BMW X3 · model year

2019 BMW X3

202 NHTSA complaints, 9 crash reports, and 10 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

5 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2019BMWX3 carries 202 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 9 crashes, 0 fires, 6 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 5/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2019 X3 is electrical system with 39 filings, followed by unknown or other (34) and engine (26). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 10 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle, the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 34 investigation files overlapping the 2019 X3. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page, a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

202
Complaints
9
Crashes
0
Fires
6
Injuries
0
Deaths
2019 BMW X3 - NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2019 BMW X3. Overall composite: 5.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 5.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 5.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 4.0 ★
NHTSA overall 5.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

202 filings

Crashes Reported

9 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 5/5 - Top NCAP rating · Front: 5/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM39
UNKNOWN OR OTHER34
ENGINE26
STRUCTURE:BODY20
SERVICE BRAKES10
STRUCTURE9
EXTERIOR LIGHTING6
POWER TRAIN6
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING6
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING5
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL4
AIR BAGS4
VISIBILITY/WIPER3
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)3
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE3

Recalls (10)

19V56300031/07/2019

SEATS

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2019 X3 sDrive30i, xDrive30i and M40i and 2019 X4 xDrive30i and M40i vehicles. The front seatback frames may have been improperly welded, allowing the seatback to unexpectedly fold forward or rearward.

19V68400027/09/2019

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 530e, 530e xDrive, X3 sDrive, X3 xDrive, X3 M40i, X3 M, and 2019-2020 X4 xDrive, X4 M40i, X4 M, X7 xDrive, X7 M50i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 8 Series Con

21V09600019/02/2021

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Co

20V15200018/03/2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 X4 xDrive30i and X4 M40i, and 2018-2020 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, and X3M vehicles. The instrument panel casing may not have been tightened properly to the passenger air bag.

24V53400017/07/2024

STRUCTURE

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2023 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, and X3 M vehicles. The attachment for the interior cargo rail may become damaged in a rear crash and result in the cargo rail detaching.

24V76400015/10/2024

STRUCTURE

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2022 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, and X3 M vehicles. The attachment for the rear cargo rail may become damaged in a rear crash and result in the cargo rail detaching.

19V29100010/04/2019

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, and X4 M40i vehicles. The instrument panel assembly may have been improperly manufactured, possibly affecting the deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag.

21V52100008/07/2021

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2019 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i and 2019 X4 xDrive30i, and X4 M40i vehicles. The front passenger seat occupant classification system may have been improperly assembled, which could result in the misclassification of the seat as unoc

18V45300006/07/2018

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2019 BMW X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i and certain 2019 X4 xDrive30i and X4 M40i vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have an insufficient coating, potentially reducing rear brake performance.

18V37400006/06/2018

LANE DEPARTURE: LANE KEEP: STEERING ASSIST

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2019 BMW X3 xDrive30i, X3 sDrive30i, and X3 M40i vehicles equipped with the "Active Lane Keeping Assistant" option. The steering wheel may be incompatible with the lane keeping assistant function and may not detect if the driver's hands are

Recent Complaints

20260212ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Beginning in July–August 2025, my 2019 BMW X3 (VIN [XXX] ) began experiencing multiple safety‑critical system failures affecting federally regulated components. The rearview camera intermittently failed to activate and later stopped functioning entirely, resulting in loss of rear visibility required under FMVSS 111. The Emergency Call (eCall) system displayed repeated malfunction warnings, indicating loss of automatic crash notification capability. The vehicle also displayed “Driver Assistance Restricted,” “Collision Warning Malfunction,” and pedestrian detection failure messages, showing that forward collision warning and related ADAS functions were not operating properly. During the same period, the telematics control unit (TCU) lost functionality. This caused loss of ConnectedDrive services, backend communication, remote diagnostics, remote status reporting, and safety‑related over‑the‑air updates. These failures match known BMW defect patterns involving water int

20260212VISIBILITY/WIPER

Beginning in July–August 2025, my 2019 BMW X3 (VIN [XXX] ) began experiencing multiple safety‑critical system failures affecting federally regulated components. The rearview camera intermittently failed to activate and later stopped functioning entirely, resulting in loss of rear visibility required under FMVSS 111. The Emergency Call (eCall) system displayed repeated malfunction warnings, indicating loss of automatic crash notification capability. The vehicle also displayed “Driver Assistance Restricted,” “Collision Warning Malfunction,” and pedestrian detection failure messages, showing that forward collision warning and related ADAS functions were not operating properly. During the same period, the telematics control unit (TCU) lost functionality. This caused loss of ConnectedDrive services, backend communication, remote diagnostics, remote status reporting, and safety‑related over‑the‑air updates. These failures match known BMW defect patterns involving water int

