2018 BMW X3 Problems & Owner Complaints

Electrical System 20

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11708423, 2025

“Drivers left front daytime running lights failed after <4 years from warranty replacement. 3rd set of lights in under 7 years on this vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11686664, 2025

“headlights flash due to possible faulty switch. very bad safely problem that affects other cars”
NHTSA complaint #11677099, 2025

Engine 15

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11730148, 2026

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11721022, 2026

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11721034, 2026

Unknown Or Other 12 2 crash 2 fire 2 injury

“THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING AND WHEN I TRIED TO STOP BECAUSE THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME STOPPED. MY CAR HAD A BRAKE FAILURE AND CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. ABS AND/OR THE COLLUSION DETERRENT SYSTEM ENGAGED TO AVOID THIS ACCIDENT.”
NHTSA complaint #11071958, 2018 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11628538, 2024 · fire

“January 15, 2021 our BMW burned to the ground. I had just picked it up after an oil change at the dealership. Only the second oil change and the SUV had less than 17,000 miles. My safety was certainly at risk as I was stopped at a red light when the engine started smoking. I exited the car, but within 1-2 minutes the car was engulfed in flames. Several pieces flew off the SUV was tires popped or other components exploded. People in the area were near the SUV when pieces flew off the car. I am sure by now the car has been destroyed. Until I saw a recent BMW car fire recall and read the…”
NHTSA complaint #11610210, 2021 · fire

Structure 8

“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”
NHTSA complaint #11630740, 2024

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11625420, 2024

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11621371, 2024

Steering 7 2 crash

“I WAS PARKING WHEN I TOTALLY LOST CONTROL OF MY CAR. I COULD NOT STEER IT AND I COULD NOT BREAK. I WENT LEFT WHILE I WAS ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE BUT I HAD NO BRAKES. I ATTEMPTED TO GO STRAIGHT AND HIT ONE PARKED CAR. THEN I WENT RIGHT AND DAMAGED ANOTHER CAR THEN THE CAR HIT A 3 CAR. THEN THE CAR STOPPED. I RECEIVE A BMW ASSIST MESSAGE REGARDING HAVING AN ACCIDENT THEN THE SCREEN WENT DEAD. I WAS PARKING MY CAR. FEW WEEKS BEFORE I RECEIVED THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE: CHASSIS STABILIZATION PROBLEMS. YOU CAN CONTINUE DRIVING BUT TAKE YOUR CAR TO THE DEALER ( SOMETHING LIKE THAT). I STOPPED THE CAR AN…”
NHTSA complaint #11290747, 2019 · crash

“BMW 2018 X3 STEERING WHEEL ***WENT OUT OF CONTROL*** FOR UNKNOWN REASON AND TOOK OVER MY DRIVING ON HWY 84 WHEN I WAS GOING ABOUT 62 MILES, IT GEARED TO LEFT ON ITS OWN. THE CAR EVENTUALLY HIT CENTER DIVIDER DURING THE COURSE OF TRYING TO AVOID OTHERWISE POSSIBLY SEVERE COLLISION. X3 ENTIRE LEFT SIDE DAMAGED, CALLED 911, CAR TOWED. CONTACTED BMW NA AND LOCAL DEALER IN FREMONT CALIFORNIA, CAR TESTED, REPORTED BACK WITH NO PROBLEM. BMW OFFERED NO EXPLANATION OF WHY IT HAPPENED. NOR DID ANY REMEDY OFFERED FOR CAR DAMAGE, ESTIMATED REPAIR COST OF $13000, ASIDE FROM STRESS CAUSED AFTER SUCH A TR…”
NHTSA complaint #11202592, 2018 · crash

“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.…”
NHTSA complaint #11647337, 2024

Air Bags 5

“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 "…”
NHTSA complaint #11706711, 2025

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11645117, 2025

“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”
NHTSA complaint #11648941, 2024

Exterior Lighting 5

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11708423, 2025

“Drivers left front daytime running lights failed after <4 years from warranty replacement. 3rd set of lights in under 7 years on this vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11686664, 2025

