What 105 owners told NHTSA about the 2015 BMW X3 Sdrive28i

The contact owns a 2015 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, the contact noticed a coolant leak on the floor. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11626787

The contact owns a 2015 BMW X3. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the engine overheated, and the messages "Low Coolant" and "Service Engine" were displayed. Upon inspection, the contact identified a damaged coolant hose causing coolant to leak onto several electrical wires within the engine compartment. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 120,000.

NHTSA ODI 11626236

Front passenger air bag seat occupancy sensor (OC3) mat. The air bag is on for a while "passenger restrain system", nothing really happened it appear one day and never left.

NHTSA ODI 11611345

Intermittent, but frequent failure of seat occupancy sensor on front passenger seat. Appears to be related to occupancy weight sensor. As sensor is not functioning properly, passenger airbag is being unsafely deactivated, leading to lack of airbag deployment if a front end collision were to occur. Problem is reproducible, but has not been taken to dealer, nor has it been inspected. Warning alert displays, then turns off, then returns frequently while the front passenger seat is occupied.

NHTSA ODI 11610935

Fuel pump failed, leading to overheating notice, leading to engine cutting out while driving. I was on one lane road 50 MPH speed limit and able to drift to side of road at around 10-15mph, but if I was on freeway and engine cut and had to get to side of road at 10-15mph it would have been extremely dangerous. Car towed to BMW dealership, replaced water pump, but since 2015 x3 35i not subject to recall , paid out of pocket.

NHTSA ODI 11609910

On 07/06/2024, I turned on my car and hear a loud ticking noise that ticked faster or slower when I tried to accelerate or decelerate the car. I turned the car off and towed it to a AAA mechanic. They reported my engine was damaged and I’ll need a new engine. I towed it to a second mechanic for a second opinion, at Jindal-Andre Automotive/Yellow Cab and the reported engine rod bearings failure on my BMW that has only 86,880 miles.

NHTSA ODI 11605415

The contact owns a 2015 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 153,000.

NHTSA ODI 11581747

The contact owns a 2015 BMW X3. The contact stated that the driver's side and passenger’s side door handles had melted and was falling apart. The passenger’s side door handle had split down the middle and was peeling. The driver's side door was melted and had detached. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and declined to assist. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.

NHTSA ODI 11568985

This is a very common malfunction happening with this motor/fuel injection system. N47T/N57T DIESEL FUEL INJECTORS: LTD WTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120,000 MILES. The vehicles listed have the same engine as mine, yet my specific model is not listed. Please can I have a letter explaining to the dealership that this is a faulty fuel injector and the warranty extension should cover my vehicle as well. SI B01 09 19 (DC 13 53 90 06 00)

NHTSA ODI 11554479

I continue to get airbag warning light and front passenger seat occupant detection malfunction. I was told by local mechanic that ACSM fault codes are 930A60 and 930A1C.

NHTSA ODI 11552082

The contact owns a 2015 BMW X3. The contact stated while her husband was driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle started to decelerate independently. The driver stated that he started to smell a smoke odor inside the cabin of the vehicle and saw smoke coming from under the hood. The contact stated that no visible flames were seen. The contact stated that the drive train warning light was illuminated. The driver was able to park on the side of the road and exit the vehicle safely. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler, the valve cover, and intake manifold was melted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V907000 (Fuel System, Diesel). The local dealer was contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.

NHTSA ODI 11525875

The contact's mother owns a 2015 BMW X3. The contact stated while his mother was driving 40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The owner took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the diesel fuel injector to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.