20260212FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

Beginning in July–August 2025, my 2019 BMW X3 (VIN [XXX] ) began experiencing multiple safety‑critical system failures affecting federally regulated components. The rearview camera intermittently failed to activate and later stopped functioning entirely, resulting in loss of rear visibility required under FMVSS 111. The Emergency Call (eCall) system displayed repeated malfunction warnings, indicating loss of automatic crash notification capability. The vehicle also displayed “Driver Assistance Restricted,” “Collision Warning Malfunction,” and pedestrian detection failure messages, showing that forward collision warning and related ADAS functions were not operating properly. During the same period, the telematics control unit (TCU) lost functionality. This caused loss of ConnectedDrive services, backend communication, remote diagnostics, remote status reporting, and safety‑related over‑the‑air updates. These failures match known BMW defect patterns involving water int

20260127FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

On returning to my locked vehicle that had been in the parking ramp for 3 days, I started the car and the display message indicated that my vehicle was completely out of gas and the oil was very low. The vehicle had nearly a full tank of gas when it was parked. The vehicle was towed to the dealership who assessed the vehicle. The service department indicated that the vehicle likely did not sound like it was running because of the idle feature, and as such, I may have thought I shut off the car, but that eventually the idle feature turned off, and the vehicle ran while it was locked until it was out of gas. The service man who sent me a video of my vehicle and described what happened, also showed me another BMW SUV in the hoist next to my vehicle and indicated that same vehicle had the same thing happen as well. BMW replaced the programing/encoding control units software that was original to the vehicle. They indicated that this would improve overall function of the vehicle. The c

20260127UNKNOWN OR OTHER

On returning to my locked vehicle that had been in the parking ramp for 3 days, I started the car and the display message indicated that my vehicle was completely out of gas and the oil was very low. The vehicle had nearly a full tank of gas when it was parked. The vehicle was towed to the dealership who assessed the vehicle. The service department indicated that the vehicle likely did not sound like it was running because of the idle feature, and as such, I may have thought I shut off the car, but that eventually the idle feature turned off, and the vehicle ran while it was locked until it was out of gas. The service man who sent me a video of my vehicle and described what happened, also showed me another BMW SUV in the hoist next to my vehicle and indicated that same vehicle had the same thing happen as well. BMW replaced the programing/encoding control units software that was original to the vehicle. They indicated that this would improve overall function of the vehicle. The c

20260122BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

- Frontal Collision warning, Pedestrian warning - yes because safety features were shut off, back up camera doesn't work as well - yes - yes

20260119FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

Starting in July/August 2025, my 2019 BMW X3 (G01) suffered a total failure of multiple safety-critical systems, including the Emergency Call (eCall) system, the rearview camera, and frontal collision/pedestrian alert sensors. These failures were accompanied by a persistent "Emergency Call System Malfunction" warning on the dashboard. BMW Service Information Bulletin SIB 65 12 22 acknowledges a manufacturing defect where the roof-mounted antenna housing seal was "not optimal," leading to water ingress. This water ingress has damaged the Telematics Control Unit (TCB), which manages these safety features. I have contacted BMW North America and local dealerships; however, they have provided a written refusal to repair the damaged internal electronics because the vehicle is out of its original 4-year warranty. Safety Risk: This defect leaves the vehicle in a non-compliant safety state. In the event of a crash, the vehicle cannot automatically notify emergency services (eCall failure). Furt

20260119BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING

Starting in July/August 2025, my 2019 BMW X3 (G01) suffered a total failure of multiple safety-critical systems, including the Emergency Call (eCall) system, the rearview camera, and frontal collision/pedestrian alert sensors. These failures were accompanied by a persistent "Emergency Call System Malfunction" warning on the dashboard. BMW Service Information Bulletin SIB 65 12 22 acknowledges a manufacturing defect where the roof-mounted antenna housing seal was "not optimal," leading to water ingress. This water ingress has damaged the Telematics Control Unit (TCB), which manages these safety features. I have contacted BMW North America and local dealerships; however, they have provided a written refusal to repair the damaged internal electronics because the vehicle is out of its original 4-year warranty. Safety Risk: This defect leaves the vehicle in a non-compliant safety state. In the event of a crash, the vehicle cannot automatically notify emergency services (eCall failure). Furt

