2022 BMW X3 Problems & Owner Complaints

Unknown Or Other 16 2 fire

“1. The primary failure occurred within the electrical system and engine compartment wiring. According to the official forensic report (Ref No: XXX by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia, the fire originated in the engine compartment due to an electrotechnical fault (short circuit). 2. The vehicle spontaneously exploded and caught fire while parked in a closed, underground parking facility of a commercial building. This created an immediate risk of: Mass casualties due to smoke inhalation and potential structural collapse of the parking ceiling. Fire spreading to dozens of adjacent v…”
NHTSA complaint #11718288, 2025 · fire

“My BMW X3 was less then 1 month old with less then 200 miles. On the way home around 11PM I noticed sparks and some coming out the hood. I pulled to the side of the road and as soon as I stepped out of the car flames were coming out from under the car, drivers door. Called 911. Police and fire department showed up within 10 minutes. The fire was put out unfortunately the whole car melted by then. I'm glad I escaped unhurt. Few minutes more I could have been seriously hurt or dead.”
NHTSA complaint #11463417, 2022 · fire

“While driving, my sunroof spontaneously exploded/shattered and rained glass onto me while driving.”
NHTSA complaint #11734760, 2026

Structure 12

“On June 23, 2026 around 3:30pm, we were driving 70 mph on an interstate (I40) and the panoramic sunroof spontaneously shattered on our BMW X3. We were not struck by anything and there was no inclement weather or extreme heat. The sunshade was pulled so we were not hit by the glass, but we were very much in danger. My baby was in the backseat and he would have had glass all over him. We had to pull over on the highway and had to arrange for another car to take us home.”
NHTSA complaint #11746577, 2026

“The contact owns a 2022 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the contact looking in the rearview mirror and became aware that the tailgate had opened. The contact pulled over and closed the tailgate. The contact stated that while entering the garage, the tailgate opened unintendedly. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11629976, 2024

“The contact owns a 2022 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 #11624245, 2024

Forward Collision Avoidance 10 1 crash 2 injury

“The front collision warning failed and had not given any problem prior to the failure. We were in a car accident where a person turned left (we were going straight) and passed right in front of us when we hit them. The Forward Collision Warning did not display and our vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance. We may of avoided the accident if the sound and display of the warning had triggered.”
NHTSA complaint #11550697, 2023 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“Adas camera bracket on windshield deformed due to heat. The bracket will no longer hold the camera and the deformation was so severe it broke the mounting tab that holds the adas camera.”
NHTSA complaint #11552308, 2023

“The BMW front facing kafas camera system is prone to failure in the BMW X3. The plastic piece that holds the camera module in place has small plastic tabs that attach it to the windshield. These tabs are prone to breaking. Once the tabs break the front camera system is no longer in alignment and all front safety systems will be disabled. This puts the occupants of the vehicle in danger as all front facing safety systems will be disabled. The dealers do not want to warranty these failures as they try to pass it off as the fault of the owner. The first dealership rejected my issue saying t…”
NHTSA complaint #11544775, 2023

Engine 8 3 fire

“1. The primary failure occurred within the electrical system and engine compartment wiring. According to the official forensic report (Ref No: XXX by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia, the fire originated in the engine compartment due to an electrotechnical fault (short circuit). 2. The vehicle spontaneously exploded and caught fire while parked in a closed, underground parking facility of a commercial building. This created an immediate risk of: Mass casualties due to smoke inhalation and potential structural collapse of the parking ceiling. Fire spreading to dozens of adjacent v…”
NHTSA complaint #11718288, 2025 · fire

“While driving, noticed smoke coming from under the hood. Immediately pulled in a parking lot where the smoke turned to fire and burned the entire car by the time fire dept arrived. I was the only person in the car and was luckily able to exit the vehicle before the actual fire started. Incident reported to insurance company and they are investigating. There were no dash warning lights of any kind.”
NHTSA complaint #11688575, 2025 · fire

“On April 26, 2025, while driving my 2022 BMW X3, the vehicle suddenly emitted smoke and caught fire. Fortunately, all five passengers, including myself, were able to exit the car before it became fully engulfed in flames. The car was destroyed and is a total loss. The BMW app later displayed a “drivetrain malfunction” message, which did not appear until after the fire had already started. The vehicle was still under the manufacturer’s 48-month new vehicle warranty and had no open recalls at the time. Routine maintenance and service had been performed at authorized BMW dealerships. I am concer…”
NHTSA complaint #11659179, 2025 · fire