NHTSA ODI 11515776

Driver drove approx. 3.5 to passenger’s home. While sitting & talking to the passenger for several minutes, the car suddenly, rapidly lurched forward, crashing into neighbor’s property. Substantial damage was done to the neighbor’s deck and brick wall at rear of the house. At least one piece of heavy lumber speared through the windshield between the driver and passenger. Vehicle is auto-shut off capable, however, the driver doesn’t recall if they shut the engine off manually, but believes it may have auto-shut off, while stopped before parking the vehicle. Driver recalls pressing the “P” button to put the vehicle in park. Driver said they were just sitting and talking to the Passenger (ie Driver was in a relaxed seating position, hands were not on the steering wheel, and feet not on the pedals). Driver said they attempted to hit the brakes after the vehicle lurched forward, but feels that they may have partially froze due to the shock of the unexpected acceleration. The passenger who also witnessed the event says the car seemed to go slowly for a split second then suddenly took off at extremely high acceleration. Passenger said prior to the car moving, the driver was pressing or had pressed the park button on the gear shift, when the car started to move, slowly at first (for a split second) and then suddenly the car took off at rapid acceleration. Driver said they recalled checking to see if the car was in park, which they noted is indicated by a red light (which they recall seeing). Passenger doesn’t recall seeing light on, but recalls Driver pressing the P button at least twice. Vehicle owned since 2017, purchased with 24k miles, 1 prior owner (previously leased). Vehicle had about 50k miles at time of incident. Vehicle was always serviced at BMW of Fairfax. No prior issues with the vehicle. The car was equipped with BMW OEM rubber floor mats. No Airbag deployment. The event occurred on or about May 25th, 2021 at 9 pm. Vehicle deemed total loss.

NHTSA ODI 11515345

Yesterday I was driving on the highway and in the fast lane, with only a break down lane off of the slow lane, the car just shut off. I was extremely lucky that I was able to coast over to the slow lane and then to the break down lane. I could have caused an accident or been hurt myself traveling at high speeds and the car just shutting off. I had the vehicle towed and was told the timing chain broke. This is a known issue and a class action lawsuit was filed against BMW and they settled outside of court. BMW has failed to admit they made a mistake when designing my vehicle and others like it that use the same engine and features. They have refused to admit this should be a recall. The timing chain is inside the engine and is very labor intensive for to be replaced or if it can be at all. There are so many BMW owners that have had this problem that it is known, the timing chain can be replaced before it breaks but once it breaks the entire engine has to be replaced. The only warning light I had was while it was happening. There was not pre-warning that I should take it to the shop and have it replaced. If there was, I would have had the work done! Now I am left with a totaled vehicle that isn't covered by insurance and BMW won't back their product and help in any way. I called BMW North America and several BMW dealerships, no one is willing to do anything. They are telling me I have too many miles on the vehicle. I brought the vehicle in to a BMW dealer (with 98k miles) for a noise and that it was shutting off. They said it was the battery. They replaced it and sent me on my way. Never mentioned the lawsuit or bad part. Now the timing belt has broken at 113k miles. BMW is supposed to be known for their longevity but they will not back their product.

NHTSA ODI 11506007

The contact owned a 2015 BMW X3. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V907000 (Fuel System, Diesel). The contact stated that unknown warning lights were intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer for the recall repair, and the contact was made aware of additional unknown failures and repairs that were needed. The recall repair was completed, and the vehicle was then traded in. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000.

NHTSA ODI 11499149

NHTSA Recall Number 21V907 It has been over a year since I received notification that there was a recall on my vehicle. I have contacted BMW for this to be repaired several times, but the local dealer always says, "We're sorry, there aren't any parts available for your recall." This recall is NOT being performed in a timely manner and based on my interpretation of the recall notice that keeps appearing in my mailbox every few months, my car may burst into flames at any moment. I'm living in fear. Please help.

NHTSA ODI 11497400

2015 BMW X3. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO BMW DESIGN DEFECTS. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER INFORMED THE REPAIRS FOR THE VEHICLE REQUIRES BUYING A NEW ENGINE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE REPAIRS WERE MADE AT THE OWNERS COST BUT THEY WANT TO BE DISCUSS REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS.

NHTSA ODI 11496044

Drivetrain malfunction light due to bad EGR valve, which is causing car to run rough. Currently there is safety recall out for the EGR cooler. BMW of Bloomfield diagnosed and recommended EGR valve replacement but cost was excessive at over $1,100. Another BMW specialist (G&T in Jersey City) recommended replacement of EGR valve and cooler due to potential hazardous conditions described in safety recall but said I shouldn't have to pay due to safety recall. So I called BMW dealers in Bloomfield and Springfield both say the "remedy is not available". So am I just supposed to drive the car until it catches fire? This seems reckless so my other option is to pay the mechanics to replace the system that is already subject to a recall.

