Open safety recalls, the components owners report failing most often, crash-test results and running costs for the 2024 BMW X3 — assembled from NHTSA and EPA records.
Everything on this page applies to the model as a whole. Run its 17-character VIN to decode that exact car — its engine, trim, assembly plant and factory equipment — alongside these records. Free, no account.
Run a VIN →Recalls and complaints are filed against a specific model year, so figures differ from one year to the next even within a single generation. See every BMW X3 year.
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for this make/model/year. Recalls apply to the model, so some may already be fixed on this specific car — check with a dealer using the VIN.
Issue: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2024 2 Series Coupe (230i), 330i, X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, and X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i vehicles. The steering gear may not have been tightened properly, which can allow it to loosen.
Risk: A loose steering gear can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the steering gear, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 11, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Campaign 23V770000
Issue: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022-2024 X3 sDrive30i and X3 xDrive30i vehicles. The second-row seat side door locking modules may not function properly and allow the doors to be unlocked with a single motion. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."
Risk: Doors that can be inadvertently unlocked and unlatched may open unexpectedly, increasing the risk of injury to rear seat occupants.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the second-row seat side door locking modules, free of charge. A letter informing owners of the safety risk was mailed on April 21, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 800-525-7417.
Campaign 25V106000
Issue: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Toyota Supra, 2022-2025 2 Series Coupe, 2021-2023 5 Series, 2022-2026 Z4, 2023-2024 4 Series Gran Coupe, 4 Series Convertible, 4 Series Coupe, 3 Series, 2021-2025 X4, and 2021-2024 X3 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of all models. The engine starter may overheat and catch fire due to wear on an internal component.
Risk: Fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on August 28, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning August 28, 2026. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall 26V056.
Campaign 26V438000
No EPA fuel-economy match for this model (naming may differ or it predates EPA records).

NHTSA frontal crash test
Rated configuration: 2024 BMW X3 SUV AWD
The parts named most often across 34 owner complaintsfiled with NHTSA for this make, model and year — the closest free answer to “what is likely to go wrong?”
1 crash
1 crash · 1 injured
Complaints are self-reported and skew toward problems people find alarming, so treat this as where to look, not a defect rate.
Since purchasing my vehicle, I have experienced numerous ongoing issues that BMW has failed to address. The problems include: A squealing and beeping noise coming from the engine. The headlights turning on by themselves. Interior lights turning on without warning. The vehicle shaking while driving. The check engine light repeatedly coming on. A recent gasoline smell that required me to take the vehicle to the shop due to safety concerns. The roof making a popping noise when driving over uneven driveways or surfaces. I have documented many of these issues with multiple videos. Despite providing evidence and repeatedly reporting these problems, BMW has ignored my concerns and has not adequately resolved the defects.
I was driving on the interstate at about 65-70 MPH when the sunroof exploded without apparent cause. This caused glass to be scattered throughout the vehicle and given the sudden event, sound and disruption to driving I would say that this is a safety issue. The same day this happened I dropped the car off at the dealer for repair estimate and coincidentally there was another BMW, a new X7, that just had the same thing happen without cause. This makes me think that there is a manufacturing defect.
The contact owns a 2024 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH, attempting to park the vehicle in the park the vehicle, while depressing the brake pedal the vehicle unintendedly accelerated independently causing the vehicle to drove over the curb and the contact mention due to the impact the rear passenger tire was damaged and before the brake pedal she could hear the vehicle began to decelerate independently and while depressing the brake pedal with her left foot . No warnings light illuminated A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where they inspected the vehicle, and they informed the consumer there was no failure. The contact mention that this failure had occurred on two different occasions. The manufacturer was notified of the failure offered no assistance and denied helping the consumer. The approximate failure mileage was 17,903.
