2026 BMW X3 Problems & Complaints

This car was purchased new from an authorized dealer. After about 3 months of operation, I noticed a crack in the windshield starting at the upper edge of the passenger side of the vehicle. The crack has since spread approx. halfway across the windshield. I'm concerned that this will continue until the windshield fails. I took it to the dealer who agreed that it didn't appear to have been struck by a rock or anything else, but the dealership has refused to take responsibility. I looked up possible recalls on this issue and discovered that BMW has recalled other similar models for this problem, but not this model. I believe that this is an issue that should result in a recall and subsequent replacement of the windshield and I wanted to make the NHTSA aware of it.

We purchased this vehicle new. It has less than 3,000 miles on it. A crack has developed in the windshield, starting in the upper corner on the passenger side and extending approximately 18 inches diagonally across the windshield. There is no evidence of an impact on the windshield by a rock or other road debris. It appears to be a defect in the glass itself or the method of installation. I believe that this issue is worthy of investigation by the NHTSA.

NHTSA Safety Complaint – Narrative VIN: [XXX] | Vehicle: 2026 BMW X3 | Purchase Date: December 2025 | Mileage at First Failure: 360 miles | Incident Date: January 14, 2026 | Crash: No | Injuries: No | Vehicle Moving: Yes I am filing this complaint regarding a serious, recurring defect in my 2026 BMW X3, purchased new in December 2025 in California. Defect: While driving at highway and surface street speeds, the instrument panel goes completely black without warning, causing me to lose visibility of vehicle speed, fuel level, warning indicators, navigation, and driver assistance displays while in motion — a direct safety hazard. Frequency: This occurs spontaneously on multiple occasions with no specific trigger and no audible alert. Repair History: The vehicle has been presented to an authorized BMW dealership in Berkeley, CA twice for this defect. Both attempts failed. Cumulative days out of service: 31. A replacement headunit ordered from Germany was promised by February 20, 2026 and has not arrived as of February 22, 2026. Systemic Defect: At least one other NHTSA complaint documents the identical failure in a 2025 BMW X3 — and that owner experienced the same blackout in a BMW X3 loaner vehicle, strongly indicating this is a systemic defect across the 2025/2026 X3 redesign. Safety Impact: Loss of the instrument panel eliminates speed monitoring and disables critical warning indicators, increasing collision risk — particularly at highway speeds. Relief Requested: I request NHTSA open a formal investigation into this defect across 2025/2026 BMW X3 models and compel BMW to identify the root cause and issue a recall or remedy if warranted. Additional Information: I have sent formal lemon law demand letters to the selling dealership and BMW of North America under the California Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act and am documenting all records accordingly. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owned a 2026 BMW X3. The contact stated while reversing at an undisclosed speed out of the garage at the residence, the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. The contact stated that the vehicle skidded on the ice, and the rear end crashed into a tree. There was no warning light illuminated during the failure. There was no air bags deployed during the crash. A Police report was not filed. The vehicle was drivable and was taken to a Collision Center in Bloomington, Illinois, where it was inspected, and the vehicle was deemed a total loss by the Insurance Provider. The contact research and was made aware of an NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V857000 (STEERING). The contact stated that the VIN was not under recall when the crash occurred but had since received the recall notification. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 900.

NHTSA COMPLAINT - 2026 BMW X3 WINDSHIELD DEFECT Our brand new 2026 BMW X3 has experienced two complete windshield failures within six weeks of purchase. Both windshields spontaneously cracked from the perimeter bonding edge with NO rock strikes or impacts: ∙First failure (Week 3): Crack from driver-side A-pillar edge ∙Second failure (Week 6): Crack from top horizontal edge near rearview mirror Critical Pattern: Both cracks originated from different points along the windshield-to-body bonding periphery, indicating a systemic defect in the entire bonding system, not isolated damage. Safety Risk: This violates FMVSS 212 windshield retention requirements. Risks include: windshield detachment during crashes, airbag deployment failure, sudden visibility loss while driving, and water intrusion causing electrical fires. Key Evidence: BMW has already recalled FOUR related 2026 models for identical windshield seal defects: ∙Campaign 25V556: X5/X7 (1,406 vehicles) - improperly sealed windshields ∙Campaign 25V671: X4/X6 - same defect The X3 shares the same platform, manufacturing facility, and production timeframe but was excluded from recalls. Statistical Impossibility: Two spontaneous windshield failures in six weeks with zero impacts on a new vehicle cannot be coincidence. Normal defect rates are <0.1% annually. Dealer Confirmation: BMW dealer confirmed and replaced first windshield. Second failure proves systematic defect. Request: Investigate whether 2026 X3 has the same defect as recalled X4/X5/X6/X7 models and expand recalls accordingly. Vehicle VIN: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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 iDrive30 failed (at 135 miles on the odometer) while making a righthand turn resulting in the steering wheel being extremely difficult to turn. My car was towed to BMW of Sterling (Virginia) where it was repaired by replacing the electrical steering box. While my car itself is available for inspection, you would need to contact BMW of Sterling to determine if the parts that were replaced are available for inspection. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? With the steering wheel extremely difficult to turn, any precise, time-critical maneuvers to avoid collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians, etc. was significantly compromised. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? BMW of Sterling personnel confirmed the issue when my car was dropped off for repair. Service diagnostics also confirmed the failure. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? My car was inspected only by BMW of Sterling personnel. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? In my estimation, no. I did not notice any audible or visual indications until shortly after the steering failure when I saw several warning messages displayed on my car’s LED “dashboard”. An image has been uploaded.

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.

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)

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The braking system failed to respond when the brake pedal was pressed. Additionally, the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system did not activate. Both the vehicle and its components are available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The vehicle was traveling at approximately 25–30 mph in light rain. When the brakes did not engage, I was unable to slow down or stop, resulting in a collision with the vehicle in front of me. The complete loss of braking capability created a significant risk of injury to me, my passengers, and other road users. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? At this time, the issue has not yet been reproduced or confirmed. The vehicle is scheduled to be inspected by the dealership/service center. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The incident was reported, and the vehicle is pending inspection by the dealer and insurance representatives. No mechanical inspection has yet been performed by the manufacturer at the time of this complaint. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No warning lights, messages, or abnormal symptoms were displayed before or during the failure. The brake failure occurred suddenly without any prior indication. Additional Context: The vehicle is approximately 20 days old. The incident occurred on a wet road during light rain. The brakes failed completely on pedal application, and the AEB system did not respond.

BMW USA has stopped providing warranty and service manuals, probably to save on costs. Instead, BMW requires a user to log into its website to find these documents. However, despite the 2026 model year BMW X3 being offered in the market since September 2025, the website does not offer these important documents. This is a safety violation because owners cannot determine what recommended service is for their vehicles. It's also a consumer protection issue as the abbreviated printed card provided at delivery specifically refers owners to the online service and warranty manuals which as of late October 2025 are unavailable online.