20260119BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Starting in July/August 2025, my 2019 BMW X3 (G01) suffered a total failure of multiple safety-critical systems, including the Emergency Call (eCall) system, the rearview camera, and frontal collision/pedestrian alert sensors. These failures were accompanied by a persistent "Emergency Call System Malfunction" warning on the dashboard. BMW Service Information Bulletin SIB 65 12 22 acknowledges a manufacturing defect where the roof-mounted antenna housing seal was "not optimal," leading to water ingress. This water ingress has damaged the Telematics Control Unit (TCB), which manages these safety features. I have contacted BMW North America and local dealerships; however, they have provided a written refusal to repair the damaged internal electronics because the vehicle is out of its original 4-year warranty. Safety Risk: This defect leaves the vehicle in a non-compliant safety state. In the event of a crash, the vehicle cannot automatically notify emergency services (eCall failure). Furt

20260114FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

At some point in June 2025, between approximately 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., I was driving southbound on the 110 Freeway in Los Angeles, just south of the 134 interchange, at approximately 45 mph. Traffic was light, with no vehicles in front of me and no vehicles attempting to merge into my lane. Without warning, a bright red alert appeared on the dashboard of my 2019 BMW x3 and the vehicle suddenly applied full braking. The position of my arms at that moment caused an injury to my right elbow, which has remained painful since the incident. In January 2026, under nearly identical circumstances, the emergency warning appeared again. This time, the brakes did not engage. In July, I contacted BMW Corporate and service center regarding these incidents. I found their response dismissive, stating that “sometimes that happens.” A service center later informed me that this is a known issue referred to as “phantom braking.” Having experienced this firsthand, I believe this represents a

20260114SERVICE BRAKES

At some point in June 2025, between approximately 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., I was driving southbound on the 110 Freeway in Los Angeles, just south of the 134 interchange, at approximately 45 mph. Traffic was light, with no vehicles in front of me and no vehicles attempting to merge into my lane. Without warning, a bright red alert appeared on the dashboard of my 2019 BMW x3 and the vehicle suddenly applied full braking. The position of my arms at that moment caused an injury to my right elbow, which has remained painful since the incident. In January 2026, under nearly identical circumstances, the emergency warning appeared again. This time, the brakes did not engage. In July, I contacted BMW Corporate and service center regarding these incidents. I found their response dismissive, stating that “sometimes that happens.” A service center later informed me that this is a known issue referred to as “phantom braking.” Having experienced this firsthand, I believe this represents a

20251219ENGINE

Reporting a failure of the engine cooling system on my 2019 BMW X3 that developed over time despite repeated repair attempts and ultimately resulted in complete engine failure. Over the past year, the vehicle has experienced ongoing coolant loss and overheating warnings despite multiple coolant-related repairs. When the problem continued, I brought the vehicle to a BMW dealership, where the service department determined that the engine had suffered internal damage consistent with overheating and advised that a full engine replacement was required. These issues occurred during normal driving and created unsafe conditions, including the risk of sudden loss of power or breakdown in traffic. Based on my experience and the repeated nature of the failures despite proper maintenance, it appears that coolant and overheating issues may be persistent in this vehicle model rather than isolated to a single component, and I am concerned that other owners may be experiencing similar safety-related d

20251219POWER TRAIN

Reporting a failure of the engine cooling system on my 2019 BMW X3 that developed over time despite repeated repair attempts and ultimately resulted in complete engine failure. Over the past year, the vehicle has experienced ongoing coolant loss and overheating warnings despite multiple coolant-related repairs. When the problem continued, I brought the vehicle to a BMW dealership, where the service department determined that the engine had suffered internal damage consistent with overheating and advised that a full engine replacement was required. These issues occurred during normal driving and created unsafe conditions, including the risk of sudden loss of power or breakdown in traffic. Based on my experience and the repeated nature of the failures despite proper maintenance, it appears that coolant and overheating issues may be persistent in this vehicle model rather than isolated to a single component, and I am concerned that other owners may be experiencing similar safety-related d

20251203ENGINE

I am reporting repeated coolant system failures and overheating on my 2019 BMW X3 . I have had 4 coolant-related repairs in under 3 years, including the coolant reservoir boiling after service. Most recently, the problem recurred despite prior repairs. This is a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle with warranty history, and I believe this is a systemic engine/cooling defect that poses a risk of engine failure or fire. Other owners may be affected. A recall or investigation is warranted.