“headlights flash due to possible faulty switch. very bad safely problem that affects other cars”
NHTSA complaint #11677099, 2025

Service Brakes 5 3 crash 2 injury

“THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING AND WHEN I TRIED TO STOP BECAUSE THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME STOPPED. MY CAR HAD A BRAKE FAILURE AND CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. ABS AND/OR THE COLLUSION DETERRENT SYSTEM ENGAGED TO AVOID THIS ACCIDENT.”
NHTSA complaint #11071958, 2018 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“I WAS PARKING WHEN I TOTALLY LOST CONTROL OF MY CAR. I COULD NOT STEER IT AND I COULD NOT BREAK. I WENT LEFT WHILE I WAS ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE BUT I HAD NO BRAKES. I ATTEMPTED TO GO STRAIGHT AND HIT ONE PARKED CAR. THEN I WENT RIGHT AND DAMAGED ANOTHER CAR THEN THE CAR HIT A 3 CAR. THEN THE CAR STOPPED. I RECEIVE A BMW ASSIST MESSAGE REGARDING HAVING AN ACCIDENT THEN THE SCREEN WENT DEAD. I WAS PARKING MY CAR. FEW WEEKS BEFORE I RECEIVED THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE: CHASSIS STABILIZATION PROBLEMS. YOU CAN CONTINUE DRIVING BUT TAKE YOUR CAR TO THE DEALER ( SOMETHING LIKE THAT). I STOPPED THE CAR AN…”
NHTSA complaint #11290747, 2019 · crash

“TRAVELING EAST BOUND THROUGH AN ALLEY IN ORDER TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN ONTO A SOUTH-NORTH RUNNING CITY STREET. BRAKE WAS FIRST APPLIED APPROXIMATELY TWO-CAR LENGTH (DISTANCE WISE) BEFORE THE INTERSECTION. I NOTICED THE VEHICLE WAS ACTING FUNNY: INSTEAD OF SLOWLY COMING TO A STOP, IT PICKED UP SPEED. I FELT AS IF SOMETHING WAS DISENGAGED AND THE CAR WAS FLYING OFF WITHOUT GRAVITY. I HIT THE BRAKE AGAIN AS THE CAR WAS DASHING INTO THE INTERSECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS AGAIN ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN, COMPLETELY OUT OF CONTROL. AT THAT MOMENT A TRASH TRUCK WAS TRAVELING SOUTH BOUND. BOTH THE D…”
NHTSA complaint #11165428, 2018 · crash

Suspension 5

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11627999, 2024

“While reversing heard a clanking noise (like a heavy wrench falling off from few feet). Came out and checked and found a broken piece of suspension coil spring near the front left wheel. Checked the inner portion of the coil with hand and felt uneven surface on the lower part of the coil similar to the unevenness on the broken part. Remaining coil is still hard to move and seems to be in place. Car is only 6 yrs old and driven for less than 35k miles. Asked around with local shops and they say with this age and miles it should not crack like this and could be a quality issue. No rust is visib…”
NHTSA complaint #11591193, 2024

“First Failure 3/22- Vehicle makes clanking/rattling of metal sound when going over bumps. Sound is felt near driver caliper and rattles. Can be felt in steering. 4/22 Vehicle is taken to BMW for inspection; needed to come back as they couldn't figure it out. 5/22 Vehicle sound is replicated by BMW dealer service center. I have not received any warning messages or lights prior. Current lights that stay lit longer than usual are the assisted driving and the hazard. This has been since the power failure however. Vehicle has been out of service for a collective 150+ days this year. No remed…”
NHTSA complaint #11500667, 2022

Engine And Engine Cooling 4

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11635922, 2025

“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 f…”
NHTSA complaint #11635346, 2025

“The contact owns a 2017 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System) 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 stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact observed that the temperature warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over and waited more than 30 minutes for the engine to cool dow…”
NHTSA complaint #11615038, 2024

Back Over Prevention 3

“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.…”
NHTSA complaint #11647337, 2024

“Rear camera is malfunctioning. It blinks and then goes black.”
NHTSA complaint #11533203, 2023

