17 of the
138 complaints about the 2017 BMW X3 are about the
fuel system — 12% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
42,861 miles.
1. The fuel pump and electronic relay have malfunctioned 3x while driving. Causing me to replace the low pressure fuel pump 3 times. Once BMW paid for it the next two I had to pay for,. 2. The car broke down on the Highway Near Albany GA . The car stopped and was limped into a parking lot in a rural town. I waited 8 hrs for a flatbed, got a hotel for the night and a rental in the AM. The car stopped running 2x on the highway both times in Rural Georgia, miles away from a BMW dealership. I was able to limp the car off the highway. Once it died in downtown Atlanta. All three times the vehicle needed to be flatbedded to a BMW dealer. Twice I needed hotels and rental cars the next day to finish work. And both times needed to go back to rural GA to pickup the cars. 3. The issue wasn't reproduced by the dealer, however it reproduced on its own 3 times. 4. THe last repair, number three, the vehicle was kept by BMWGlobal Atlanta for approximately 30 days. The pump system was dead, but they couldn't reproduce the issue with the new pump. They blamed it on the fuel I was using, which was always Premium! 5. There were zero warning lamps in the car before the shutdowns. all three times the car the pumps died the car began stuttering right before it shut down.
NHTSA complaint #11660935 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marietta, GA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1. The fuel pump and electronic relay have malfunctioned 3x while driving. Causing me to replace the low pressure fuel pump . First Fuel Pump was at 30 K miles on 10/8/2021 2. This is the Second Fuel pump! 10/13/2022 The car broke down on the Highway Near Columbus GA . The car stopped at a traffic light and limped into a parking lot. I waited 4 hrs for a flatbed, got a hotel for the night and a rental in the AM. The car stopped running 2x on the highway both times in Rural Georgia, miles away from a BMW dealership. I was able to limp the car off the highway. Once it died in downtown Atlanta. All three times the vehicle needed to be flatbedded to a BMW dealer. Twice I needed hotels and rental cars the next day to finish work. And both times needed to go back to rural GA to pickup the cars. 3. The issue wasn't reproduced by the dealer, however it reproduced on its own 3 times. 4. THe last repair, number three, the vehicle was kept by BMWGlobal Atlanta for approximately 30 days. The pump system was dead, but they couldn't reproduce the issue with the new pump. They blamed it on the fuel I was using, which was always Premium! 5. There were zero warning lamps in the car before the shutdowns. all three times the car the pumps died the car began stuttering right before it shut down.
NHTSA complaint #11660940 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marietta, GA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1. The fuel pump and electronic relay have malfunctioned 3x while driving. 3RD fuel Pump!!! 2. The car broke down in Downtown Atlanta, at night. The car stopped in parking lot at work at an event site, then Ubered home. I had the car towed the next day. 3. The issue wasn't reproduced by the dealer, however it reproduced on its own 3 times. 4. THe last repair, number three, the vehicle was kept by BMWGlobal Atlanta for approximately 30 days. The pump system was dead, but they couldn't reproduce the issue with the new pump. They blamed it on the fuel I was using, which was always Premium! 5. There were zero warning lamps in the car before the shutdowns. all three times the car the pumps died the car began stuttering right before it shut down.
NHTSA complaint #11660950 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Staten Island, NY
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
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.
NHTSA complaint #11659287 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbus, GACrash
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
12
NHTSA complaint #11639243 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesBeaufort, SC
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
The contact owns a 2017 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated, but the message "Fuel Pump Fault" was displayed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the fuel pump. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the fuel pump and fuel control module regulator wiring harness. The vehicle was not repaired. 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 and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 60,000.
NHTSA complaint #11610236 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lees Summit, MO
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
On two separate occasions, the BMW has completely shut down in the middle of the road while driving. An alert showing something along the lines of "drive train failure" was shown on the dash display, and I simply had no control over driving the car. Upon making it safely to the side of the road, the car would not start, only sputter, when the push button start was engaged. After the first incident, the car was towed to a shop where they stated it was the high pressure fuel pump that needed to be replaced and stated there was a recall for this exact issue; however my VIN is not in the recall. Somehow, the car started working again and seemed okay, until it happened a second time, in the middle of the road AGAIN. Took it to a new shop, and received the SAME information, same part, same recall suggestion, with my VIN still not falling into the recall. The recall is for my exact year, model, engine number, everything - just not my VIN. It does not make any sense. The recall that number that should be covering this is 21V-586.
NHTSA complaint #11589997 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 61,000 milesGreensboro, NC
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
The contact owns a 2017 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The power train warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the high-pressure fuel pump. The vehicle was not repaired. 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 but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 61,000.
NHTSA complaint #11559031 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pike Rd, AL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel pump failure- 71,000 miles
NHTSA complaint #11555769 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Spring, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Experienced a sudden fuel system failure at speeds above 50 mph. The car's engine shutdown without notice and would not restart. Being told by my shop requires the replacement of the fuel pump control module. After researching on the internet seems a common problem that is often misdiagnosed (even by bmw).
NHTSA complaint #11538503 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Walnut Creek, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel pump control module stopped working causing the engine to stop. It would not restart. Also, the car would not shift out of park into neutral, thus it could not be moved. This happened on a highway in traffic and created a very dangerous situation. Apparently, this fuel pump control module has a history of failing in hot weather. In this particular case the vehicle had been operating in 100 degree weather for a few hours.