20251203POWER TRAIN

I am reporting repeated coolant system failures and overheating on my 2019 BMW X3 . I have had 4 coolant-related repairs in under 3 years, including the coolant reservoir boiling after service. Most recently, the problem recurred despite prior repairs. This is a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle with warranty history, and I believe this is a systemic engine/cooling defect that poses a risk of engine failure or fire. Other owners may be affected. A recall or investigation is warranted.

20251203FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I am reporting repeated coolant system failures and overheating on my 2019 BMW X3 . I have had 4 coolant-related repairs in under 3 years, including the coolant reservoir boiling after service. Most recently, the problem recurred despite prior repairs. This is a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle with warranty history, and I believe this is a systemic engine/cooling defect that poses a risk of engine failure or fire. Other owners may be affected. A recall or investigation is warranted.

20251201ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Shark Fin cover knocked of roof while washing at car wash. Dealer was notified and referred me to an auto body shop. I paid for the replacement repair. Dealer never notified me about the loose shark fin problems (water leaks) that are currently a problem with is model (X-3 xdrive30i 2019). A constant hissing noise is heard over the speaker system since the incident occurred. This is not a safety issue. a recall should be issued for the loose leaking fin problem.

20251201STRUCTURE:BODY

2019 BMW X3 with operable sunroof. Significant leakage occurred in front and rear of car risking electrical failure and therefore accident. Dealer denies that this is a problem and Bmw takes no responsibility for what is a hidden defect of the drainage system for the sunroof. Hundreds of individuals have the same exact problem. Hundreds are automatically denied any assistance or responsibility by dealer or manufacture. In a prior claim, it appears that Bmw lost and was found guilty of concealment of a manufacturers defect and was instructed to pay $500 million to plaintiff. Examination of law firms indicate that this significant problem affecting hundreds perhaps thousands of Bmw x-3 has not been registered as a significant complaint, notwithstanding the fact that they have already been in court and been found guilty. Please contact me 804-241-2773 Cell. Or rgrossberg@comcast.net. Examination of owner handbook produced by Bmw informs owner that rails and drains for sunroof must b

20251127POWER TRAIN

I am reporting a manufacturing defect on BMW vehicles, specifically the 2019 BMW X3 with fewer than 40k miles. According to a vehicle inspection conducted at a BMW dealership on Saturday November 22, 2025, the motor mounts are collapsed. Potential risks are excessive engine vibrations that could cause loss of control while driving, to engine components to fall off the ground while driving. It’s dubious that BMW dealers “discovered “ this issue after the vehicle warranty expired. I request that the matter be investigated and order the manufacturer to extend coverage to a minimum of 120k miles or 6 years from date of service. Please investigate before it’s too late. Thank you.

20251127SUSPENSION

I am reporting a manufacturing defect on BMW vehicles, specifically the 2019 BMW X3 with fewer than 40k miles. According to a vehicle inspection conducted at a BMW dealership on Saturday November 22, 2025, the motor mounts are collapsed. Potential risks are excessive engine vibrations that could cause loss of control while driving, to engine components to fall off the ground while driving. It’s dubious that BMW dealers “discovered “ this issue after the vehicle warranty expired. I request that the matter be investigated and order the manufacturer to extend coverage to a minimum of 120k miles or 6 years from date of service. Please investigate before it’s too late. Thank you.

Compare 2019BMWX3 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2019 BMW X3 have?
The 2019 BMW X3 has 202 NHTSA complaints, 9 crashes, 0 fires, 6 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2019 BMW X3?
The 2019 BMW X3 received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 5/5, front crash rating of 5/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2019 BMW X3?
Yes, the 2019 BMW X3 has 10 recall(s). The most common affected component is SEATS. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 BMW X3?
The most-complained component for the 2019 BMW X3 is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM with 39 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include UNKNOWN OR OTHER and ENGINE.
Is the 2019 BMW X3 safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2019 BMW X3 has an NHTSA safety rating of 5/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.