recall if that is the case.

ODI #11577050ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

I have records of over 900 other consumers including myself that have been asking BMW to fix a potential deadly lighting malfunction that leaves you with no dash lighting or a whiteout. This problem effects all the dash and HVAC controls where you can't see any the dash and safety components. I've reached out to BMW and they refuse to acknowledge the problem and have asked me to stop.

ODI #11564732ENGINE

I purchased the vehicle used on December 2, 2023. The vehicle randomly and intermittently exhibits a check engine light in normal driving conditions. The vehicle was inspected prior to sale, and engine oil was replaced prior to sale. The check engine light turns on and off sporadically but seems to turn on when the vehicle switches from electric to combustion engine.

ODI #11564380EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

This issue affects nearly ALL modern vehicles that support ONLY dark mode for backlit/light-imitting dashboard/infotainment screens. Back-lit, white text on a black background is very difficult to read for some people with certain medical conditions. For example, my wife has an intraocular lens implant. She can read road signs and physical 'white on black' text fine, but the LED backlit screen white text on a black screen causes the white lettering to glare and be blurry, making it difficult to read. I see this as a safety issue as she has to spend more time trying to read the dashboard and AC/Radio controls. Simple fix - require all auto manufacturers to include both a dark mode and a light mode for electronic displays. Currently the only ones I'm aware of who have a light mode display are Tesla and Hyundai.

ODI #11560653ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS

Received warning on screen. “Driver restraint system malfunction carefully drive to the closest service center driver restraint system is reduced. Increased risk of injury in case of collision. Continue using safety belt.” I took the car in, and this was the diagnosis: “Driver restraint system malfunction. Passenger knee airbag rewired to control module” 24,122 miles on the car. $1400

ODI #11560429AIR BAGS

The driver passenger restraint system light comes on which is a manufacturer defect that should be covered for the life of the vehicle (this is not a wear-and-tear) component. I called BMW and was told that the part is out of warranty. I would like an investigation of this part for all BMW X3 as the defect can result in fatalities.

ODI #11556998ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1. Whenever I refill my tank the car will start knocking. It will be only for 1 or 2 sudden jerks. I have tried every grade and nearly all the brands of fuel but its still the same. Even I escalated the same issue when I had my car service done. But to no avail. It happens when I refuel the tank. Otherwise, no issue to my surprise. I Need to know if it’s a known issue? If yes then why no one reached out to me to provide solution for it? Its been years i have tried to escalate it but no resolution. 2. When i use turn signals (either left or right) it start skipping click sound. even when the engine is ON and even when auto engine start is switched off. It happens not all the times but occasionally. I also escalated it when i went for service but i was told if its not logged in system then nothing cant be done. For both issues i dont see any resolution. First issue is way too annoying as sometimes i loose power to engine.

ODI #11550690SERVICE BRAKES

Trying to come to a redlight stop at about 35mph. Brakes stopped working and engine started revving really high by itself while trying to stop. Almost slammed into the car in front. Could not reproduce the problem and have no idea what is going on. The car also has all the safety features to prevent hitting something but did not work. Luckily the car in front moved forward to avoid the collision. Turned car off and back on to try to reset the car.

ODI #11531228POWER TRAIN

Was driving the vehicle home and while driving I heard a loud pop and a thump. Had the vehicle towed home to see that the real differential bolt had sheared off the head!

ODI #11530846POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving 10-15 MPH, he heard an abnormal noise from the rear differential bolt. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

ODI #11529892VISIBILITY/WIPER

When we closed the front driver seat of the car while the car was parked, the back moonroof glass exploded, meaning the glass shattered into a ton of little pieces. Those glass pieces fell all over the back seat. There was no external cause such as something falling on the glass, etc. This happened at the same time as when we closed the front driver door. There were no seen issues with the glass prior to it breaking such as cracks or otherwise, and we had just bought the car BMW certified 2 months prior. BMW has indicated they are not taking responsibility, as they "can't rule out external forces" (although there are clearly none) and told me to reach out to my insurance for coverage. Glass falling all over the back seat is clearly a safety issue.

