Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of BMW X3 - part 2

2019 BMW X3 - coolant warning has been going on for the last 6 months and I was refilling coolant every time it went off. I even had the car serviced and they refilled the coolant. Then I was driving the car the engine is overheating warning came on I pulled over. It cooled down. Car was fine but said it needed coolant. I added coolant and noticed it was leaking from multiple spots underneath the car. I had the car towed to a certified BMW mechanic. They did a diagnostic test and inspection and I was told the exhilarator water pump, coolant hose, coolant return line and oil filter house among a list of other things need to be replaced. The repair is estimated at $4700. 00.

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The radiator hose system has now failed twice due to faulty hoses and connections.

A BMW dealership has indicated that the motor mounts on my vehicle need to be replaced. My vehicle has under 29,000 miles, and these parts are designed to last for 60,000 to 100,000 miles. A premature collapse of the motor mounts indicates a manufacturing defect, material weakness or installation error from the factory. I understand that this defect is common for 2018-2020 X3 models. The vehicle did not display any symptoms of this defect and no indicators were displayed on the on-screen monitor.

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Unknown . The safety recall is extremely dangerous and I drive my child around. This is unacceptable and very unavoidable by providing a remedy or give me a new car. This is not my fault and my life and my family’s lives are in danger.

See all problems of the 2021 BMW X3 🔎.

Beginning oct 1, 2025. The cars drivetrain warning came on intermittently until mechanics correctly diagnosed the issue. Thermostat valve failed to shut off properly causing the car to overheat. This has been an issue and recall already, just did not include my VIN. Now it has happened to me at the cost of 2k and under 45k miles. Heat management module had to be replaced due to the danger of overheating and complete car shut down. I am turning this into BMW as well.

See all problems of the 2020 BMW X3 🔎.

I own a 2013 BMW X3 equipped with the n20 engine. After approximately 17 months of ownership and only around 11,000 miles of normal driving, the vehicle suffered a sudden and complete engine failure without warning. The independent diagnostic determined the failure was due to a timing chain and oil pump drive chain defect, which is a well-documented issue in BMW n20 engines. This defect has been acknowledged by BMW through technical service bulletin si b11 03 17 and the national class action settlement bang v. BMW of north America. The defect causes premature wear and eventual breakage of the timing chain components, resulting in catastrophic engine damage. My vehicle is now inoperable, and the cost to repair exceeds $7,500 — far more than the vehicle’s value. There were no prior warning lights, noises, or messages. This sudden engine failure creates a safety risk, as the vehicle could lose power unexpectedly while driving. No authorized BMW dealer had ever performed timing chain replacement on this vehicle, and the issue was not disclosed at the time of sale. I am filing this complaint so NHTSA is aware of the widespread nature and serious safety implications of this defect.

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Engine over heating alert issued and to pull over immediately. We had car towed to BMW dealership who stated it is water pump issue. This is a known issue for this make and model but recall not in effect for our VIN. We are having the same issues as stated in recall for water pumps and temperature control issues. Just because our VIN number is not associated with this recall they will not repair this issue unless we pay out of pocket. This is a known issue for our make and model of car and should be a covered expense by BMW. I have attached a link to the recall issues. Please review and respond accordingly. Thank you!.

See all problems of the 2015 BMW X3 🔎.

Our vehicle alerted us to over heating and to pull over immediately. Our car then stopped running. We had it towed and was told there was an issue with the water pump sensor and corrosion issues. They alerted us that there was a recall for these issues on our vehicle. We researched and found this to be true. When I contacted BMW they stated our VIN number was not part of the recall but our vehicle match the exact models listed in the recall. We took it to the dealership and they repaired it for $2500 and the reason for the repair was the exact reason for the recall. Spoke with BMW again regarding this and they said if our VIN was not on the recall list there was nothing they could do. I would think when your vehicle make and model matches the recall and the issues are the same you would be part of the recall no matter the VIN number. I would like for this to be reviewed and see if we can get a reimbursement from BMW for the charges we paid out of pocket for an issue that should have been covered by the recall. The recall form attached is one my friend received who has the exact same car we have. The other documents are the service invoice and verification of our payment. Thank you!.

