116 of the 2,799 complaints filed about the BMW X3 are about the braking system — 4% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2013.
116
Complaints
4%
Share of all complaints
33
Crashes
1
Fires
SERVICE BRAKES
BRAKES ARE DEFECTIVE AND ARE A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. BOTH BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS ARE FACTORY DEFECTIVE. ROTORS ARE PITTED AND WARPED - BRAND NEW FROM FACTORY. BRAKES SEQUEL EXCESSIVELY IN BOTH FORWARD OR BACKWARDS MOTION. UNSAFE.
NHTSA complaint #11745781 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
I purchased a new 2026 bmw x3 in November 2025 and a couple of months later as I was getting in the car for work, I turned the vehicle on and a ton of alerts were dinging off and the steering wheel went haywire along with the breaking, I could not brake and it was steering me off of the road without me steering. I had to have the vehicle towed to the shop. I have another appt on 6/23/26 as I am having another issue with the display screen in my vehicle not coming on and turning black including the speedometer on the dash, as well as the volume button. I did try to manually reboot but it did not work. I told BMW the first incident is a severe safety issue and I have been hesitant to drive the vehicle but they did not seem to care about the issues I have been having as this should not be happening within a few months of buying a brand new vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11745394 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
My Brake Vacuum Pump is broken, with oil leaking into the vacuum reservoir. The brake distance is much longer. I searched the web and found out a lot of people had the same issue.
NHTSA complaint #11743291 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
Rear caliper locking up when in reverse. Knocking noise and crunching sound.
NHTSA complaint #11740195 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
PHANTOM BRAKING ISSUE - Twice now while driving 50-55 MPH on clear roads the brakes slammed on without cause - COMPLETE SHUTDOWN - While going thru a restaurant drive thru - the car completely shut down and would not move forward - I had to back up in order to get out of drive thru - thankfully no one was behind me. AFRAID TO DRIVE CAR - bringing it in for service
NHTSA complaint #11723847 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
on [XXX] I was going into a Parking Garage in Beverly Hills, CA. I got a little too far from the ticket machine so I put the BMWX3 in PARK and PUT the Emergency Brake on so I could open my door, step out and grab the ticket. The car immediately rolled backwards into a Dodge Charger behind me. That woman is suing for $150,000. It caused my insurance to double, I had to have PT on my pelvis. I had to pay the deductible to get the car repaired. BMW will not take responsibility for the malfunction. My Dad was a professional driver for FORD and I have never caused an accident in my [XXX] years of driving. The woman claims that she and her children were injured but no air bags deployed. the car rolled. It did give me quite a jolt. Her car showed no visible damage but mine was damaged - tail pipe and bumper. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11721588 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
Vehicle: 2025 BMW X3 Complaint Description: I am reporting a serious safety defect involving sudden unintended acceleration, braking abnormalities, steering looseness, and electronic system failures. Within days of purchase, the vehicle began experiencing infotainment system freezing and electronic malfunctions. Over time, steering looseness and abnormal brake behavior developed. These issues were reported to authorized BMW service centers but were not corrected or properly documented. On May 17, 2025, while the vehicle was stationary and in park, it suddenly accelerated without driver input after a passenger exited the vehicle. I attempted to brake, but the vehicle continued forward and collided with a stone structure, causing injury. BMW later claimed driver error based on post-collision data but ignored extensive pre-collision defect evidence. The vehicle was returned from repairs and continues to exhibit malfunctions. I believe this vehicle presents a serious safety risk to drivers, passengers, and the public.
NHTSA complaint #11711973 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE 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 serious safety concern. In addition to my injury, I could easily have been rear-ended at freeway speed. Despite acknowledging the issue, BMW Corporate requested that I sign an indemnity waiver in exchange for covering only the inspection cost. This response feels inappropriate, as their initial focus appeared to be limiting liability rather than addressing a known safety defect. Given that this is reportedly a known issue, I believe an inquiry is warranted into how often this has occurred and whether others have been injured.
NHTSA complaint #11710937 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #11702834 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
When starting the vehicle, the message center displays "Loss Communications Brake System Control Module A." The vehicle losses power steering, speedometer indication, tire pressure monitoring, and stability control. There are numerous codes displayed for Brake System, Power Steering, Parking Brake and Stability Control. This is the third time that this event has happened. Turning the vehicle off and restarting after approximately 1 hour the codes were clear and everything appears to work properly. This event occurs randomly and resets after the vehicle is turned off and restarted after a period of approximately 1 hour. The loss of power steering and speed indication is a safety hazard. I have been driving this vehicle when the power steering and speedometer stopped working. The steering requires a lot more effort to turn and you do not know the current speed of the vehicle. The BMW dealer charged us the customer for a software update to fix this issue. We are not confident that the vehicle is fixed because this is a random event. I believe this should be a safety recall. There is a recall on BMW 2023 and 2024 models for the same issue. The recall does not include the 2022 model at this time. Codes displayed: U0129, U0418, P15C9, P15C8, P15B9, P15B8, P0507, P0610, P152B, P152A.
