2019 BMW 3 Series Problems & Owner Complaints

Unknown Or Other 9 2 fire

“Description of the Problem: •Component/system that failed: The engine starter, which is subject to an open recall issued September 23, 2025. The starter was not replaced during a service visit. The vehicle no longer exists due to the fire, but the VIN and service records are available for inspection. •Safety risk: The starter malfunction caused the vehicle to catch fire while parked, creating a serious safety risk to myself, my child, and others nearby. •Problem reproduction/confirmation: The fire and defect were confirmed by BMW’s inspection as originating from the starter irregularity tied t…”
NHTSA complaint #11720473, 2025 · fire

“My parked vehicle, with the ignition off, caught fire while I was inside the gym. Within10-15 mins of entering the gym, the gym intercom announced that a car matching the description of my vehicle was on fire on the parking lot. When I went outside, firefighters were actively extinguishing the flams and cutting in the hood of the car. The vehicle was ultimately destroyed and considered a total loss. The vehicle has an active recall warning of a potential fire risk, even when the car is parked and turned off. The fire occurred without any action on my part, and I could have been seriously in…”
NHTSA complaint #11700770, 2025 · fire

“BMW updates the car software by sending Remote Software Updates (RSU) using the the Over The Air (OTA) method. The updates include Driver Assistance updates and fixes. My car amongst many other BMW owners worldwide are reporting on the internet that the RSU process is not working and that the updates download OTA to the car but they do not do the final installation step. FYI OTA is currently the only method BMW uses to send updates to the vehicles . BMW replies to queries about the failure by directing owners to their dealers. The dealers than update the latest RSU at their facility . Cars in…”
NHTSA complaint #11634297, 2024

Engine 8 2 fire

“The contact owned a 2019 BMW 330I. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked at the residence in the driveway, there was an abnormal cracking sound coming from outside the residence. The contact checked and became aware that the vehicle was on fire. The vehicle was unoccupied at the time. The contact stated that the residential camera showed that the fire had started by the front driver's side tire. The Fire Department arrived at the residence and extinguished the fire. The residence and the vehicle were consumed by the fire. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. No injuries we…”
NHTSA complaint #11752479, 2026 · fire

“The contact owned a 2019 BMW 330i. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH, smoke was seen coming from under the hood of the vehicle. After stopping and exiting the vehicle, flames were then present coming from under the hood and the fire department was called to the scene. The flames were extinguished. The vehicle was destroyed and towed away. A fire report was taken at the scene. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 4,500.”
NHTSA complaint #11475151, 2021 · fire

“Please update recall repair status to repaired for this VIN (dealer repair invoice attached)”
NHTSA complaint #11737293, 2026

Electrical System 7 3 fire

“The contact owned a 2019 BMW 330I. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked at the residence in the driveway, there was an abnormal cracking sound coming from outside the residence. The contact checked and became aware that the vehicle was on fire. The vehicle was unoccupied at the time. The contact stated that the residential camera showed that the fire had started by the front driver's side tire. The Fire Department arrived at the residence and extinguished the fire. The residence and the vehicle were consumed by the fire. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. No injuries we…”
NHTSA complaint #11752479, 2026 · fire

“Description of the Problem: •Component/system that failed: The engine starter, which is subject to an open recall issued September 23, 2025. The starter was not replaced during a service visit. The vehicle no longer exists due to the fire, but the VIN and service records are available for inspection. •Safety risk: The starter malfunction caused the vehicle to catch fire while parked, creating a serious safety risk to myself, my child, and others nearby. •Problem reproduction/confirmation: The fire and defect were confirmed by BMW’s inspection as originating from the starter irregularity tied t…”
NHTSA complaint #11720473, 2025 · fire