My vehicle is subject to an active safety recall (NHTSA #25v-636) issued in September 2025 involving the engine starter. As of today, no remedy has been provided by the manufacturer. Due to the safety risk associated with this recall, I do not feel safe operating the vehicle and have been forced to keep it parked and unused for an extended period of time. This has caused significant financial hardship, as I am still required to make monthly loan payments, maintain insurance, and cover related expenses for a vehicle that is unsafe to drive. The issue has effectively rendered the vehicle unusable. The manufacturer has failed to provide a repair, replacement, or timeline for resolution. This situation places my safety and the safety of others at risk, as the vehicle may fail to start or function properly without warning. I am requesting immediate action, as this delay is unreasonable and creates both a safety hazard and financial burden.

This recall was in September 2025, and for a starter issue that could cause a fire. Despite the urgency of this recall, it's now six months later, and I am still getting a response from BMW "remedy not available". So, in the meantime BMW advises to keep the car outside in the hot florida sun so it doesn't burn the house down. This is a totally unacceptable situation, and I would appreciate the NHTSA following up with BMW regarding why the delay. It appears to me that BMW is dragging their feet on correcting this serious issue.

While driving, noticed smoke coming from under the hood. Immediately pulled in a parking lot where the smoke turned to fire and burned the entire car by the time fire dept arrived. I was the only person in the car and was luckily able to exit the vehicle before the actual fire started. Incident reported to insurance company and they are investigating. There were no dash warning lights of any kind.

See all problems of the 2022 BMW X3 🔎.

Coolant leak. Oil filter housing coolant leak. Water pump leak. Coolant leaked while driving, and vehicle was not driveable after arriving at the dealership when all the coolant purged out of the vehicle.

See attached document for complaint. It is coming to almost a year that this problem still exists. After multiple attempts to have this rectified still un settled. I tried to make a claim on your website but for some reason the site is not taking my VIN# xxxxxxx, NJ plate tag xxxxxx.

See all problems of the 2017 BMW X3 🔎.

1. The primary failure occurred within the electrical system and engine compartment wiring. According to the official forensic report (ref xxx by the ministry of internal affairs of georgia, the fire originated in the engine compartment due to an electrotechnical fault (short circuit). 2. The vehicle spontaneously exploded and caught fire while parked in a closed, underground parking facility of a commercial building. This created an immediate risk mass casualties due to smoke inhalation and potential structural collapse of the parking ceiling. Fire spreading to dozens of adjacent vehicles. The explosion occurred without any prior warning, posing a lethal threat to anyone nearby. 3. The failure was officially confirmed and documented through a state forensic examination. The ministry of internal affairs’ forensic-criminalistic department conducted a comprehensive technical audit. They ruled out any external factors (arson/accelerants) and confirmed an internal electrical short circuit as the sole cause. 4. Yes. The vehicle was inspected and seized as evidence by the criminal police and the state forensic-criminalistic department of georgia. 5. There were no warning lights or messages displayed on the dashboard prior to parking the vehicle. The incident was a spontaneous combustion that occurred while the vehicle was stationary and unoccupied. Please note that uploaded police documents are in georgian language and I will be able to send over official translations upon request. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

BMW has not been able to offer a repair for the engine coolant pump recall issued in August 2024. I wanted to register a formal complaint because I would like to get this repaired and off my vehicle record. I have not experienced any problem with the recalled part yet.

See all problems of the 2016 BMW X3 🔎.

The contact owns a 2014 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment, prompting the contact to discontinue driving the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 24v608000 (engine and engine cooling, electrical system); the VIN was included, but parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

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The contact owns a 2013 BMW X3. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, smoke was noticed leaking from under the hood. The contact stated that after she opened the hood, the vehicle caught on fire. No warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that she and a neighbor had extinguished the fire utilizing a fire extinguisher. No police report was filed. The fire department did not arrive on scene. The vehicle was not towed. The vehicle was not deemed a total loss. The contact was burned on her hand however, she did not seek medical attention. Upon further inspection, the contact noticed that spark plug wires and other unknown parts were burned. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously seen by a local dealer for recall repair; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed with any recall-related failures and was diagnosed as needing a timing change replacement. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received a notification of NHTSA campaign number: 24v608000 (engine and engine cooling, electrical system). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

The contact owns a 2016 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 the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure.

