BMW X3 2021

On XXX, while in the parking lot, after placing the car in 'park' I then placed the auto into 'reverse' to straighten out the auto in the parking in the space. However, the car automatically changed back to 'park.' Then tried to place the auto in 'drive' and again the the auto switched back to 'park.' I then turned off the engine and decided to begin the process again but experienced the same problem. After doing this once more and while the the auto was in the 'drive' position, and even though my foot was off the gas pedal, to my surprise the engine revered up with a rapid unintended acceleration. Before I could react, the auto went over the dividing curb and the parking island separating the row of cars. It then proceeded to slam into the auto in the parking space in front of my car before I could react. Extensive damage to both automobiles occurred. Both cars in now in their respective repair shops, which will be coved by my insurance. The accident occurred at the Gym located at [XXX]. The accident was reported toXXX and officer [XXX] badge # XXX responded. Their Accident Report will be available next week at the Englewood Police Department - report #XXX. Please let me know if any clarification is required. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I am writing to report a known safety-related defect on my 2021 BMW X3, VIN [XXX]. 1 The vehicle was diagnosed at BMW of Manhasset, an authorized BMW dealer, with a coolant leak originating from the heat management module and oil filter housing. This is not ordinary wear and tear. BMW's own service bulletin SIB 11 10 25 identifies this failure mode as a known issue affecting B46/B48/B58-equipped vehicles, which includes my X3. 3 4 5 The same defect is also the subject of an active U.S. class action, XXX. v. BMW of North America, LLC (D.N.J.), covering the same engine families. This defect presents a genuine safety risk, not merely a cost issue. The oil filter housing's internal wall structures, which separate the oil and coolant passages, are prone to failing or warping, and the gaskets sealing those passages are prone to premature failure. When this occurs, coolant can leak into the oil sump or drain externally, which can cause sudden engine overheating and/or engine failure, sometimes within minutes of the leak developing. If oil escapes and contacts the hot exhaust, it can also create a fire risk. A vehicle experiencing this failure is not safe to continue driving, and the risk of sudden, catastrophic engine damage or fire warrants a recall rather than leaving affected owners to discover and pay for this known defect on their own. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filing regarding NHTSA Recalls 25V-636 and 26V-056. My 2021 BMW X3 M40i (VIN: [XXX] , built September 2020) contains the recall-affected starter part number ending in 997 — confirmed by a BMW Level 1 certified technician — not the non-recall part number ending in 505. BMW denied coverage based solely on manufacture date, with no consideration of the actual components installed. My vehicle displays an active fire risk. On April 30, 2026, my dashboard displayed Engine cannot be started, Starter system fault. Call Roadside Assistance, and Repeat start attempt — all photographed and timestamped. Fault codes 216119, 35AE00, and 8040A9 were confirmed by diagnostic scan. BMW of Catonsville (Work Order XXX) attributed the fault to the battery and charged me $280.50. I replaced the battery with a BMW OEM unit on May 13, 2026 at a cost of $590.31. On May 21, 2026, the identical starter fault returned — conclusively disproving the battery diagnosis and confirming the starter as the root cause. BMW denied recall coverage by phone through BMW of Catonsville. No written denial was provided. I am requesting NHTSA investigate whether the recall scope incorrectly excludes vehicles built with the recall-affected starter component, compel BMW to expand coverage to include my VIN, replace my starter at no cost, and reimburse my out-of-pocket costs of $870.81. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