“The contact owned a 2019 BMW 330I. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked on the driveway, the vehicle caught fire. The contact called the fire department, and the fire was extinguished. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot and was declared a total loss by the contact's insurance provider. The contact stated that recently he had received a recall notice from the manufacturer for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V636000 (Electrical System). The contact related the fire to the description of the recall of the fire risk when parked. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failu…”
NHTSA complaint #11703907, 2025 · fire

Power Train 5

“Vehicle shudders under acceleration no warning lights or errors . Changed transfer case oil and same problem continues. No recall from manufacturer for issu”
NHTSA complaint #11720158, 2026

“I am reporting a premature failure of two critical engine components: the Heat Management Module (Coolant Pump/Thermostat assembly) and the Oil Filter Housing. Despite the vehicle's low mileage (40,000 miles), the Heat Management Module began leaking coolant, posing a significant risk of engine overheating and sudden loss of power while driving. Simultaneously, the Oil Filter Housing has developed a leak, allowing oil to seep onto the engine block and potentially onto the serpentine belt. Both failures represent a safety hazard: Coolant Leak: Risk of thermal engine damage and being stranded in…”
NHTSA complaint #11718383, 2026

“The contact owns a 2019 BMW 330I. The contact recently purchased the vehicle. 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 while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The message "Drivetrain Malfunction" was displayed. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, when the vehicle was started, the vehicle vibrated and jerked abnormally with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was no…”
NHTSA complaint #11704226, 2025

Air Bags 4 1 crash 1 injury

“The contact owns a 2019 BMW 330i. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH on a three-lane highway, traveling in the exit lane, and using the hands-free calling system to speak with his wife, the vehicle crashed into an unknown metal object in the roadway, which tore the undercarriage. The driver-side air bag exploded without warning, resulting in him sustaining a concussion, and the vehicle came to a stop. The emergency call system failed to activate. His wife was able to contact 911, who was delayed in locating the incident site. The fire department, ambulance, and police department…”
NHTSA complaint #11707834, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Seat restraint malfunction that prevents the air bag from working properly. Dealer is aware of this problem but has not been able to correct it.”
NHTSA complaint #11686264, 2025

“Vehicle is relatively new and kept in great shape. No damage nothing, one day the sensor for passenger airbag malfunction appears indicating that passenger airbag will not deploy in event of a crash. Dealership says it’s not covered under warranty and have to pay to replace out of pocket costing multiple thousands of dollars. Error seems manufacturer defect.”
NHTSA complaint #11668576, 2025

Exterior Lighting 3

“I have heavy condensation in my BMW 330i xDrive driver side headlights. Comes during rainy and moist weather and takes couple of days to go away. upon dealer inspection its underlying issue with BMW's and sadly my warranty just expired 5 months ago and BMWusa is not helping in this regard.”
NHTSA complaint #11541767, 2023

“Excessive moisture or condensation in the headlights after heavy rain. First one failed which is on driver side but replaced but second one which is the passenger side failed too within months. Replace for headlights would cost 4.5K”
NHTSA complaint #11520664, 2023

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 BMW 330I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING IN COLDER WEATHER THE FRONT HEAD LIGHT BEAM PROJECTED AT AN ANGLE DUE TO CONDENSATION INSIDE THE HEAD LIGHT ASSEMBLY CAUSING A VISIBILITY HAZARD TO THE DRIVER. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER (ORLAND PARK BMW LOCATED AT 11030 W. 159TH ST. ORLAND PARK IL) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE BOTH NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11303007, 2019

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 2

“The contact owns a 2019 BMW 330I. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and there was an abnormal sound. The contact stated that while the brake pedal was depressed, the brakes failed to engage as designed. No warning light was illuminated; however, the "Electronic Stability Control System Malfunctioning" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the fai…”
NHTSA complaint #11640379, 2024