Lane Departure 8

“Vehicle: 2022 BMW X3 sDrive VIN: [XXX] Incident Date: [XXX] A BMW dealership technician discovered that the rear radar sensor (used for blind spot detection) was misaligned due to impact damage behind the bumper. The inspection notes stated "fault present 35 times" and showed missing screws and signs of prior repair. These safety features are critical to safe lane changes and accident prevention. The vehicle was sold as Certified Pre-Owned, and the dealership never disclosed this safety-related defect. This raises serious questions about whether the vehicle had been in a prior collision and…”
NHTSA complaint #11662310, 2025

“This BMW vehicle's odometer readings are inconsistent and inaccurate resulting in overage of mileage for lessee. This cars BMW tires were not verifiable to be from BMW and tires subsequently failed within 15,000 miles. No entity at BMW, not the dealership, not the sales, not BMW Financial Services or BMW of North America LLC could provide any information regarding the original tires or provide any warranty information regarding the tires - this impact mileage efficiency, miles per gallon and is a way to game the systems. BMW front sensors on act erratically sometimes working and sometimes g…”
NHTSA complaint #11594352, 2024

“The BMW front facing kafas camera system is prone to failure in the BMW X3. The plastic piece that holds the camera module in place has small plastic tabs that attach it to the windshield. These tabs are prone to breaking. Once the tabs break the front camera system is no longer in alignment and all front safety systems will be disabled. This puts the occupants of the vehicle in danger as all front facing safety systems will be disabled. The dealers do not want to warranty these failures as they try to pass it off as the fault of the owner. The first dealership rejected my issue saying t…”
NHTSA complaint #11544775, 2023

Electrical System 7

“When starting the vehicle, the message center displays "Loss Communications Brake System Control Module A." The vehicle losses power steering, speedometer indication, tire pressure monitoring, and stability control. There are numerous codes displayed for Brake System, Power Steering, Parking Brake and Stability Control. This is the third time that this event has happened. Turning the vehicle off and restarting after approximately 1 hour the codes were clear and everything appears to work properly. This event occurs randomly and resets after the vehicle is turned off and restarted after…”
NHTSA complaint #11683402, 2025

“I believe there is a flaw in the architecture of start-stop technology in conjunction with the electronic shifting technology installed in cars today.. I have ran into this issue twice in a 18month period and I believe it is something the NHTSA should institute new requirements on car manufacturers. My wifes BMW X3 start stop technology has failed twice in 18months and that is not a big deal. Things break and need to be repaired but given the car can not be put in neutral it left us stranded unable to move the vehicle in the middle of the road until a tow truck could move us out of the road.…”
NHTSA complaint #11678175, 2025

“Vehicle: 2022 BMW X3 sDrive VIN: [XXX] Incident Date: [XXX] A BMW dealership technician discovered that the rear radar sensor (used for blind spot detection) was misaligned due to impact damage behind the bumper. The inspection notes stated "fault present 35 times" and showed missing screws and signs of prior repair. These safety features are critical to safe lane changes and accident prevention. The vehicle was sold as Certified Pre-Owned, and the dealership never disclosed this safety-related defect. This raises serious questions about whether the vehicle had been in a prior collision and…”
NHTSA complaint #11662310, 2025

Power Train 7 1 fire

“On April 26, 2025, while driving my 2022 BMW X3, the vehicle suddenly emitted smoke and caught fire. Fortunately, all five passengers, including myself, were able to exit the car before it became fully engulfed in flames. The car was destroyed and is a total loss. The BMW app later displayed a “drivetrain malfunction” message, which did not appear until after the fire had already started. The vehicle was still under the manufacturer’s 48-month new vehicle warranty and had no open recalls at the time. Routine maintenance and service had been performed at authorized BMW dealerships. I am concer…”
NHTSA complaint #11659179, 2025 · fire

“belt tensioner failed while on highway without warning, leading to complete shutdown of the engine. Car had to be towed for repair. Complete disintegration of the timing belt, the car only had 51,000 miles. Expensive repair”
NHTSA complaint #11749484, 2026

“Transfer case fluid has been replaced as well as drivetrain fluid in the front and rear and and the car is still having slight issues shuttering when stopping.”
NHTSA complaint #11705644, 2025

Service Brakes 5 1 crash 3 injury

“on [XXX] I was going into a Parking Garage in Beverly Hills, CA. I got a little too far from the ticket machine so I put the BMWX3 in PARK and PUT the Emergency Brake on so I could open my door, step out and grab the ticket. The car immediately rolled backwards into a Dodge Charger behind me. That woman is suing for $150,000. It caused my insurance to double, I had to have PT on my pelvis. I had to pay the deductible to get the car repaired. BMW will not take responsibility for the malfunction. My Dad was a professional driver for FORD and I have never caused an accident in my [XXX] years of d…”
NHTSA complaint #11721588, 2024 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“When starting the vehicle, the message center displays "Loss Communications Brake System Control Module A." The vehicle losses power steering, speedometer indication, tire pressure monitoring, and stability control. There are numerous codes displayed for Brake System, Power Steering, Parking Brake and Stability Control. This is the third time that this event has happened. Turning the vehicle off and restarting after approximately 1 hour the codes were clear and everything appears to work properly. This event occurs randomly and resets after the vehicle is turned off and restarted after…”
NHTSA complaint #11683402, 2025