This technical failure in the BMW B58TU engine (2019–2021) involves the variable-displacement oil pump's internal thermoplastic slide. In low ambient temperatures, the high viscosity of cold oil creates mechanical stress that causes this plastic component to fracture. ​ The Safety Hazard ​The primary risk is a sudden loss of motive power. When the slide fails, oil pressure becomes unregulated or drops entirely, triggering an immediate "Drivetrain Malfunction" or engine shutdown. ​ Immobilization: Vehicles may stall in active traffic or high-speed environments without sufficient warning. ​Environmental Risk: Failures peak in extreme cold, leaving occupants stranded in freezing conditions while awaiting recovery. ​ Detection Gap: The electronic oil level sensor often fails to complete a measurement ("Measurement Aborted") before a low-pressure warning appears, depriving drivers of a clear precursor to mechanical failure. ​Critical Technical Challenges ​ Obfuscated Parts History: BMW has superseded the original plastic-vane pump with a revised metal-vane version. However, the Electronic Parts Catalog (ETK) now lists the metal version as the "original" part for affected VINs, making it impossible for owners to verify which version is physically installed without engine teardown. ​ High Repair Barrier: Correcting this defect requires extensive disassembly, often costing $6,000–$8,000. If the failure occurs at speed, total engine replacement is frequently required.

Vehicle has consistently presented with a loud screeching noise from the brakes. When emergency braking needed, there are incidents of a slipping feel to the brakes where they do not seem as through they are applying properly. The slipping feel and noise of the brakes increases during wet/snowy weather. The noise is not a safety concern as much as the slipping feel of the brakes is significantly concerning. When emergency braking is applied, any slipping is putting my safety and the safety of passengers in my vehicle/surrounding vehicles is at high risk. Multiple service appointments surrounding this persistent problem have resulted in dismissive responses from BMW. The service center has inspected the brakes, acknowledged the loud consistent screeching noise, but BMW states the brakes are normal and the noise is expected because they are "sport brakes". BMW now recommends replacing rotors but insists it is only due to the "noise complaint". The vehicle is only serviced at a BMW dealer/service center and has been inspected by BMW. There are no warning lamps or messages related to the problem. The problem was existing when I first purchased the vehicle in 2022, was acknowledged by BMW, and has been persistently reported at every service appointment as not subsiding and in fact increasing in volume. I believe there is a manufacturing problem with the BMW x3 SAV model that impacts the braking system (brake pads and rotors), causing slipping when emergency braking is engaged and causing excessive noise from front and rear brakes.

The BMW X3 went in for a recall to reprogram the DME. After updating the DME software by BMW the DME was no longer talking to other modules. The BMW Assistant Service Manager said and I quote him "IT'S A KNOWN ISSUE WITHOUT A FIX". I ask for clarification and I was told that there were some 100 modules or so that are in the car and that they now no longer reliably talked with other modules as a result of the updating the DME recall software. I was given one example by BMW of possible implications to modules not talking to each other where BMW was not sure if the airbag was getting correct information. BMW when on to say they were not sure what exactly was and was not affected but they considered it now a safety issue. They have had our BMW X3 since February 7th, 2023 after numerous fix attempts. As of today that would be 101 days at the BMW service department. BMW also said there were other BMWs with the same issue. Bottom line BMW treated the issue as a safety issue. Again that safety issue was created by a failed updating the DME software module on a recall. There is a dashboard emissions warning light that appears when the hybrid battery is drained. BMW also indicated that they have no idea what the full extent of failed software update, has done. RECALL . PLEASE PERFORM OPEN RECALL FOR THE DME PROGRAMMING, B121221, ADDDED ON 11/14/2022 AT 4:15 BY [XXX] preformed service Acton 12 12 21. defect code 0012690500. labor ops 00 71 240. ···WARRANTY, INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

The malfunction involves the collision warning system and sudden braking functionality. The dealership inspection identified a problem with the KAFAS (camera) unit, specifically its housing being deformed from heat, which affected the functionality of the collision sensor and caused the system to malfunction intermittently. The component is still installed in the vehicle and available for inspection if required. The system triggered sudden braking without an actual threat, creating a serious risk of being rear-ended by vehicles behind me. This issue has occurred twice in the last month, with no warning or actual collision risk present. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, the problem was confirmed by the dealership. Their inspection found that the KAFAS camera housing is deformed due to heat exposure, causing malfunction warnings and erroneous braking behavior. They stated this is not a covered warranty issue. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The dealership performed an inspection and provided an inspection report, but no other entities (e.g., manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives) have inspected the component or vehicle. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes, the malfunction indicator light for the collision sensor appeared intermittently. The dealership’s report attributes this to the deformation of the KAFAS camera housing due to heat exposure.

