2026 BMW X3

2 recalls, 28 complaints - 4/5 safety rating

STEERING:LINKAGES:KNUCKLE:SPINDLE:ARM

Defect Description

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2024-2026 X3 sDrive30i, X3 30 xDrive, and X3 M50 xDrive vehicles. The steering spindle may have been incorrectly attached to the steering column.

Consequence

An incorrectly attached steering spindle can lead to a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the steering connection and replace hardware or replace the spindle and column, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 2, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) i... Read more

13 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC

STEERING:STEERING CONTROL MODULE

Defect Description

BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain 2025-2026 X3 vehicles. While the vehicle is stationary, unexpected steering wheel movement (rotation) may occur.

Consequence

Unintended steering wheel movement while the vehicle is stationary increases the risk of an injury and on the road, a crash.

Remedy

The steering system software will be updated, free of charge, either over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer. Owner notification letters were mailed February 6, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable... Read more

36,922 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC

Complaint Statistics

28 total complaints 3 crashes

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
ENGINE	6
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	4
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS	2
POWER TRAIN	1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	1
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION	1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	1
STEERING	1
VISIBILITY/WIPER	1

Incident date: Aug 25, 2026

In two separate instances, I used the parking assist to back into a parking spot. Both times, the car moved forward but came so close to the car in front that I applied the brake. I felt that there would have been contact if I hadn’t. No reported damages in either instance. I stopped using the fea... Read more

Incident date: Aug 22, 2026

I am reporting a potential safety issue involving my **2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive**. I was parked on the right side of a parking lot. I moved the vehicle partially out of the parking space and slightly to the left to allow someone to enter the vehicle. I came to a stop and removed my foot from the brake... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Aug 22, 2026

Crash

Incident date: Aug 22, 2026

Crash

Incident date: Jun 7, 2026

The contact owns a 2025 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while at a stop with the Auto BRAKE HOLD engaged, the vehicle stalled. The contact activated the hazard lights. The contact restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle resumed normal operation. There were no warning lights illuminated. The lo... Read more

Incident date: Jun 7, 2026

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.... Read more

Incident date: Jan 9, 2026

Driver side seat rocks back and forth when braking and cornering. Feels loose

Incident date: Jan 9, 2026

Safety Complaint Regarding Engine Oil Leak – Same Defect as Recall N763 (23V044000) Vehicle: 2019 Range Rover Sport | VIN: [XXX] Description of Problem: My vehicle is experiencing an oil leak from the engine area. Upon inspection by my mechanic/dealer, the failure was diagnosed as a blocked or i... Read more

Incident date: Jan 9, 2026

Incident date: Mar 5, 2026

The vehicle’s front bumper under the passenger side keeps becoming loose with a large noticeable gap even after fixed by the dealership. Appears to be weak clips used by Toyota during the manufacturing process. Vehicle is new, purchased 1/2026 and this recurrent issue showed up at 1567 miles, vehi... Read more

Incident date: Mar 5, 2026

Water leaking into cylinder White smoke when start engine Uses coolant quickly Engine light on

Incident date: Mar 5, 2026

Fuel injectors, hand brake when reversing, spuddering when push on gas, windshield crack when cleaning from the inside accidently hit rear view mirror.

Incident date: Jun 6, 2026

I was told my top side of my engine failed, and they only cover bottom side engine failure. As well as pieces was missing. When I looked at the video it showed that my screws has fell off vs removed.

Incident date: Jan 15, 2026

My Bluetooth would not connect to my infotainment system. My android auto then could not connect. I'm told by the honda service tech that from time to time when the system updates we would need to do a factory reset to align the latest update with the phone. That's what I did, and the screen came ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 25, 2026

Oil pump is made of plastic causing it to fail after a certain time and can lead to a total engine loss if not swapped out with BMW’s updated oil pump. They are aware of the issue but neglecting to handle the problem.