“The break pads wore out on the car at around 16,000 miles. Generally brake pads are supposed to last 35,000 to 40,000 miles. My sister in law has a BMW 4 series and their cars brake pads wore out at around 15,000 miles. I'm sure there are thousands of other BMW owners who have been experiencing this same issue When the dealership was confronted they admitted that BMW has changed to a different "softer" type of brake pads and they are regularly seeing that This should be considered as a defect and the cars recalled because BMW knowingly changed their brake pads to save money and has been ins…”
NHTSA complaint #11522820, 2023

Air Bags 3 1 injury

“Driving and side curtain airbags deployed without accident or impact”
NHTSA complaint #11709808, 2025

“I don't know what happen, but Friday March 28, 2024 after getting gas and I started my vehicle a noticed appeared "Passenger Restraint System Malfunctioned. This is related to my Air Bag, and I am told this is not covered under my extended warranty. This is something should be Bmw responsibility.”
NHTSA complaint #11651829, 2025

Steering 3

“When starting the vehicle, the message center displays "Loss Communications Brake System Control Module A." The vehicle losses power steering, speedometer indication, tire pressure monitoring, and stability control. There are numerous codes displayed for Brake System, Power Steering, Parking Brake and Stability Control. This is the third time that this event has happened. Turning the vehicle off and restarting after approximately 1 hour the codes were clear and everything appears to work properly. This event occurs randomly and resets after the vehicle is turned off and restarted after…”
NHTSA complaint #11683402, 2025

“I purchased by 2022 BMW X3 new in September of 2021. Since then I have had re-occurring safety issues with the car involving steering and suspension components. I've had the front thrust rod replaced at least three times. The vehicle clunks when in reverse and consumes front tires. I had to order front tires for the car with only about 15k miles on them. I had the vehicle alignment checked multiple times and was informed that the car is in correct alignment specs. My biggest frustration is that BMW consistently lies to me and does everything in it's power to deny that there are issues wi…”
NHTSA complaint #11587425, 2024

“2022 BMW X3. CONSUMER STATED THAT THEIR VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL WHILE DRIVING.”
NHTSA complaint #11506555, 2023

Tires 3

“Subject: Tire Safety Concern – BMW OEM Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season (UTQG 500) 245 50 R19 I am writing to raise a serious vehicle safety concern involving the BMW OEM Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season tires that came factory-installed on my leased 2022 BMW X3. These tires are labeled with a UTQG 500 treadwear rating, which typically implies a lifespan of 40,000 to 50,000 miles. Yet, all four of my tires were found to be severely worn and unsafe at just 23,456 miles. More troubling, I began experiencing significant handling and traction issues as early as 18,000 miles. During normal driving—wi…”
NHTSA complaint #11677606, 2024

“This BMW vehicle's odometer readings are inconsistent and inaccurate resulting in overage of mileage for lessee. This cars BMW tires were not verifiable to be from BMW and tires subsequently failed within 15,000 miles. No entity at BMW, not the dealership, not the sales, not BMW Financial Services or BMW of North America LLC could provide any information regarding the original tires or provide any warranty information regarding the tires - this impact mileage efficiency, miles per gallon and is a way to game the systems. BMW front sensors on act erratically sometimes working and sometimes g…”
NHTSA complaint #11594352, 2024

“Only 18,000 miles driven and they are down to 3/32nds. Unacceptable. Vehicle is a 2022 BMW and tires have been rotated and tire pressure checked weekly. Completely unsafe now.”
NHTSA complaint #11569381, 2024

Vehicle Speed Control 3

“The contact owns a 2022 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving and stopping at a red light or stop sign, the vehicle accelerated from 20 MPH to 40 MPH. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 34,000. The VIN was not available.”
NHTSA complaint #11725049, 2025

“instrument cluster sporadically working. front collision and lane departure not working when the cluster isn't working. unable to judge speed accurately, Yes problem has been reproduced by Sandy Sansing BMW in Pensacola FL.no the part hasn't been inspected.no other warmings but have had warnings since that the driver assistance restricted. Frontal collision warning, pedestrian warning . I have been given a time frame to fix this as completly unknow- forcing me to drive this car without working instruments.”
NHTSA complaint #11469018, 2022