ODI #11525807POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X3. The contact stated while accelerating from a stop, there was a loud, popping sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact inspected the vehicle and discovered that the upper rear differential mounting bolt head had sheared off. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and the failure was confirmed. The vehicle was repaired under warranty. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.

ODI #11525811POWER TRAIN

The issue is with the rear differential carrier bolt, Part # 33176760336. This bolt shears at the hex head and causes the differential assembly to misalign with the rest of the driveline components and causes further failures of the driveshaft and other items. Just in the past month I have seen several people post on the BMW X3M facebook groups and also on Internet forums about their broken bolt causing issues. The OEM bolt is a 10.9 grade bolt that does not appear to be able to take the stress put on it for daily driving. My car is exhibiting symptoms that others have heard in their cars before the failure occurred, Clunking when putting the car into drive or reverse. This can also be heard while going into second gear and driving at 5-20mph on light throttle then letting off the gas pedal and getting back on, this will cause the differential to clunk back onto the bolt and off. This is a failure due to a simple bolt component that could be enhanced by BMW to a higher tensile strength to avoid this situation from happening on the highway.

ODI #11525813POWER TRAIN

Consistently breaking differential bolt that hold the rear differential in place, very widespread issue as well as being consistently noted in forums. Also a high number of differential completely failing across all years. Mine failed recently, two other vehicles at the same dealership had a broken differential. There needs to be a recall on both of these issues.

ODI #11525837POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X3. The contact stated that while the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The contact stated he self-inspected the vehicle and noticed a loosened blot in the rear differential. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the failure was a common failure with the year, make, and model. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.

ODI #11525863POWER TRAIN

The rear differential bolt is a known failure point on these cars. I see it time and time again where there is a clunk noise coming from the rear of the car and sure enough, the bolt has broken on the rear differential and leaves the car undriveable. BMW has said that they are unable to do anything without NHTSA informing them of the issue. There needs to be a recall or active service bulletin to address this issue. This failure is not a matter of “if”, it is a matter of “when”. There needs to be a stronger bolt in place otherwise it is a near $5000 repair to replace the rear differential if not covered under warranty.

ODI #11525877POWER TRAIN

Rear differential disconnected from vehicle due to mounting bolt snapping, rear differential was also previously replaced by bmw before I purchased vehicles due to rear differential failure

ODI #11525920POWER TRAIN

The differential is making clicking noises at low speed especially when on and off the gas.

ODI #11524847AIR BAGS

While the car was still under warranty, I got an error message about passenger restraint malfunction. I took to the dealer and was told that it was caused by an iPad found under driver seat. They turned off the warning. Three months later, I get the same message again. The car is now out of warranty and I was told the error is for knee airbag wire that would take 10 hours to get to and repair, if that’s the problem. The cost will be $3800. I decided to wait. Car has 53,000 miles on it. First time I took to the dealer was on December 20,2022. Malfunction light came back on April 28,2023. I couldn’t get an appointment until May 31, 2023.

ODI #11523690UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Driving in a rural area on a paved road when an explosion of the sun roof glass occurred showering the driver and passenger with glass. Most of the glass blew away from the vehicle as the window exploded upward. A noise like a shot gun. No warning no any justifiable cause for the incident.

ODI #11519390AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X3. The contact stated that the passenger’s side restraint system warning message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the sensor failed to recognize an occupant seated in the passenger’s side seat. Due to the failure, the air bag warning light remained off while a passenger was seated in the front passenger’s seat. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that he had to pay out-of-pocket for the repair. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. The VIN was not available.

ODI #11512787VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER

This car does not have an accurate speedometer. The analog dial only marks the MPH number every 20 miles (eg numbers shown for 20 / 40 / 60. But not for 10 / 30 / 50). So impossible to easily or safely see the speed you are going. There is no digital speedometer showing the MPH number.