I'm reporting a safety issue with BMW vehicles equipped with the B58TU engine, primarily 2019-2021 models. These vehicles have an oil pump with an internal plastic component that regulates oil pressure, and this part is fracturing in the field, causing sudden loss of oil pressure. The failure typically occurs during cold starts in low temperatures. When it fails, oil pressure becomes erratic or is lost entirely, often with little to no warning before engine damage or vehicle disablement. Warning signs, when present, include inability to measure oil level electronically, abnormal oil pressure, or sudden drivetrain malfunction warnings. These can rapidly progress to engine shutdown or severe damage from oil starvation. This creates a dangerous situation because the vehicle can become disabled without warning while driving or after startup. This is especially hazardous when cars become immobilized in traffic or during winter conditions when failures occur most frequently, leaving occupants exposed to freezing temperatures while awaiting assistance. Pump replacement requires extensive disassembly and commonly costs $6,000-$8,000, assuming no engine damage. A critical concern: owners cannot determine if their vehicle has the original plastic pump or the later metal revision. BMW's VIN-based parts lookup now shows updated components even when original plastic parts remain installed, and BMW has removed the original plastic part number from dealer networks entirely. Failures are reported across multiple production years, and the scope of affected vehicles remains unclear. Because this condition causes sudden vehicle disablement without adequate warning, especially in cold weather, I believe this warrants investigation as a potential safety-related defect.

I was driving on I-10 W in Phoenix Arizona with my husband on Thursday June 10th, 2021 when we heard a loud glass shattering sound. I immediately looked for a place to park or exit. I thought maybe someone was shooting at our vehicle in the freeway. I tried changing lane as quickly as possible to exit into Baseline Rd and parked at a parking lot. I was so scared looking at the mirror to see if anyone was following us. We walked around the SUV checking the windows, windshield but no broken glass or holes on any of them. I thought of the moonroof/sunroof so I hopped on the BMW to check the moonroof/sunroof. The sunroof shattered into million pieces. I didn't see a warning on the dashboard. We didn't go under any bridge between Elliott and Baseline. There were no big trucks around us either. It shattered without warning. This happened between 11:00am - 11:30am, light traffic. My BMW X3 2021 is brand new, only 20 days old and approximately 400 or so miles. I believe it's a safety issue with the glass or moonroof/sunroof structural defect. Definitely a highway safety hazard when it shattered out of the blue at 65 miles an hour. Luckily we didn't have the sunroof open. It's extremely hot this time of the year in Phoenix. I decided to drive it immediately to The BMW dealership. The service department checked it out and the Service Advisor told me to call my insurance. I contacted the BMW Warranty Department and the Manager told me it is not covered under warranty. She was making the assumption that a rock hit the sunroof. I contacted BMW Customer Service and reported it. The BMW Customer Service Executive called me back today and pretty much said the same thing as the Warranty Manager. BMW and NHTSA should investigate the occurrences of Sunroof shattering without any apparent reason for the safety of drivers and passengers plus all the other drivers on the road who may get impacted by such an occurrence.