“Limpmode: Life Threatening failure of vehicle shutting down accelerating in heavy traffic in speeds over 70 mph. On 9 Nov 22 I was driving on interstate to take my wife to her radiation appointment. Within 1 mile of exit, traveling in far-right lane in 4 lanes of heavy traffic with an additional two lanes of heavy traffic merging in from the right, I had to get over into the merging oncoming traffic. When I went to accelerate to merge right into the heavy traffic, my BMW dash lit up red and the acceleration was shut off leaving the car coasting. I could not accelerate, stuck in my lane the…”
NHTSA complaint #11454264, 2021

Fuel/Propulsion System 2 2 fire

“1. The primary failure occurred within the electrical system and engine compartment wiring. According to the official forensic report (Ref No: XXX by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia, the fire originated in the engine compartment due to an electrotechnical fault (short circuit). 2. The vehicle spontaneously exploded and caught fire while parked in a closed, underground parking facility of a commercial building. This created an immediate risk of: Mass casualties due to smoke inhalation and potential structural collapse of the parking ceiling. Fire spreading to dozens of adjacent v…”
NHTSA complaint #11718288, 2025 · fire

“On April 26, 2025, while driving my 2022 BMW X3, the vehicle suddenly emitted smoke and caught fire. Fortunately, all five passengers, including myself, were able to exit the car before it became fully engulfed in flames. The car was destroyed and is a total loss. The BMW app later displayed a “drivetrain malfunction” message, which did not appear until after the fire had already started. The vehicle was still under the manufacturer’s 48-month new vehicle warranty and had no open recalls at the time. Routine maintenance and service had been performed at authorized BMW dealerships. I am concer…”
NHTSA complaint #11659179, 2025 · fire

Latches/Locks/Linkages 2

“The driver side rear door locking mechanism keeps locking, even when the car is unlocked with the key fob. This is a safety concern, as our granddaughter rides in the rear seat regularly and if an emergency arises where I need to get her out of the back seat quickly, the rear door can stay locked and not allow me to get her out. There were no warning notices for this issue on the dashboard system.”
NHTSA complaint #11700158, 2025

“The contact owns a 2022 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the contact looking in the rearview mirror and became aware that the tailgate had opened. The contact pulled over and closed the tailgate. The contact stated that while entering the garage, the tailgate opened unintendedly. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11629976, 2024

Back Over Prevention 1

“I have Lane keep assist set to Early with Steering intervention. LKA would sometimes shut off by itself in the 45-60 mph highway speed range in sunny weather with clear road markings, and sometimes would stay on even when my speed decreases even to 35 mph instead of 40 mph. I understand if weather is bad, LKA might not work, but I am very confused, in broad daylight, what would cause the LKA to turn on or off and deactivate/activate at different speeds? I have the standard PDC with the "forward and rear corner sensors that trigger a warning beep at approximately a 2 ft. distance from the obje…”
NHTSA complaint #11508835, 2022

Equipment 1

“The contact owns a 2022 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed in hot weather, the air conditioner failed to operate as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the air conditioner line was rubbing against a pulley, presenting a fire hazard. The contact was informed that the air conditioner hose needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11749263, 2026

Seat Belts 1

“The front passenger seats warmer is not working. In spite of multiple attempts to get it fixed from BMW of Denver Downtown has not fixed the issue. This can have serious impact during winter weather”
NHTSA complaint #11619804, 2024

Seats 1

“I am reaching out with an official complaint regarding a defect in my BMW X3 M40i, which I purchased in November 2024 from Beverly Hills BMW with a mileage of 8,500 miles. The vehicle was certified under BMW’s CPO program, and I additionally purchased an extended warranty. Shortly I began experiencing discomfort while driving. When my back is fully pressed against the seat and my head rests on the headrest, my line of sight is not straight at the windshield but is instead shifted leftward, closer to the A-pillar. This misalignment significantly impairs visibility, making it difficult to mainta…”
NHTSA complaint #11642915, 2025

Suspension 1

“I purchased by 2022 BMW X3 new in September of 2021. Since then I have had re-occurring safety issues with the car involving steering and suspension components. I've had the front thrust rod replaced at least three times. The vehicle clunks when in reverse and consumes front tires. I had to order front tires for the car with only about 15k miles on them. I had the vehicle alignment checked multiple times and was informed that the car is in correct alignment specs. My biggest frustration is that BMW consistently lies to me and does everything in it's power to deny that there are issues wi…”
NHTSA complaint #11587425, 2024

Visibility 1

“- Customer Reports: ac not cooling, stopped cooling yesterday while on the highway, approved evac and recharge if needed Caused by Leaking a/c hose from compressor to condenser Tech: CHRISTOPHER ARCHER (F88) Installed 64 53 9 868 421 : B1-Pressure hose assy c Installed 64 53 9 284 018 : B1BIMIRRZN-Gasket ring Confirmed concern. Performed vehicle”
NHTSA complaint #11750496, 2026