The contact's daughter owns a 2013 BMW X3. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 24v608000 (engine and engine cooling, electrical system). The contact took the vehicle to the dealer for the recall repair; however, the dealer found no signs of contamination and installed a water pump connector cap. The contact stated that a month after the repair, the engine was overheating while idling, and there was while smoke coming from the engine with an unknown warning light on the instrument panel. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the water pump and the battery were replaced. The mechanic informed the contact that the water pump connector cap was faulty and had caused the failure. The contact was reminded by his wife of the water pump recall and that the connector cap was replaced due to the recall. Despite the repair, the vehicle shut off soon after starting the vehicle. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a BMW specialist, who discovered that an antifreeze leak had caused corrosion of several electrical wires inside the engine. The specialist informed the contact that the vehicle needed two engine wiring harnesses, an engine computer, and an ivm (integrated supply module). The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact filed paperwork online to be reimbursed for the repairs made to the vehicle. The manufacturer denied the reimbursement because the vehicle had been serviced by an independent mechanic and not a dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

2019 BMW X3 VIN # 5uxtr7c53klr50002 odometer - 70,000 miles dealer - united BMW, 11458 alpharetta hwy, roswell GA 30075 I purchased my 2019 BMW X3 from united BMW in October 2022. The car had a little over 22k miles at the time or purchase. My vehicle suffered catastrophic engine failure on August 2, 2025, just 48 hours after a BMW service technician topped off coolant in response to a warning light. The vehicle has been properly maintained, including repairs from united bwm service and a BMW certified independent mechanic. The engine failure occurred under normal driving conditions, rendering the engine inoperable. I have received a full diagnostic from BMW and they acknowledged that the independent mechanic was not at fault. Previous contact with BMW consumer relations and the united BMW service manager has not resolved the issue. The repair estimate from united is $40,000. Since I purchased my vehicle from united, they offered to reduce my repair cost to $33,000. I still owe $25,000 on this vehicle. Given the sudden failure shortly after BMW's service, this appears to be a serious reliability and potential safety defect. I have copies of my service records. Kindly advise. Kyle sellers 678. 427. 9124 akylesellers@gmail. Com.

One cell in the hybrid battery failed causing the car to go into safety mode. Battery assistance to the engine stopped and gas engine was the only source of power. Was told the car could be a fire hazard in this condition and required repairing the hybrid system.

Light indicator showed low coolant levels. Car was leaking coolant slowly. Filled up coolant but levels continued to go down. Brought to mechanic and they had to remove oil filter housing to replace failing gasket. Car is about 113k miles.

I am unable to drive my 2017 BMW X3 VIN number 5uxwx9c37h0t22306 anymore I recently took my vehicle to a mechanical and they told me that my engine coolant pump is no longer good. I checked for any recalls, and the recall is engine coolant pump which the description explains everything that's happening to my vehicle. This issue has been ruled non fixable, and I will like a responsible solution to this problem.

Engine light diagnostic crankcase ventilation hose defective. There was a recall on this but not for my VIN #, why not I'm having the same issues a described in the recall.

I had my car towed into BMW dealership for a vanos recall repair,it went in for the repair the repair was "done" but before picking it up they told me they were unable to qc/start my engine to verify the repair claiming that because my camshaft position sensor was removed (it was removed to ultimately figure out it was the vanos system that failed)and that my car had no battery at the time of the repair they could and would not start my engine to verify the repair and that they turned it over by hand only,upon them releasing the car back to me I brought a battery and started my car and left the dealership within ten miles my engine failed and locked up due to oil starvation,I had it towed back immediately and explained what happened,and they refuse to take any responsibility for my car failing on the road while driving cause my engine to smoke and push the smoke into the cab mid traffic,this happened in July of 2025 and I am still going back and forth trying to get them to take responsibility and replace my engine,they did not follow proper procedures to ensure my vehicle was safe for pickup violating safety standards.