ODI #11507157ENGINEFIRE

The contact owned a 2020 BMW X3. The contact stated after parking her vehicle at her residence, the vehicle caught fire around the engine independently. The fire department extinguished the fire. A fire and police report were filed. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact stated no one was injured nor sought medical attention. The insurance company deemed the vehicle a total loss. The vehicle was not diagnosed. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 11,700. The consumer stated the police and fire reports have been requested and waiting to receive the reports.

ODI #11505889BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X3. The contact stated that at night or during inclement weather while shifted in reverse, the rear-view camera displayed a distorted screen. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V684000 (Back Over Prevention) as a possible fix for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

ODI #11488168STEERING

After car warms up and while driving in warmer temperatures, steering becomes loose, vehicle drifts in lane and becomes difficult to control. Even with steering assist enabled, vehicle cannot maintain a straight line. Knocking sound from underneath vehicle when steering to center at low speeds.

ODI #11466446UNKNOWN OR OTHER

While driving on the highway, without warning, there was an explosion from the roof of the car which startled me and almost caused me to lose control of the vehicle. I pulled over and found that the panoramic sunroof had exploded. Luckily, we had the sunroof shade closed underneath it, so the glass did not rain down on us. However, cars and a motorcycle behind us swerved to avoid the glass flying off of the car and almost crashed into each other. I drove directly to the BMW dealership in Smithtown, NY and they are evaluating the event. They said that a special team from BMW may come to look at the car. They have not yet agreed to cover the repair even though the car is still under warranty.

ODI #11460358ENGINE

BMW recalled our car twice to replace the hybrid battery. Purchase in late July 2020; first recall about August 2020; second recall about September 2021. BMW replaced the hybrid battery as part of the second recall. Since then the vehicle check engine light has intermittently illuminated. The service department has confirmed faults in the hybrid drive system but has not identified the cause of the faults nor identified a fix. The car is not drivable and has been in the shop for the last 6 weeks with no end in sight. This car has been in the BMW service center for issues relating to the hybrid battery drive system on at least 4 occasions encompassing more than 120 cumulative days over the past 1.6 years that we have owned it. BMW reportedly is now replacing sensors (e.g., throwing parts at the car) in hopes of correcting the fault rather than identifying the source of the fault. I understand from an employee at the BMW service center that he is aware that this dealership has SEVERAL X3 hybrid vehicles with issues identical to our car; and that other dealerships also have hybrid X3 vehicles with faults in the hybrid systems.

ODI #11455110POWER TRAIN

Vehicle engine RPM will arbitrarily increase from 500-600 RPM to 1200-1500 RPM while idling in drive and at operating temperature, such as at a stoplight or in a drive-through. The vehicle also makes a distinct clunking sound under normal stop-and-go driving conditions.

ODI #11446603ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns the 2020 BMW X3. The contact purchased the vehicle in March of 2021 and then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V601000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the vehicle had been at the dealer since December of 2021 unrepaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact was provided with a loaner vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

ODI #11441972ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V601000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. 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. Parts distribution disconnect.

ODI #11435534ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

On August 31, 2020, I purchased a new 2020 BMW X3E, manufactured and warranted by BMW, from Habberstad BMW, located at 945 East Jericho Turnpike, Huntington Station, New York 11746. On or about October 14, 2020, I was notified by a BMW Safety Recall regarding a defective battery in my hybrid vehicle. I later learned that on or about September 2, 2020, BMW submitted a Part 573 Safety Recall Report to the NHTSA, that on August 11, 2020, BMW decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall, and that per the Safety Recall in August 2020, BMW dealerships were expressly told NOT to sell any new motor vehicles that were subject to this recall. Thus, when I purchased my new vehicle, BMW and the dealership knew about the safety recall and they still sold me the vehicle. The value of the vehicle has cratered since the Safety Recall was announced and I made payments for the vehicle and maintained insurance on the vehicle for many months while the safety defect was being addressed by BMW. I attempted to resolve these issues with BMWNA for a sum on money and for BMW to take back the defective vehicle, but no agreement was reached. Finally, I recently filed a lawsuit against BMW of North America, LLC and Habberstad Motorsport, Inc. under the New York State Lemon Law, for unlawful and deceptive trade practice, and for fraudulent inducement. All relevant documents, including the Summons and Complaint from the lawsuit are attached to this Vehicle Complaint Form. I would be happy to provide additional documentation or answer additional questions on this matter.

