*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Vehicle speed control
Odometer failed - unable to get this fixed!
Jul 30, 2025Air bags
AIRBAG LAMP REMIANS ON DUE TO FAILED PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY DETECTION MAT. HONOLULU BMW DEALER CLAIMS RECALL 08V384000 WAS PERFORMED JULY 18, 2008- WHICH IS THE EXACT SAME DATE LISTED IN THE RECALL AS BMW'S REPORT DATE TO NHTSA. THE RECALL CAMPAIGN AND PROCEDURE DID NOT GET PUBLISHED OR BEGIN FOR NEARLY A YEAR LATER. THE RECALL CAMPAIGN ASKS THAT A SMALL STICKER BE AFFIXED ADJACENT TO THE VIN TAG- THERE IS NO STICKER, NOR IS THERE EVIDENCE OF A STICKER EVER HAVING BEEN THERE ( I KNOW WHAT IT SHOULD LOOK LIKE). THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAINTED.
Jul 24, 2023Air bagsCrash1 injury
The contact ownd a 2004 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, she dozed off behind the wheel when the vehicle crashed into the rear of a tow truck. As a result, the front end of the vehicle was damaged. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained an injury to the head and bodily soreness. Medical attention was required. No police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard however, the vehicle was then towed to the contactâs residence. The vehicle was diagnosed by an air bag specialist and it was determined that the air bag was not connected. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact…
Feb 1, 2020Air bags
The airbag light is on our BMW and my 16 years daughter is driving this car. I cannot believe that BMW did not issue a recall. According to Repair Pal: "What are the symptoms of a bad Air Bag Occupant Sensor? Failing occupant sensors can show one of two symptoms. They may stay on at all times, causing the passenger airbags to stay active even when a passenger is not present. Also, they may not operate at all, which prevents the airbags from activating when a passenger is seated in that seating position. Also, for most systems, the airbag or SRS warning light will illuminate on the instrument cluster, prompting the driver to service the system.
Dec 1, 2021EngineFire
CHECK OIL LIGHT CAME ON SO VEHICLE WAS PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. WITHIN SECONDS, SMOKE HAD ENGULFED THE ENGINE BAY. THE ENTIRE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES WITHIN A FEW MINUTES.
Jul 8, 2020 · 168,000 milesAir bagsCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 BMW X3. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE SHE FELL ASLEEP BEHIND THE WHEEL WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TOW TRUCK. THE CONTACT STATED SHE PULLED OVER AFTER THE IMPACT WOKE HER UP. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOT AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CRASH WAS A FRONT END COLLISION. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE CRASH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V384000 (AIR BAGS). *DT*JB
Feb 25, 2020EngineCrash
WHILE SITTING AT A RED LIGHT THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND I COULDN'T CONTROL IT OR STOP IT WHILE PUSHING HEAVILY ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. I HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OR ME. THIS HAS HAPPENED MORE THAN ONCE.
Feb 14, 2020 · 200,000 milesUnknown or other
WATER SEEPS INTO THE VEHICLE FROM AN UNKNOWN LOCATION AND CAUSES A MOLD EFFECT DUE TO SATURATION OF THE FLOOR IN THE BACK PASSENGER AREA. DOOR AND SUNROOF WEATHERSTRIPPING HAVE BEEN PROFESSIONALLY CHECKED AND DEEMED NOT THE CAUSE.
Sep 25, 2017
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.