See all problems of the 2011 BMW X3 🔎.

On 7/3/25 took 2019 BMW X3 in for service & received a call that the engine mounts had collapsed and the repair would be $2,098. 50 and to me a car with only 68k miles should not have this issue - first time in any car I've owned. The service advisor, sheri holtz of century BMW, 2934 laurens road, greenville SC informed us that this was a common issue but no recall currently. Went on to research and youtube had information that this is a known issue and one of the top 10 problems with the BMW X3. Contacted BMW client care to seek reimbursement and claim was denied. Also sent a letter to BMW customer relations and no response. A 6 year old car should not have motor mounts collapsing and this is obviously an issue with BMW. Most consumers do not know how to report this complaint but if there is a way for you to search BMW dealers for how often this repair is happening, you will most likely find this is an issue.

The contact owns a 2017 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 the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Motor mounts are now replaced every 30k miles the part fails. This is quality and safty hazard. This is not covered by BMW shame.

On may 26, 2025, after I arrived home and parked my 2025 BMW X3, the vehicle caught fire approximately 30 minutes later. The fire started due to a known recall issue (NHTSA recall no. 25v202) related to the electrical/starter-generator connection, which can cause overheating and fire. I contacted BMW multiple times before the incident — on April 19, may 9, and may 25 — requesting help to fix the open recall, but they failed to take action. The fire was sudden and violent, putting my life and property at risk. Firefighters and police responded; case number: 25/200048976. I filed a claim with progressive insurance and have photos and documentation available.

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The contact owns a 2014 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving 60 mph, the vehicle lost motive power. There was an abnormal winding sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the brake was inoperable. The contact activated the parking brake to stop the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to technical service bulletin: sib: 11-03-17. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the timing chaining needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

I own a 2011 BMW X3 with an n55 engine and am experiencing vanos-related issues consistent with TSB sib 11 02 13 and recall 23v-707. While my VIN isn’t currently listed, my vehicle falls within the affected model years, and I’m seeing identical dme fault codes (130e11, 120408) and drivability symptoms. I’m concerned about potential engine damage and request an inspection and consideration for goodwill repair or inclusion in the recall.

The contact owns a 2015 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving 40-50 mph, the check engine warning light illuminated and the message "engine overheated -stop vehicle immediately" was displayed. The contact parked and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was later restarted, but the message "engine overheated stop - vehicle immediately" was displayed again. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the water pump had overheated and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, who also determined that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 24v608000 (engine and engine cooling, electrical system); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.

The contact owns a 2013 BMW X3. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was smoke coming from under the hood of the vehicle, and there was oil leaking from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine gasket was faulty and needed to be replaced. Additionally, the contact was informed that the subframe of the vehicle was rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 134,000.

The contact owns a 2017 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the fuel pump. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 21v586000 (fuel system, diesel); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

Subject: rear differential mount failure and driveshaft breakage — sudden loss of vehicle control at highway speed complaint summary: while driving at highway speed, I experienced a sudden and extremely loud bang from the rear of the vehicle. Immediately afterward, I lost complete control of the rear end, accompanied by violent clanking and grinding noises from the driveline area. The gearbox then stalled, leaving the vehicle disabled in the middle of the highway. Upon inspection, it was determined that a rear differential mounting bolt had sheared, causing the differential to shift violently out of position. This sudden movement resulted in the driveshaft breaking, which further destabilized the vehicle and led to a severe and immediate loss of control. This failure occurred without warning and created an extremely dangerous situation. The sudden loss of drivetrain integrity at highway speed placed both myself and nearby motorists at serious risk of a crash. A component as critical as a differential mount or driveshaft should not fail under normal operating conditions. This incident strongly indicates a serious design or manufacturing defect affecting the vehicle’s powertrain and structural safety. Requested action: I urge the NHTSA to investigate rear differential mounting and driveshaft failures on this vehicle model. Such failures can lead to catastrophic loss of control, and immediate attention is necessary to prevent future incidents and ensure driver safety.