Incident date: Jan 14, 2026

After inspection by a few people it was determined that the front passenger side lower frame cracked which then cracked the body oozing rusty water out of it. I was told that if the car was hit on the passenger side that it would not retain its ability to be stable and would crumple. It has been ins... Read more

Incident date: Jan 14, 2026

Windshield developed a long crack overnight while parked in an enclosed garage with stable temperatures. No rock impact was observed or heard during driving prior to parking. Upon inspection, a small mark resembling an impact point was found, but it is unclear whether this is an external impact or a... Read more

Incident date: Dec 1, 2025

Bought the car on Feb 14th 2026. We were told Avis car sales in fontana does their vehicle inspection on every car before its sold. We noticed the two back tires on the expedition were bald and showing cords. We told Tawnya and George about the tires and they said they would order them, they'd be in... Read more

Incident date: Jan 7, 2026

My car has previously been reported for having issues with electrical problems that I have had to fight the manufacturer to get repaired unsuccessfully.I am constantly experiencing and smelling burning in my dash when I crank the car. Car is no longer under warranty, so therefore, I cannot afford to... Read more

Incident date: Jan 1, 2026

Opened driver door to exit vehicle and heard a loud POP! Noticed rear window had exploded. Glass flew outside behind vehicle and continued to fall in rear of vehicle. Defrost was not in use. It was single digit temp out.

Incident date: Jan 1, 2026

Here is a summary of the issue I experienced in a form of answers your questions. I have uploaded a more detailed description of the issue in a pdf file. 1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The power steering on my new 2026 BMW X3... Read more

Incident date: Dec 5, 2025

This complaint is to clarify and supplement a previous report. The issues began in August 2025, not September. Initially, the vehicle presented abnormal fuel range fluctuations, including while stationary, as well as intermittent “Key Missing” warnings while driving and display black spots. The... Read more

Incident date: Nov 23, 2025

I have an open safety recall that has no available fix. My dealership confirmed they cannot repair it and advised me it may be unsafe. Because I cannot safely operate the vehicle, I am requesting a manufacturer buyback or financial assistance toward a replacement vehicle. Please escalate this to a c... Read more

Incident date: Nov 22, 2025

The control buttons located on the steering wheel of the newer model Nissan Pathfinder are malfunctioning. These buttons control numerous functions and sensors. What's happening is, the spring action of the buttons are failing and the button is loose. This causes the button to make contact as if it ... Read more

Incident date: Nov 22, 2025

The contact owns a 2024 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH and attempting to make a right turn while depressing the accelerator pedal, the contact heard a popping sound coming from the front driver’s side and three of the wheels attempted to switch to 4WD; however, the d... Read more

Incident date: Nov 22, 2025

My 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 experienced a complete engine failure at ~51,000 miles, shortly after a major repair for a known defect. Initially, the vehicle showed a misfire on cylinder #3, which was diagnosed at RBM of Alpharetta as low compression due to valve seat damage, matching MB TSB LI01.30... Read more

Incident date: Oct 20, 2025

Transmission when the car first starts up is slipping. No dipstick for checking Transmission fluid.

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2026 BMW X3

2026 BMW X3 SUV N/A AWD

Category	Rating
Overall Rating	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Frontal Crash	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Frontal Crash, Driver	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Frontal Crash, Passenger	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Side Crash	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Driver	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Passenger	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Rollover	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Rollover Risk	16.9%

Safety Technology

Feature	Status
Electronic Stability Control	Standard
Forward Collision Warning	No
Lane Departure Warning	No

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings Program. Ratings are based on crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

BMW X3 - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the BMW X3 across all model years (2004, 2026).

130 Total Recalls

2,811 Total Complaints

0 Investigations

159 Reported Crashes

135 Reported Fires

1 Reported Deaths

BMW X3 - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2026 (current)	2	28
2025	9	67	View
2024	4	52	View
2023	4	14	View
2022	8	109	View
2021	11	145	View
2020	16	141	View
2019	10	230	View
2018	11	104	View
2017	6	138	View
2016	5	120	View
2015	7	158	View
2014	6	130	View
2013	7	346	View
2012	2	67	View
2011	4	166	View
2010	4	41	View
2009	3	26	View
2008	3	93	View
2007	3	132	View
2006	2	178	View
2005	2	144	View
2004	1	182	View

Other BMW Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
X5	223	4,349	View
330I	122	1,050	View
X6	110	293	View
328I	108	3,743	View
M3	95	550	View
325I	83	1,809	View
Z4	83	1,439	View
5 SERIES	78	557	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

2026 BMW X3

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2026 BMW X3

Safety Technology

BMW X3 - All Years Overview

BMW X3 - Year by Year

Other BMW Models