I am reporting a potential safety defect in BMW vehicles equipped with the B58TU engine, primarily model years 2019–2021. These vehicles use an oil pump containing an internal plastic component responsible for regulating oil pressure. This component has been reported to fracture in service, resulting in sudden and complete loss of oil pressure. Failures commonly occur during cold starts in low ambient temperatures. When the component fails, oil pressure may become erratic or drop to zero with little or no advance warning. In some cases, drivers may observe warning signs such as inability to measure engine oil level electronically, abnormal oil pressure behavior, or drivetrain malfunction warnings. These conditions can rapidly escalate to engine shutdown or severe engine damage due to oil starvation. This defect presents a significant safety risk, as vehicles may become disabled unexpectedly while driving or shortly after startup. Sudden loss of propulsion increases the risk of traffic incidents, particularly if the vehicle becomes immobilized in active traffic lanes. The risk is heightened in winter conditions, when failures are more likely and occupants may be exposed to freezing temperatures while awaiting assistance. Repair typically requires extensive engine disassembly, with costs ranging from approximately 6,000 to 8,000, excluding potential engine damage. A key concern is that owners cannot reliably determine whether their vehicle is equipped with the original plastic component or a revised metal version. BMW’s VIN-based parts systems now reflect updated components even if the original part remains installed, and the original plastic component is no longer listed in dealer parts catalogs. Reports indicate failures across multiple production years, and the full scope of affected vehicles is unclear. Given the potential for sudden vehicle disablement without adequate warning, this issue warrants investigation as a safety-related defect.

2021 BMW X3 M40i – Starter Motor Failure Matches NHTSA 26V056000 Defect (No-Start at Stop Light + Excessive Starter Torque Fault + Fire Risk) I am filing this safety complaint regarding a sudden starter motor failure on my 2021 BMW X3 M40i. On March 31, 2026, the vehicle stalled at a stop light and displayed the message “car can be restarted in XX seconds.” After the timed period elapsed and a few restart attempts, the vehicle would not start and had to be towed to Sewell BMW Mini of Plano, Texas. The service department at the dealership diagnosed a faulty starter motor. The technician’s notes explicitly state: “checked faults for excessive torque and found starter motor faulty” and the vehicle inspection video shows the starter unraveling. They quoted $2,060.50 to replace it under reliability concerns. This failure mode - sudden no-start at idle/stop with the timed restart lockout and “excessive torque” fault - is identical to the defect in NHTSA Campaign 26V056000 announced January 2026, affecting 2021–2024 X3 models. That recall describes internal starter wear causing no-start conditions and potential overheating/fire risk. BMW has already acknowledged and is replacing the starter for free on thousands of nearly identical G01 X3s. The service manager at Sewell BMW of Plano also confirmed that prior B58-engine X3 M40i models, same engine family as mine, have had starter recalls for the same issue. Despite this clear precedent, BMW North America denied our goodwill request for coverage due to it being out of warranty and that we’re not the original owners of the vehicle. We believe this is a safety defect that BMW should remedy at no cost, consistent with federal standards and their handling of the identical issue on other X3 models. Please investigate and require BMW to provide free remedy or full reimbursement. This poses a real safety risk due to a sudden stall while driving and potential fire as demonstrated in other recalled BMW X3s within the same year.

To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this formal safety complaint regarding my 2021 BMW X3, which is currently subject to an active safety recall involving a potential engine starter defect that may result in a vehicle fire.BMW of North America has notified me that water may enter the engine starter, causing corrosion and overheating, which can lead to a fire even when the vehicle is parked and turned off. BMW has advised owners, including myself, to park the vehicle outside and away from structures due to this risk.Since receiving this recall notice, my vehicle has displayed a check engine light, and I have personally experienced a burning or fire-like smell coming from the engine compartment.These symptoms have caused serious concern for my safety and the safety of my child.I contacted BMW regarding this issue and was informed that there is currently no available remedy to repair the defect. Despite the known fire risk and the warning signs my vehicle is exhibiting, BMW has not provided a temporary repair, replacement vehicle, or other permanent solution.This vehicle is my only means of transportation. I am a single mother and rely on this vehicle daily to transport myself and my child to work, school, and essential activities. Being advised to continue driving a vehicle with a known fire hazard, while also being instructed not to park it in my garage, places an unreasonable and unsafe burden on my family.I am not refusing a reasonable solution. I am open to trading my vehicle into a comparable BMW model while maintaining the same existing car note or loan terms. My primary concern is having a safe and reliable vehicle for myself and my child, given the unresolved safety defect and the lack of an available repair.I am submitting this complaint so that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is aware that consumers are currently operating vehicles with a known fire risk and no available remedy. I respectfully request NHTSA’s review and assistance me .