ODI #11426693ENGINEFIRE

The contact owned a 2020 BMW X3. The contact stated the vehicle was stationary at a parking lot, when the front passenger informed her that there was smoke coming from under the passenger’s side hood. The contact stated a bystander attempted to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher but failed. The fire department arrived within 10 minutes and was able to extinguish the fire. The contact stated no one was injured nor was medical attention sought. A fire report was filed. A police officer arrived at the location and filed a police report. The vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was towed to towing lot. The insurance company deemed the vehicle a total loss. The contact called the local dealer and left a voicemail. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 7,000.

ODI #11405954ENGINEFIRE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 BMW X3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND UNATTENDED, IT SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT FIRE. ADDITIONALLY, A LINCOLN MKZ PARKED ADJACENT TO THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO REPORTED INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT LOT. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000.

ODI #11403959FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

AEB TRIGGERS WITH NO CAR IN FRONT OF ME. DEALER SERVICE REP TELLS ME HER X5 DOES IT TOO, THAT THE SENSOR IS MOUNTED TOO LOW AND A POTHOLE CAN SET IT OFF. ADVISED TO SET TO "LATE." DID IT AGAIN. WAS RAINING LAST TIME AND CAR WENT INTO MINOR SKID. (DRIVER BEHIND ME WASN'T AMUSED). HAS HAPPENED TWICE.

ODI #11399212UNKNOWN OR OTHER

MY REAR TRUNK DOOR OPENS ON ITS OWN WHEN I'M AWAY FROM THE CAR AND IT IS LOCKED. MY COWORKERS HAVE WITNESSED IT WHILE ON BREAK IN THE PARKING LOT. I'VE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO ADDRESS AND IT HAS NOT HAPPENED AS OFTEN, BUT IT CONTINUES TO HAPPEN, JUST NOT AS FREQUENTLY.

ODI #11397348UNKNOWN OR OTHER

WHILE DRIVING, HEARD A EXPLOSION. STOP AND THE SUNROOF GLASS HAD EXPLOTED.

