BMW X3

I am submitting a safety complaint regarding a recurring infotainment system failure involving the 2025/2026 BMW X3. While driving, the center display screen suddenly blacks out, which creates a serious safety hazard. This issue first occurred with my personal BMW X3. More concerning, the exact same failure occurred again while I was driving a BMW X3 loaner vehicle provided by the dealership. This indicates the problem is not isolated to a single vehicle but may be systemic. I was able to capture video evidence of the incident while driving, which clearly shows the screen going completely black: [XXX] When the screen blacks out, access to navigation, vehicle settings, driver assistance displays, and other critical information is lost while the vehicle is in motion. This creates a dangerous distraction and increases the risk of an accident. Despite previous service visits, the issue has not been resolved, and the occurrence in a second vehicle raises serious concerns about the reliability and safety of BMW’s infotainment system in the X3. And most importantly, this is the brand-new redesign BMW X3 2025 and 2026 model. Not any previous model, which raises more concerns. I believe this defect warrants investigation, as it directly impacts driver safety and may affect multiple vehicles. I am uncomfortable continuing to drive the vehicle under these conditions. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, [XXX] 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.

On December 5, 2025 the driver side rear tire experienced a sudden blowout while I was driving on a busy highway. The tire completely separated and I lost control of the car and ability to break. I was able to coast into shoulder and eventually the car stopped. The tire showed low air and I filled it prior to entering the highway and was at normal pressure.I also took the car for an oil change and check check 3 days prior (12/2/25) to the BMW dealership and there were no issues with the car. The car is essentially new (purchased new on 9/15/25). We reported the issue tp the dealer and BMW Customer Relations and was told that it I an issue with the tire manufacturer and not BMW.

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 purchased a new 2026 BMW X3 xDrive30 (VIN [XXX] ) on 10/10/2025 from Patrick BMW/MINI in Schaumburg, IL. At under 200 miles, the vehicle began pulling to one side without driver input. The issue recurred several weeks later. On 11/23/2025, the defect became severe. The steering wheel would not return to center, resisted turning, and the vehicle continued pulling sharply to one side. Multiple warnings appeared, including steering system malfunction, chassis stabilization, reduced driver assistance, collision-mitigation warnings, and a message stating the vehicle may roll. The vehicle became unsafe and undrivable. The car was towed to the dealership on 11/24/2025 and remains unrepaired. No confirmed diagnosis has been provided. I later learned BMW issued stop-delivery orders on 9/18/2025 and 10/31/2025 for steering-related defects affecting this model line. My vehicle was sold to me on 10/10/2025, between those dates. I am concerned the dealer may have delivered a vehicle that should not have been released and that my steering failure may be related to the issues described in those stop-delivery orders. This defect caused loss of steering control, instability, and failure of multiple safety systems, creating a serious crash risk. I request NHTSA investigate the steering defect, determine whether my vehicle is affected by the stop-delivery issues, and evaluate whether additional vehicles should be included in a recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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.

On 12/5/2025, while driving my 2025 BMW X3 at approximately 35 mph on Milwaukee Ave (IL Route 21) during rush-hour traffic, the vehicle displayed a “drivetrain malfunction” warning and immediately lost propulsion; the engine completely shut down. The vehicle could not be driven under its own power and remained stopped in traffic with a minor child passenger present, creating a traffic hazard and risk of being struck (including rear-ended). Ambient temperature was approximately 12F and we were stranded for about 2 hours awaiting a tow. The vehicle was towed and is currently at Knauz BMW (Lake Bluff, IL) and is available for inspection. The specific failed component/system is UNKNOWN at this time This is a repeat event. Approximately three days after purchase in New Jersey (6/25/2025 purchase date, 6/28 was the incident date), the same vehicle experienced a similar sudden loss of propulsion/power/shutdown while driving in heavy traffic while driving at 60mph, again with my minor child passenger present. This same error occurred twice before the vehicle was taken to Morristown BMW and kept approximately 10 days for diagnosis/repair. Per the dealer, BMW technical assistance was consulted during that repair. The problem has recurred despite the prior repair. I believe this presents a safety defect due to sudden loss of propulsion while driving. I drive along tollway routes weekly, with speeds of 65mph.

While driving on a state highway in cruise mode, the vehicle displayed a “CHECK CONTROL” message: •Support from Driver Assistance restricted •You can continue driving. Driver Assistance permanently restricted. •Check Control messages (1) Suddenly, the car exited cruise mode. While this is designed as a safety feature, it should not disengage abruptly during driving, as it may lead to potential risks. This a second biggest issue with this vehicle within just a few months of purchase.