“REVERSE WARNING 'CROSS TRAFFIC ALERT' DANGEROUS ISSUE THIS NEVER WORKED ON MY BMW 3 FOR OVER A WEEK I WAS GIVEN A LOANER CAR - NEW 2019 BMW 5. I WILL DESCRIBE HOW THE SYSTEM WORKED ON THIS LOANER. I HAVE VIDEOS I TOOK OF THE CAMERA IMAGE IN THE CAR. I WAS TOLD BY BMW THAT WHAT I HAD IN THE LOANER WAS EXACTLY THE SAME AS THE SYSTEM WOULD BE IN MY OWN BMW 3, WHEN IT WAS REPAIRED. THIS FUNCTION WORKED AS FOLLOWS ON MY LOANER BMW 5. THE DESIGN IS ALMOST DANGEROUS, UNLESS YOU FULLY UNDERSTAND WHAT IS GOING ON: A.IF ONE IS IN REVERSE THE SYSTEM ONLY PICKS UP CARS, IN THE CLOSES…”
NHTSA complaint #11269425, 2019

Forward Collision Avoidance 2

“KAFAS Mid Camera has software malfunction, internal fault, system does not operate as designed. Takes down all driver assistance features. Module unable to accept new coding/programming. BMW service information - B66 20 19”
NHTSA complaint #11749521, 2026

“Vehicle stopped abruptly for no reason. No obstacles ahead. Surface street. Light traffic. Fortunate there was no vehicle behind me or they could not have avoided a collision. Vehicle is still under warranty. Dealer states that they cannot find any problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11548723, 2023

Lane Departure 2

“KAFAS Mid Camera has software malfunction, internal fault, system does not operate as designed. Takes down all driver assistance features. Module unable to accept new coding/programming. BMW service information - B66 20 19”
NHTSA complaint #11749521, 2026

“BMW updates the car software by sending Remote Software Updates (RSU) using the the Over The Air (OTA) method. The updates include Driver Assistance updates and fixes. My car amongst many other BMW owners worldwide are reporting on the internet that the RSU process is not working and that the updates download OTA to the car but they do not do the final installation step. FYI OTA is currently the only method BMW uses to send updates to the vehicles . BMW replies to queries about the failure by directing owners to their dealers. The dealers than update the latest RSU at their facility . Cars in…”
NHTSA complaint #11634297, 2024

Service Brakes 2 1 crash 1 injury

“BMW ADVERTISES AS A SAFETY FEATURE AN EMERGENCY BRAKE ASSIST SYSTEM THAT "WARNS ABOUT THE RISK OF COLLISION AND, WHERE APPROPRIATE, BRINGS THE VEHICLE TO A COMPLETE STOP BEFORE IT RESULTS IN A CRASH WITH AN OBSTRUCTION, A PERSON OR ANOTHER VEHICLE" (HTTPS://WWW.BMW.COM/EN/INNOVATION/THE-MAIN-DRIVER-ASSISTANCE-SYSTEMS.HTML#PWJT-EMERGENCY-BRAKE-ASSIST) MY WIFE WAS DRIVING AT ABOUT 10-15 MPH AND THERE WAS ANOTHER CAR IN FRONT. SHE WAS DISTRACTED BY A CRYING BABY AND TOOK HER EYES OFF THE ROAD AND COLLIDED WITH THE FRONT CAR. THE BMW SYSTEM FAILED TO TAKE ACTION TO BRAKE TO MINIMIZE OR AVOID…”
NHTSA complaint #11324323, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2019 BMW 330I. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and there was an abnormal sound. The contact stated that while the brake pedal was depressed, the brakes failed to engage as designed. No warning light was illuminated; however, the "Electronic Stability Control System Malfunctioning" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the fai…”
NHTSA complaint #11640379, 2024

Vehicle Speed Control 2

“My 2019 BMW 330i experienced a serious malfunction. The car intermittently blacked out upon pressing the start engine button, and then it began accelerating on its own without pressing the accelerator pedal. This occurred multiple times, and the issue has not been resolved or explained by the service center, which has resulted in a significant safety concern. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? It appears that the issue might be related to the car's ignition and acceleration system. How was your safety or the safety of others put…”
NHTSA complaint #11598320, 2024