ODI #11396945UNKNOWN OR OTHER

WHILE DRIVING, SUNROOF EXPLODED

ODI #11378340WHEELS

MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING MY INFANT SON AND I AS WE WERE MERGING ONTO THE PA TURNPIKE. WE HIT SOME SMALL ROAD DEBRIS AT ABOUT 50-60 MPH. THE DEBRIS WAS SO SMALL THAT WE DIDN'T FEEL A BUMP OR ANYTHING, JUST HEARD A LOUD BANG AND FIGURED WE HAD A TYPICAL BLOW OUT. THE CAR DID JERK TO THE LEFT MODERATELY BUT WE WERE ABLE TO SAFELY PULL OVER. UPON INSPECTION, THE WHEEL SPLIT IN HALF ACROSS THE ENTIRE CIRCUMFERENCE IN THE DIRECTION OF ROLL. THERE WAS A SMALL BEND ON THE INSIDE EDGE OF THE WHEEL AT THE POINT OF IMPACT BUT THE SPLIT WAS SEVERAL INCHES AWAY FROM THIS DAMAGE. THERE WAS ALSO NO CRACK OR SPLIT AT THE POINT OF IMPACT. WE WOULD HAVE EXPECTED THERE TO BE A CRACK IN THIS AREA PERPENDICULAR TO THE ROAD BUT INSTEAD THE CRACK WAS IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION, AWAY FROM THE DAMAGE. THE TIRE HAD NO DAMAGE TO IT AND WAS THE ONLY THING HOLDING THE WHEEL TOGETHER AS IT WAS IN TWO SEPARATE PIECES. THE WHEEL CONTACTED THE BRAKE CALIPER, ROTOR, AND DUST SHIELD CAUSING ABRASIONS AND DENTS IN THESE PARTS. LUCKILY, THE BRAKES HELD TOGETHER BUT THIS COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE. MY HUSBAND HAS SEEN BENT WHEELS BEFORE BUT THIS LOOKS LIKE A POSSIBLE CASTING PROBLEM WITH THE ALLOY WHEEL ITSELF AS IT LITERALLY SHEARED APART. THERE WERE 3 VEHICLES IMMEDIATELY BEHIND US THAT STRUCT THE SAME DEBRIS AND ONLY SUFFERED PUNCTURES AND NO BROKEN WHEELS. THE BMW IS EQUIPPED WITH NO SPARE BUT HAS RUN FLAT TIRES WHICH WERE COMPLETELY USELESS IN THIS SCENARIO. WE WOULD NOT HAVE EXPECTED THIS KIND OF DAMAGE FROM SOME ROAD DEBRIS, POTHOLE, OR ANY OTHER NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCE.

ODI #11376857ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TAILGATE OPENED SPONTANEOUSLY WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET. HAD TO STOP AND CLOSE THE TAILGATE FROM THE OUTSIDE (INTERIOR SWITCH DID NOT WORK).

ODI #11376860ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

ALARM SPONTANEOUSLY TRIGGERED (WHISTLING SOUND AND FLASHING LIGHTS) TWICE. THE FIRST TIME, THE VEHICLE HAD COME TO A STOP AND WAS IN PARK (PASSENGERS IN VEHICLE), WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING IN DRIVE-READY MODE. THE ALARM TURNED OFF BY ITSELF AFTER ABOUT 10 SECONDS. THE SECOND TIME, THE ALARM TRIGGERED WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET. IT STAYED TRIGGERED FOR SEVERAL MINUTES, EVEN AFTER STOPPING AND TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF AND ON SEVERAL TIMES. (WE DIDN'T TRY TO LOCK THE VEHICLE.) THE ALARM WAS FINALLY TURNED OFF PRESSING THE ALARM BUTTON ON THE KEY FOB.

ODI #11374332EXTERIOR LIGHTING

WHEN DRIVING THE CAR DURING THE DAY THE INFORTAINMENT DIGITAL DISPLAY AND DASH BOARD DIMS TO ALMOST BLACK INTERMITTENTLY MAKING IT DANGEROUS AND DISTRACTING TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE IF TRYING TO USE THE RADIO, THE PHONE, OR DRIVING MILES MPH AND MILAGE GAUGES. THE SCREENS BRIGHTEN UP IF THE DRIVER WINDOW IS OPENED UP. BUT, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO DO THIS WHEN DRIVING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN COMPLAINED ABOUT WITHIN TWO MONTHS OF DRIVING IT OFF THE SHOWROOM FLOOR IN DEC 2019. I HAVE BEEN TOLD 10 TIMES SO FAR, THAT THERE IS NO FIX FOR THIS PROBLEM.

ODI #11362806ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

MEDIA COUNSEL KEEP SHUTTING DOWN

ODI #11361557AIR BAGS

REPEATED PASSENGER AIRBAG/ RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION. WHEN THIS FAULT HAPPENS, THE AIRBAGS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WILL NOT INFLATE IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT, CREATING A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD. FIRST TIME THE FAULT OCCURRED AT 1341 MILES, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS NOT OCCUPIED. DEALER THEN REPLACED THE OCCUPANCY SENSOR. THE FAULT RETURNED A MONTH LATER AT 2219 MILES WHEN A PASSENGER WAS ADJUSTING THE SEAT DURING A TRIP. DEALER FOUND NO PERSISTENT FAULT AND JUST SECURED THE CONNECTORS.