NHTSA ODI 11489108

The contact owned a 2015 BMW X3. The contact stated while her husband was driving at 65 MPH with her in the front passenger seat, the vehicle stalled. A message indicating a power train malfunction was displayed. The contact's husband was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact noticed dark smoke coming through the AC vents. The contact stated upon opening the hood, her husband saw fire. The contact immediately exited the vehicle. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with the assistance of the fire department. However, the engine compartment and the front passenger's side end of the vehicle had melted. A fire department was filed. There was no police report filed. There were no injuries sustained. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot where it was totaled. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V907000 (Fuel System, Diesel). The dealer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.

NHTSA ODI 11486724

With under 90k miles on the vehicle, the car stalled on the highway. It was later diagnosed as a head gasket leak which caused coolant to leak into the combustion chamber thereby causing the vehicle to lose power. I contacted BMW North America and they did absolutely nothing to address the issue. They did have a computer related recall on the vehicle and I subsequently had it performed at one of their dealers after having to bare the expense of replacing the original engine with a used one as the cost to repair the original engine quoted me by the BMW dealership was in excess of $25,000. Yes you read it correctly the dealer gave me a repair estimate of a seven year old vehicle with nearly 90k on it of $25000. When I subsequently had a used engine installed they refused to do anything in regards to addressing the original engine stall. If your agency does nothing to protect consumers from this type of egregious activity you are of absolutely no use. This failure is catapult to negligence and the fact that the manufacturer took no action to correct its own defect is simply appalling. To have a perfectly maintained vehicle fail at highway speeds with under ninety thousand miles on it and suffer no consequence is not right. They wanted me to spend more to correct their defect than the car was worth in order for them to give me any assistance. Which is why I'm writing you this complaint today. To manufacture a luxury priced suv with as little backing as they have shown should be against the law. We ran high octane fuel at a cost disproportionate to the outcome we suffered, if you will not address this issue please direct me to whatever agency that protects consumers from substandard manufacturers. This car did not live up to the price it was listed for and they should be held to account for that fact.

NHTSA ODI 11486093

Engine light comes on and the code says: error code 24BF00 - Injector #2 "zero-quantity adaptation injector cylinder 1: permitted filtered actuation duration correction too high I found a 10yr/120k extended warranty on N47T diesel injectors https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/20...67976-9999.pdf but the document only lists Sedan and Wagon N47T models, the X3 with same engine is excluded. Would request to extend warranty on DIESEL FUEL INJECTORS for my car as well.

NHTSA ODI 11482708

The contact owns a 2015 BMW X3. The contact stated that the "check engine" warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V907000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11480822

Problem is that the display says "passenger restraint malfunction" -- which brings safety concern. Upon online search, it is likely caused by design flaw of passenger occupancy detector. Here are some reasons why it is design flaw (i.e. not just individual failure) 1. There has been a recall for the same problem for earlier year models (2006-2007 etc). It seems the other years have the same problem (previous recall wasn't a complete fix) 2. There is actually a third party electrical device online that bypass passenger occupancy detector (so that the car thinks passenger seat is occupied all the time) -- which indicates the commonality of the problem because it even became a profitable market.

NHTSA ODI 11479644

The contact owns a 2015 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V907000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available

NHTSA ODI 11472550

When driving for more than 10 minutes I am noticing smoke coming from the near the engine compartment and strong smell of burning plastic. It smells and appears as if something will catch on fire if I don’t shut off the vehicle. A similar issue was previously reported for older models, which had led to a recall. In that recall the problem stemmed from a manufacturing defect involving the PCV valve heater, which helps recirculate waste gases within the engine. The heater could short-circuit, overheat, and catch fire. This defect is now effecting my own vehicle, which is a 2015 BMW X3.

NHTSA ODI 11468437