“WHEN I WAS DRIVING THE CAR ON HIGH WAY YESTERDAY AFTERNOON, ABOUT 6 PM (JAN 20, 2020) IN LEFT MOST LANE, THE CAR'S ALL LED DASHBOARD COMPLETELY SHUTDOWN (BLACK) AND ENGINE STOPED. I HAD TO SLOWLY MOVE THE CAR THE THE ROAD SIDE AND TRIED TO RESTART THE ENGINE. THE ENGINE STARTED WITH LOTS OF WARNING SIGNS.”
NHTSA complaint #11300688, 2020

Wheels 2

“ONE OF THE FOUR ORIGINAL TIRES, PIRELLI CINTURATO P7 ALL SEASON 225 /45 R18 95H XL BSW BM RF, HAD BLOWOUT ON THE INTERNAL WALL WITHIN ONLY 15,000 MILES. THE TIRE BLEW OUT AT REST. NO NOTIFICATION OF FAILURE ON THE MONITORING SYSTEM. NO DAMAGE TO THE TIRE RIM. UNLESS IT STRUCK A POTHOLE NOT FELT WELL DRIVING. THE IS THE SECOND TIRE TO DO THIS ON THE VEHICLE IN THE FIRST YEAR OF OWNERSHIP. SEEMS LIKE THE TIRES FAIL ON THEIR OWN.”
NHTSA complaint #11343668, 2020

“THE THREE OF THE FOUR ORIGINAL TIRES, PIRELLI CINTURATO P7 ALL SEASON 225 /45 R18 95H XL BSW BM RF, HAVE HAD BLOWOUTS ON THE INTERNAL WALL WITHIN ONE MONTH AND ONLY 13,000 MILES. I NOTICED THERE IS A RECALL ON THE PIRELLI 19" TIRES. I BELIEVE THIS HAS TO BE A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THERE WAS NO TRAUMA THAT CAUSED THE BLOWOUTS AND THEY ALL OCCURRED SPONTANEOUSLY.”
NHTSA complaint #11339188, 2020

Engine And Engine Cooling 1

Equipment 1 1 crash 1 injury

“The contact owns a 2019 BMW 330i. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH on a three-lane highway, traveling in the exit lane, and using the hands-free calling system to speak with his wife, the vehicle crashed into an unknown metal object in the roadway, which tore the undercarriage. The driver-side air bag exploded without warning, resulting in him sustaining a concussion, and the vehicle came to a stop. The emergency call system failed to activate. His wife was able to contact 911, who was delayed in locating the incident site. The fire department, ambulance, and police department…”
NHTSA complaint #11707834, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Fuel/Propulsion System 1

“My 2019 BMW 330i has a recurring cooling system defect, including coolant leaks, heater inoperative, and risk of engine overheating. The defect began while the vehicle was under warranty and was repaired by BMW, but it recurred. BMW later instructed me not to drive the vehicle due to safety concerns, yet declined responsibility and transportation. The vehicle remains unsafe to operate.”
NHTSA complaint #11712263, 2023

Seats 1

“Seat restraint malfunction that prevents the air bag from working properly. Dealer is aware of this problem but has not been able to correct it.”
NHTSA complaint #11686264, 2025

Steering 1

“1ST TIME OUT CAR VEERED INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC ON A RECENTLY PAVED MACADAM STREET. TURN SIGNAL WAS ON. STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. HAD CAR TOWED TO LOCAL BMW SERVICE CENTER. PICKED IT UP A FEW DAYS LATER. SAME THING HAPPENED ON MY DRIVE HOME ON A CONCRETE ROADWAY. DAYTIME, CLEAR WEATHER BOTH EVENTS. DROVE RIGHT BACK TO THE SERVICE CENTER, LEFT THE CAR THERE AND TOLD THE DEALER TO PICK IT UP.”
NHTSA complaint #11389841, 2019