ODI #11361036ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE

THE BACK UP CAMERA FAILS TO SHOW THE IMAGES AND PDC SENSORS DO NOT BEEP. EVEN WHEN IN REVERSE THE CAMERAS MALFUNCTION AND FREEZE. WAS PARKING IN A TIGHT SPOT AND NONE OF THE PDC SENSORS AND CAMERAS WORKED. EVEN WITH OPTION TO AUTOMATICALLY COME ON THE PDC AND CAMERA SYSTEM DID NOT TURN ON EVEN AT VERY SLOW SPEED IN THE PARKING GARAGE. AFTER PARKING AND LIFTING THE FOOT OFF THE BRAKE THE CAR HIT THE WALL AND THEN PDC SENSORS BEEPED AFTER THE IMPACT AND CREATED DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END OF THE CAR.

ODI #11355601UNKNOWN OR OTHER

WHILE DRIVING HOME, WE HEARD A LOUD NOISE (EXPLOSION) AND AFTER PULLING OFF THE ROAD, WE FOUND THE SUN ROOF HAD A LARGE HOLE. WE WERE VERY CONFUSED AS TO WHY IT HAPPENED, AS THE BMW X3 IS ONLY 9 MONTHS OLD.

ODI #11341720STEERING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 BMW X3. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, WHEN HE HEARD AN ABNORMAL SOUND COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED HE CONTINUED DRIVING THE VEHICLE TO HIS DESTINATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BMW OF RAMSEY LOCATED AT 985 NJ-17, RAMSEY, NJ 07446, (844) 743-8279, HOWEVER THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE PERSISTED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 20V355000 (STEERING) AND 19V738000 (STEERING), HOWEVER THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35.

ODI #11288513UNKNOWN OR OTHER

TRUNK OPENED BY ITSELF WHILE VEHICLE WAS MOVING.

HighPOWER STEERING issue detected

Loss of power steering assist — vehicle becomes difficult to control especially at low speeds and during parking

HighTRANSMISSION issue detected

Complete transmission failure — repair costs $3,000–$8,000+; vehicle may become undriveable

Annual complaints and reliability score for BMW X3 — recall years marked in red
01223050100202120192020202120222023202420252026Complaints/yrReliability (0–100)
Annual complaints (left axis)
Reliability score 0–100 (right axis, higher = safer)
Crash-involved complaints that year
Recall issued
Chart Analysis

The blue line shows 96 total NHTSA complaints filed over 8 years, with the worst year being 2026 (23 complaints).

The amber reliability line is declining — recent years score around 10/100, lower than earlier in the vehicle's life. This pattern indicates issues are accumulating over time rather than being resolved, which is a concern for used buyers.

The recall (red dashed line) followed the first complaints by 2 years — a typical response window; neither unusually fast nor a pattern of denial.

Red dots on the amber line flag 2 years (2024, 2025) where complaints included crash events — these are the highest-severity incidents in the dataset.

Details & Analysis
Financial
$40,399
~$673/mo over 5 yrs
$0.6/mi
cost per mile
Fuel
$10,000
Insurance (est.)
$10,315
Maintenance
$10,000
Repair Risk Buffer
$3,000
Depreciation
$7,084

Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $40,399 (~$673/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.