NHTSA complaint #11683402 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
I am reporting a persistent and concerning mechanical issue with my 2025 BMW X3. A clunking noise is occurring frequently, particularly over uneven road surfaces and during normal driving maneuvers such as turning, accelerating, or braking at low speeds (generally below 20 mph). This noise is accompanied by a noticeable vibration that can be felt through the steering wheel and the brake pedal. The sound has been heard and confirmed by several passengers who have ridden in the vehicle with me. I have brought this issue to the attention of my local BMW dealership on August 6, 2025. During my visit, the service team was unable to replicate the issue and stated they could not confirm a problem. They advised me to continue driving the vehicle and suggested that if a defect exists, it would likely worsen over time and become easier to diagnose. I have since contacted the dealership again to request a more thorough inspection, as the issue has not resolved and remains a significant concern.
NHTSA complaint #11682922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2014 BMW X3. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the braking system malfunctioned and erroneously activated, causing the brakes to grab. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the brake caliper and brake lines were flushed; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V627000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 123,286.
NHTSA complaint #11671558 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
The car suddenly braked without warning, and the road was clear and no interference.
NHTSA complaint #11669865 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
Constant emergency braking when I’m not near another vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11659861 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
Parking brake is malfunctioning and has seized in lock position, and will not release. Making the vehicle unmovable and not drivable, leaving me stranded.
NHTSA complaint #11659215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
As I was pulling into a parking stall at work, I pressed on the brake and the vehicle did not stop. It went up over the sidewalk which is stepped up from the parking lot 4-6". i continued to press the break in as far as I could and the vehicle continued to travel at least 20 and stopped when it hit the building. The vehicle is equipped with the automatic emergency breaking and collision warning in which neither worked. The brick on the building was only scrapped. However, there are windows right at the brick line at the location that my car stopped. The car did not go through the window or the building. If it would have, it could have injured those inside. I was pressing on the breaks so hard that I have an injury to my toe. I have not seen a doctor yet, but it's possible that I broke it as I was pressing that hard. The vehicle has not been inspected by the insurance company, manufacturer, or dealership yet. I called the dealership and asked that it be inspected and a diagnostic run immediately. The dealership said they cannot get me in for a week. My vehicle is equipped with a Event Data Recorder.
NHTSA complaint #11638763 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal went to the floorboard. The contact used the parking brake to assist while stopping the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the brake pads needed to be replaced. The contact stated that after the vehicle was repaired, the chassis failure and traction control failure warning lights light illuminated. The vehicle was returned to the mechanic and was diagnosed with brake failure. The contact was unsure of the parts that needed to be replaced to repair the vehicle. The dealer was not contacted about the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 133,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11634602 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
While driving on the highway I had an error message pop up on the dash that said right brake light electrical malfunction and as soon as the error message popped up I saw a bunch of debris and smoke coming from the back right side of my car and the engine shut off. After sitting for some time while waiting for roadside assistance and trying to make it to safety since my car shut off in the middle of the highway it finally turned back on however I am unable to switch gears to be able to make it to safety
NHTSA complaint #11631414 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
My vehicle doesn't warn me about rear cross-traffic or it stops for emergency. I paid for this option. Delaer checked the system and reassured me that everything is working. I have to backup to a busy street a few times a day and this system is not protecting me and I am afraid that I will get into a crash. I had several close calls and I am afraid of a crash with this system.
NHTSA complaint #11626920 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
Vehicle has consistently presented with a loud screeching noise from the brakes. When emergency braking needed, there are incidents of a slipping feel to the brakes where they do not seem as through they are applying properly. The slipping feel and noise of the brakes increases during wet/snowy weather. The noise is not a safety concern as much as the slipping feel of the brakes is significantly concerning. When emergency braking is applied, any slipping is putting my safety and the safety of passengers in my vehicle/surrounding vehicles is at high risk. Multiple service appointments surrounding this persistent problem have resulted in dismissive responses from BMW. The service center has inspected the brakes, acknowledged the loud consistent screeching noise, but BMW states the brakes are normal and the noise is expected because they are "sport brakes". BMW now recommends replacing rotors but insists it is only due to the "noise complaint". The vehicle is only serviced at a BMW dealer/service center and has been inspected by BMW. There are no warning lamps or messages related to the problem. The problem was existing when I first purchased the vehicle in 2022, was acknowledged by BMW, and has been persistently reported at every service appointment as not subsiding and in fact increasing in volume. I believe there is a manufacturing problem with the BMW x3 SAV model that impacts the braking system (brake pads and rotors), causing slipping when emergency braking is engaged and causing excessive noise from front and rear brakes.
NHTSA complaint #11615235 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.