I started to pull forward from a pharmacy drive-through at an intended low speed (approximately10/15 mph) for a right turn onto a driveway. The car was on auto-hold and in drive gear. When I turned right, the vehicle went into a full throttle acceleration and continued until impact. Brakes were totally ineffective. A TWO-LINE BRIGHT YELLOW MESSAGE FLASHED IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, "TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION". There was no automatic braking or forward collision function. I made a hard left turn in about 40 feet to avoid a shopping center parking lot. The vehicle continued until colliding with a concrete filled bollard and an automotive electric charging station. The vehicle charging at this station was also struck. My vehicle fell back, landing on its right side. The driver's airbag and both side curtains deployed. I was left suspended in the seat belt until the Fire Department, Emergency Services and the Highway Patrol arrived. A Jaws of Life was used to open the sunroof and extract me. I was transported by ambulance to an emergency treatment center. I was examined there and imaging done. I sustained a ruptured tendon in the middle right finger (permanent damage) and sagittal band ruptures in two fingers on that hand. There were numerous scrapes and bruises on the left thigh, both forearms and hands as well as minor cuts on my forehead. Also, post -accident, I experienced neck pain and overall soreness for several days due to whiplash. The Event Data Recorder was unattainable as insurance paid the claim for the totaled car within one week and assumed ownership. According to the salvage yard, it was sold shortly thereafter. Refer to NHTSA ID number 11659896 for this issue with another 2024 BMW x3 Photos to accompany complaint will be sent by email with VIN #
[XXX] old infant's face was cut and bleeding from the Chicco Fit360 ClearTex Rotating Car Seat's safety straps with included pads INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2024 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the windshield unexpectedly cracked on several occasions without impact. The contact stated that the crack originated at the top of the windshield and extended approximately six inches toward the driver’s side. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not inspected. The dealer ordered replacement windshields several times. The contact stated that after the windshield was replaced, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 45,000.
To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this supplemental update to formally document continued delay and lack of action by BMW following notification of serious vehicle safety concerns involving risk to minor passengers. BMW was notified in writing of multiple safety-related incidents involving system reliability and unauthorized access behavior. These concerns escalated to an incident occurring while the vehicle was in motion, presenting immediate risk to occupants, including two minor children. Despite acknowledgment of these concerns, BMW has: Failed to open a repair order to document the safety defects; Conditioned inspection on continued operation of a vehicle reported as unsafe; Failed to provide a timely, safe alternative path for inspection (e.g., coordinated tow and uninterrupted transportation); Gone silent for extended periods after acknowledgment of safety risk. I have expressly stated that the vehicle is unsafe to operate and that continued delay creates ongoing risk. I have also stated my willingness to cooperate fully with inspection and documentation provided that such cooperation does not require placing occupants at risk. This supplemental notice is submitted to preserve the record that continued inaction following acknowledgment of a safety concern may constitute failure to mitigate known risk. All communications, incidents, and delays are being documented. I respectfully request that this update be added to the record and considered as part of any safety or compliance review. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
This submission is a supplemental update to my existing NHTSA complaint regarding my BMW X3. On [XXX], at approximately [XXX], while the vehicle was traveling approximately 40 MPH with the doors locked, the rear passenger door opened while the vehicle was in motion. A [XXX] child was secured in a rear car seat at the time. A [XXX] child witnessed the event while I was dropping him off at school. No audible or visual warning alerts activated before or during the incident. This event follows prior electronic access and system reliability concerns reported in November and December 2025, including operation without key presence and unauthorized access behavior. I believe these events may be related and indicative of a broader electronic or body control system failure. Due to the seriousness of this incident involving minor occupants, I no longer consider the vehicle safe to operate. The vehicle is pending inspection and has not been driven further. I am submitting this update to document a potential child-safety defect and to ensure this information is considered as part of NHTSA’s review. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I am submitting a supplemental update to my existing safety complaint regarding my BMW vehicle. On December 29, 2025, additional safety-related malfunctions occurred while the vehicle was parked and without the key present. A vehicle window rolled down autonomously, and the heating system temporarily stopped functioning during winter conditions. These failures follow an earlier incident on November 15, 2025, in which the vehicle continued operating without the key present and without any audible or visual warning, while two minor children were occupants. The involvement of multiple electronic systems—including key detection, window controls, and HVAC—suggests a potential electronic network or CAN-bus-related defect. These conditions present risks related to vehicle security, environmental exposure, and passenger safety. The vehicle is currently unsafe for transport of minors and unreliable for use during winter conditions. I am submitting this update so NHTSA’s records reflect continued post-notice safety malfunctions.