16 open recalls (unverified repair status)−$8,000
1 recall over 2 years old — likely uncompleted−$400
Total recommended deduction−$8,400
HIGH
Inspect for power steering issue detected — ask for repair records
Loss of power steering assist — vehicle becomes difficult to control especially at low speeds and during parking
HIGH
Inspect for transmission issue detected — ask for repair records
Complete transmission failure — repair costs $3,000–$8,000+; vehicle may become undriveable
HIGH
Verify recall BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA has been repaired
Recall on record for: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 X3 sDrive 30i, X3 xDrive 30i, X3M 40i, X3 xDrive 30e, X4
HIGH
Verify recall BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA has been repaired
Recall on record for: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X
HIGH
Verify recall ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL has been repaired
Recall on record for: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 X4 xDrive30i and X4 M40i, and 2018-2020 X3 sDrive30i, X3
HIGH
Verify recall BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA has been repaired
Recall on record for: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xD
HIGH
Verify recall SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY has been repaired
Recall on record for: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X3 xDrive30e, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, X4M, 330i, 330i xDrive, M
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: ENGINE
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic
For any used vehicle with a risk score above Low, a $100–$150 independent inspection is always worth it.
MEDIUM
Run a VIN check on NHTSA.gov to confirm all recalls are closed
Free at nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/recalls — enter the VIN and confirm all campaigns show as completed.
MEDIUM
Verify title is clean and check for salvage/rebuilt brands at your state DMV
Title washing across state lines is common — confirm with your state DMV before finalizing purchase.
30%
18-month
51%
2-year
Moderate Probability
Cumulative 2-year risk: 51%

30% estimated recall probability — some indicators present but not alarming.

  • Accelerating complaint rate — increasing pressure on NHTSA to act
  • Multiple prior recalls — pattern of safety issues on this model

Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.

Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.

History & Auctions
Full Coverage
$1,940–$2,470/yr
~$162–$206/mo
Liability Only
$560–$710/yr
~$47–$59/mo
Category: Standard VehicleModerate surcharge risk
High theft risk model: +18% to comprehensive premium 6-year-old vehicle: −7% (moderate depreciation)

Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.

High
3.5× national average · 37/1,000 vehicles
Recovery rate:42%of stolen BMW X3s are recovered

BMW X3 has an elevated theft rate (3.5× average). Factor in higher comprehensive insurance costs.

BMW has been fined $3M+ by NHTSA. Most recently in 2014: Failure to submit required Early Warning Reports to NHTSA.

2014$3MFailure to submit required Early Warning Reports to NHTSA

Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.

Vehicle Identity

VIN5UXTY5C05LLE57907
Model Year2020
MakeBMW
ModelX3
TrimxDrive30i
Vehicle TypeMULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)

Body & Configuration

Body StyleSport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV)
Doors4
Seat Rows5
Drive TypeAWD/All-Wheel Drive
Fuel TypeGasoline
TransmissionAutomatic

Engine

Engine Cylinders4
Displacement (L)2.0
Horsepower248

Manufacturer

ManufacturerBMW MANUFACTURER CORPORATION / BMW NORTH AMERICA
Assembly CityGREER
Assembly CountryUNITED STATES (USA)

VIN Structure

WMI (Chars 1–3)5UX
Check Digit (Char 9)5
Model Year Code (Char 10)L
Plant Code (Char 11)L
Sequence (Chars 12–17)E57907

Safety Data

NHTSA Recall Count16
NHTSA Complaint Count96
5
1
U
2
X
3
T
4
Y
5
5
6
C
7
0
8
5
9
L
10
L
11
E
12
5
13
7
14
9
15
0
16
7
17
WMI (1–3)
VDS (4–8)
Check Digit (9)
Model Year (10)
Serial (11–17)
5
World Manufacturer
Country & region of manufacture
Position 1
U
Manufacturer
Specific manufacturer identifier
Position 2
X
Vehicle Type
Division or vehicle type
Position 3
TY5C0
Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)
Body style, engine type, restraint system
Position 4–8
5
Check Digit
Mathematical validation character
Position 9
L
Model Year
Year of manufacture
Position 10
L
Assembly Plant
Where the vehicle was assembled
Position 11
E57907
Production Sequence
Unique serial number for this vehicle
Position 12–17
Country of Manufacture
United States
From VIN position 1 (5)
Model Year Character
"L" → 2020
Could also be 1990
Check Digit (Pos 9)
✓ Valid
ISO 3779 weighted-sum algorithm

Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 4/15/2026, 2:02:11 AM.