BMW X3 2018 — Problemas relatados

I am reporting a serious safety-related failure involving my 2018 BMW X3. While I was driving on Highway [XXX] in [XXX] on XXX, the vehicle suddenly lost electrical power and became disabled while I was traveling in active highway traffic. The instrument cluster went completely black and the vehicle would not restart. Because the vehicle became disabled unexpectedly while I was on the freeway, I was placed in an extremely dangerous situation with a significant risk of being struck by other vehicles traveling at highway speed. The vehicle also could not properly operate the hazard warning lights after the failure, which significantly increased the danger to me and other motorists because a disabled vehicle on a busy freeway could not adequately warn approaching traffic. Law enforcement responded to the incident and attempted to jump-start the vehicle, but the vehicle still would not start. The vehicle was subsequently taken to a repair facility. The battery was replaced, after which the vehicle was able to start and operate again. I am concerned that a failure of the vehicle's electrical power/battery/charging system can cause a sudden loss of propulsion and electrical functions while the vehicle is being driven at highway speed. This creates a serious safety hazard and could result in a high-speed collision, serious injury, or death. I am requesting that NHTSA review this incident as a potential safety defect and determine whether similar incidents have been reported involving 2018 BMW X3 vehicles or related electrical, battery, charging-system, or power-loss failures. This was not simply an inconvenience or a normal maintenance issue. The failure occurred while the vehicle was being driven on a highway and created an immediate and substantial risk of a collision and serious injury. I can provide repair records, towing records, photographs, vehicle information, and other documentation related to the incident if requested. Thanks, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PCV valve issues. Failing PCV valve. I bought my car in 2020 certified pre owned and having issues wi the the PCV Valve similar to the recall for 2018 BMW x3 M40.

The windshield was replaced due to a crack from road debris. It was replaced with a Fuyoa 43R-0117043; DOT1038M544AS1. The car has head up display. The new windshield is highly reflective when driving during sunny day, and the head up display equipment is reflecting on the windshield in the middle of driver's view and very distracting. The previous windshield had a minimal reflection of head up display during daytime sun but not a driver distraction. BMW service (installed the windshield with OEM part) rep drove the car and observed the strong reflection. The service rep checked with BMW engineers who reported this is an issue they are receiving more reports about but the rep said there is nothing BMW will do in response to this safety complaint. He indicated the windshield is OEM and to specifications. There are no warning lamps or messages related to the new windshield, only this driver's observation of negative change in view while driving. The reflection does not occur when the car is in the shade.

The contact owns a 2018 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the seat belt warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 55,000.

BMW uses plastic coolant pipes which become brittle and crack causing huge issue with entire coolant system. It’s a known issue for bmw repair facilities including engine failure

For about 1 year now when there is someone in the passenger seat the car will randomly stop recognizing the seat is occupied and deactivate the air bags on the passenger side front. I took the car to bmw where it was diagnosed as a faulty seat mat. I called bmw corporate to try to get this issue resolved and they were unable to cover it under any warranty. After the battery replacement the car has lost all communication with the passenger seat safety restraints and now has a permanent air bag light

My 2018 BMW X3 xdrive30i G01 series has been experiencing persistent overheating issues, even in cold temperatures as low as 40 degrees. The coolant reservoir boils vigorously while driving, but the temperature gauge does not indicate overheating, and no warning lights appear. The only alert displayed is a low coolant warning instructing to refill coolant or to top off. Recently, I noticed coolant and other fluids leaking from underneath the vehicle, along with a strong burning smell coming from the engine. Adding BMW brand antifreeze/coolant did not resolve the issue. Despite these ongoing issues, the authorized BMW dealership has refused to inspect the cooling system further because no fault codes appear. Independent repair shops have also been unable to diagnose the root cause. This presents a serious safety risk. The vehicle is overheating without warning, which could result in sudden engine failure while driving. The boiling coolant, burning smell, and fluid leaks also raise concerns about a potential fire hazard. This vehicle is now undrivable and unsafe. I urge NHTSA to immediately investigate potential cooling system and sensor defects in this model.

The contact owns a 2018 BMW X3. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, there were several unknown warning lights illuminated on the instrument cluster. The contact stated that the rear and side view cameras were disabled, and the Forward Collision Avoidance system was disabled. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed and it was determined that the steering wheel torque sensors had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

Passenger Seat Occupancy mat in the seat failed which disabled the passenger airbags. So it is very unsafe to drive the car now. This problem applies to many other BMW cars for which the warranty was extended. Unfortunately my car is not included in the warranty extension and out of pocket cost to repair it is $2500. I can’t afford to fix it. I believe that many other owners experience the same problem leading them to drive unsafe cars or disabling the system using aftermarket solutions. I truly believe that for the safety reasons BMW should extend the warranty for the model of my car.

I cannot take the vehicle to the dealership to have the recall performed. I have spoken with the closest dealership and they will not provide a driver or towing services unless I pay for it. The letter I received from BMW indicates if my "BMW center is unable to remedy the defect without charge or a reasonable period of time", I should notify the NHTSA. Unless BMW follows federal guidelines, I cannot have the recall remedied. I would like some options or relief so that the recall can be performed.

When the temperature is cold, the instrument cluster won’t turn on.

The contact owns a 2018 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the "Engine Coolant Level Low" and "Engine Overheating" warning lights illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to an Auto Parts store and purchased a gallon of coolant. The contact refilled the coolant reservoir and became aware of a puddle of coolant underneath the vehicle. The contact drove the vehicle to a local dealer. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.

The contact owns a 2018 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 48 MPH, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was hot, and the “Warning – Pull Over - Engine Overheating” was displayed. The contact pulled over to the side of the road to allow the engine to cool down. The contact restarted the vehicle however, the message that the engine was overheating was again displayed. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that several days later the vehicle was towed to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that coolant was leaking from the bottom of the reservoir, and that the coolant feed lines, return lines, O-rings, coolant pump, connectors, seal for the intake system, and the oil filter housing component system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 89,000.

Digital dashboard which show speed, RPM, fuel, temp and other important information randomly goes blank while driving. It will come back on by itself or after restarting the car. This has happened many times.

my car has a recall, and dealer told me it can not be solved. for this reason, I can not rent my car in Turo due to incomplete recall, and I also have safety concerns

I was driving car on clear roadway and received a warning to go to service. I smelled burning and saw smoke coming from front hood. Got onto shoulder, got out of car and flames started - falling to ground first and then entire engine was consumed.

One morning, I tried to back my door out of garage and I couldn’t. I found front tire could not be turned. Found that front tire steering tie rod is snapped into 2 pieces. Further inspection showed that the steering rod had some deflects before broken. I took the photos to show the evidence.

The contact owns a 2018 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.

The contact owns a 2018 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2018 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.