Fourth generation · first-year watch
2026 BMW X3, day 347
- 17complaints since Oct 20, 2025
- 2recalls
- 4involved a crash
Newest report Sep 23, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
Changed since August
- 1 new complaint in September, about lane keeping and steering.
- Nothing filed yet on sticky steering, transmission failure, engine failure or fire.
- 46th most complaints of the 79 2026 models on this site.
What's been reported
NHTSA's own component codes. One report can cite several.
- Steering5
- Other4
- Collision avoidance4
- Windshield and wipers4
- Brakes3
- Backup camera3
- Electrical2
- Lane keeping2
Recent reports
“Steering wheel was uncontrollable and locked when suddenly driver assist turned on automatically. Vehicle was driving on a regular road speed limit of 30-35 miles zone which caused a collision. The steering wheel kept steering the vehicle to the left lane, at one point tires seemed locked, vehicle spun, then hitting a retainer wall and turning 3 times then landing on the side with driverâs side down.”
Filed Sep 23, 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 hadnât. No reported damages in either instance. I stopped using the feature and will report to BMW service.”
Filed Aug 28, 2026
At a glance
- Next to the 2024
- The 2026 is too new for a fair per-year comparison. It has 17 complaints so far; the 2024, on sale longer, has 38.
- Top problem
- The 17 complaints on file don't group into a problem with 5 or more reports.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- 4 of the 17 complaints (24%) report a crash, a fire or an injury. The typical vehicle on this site sits at 6%, so this one runs well above it. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 4 reports mention a crash and 1 person was hurt.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- 2 recalls are on file, but no problem here has enough reports to set against them.
- When owners filed
- Every complaint so far came in during 2025. So far in 2026, 13 more have come in.
Recalls
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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.
Risk and remedy
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) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 2, 2026.
BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain 2025-2026 X3 vehicles. While the vehicle is stationary, unexpected steering wheel movement (rotation) may occur.
Risk and remedy
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 on NHTSA.gov beginning February 2, 2026.
All 2 recalls on the 2026 BMW X3, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
Guide Seeing this on your own car? How to file a complaint with NHTSA
The log
Complaints by the month NHTSA received them, newest first. Blue bars mark a month with a recall or an investigation.
Questions
How many 2026 BMW X3 complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
4 of them (24%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.