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 BMW X3. WHILE REVERSING THE VEHICLE, THE REARVIEW CAMERA SPONTANEOUSLY BLACKED OUT INTERMITTENTLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED FOUR TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ADVANTAGE BMW CLEAR LAKE (400 GULF FWY S, LEAGUE CITY, TX 77573, (281) 557-7000) WHERE THEY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE SOFTWARE WAS UPDATED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SAME DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CAMERA NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE…”
NHTSA complaint #11217855, 2018

Power Train 2

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11692532, 2025

“The contact owns a 2018 BMW X3. The contact stated while his wife was driving 65 MPH, a message advising to stop driving was displayed, and the vehicle simultaneously shifted into neutral(N) independently. The vehicle stalled in the middle of the highway and failed to respond while depressing the accelerator pedal. The message advising to drive with caution was displayed after several minutes, and the contact was able to continue driving upon depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was…”
NHTSA complaint #11575803, 2024

Seat Belts 2

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11661499, 2025

“2018 BMW X3 M40I: UPON START UP THE VEHICLE DISPLAYS A WARNING 'SEATBELT RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION.' THE CAR THE ENTERS A LIMP MODE AND SAYS TO DRIVE TO THE NEAREST BMW SERVICE CENTER AND THAT SOME SAFETY FEATURES ARE UNAVAILABLE. POWER ASSIST STEERING NO LONGER WORKS, AND THE VEHICLE DEFAULTS TO 4WD MODE. ADDITIONALLY, IT FURTHER STATES AIRBAG FUNCTIONALITY IS LIMITED, AND CRASH AVOIDANCE IS UNAVAILABLE, BUT THAT DRIVING IS STILL POSSIBLE! WHAT'S DISTURBING IS THAT I DISCOVERED THAT MANY OTHER LATE MODEL BMW OWNERS ARE REPORTING THIS SAME ISSUE. THE FEW THAT HAVE HAD IT RESOLVED SAID IT'S…”
NHTSA complaint #11150446, 2018

Seats 2

“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”
NHTSA complaint #11648941, 2024

“Passneger occupancy sensor keeps failing due to a known issue with BMW X3 G01. Seat wiring circuit keeps experiencing electrical problems and failing to detect passenger. This can lead to airbags not deploying in the event of collision. Third time the issue has been repaired and customer was responsible for almost $1200 in costs”
NHTSA complaint #11608576, 2024

Visibility/Wiper 2

“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 engi…”
NHTSA complaint #11661482, 2025

“Something is wrong with the BMW OEM windshields with HUD. I have had to completely replace 3 in 5 years. In between replacements have had Safeliite try and fill pits in it. My last windshield lasted 21 days before cracking on the side at the very edge. I was driving and the road construction had very uneven lane heights so the car was higher on the passenger side. All of the sudden I heard a crack. The was not rock or debris that hit the windshield. There have been lots of complaints about the BMW windshields with HUD especially the X series SUV’s. People are saying softer glass. All I know…”
NHTSA complaint #11539024, 2023

Forward Collision Avoidance 1

“The contact owns a 2018 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the forward collision avoidance feature would be active without incident. The contact stated that both the warning chime would sound and a red alert warning light would appear on the instrument panel during the failure. The contact also stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle came to an abrupt stop as the forward avoidance collision feature activated. The contact stated that both vehicles were more than a vehicle's distance apart and that the feature should not have been activated. The dealer was…”
NHTSA complaint #11488781, 2020

Lane Departure 1

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11696601, 2025

Latches/Locks/Linkages 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 BMW X3. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE DRIVER'S DOOR OPENED AND ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO HOLD THE DOOR CLOSED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND ATTEMPTED TO CLOSE THE DOOR. AFTER TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF AND BACK ON, THE DOOR SHUT. THE DEALER (BMW OF MAMARONECK, 236 W BOSTON POST RD, MAMARONECK, NY 10543, (914) 908-5088) WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000…”
NHTSA complaint #11194745, 2019

Vehicle Speed Control 1

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11680007, 2025