Supplemental Update – Manufacturer Response to Safety Complaint (BMW) I am submitting this supplemental update in connection with my existing NHTSA safety complaint regarding my BMW vehicle. Following my report that the vehicle continued operating without the key present while transporting minor children, BMW of North America acknowledged the concern and indicated it was under review. However, BMW has now stated that it is closing my case file without: • Conducting any inspection; • Issuing written findings; • Providing a safety explanation or analysis; or • Confirming whether the reported behavior is a defect, system failure, or normal operation. BMW has conditioned further assistance on dealership inspection while simultaneously closing the manufacturer-level case, creating a gap in accountability and preventing meaningful review of the safety issue at the corporate level. I am not refusing inspection and remain willing to present the vehicle. My concern is that BMW’s attempt to close the case prior to evaluation undermines safety reporting and limits transparency regarding potential risks to drivers and passengers. Please add this update to my complaint record for consideration in any review or investigation.
I am reporting a serious safety issue involving my 2024 BMW X3 purchased from Countryside Mitsubishi in Countryside, Illinois, on November 7, 2025. Within hours of purchase, I discovered multiple defects that were not disclosed before the sale. The most concerning issue involves the windshield wiper system and forward sensor components, which began to malfunction immediately. The vehicle’s onboard system initially flagged a windshield sensor fault. I later discovered that the original BMW windshield had been replaced with a non-OEM part, which BMW confirmed voided the vehicle's factory warranty and disabled key safety features dependent on OEM calibration. I was never informed of the windshield replacement at time of sale. When I raised concerns with the dealership, they admitted to using a sensor “workaround” instead of a proper replacement, which BMW later explained is not compliant with their specifications and leaves the vehicle’s advanced safety systems—such as forward collision alerts—compromised. The dealership falsely stated the repair was done by BMW-certified technicians, which was later denied by the repair staff. This defect creates a major visibility and safety hazard. I experienced intermittent wiper failure during poor weather, and the washer fluid system also failed to operate reliably. Despite repeated contacts, the dealership refused to install an OEM windshield or resolve the defect through an authorized BMW service provider. BMW has confirmed that their safety systems will not function correctly unless an OEM windshield and correct calibration process are used. This places me and others at serious risk during adverse weather or emergency braking situations. I have full documentation, a repair timeline, videos of the malfunction, and correspondence with the dealership. The vehicle is still in my possession and available for inspection upon request. I urge NHTSA to investigate this case for potential noncompliance and safety risk.
I am reporting a safety defect involving a 2024 BMW X3 xDrive30i. The vehicle continued operating for several miles with no key inside the vehicle, and at no point did the car display a “Key Not Detected” warning, icon, or audible alert. Two minors were present during this incident. This indicates a failure of the key-recognition system, immobilizer logic, and associated warning functions. BMW’s safety system should detect the absence of the key and immediately warn the driver. Failure to issue a warning presents a significant safety hazard, as the driver may unknowingly operate the vehicle without the ability to restart, secure the car, or be alerted to a loss of security control. BMW Roadside Assistance documented the incident. BMW North America has not provided a case number, safety review, or written plan for addressing the defect despite multiple requests. This lack of response is concerning for a safety-critical malfunction. I am requesting NHTSA’s review of this defect and BMW’s handling of the matter.
Showing 12 of 34 complaints.