NHTSA complaint #11534653 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,000 milesMount Sinai, NY
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
The contact owns a 2017 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V907000 (Fuel System, Diesel) 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 contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine coolant warning light illuminated. The contact refilled the coolant reservoir. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11467307 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charleston, SC
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The high-pressure fuel pump failed while the car was in motion and the engine completely shut off. This was incredibly dangerous and put the lives of the driver, passenger (young child) and surrounding cars at risk. The problem was diagnosed by an independent BMW service center and is currently being repaired. There were no warning lights or messages apparent to the driver, but the service technician could see the diagnostic codes in the car's computer. There is an active recall for the 2017 diesel model of the BMW X3 due to this same fuel pump failure. This is not normal wear and tear - this car only has about 50,000 miles on it.
NHTSA complaint #11456077 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Santa Fe, NM
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Car has broken down five times, each after having been driven several hours. Car suddenly looses power and dies. Will not restart- requires tow. All repair attempts have been made at BMW dealers. We have been placed in dangerous situations, including once with my six year old grandson in a highway construction zone with no shoulder. Please see attached correspondence with manufacturer. Thank you. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11445231 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,722 milesYork, MECrash
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND WITHOUT WARNING THE CAR ACCELERATED. I SIDESWIPED THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME AND PROCEED TO CROSS A 4 LANE HIGHWAY. I TRIED TO STOP BUT KEPT GOING , JUMPED A CURB GOT ON A GRASSY AREA DID A 360 TO A ROAD JUMPED BACK ON THE GRASS AND CAME TO REST IN SOME BUSHES AND WIRE FENCE. DAMAGE TO DRIVERS SIDE FRONT END. IHAVE PICTURES IN MY PHONE, BUT DON'T KNOW HOW TO ATTACH THEM TO THIS FORM?
NHTSA complaint #11270125 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20,441 milesCharlottesville, VA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 BMW X3. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH UPHILL, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO PARK AVE BMW (530 HUYLER STREET, SOUTH HACKENSACK, NJ 07606) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL DELIVERY MODULE UNDER THE REAR SEAT GOT WET AND SHORTED OUT. AS A RESULT, FUEL WAS NOT BEING DELIVERED TO THE ENGINE. THE NIGHT BEFORE, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A COOLER IN THE REAR SEAT THAT TILTED AND SPILLED WATER AND ICE ONTO THE REAR SEAT. THE SEAT WAS IMMEDIATELY CLEANED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,441.
NHTSA complaint #11150181 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 7,000 milesLOS Angeles, CAFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I LEASED A 2017 BMW X3 WITH 3370 MILES ON IT SO ALMOST BRAND NEW. I HAVE A 7.6 MILE COMMUTE FROM WORK TO HOME. I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AROUND 230PM PST SOUTH ON THE 405 (HIGHWAY) IN LOS ANGELES. I PULL UP TO MY HOUSE AND PARK THE VEHICLE ON MY CITY STREET. I PARK TURN OFF THE VEHICLE AND LOCK THE DOORS AND WALK INTO MY HOUSE. WITHIN 15 MINUTES, MY NEIGHBOR KNOCKS ON MY DOOR AND INFORMS ME THAT MY CAR IS ON FIRE. WHEN I LOOK OUTSIDE AT MY VEHICLE, IN BETWEEN THE HOOD OF MY CAR AND FRONT WINDSHIELD ARE SPITTING FLAMES OUT ONTO THE WINDSHIELD. IT THEN PROCEEDED TO BURN FAST AND HOT AND THERE WERE 30 FOOT FLAMES THAT HAD RUINED OUR FENCE AS WELL AS SINGED OUR NEIGHBORS TREE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND FINALLY TOOK OUT THE FLAME BUT THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY RUINED. THE TOW TRUCK SHOWED UP LATER BUT HE REFUSED TO TOW THE VEHICLE BECAUSE HE SAW SMOKE AGAIN. THE VEHICLE HAD CAUGHT BACK ON FIRE ON THE PASSENGER WINDOW SIDE. AIRBAGS HAD ALSO STARTED BLOWING UP WHEN THE SECOND FIRE CAUGHT. I HAD PUT MY HEAD INTO THE WINDOW WHEN THE FIRE WAS OUT TO RETRIEVE ANYTHING THAT I COULD BUT WITHIN 10 SECONDS OF PULLING MY HEAD OUT OF THE PASSENGER SIDE ANOTHER AIRBAG WENT OFF AND ALMOST TOOK OFF MY HEAD. THERE WAS A DUAL INVESTIGATION WITH BMW AND MY INSURANCE SAFECO. THE INVESTIGATION IS ONGOING. INITIAL REPORT SAID THE DEFECT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE FUEL LINE. IF THIS CAR WAS IN A GARAGE OR ANY CLOSER TO OUR HOUSE EVERYTHING WOULD HAVE GONE UP IN FLAMES. OUR STORY WAS ON THE NEWS AS WELL. THERE WAS NO KNOWN RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE AS I HAVE CHECKED EVERYWHERE. HTTPS://ABC7.COM/LA-FAMILY-DEMANDS-ANSWERS-AFTER-PARKED-BMW-CATCHES-FIRE/4213154/ HTTPS://WWW.NBCLOSANGELES.COM/NEWS/LOCAL/BMW-SPONTANEOUSLY-COMBUSTS-PARKED-ON-LA-STREET-493018841.HTML HTTPS://KTLA.COM/2018/09/13/PARKED-BMW-MYSTERIOUSLY-CATCHES-FIRE-IN-WESTCHESTER/
NHTSA complaint #11144413 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.