2023 BMW IX Electrical System Problems

I am reporting an incident involving unintended vehicle movement/acceleration in my 2023 BMW iX xDrive50. BMW of North America inspected the vehicle and claims no defect was found; however, they refuse to provide the Event Data Recorder (EDR) data or diagnostic logs used to reach that conclusion. The incident occurred around September 1, 2025. The vehicle exhibited behavior inconsistent with normal operation. BMW’s response relies on undisclosed internal data and post-incident testing that does not recreate the event conditions. I am requesting NHTSA review this matter, including BMW’s refusal to disclose vehicle data relevant to potential safety defects involving throttle, braking, Auto-Hold, or software-controlled torque systems.

I am reporting an incident involving unintended vehicle movement/acceleration in my 2023 BMW iX xDrive50. BMW of North America inspected the vehicle and claims no defect was found; however, they refuse to provide the Event Data Recorder (EDR) data or diagnostic logs used to reach that conclusion. The incident occurred around September 1, 2025. The vehicle exhibited behavior inconsistent with normal operation. BMW’s response relies on undisclosed internal data and post-incident testing that does not recreate the event conditions. I am requesting NHTSA review this matter, including BMW’s refusal to disclose vehicle data relevant to potential safety defects involving throttle, braking, Auto-Hold, or software-controlled torque systems.

On November 16, 2023, I was driving the vehicle in the far left lane of the freeway when, without any warning, the vehicle lost propulsion and would not accelerate. It also lost power assisted steering AND power assisted braking. I had to decelerate with no power brakes while attempting to safely cross 3-4 lanes to the nearest freeway exit with no power steering, while maintaining enough momentum to not get stuck in the middle of the freeway. After it lost propulsion, the several warnings flashed on the screen noting that the vehicle stabilization system was disabled, "vehicle may roll", the tire pressure monitoring was disabled, and the restraint system monitoring was disabled. I managed to steer the vehicle safely to the bottom off the offramp but had to bring the vehicle to a full stop. As a result, I was stuck blocking traffic at the bottom of the offramp. I attached a few photos showing what was happening but have additional video documenting the loss of power steering and power brakes but they are too large to attach here. The screen stated the roadside assistance feature was unavailable so I used the emergency button on the interior roof, which connected me to BMW's call center. The representative requested that the fire department assist with moving my vehicle out of traffic. We had to towed to the dealership (see attached invoice). We were told it only needed a software update which was then done. We still kept getting the same high voltage warnings, leading to 3-4 additional repair invoices. Finally BMW offered another software update in May 2025. We still receive high voltage warnings, drivetrain warnings, and chassis warnings and are afraid it will shut down again on the freeway. Software updates seem to be a bandaid.The loss of power braking and steering while doing 70 mph was a terrifying experience that could easily lead to serious injury and death.

On November 16, 2023, I was driving the vehicle in the far left lane of the freeway when, without any warning, the vehicle lost propulsion and would not accelerate. It also lost power assisted steering AND power assisted braking. I had to decelerate with no power brakes while attempting to safely cross 3-4 lanes to the nearest freeway exit with no power steering, while maintaining enough momentum to not get stuck in the middle of the freeway. After it lost propulsion, the several warnings flashed on the screen noting that the vehicle stabilization system was disabled, "vehicle may roll", the tire pressure monitoring was disabled, and the restraint system monitoring was disabled. I managed to steer the vehicle safely to the bottom off the offramp but had to bring the vehicle to a full stop. As a result, I was stuck blocking traffic at the bottom of the offramp. I attached a few photos showing what was happening but have additional video documenting the loss of power steering and power brakes but they are too large to attach here. The screen stated the roadside assistance feature was unavailable so I used the emergency button on the interior roof, which connected me to BMW's call center. The representative requested that the fire department assist with moving my vehicle out of traffic. We had to towed to the dealership (see attached invoice). We were told it only needed a software update which was then done. We still kept getting the same high voltage warnings, leading to 3-4 additional repair invoices. Finally BMW offered another software update in May 2025. We still receive high voltage warnings, drivetrain warnings, and chassis warnings and are afraid it will shut down again on the freeway. Software updates seem to be a bandaid.The loss of power braking and steering while doing 70 mph was a terrifying experience that could easily lead to serious injury and death.

I brought a brand new BMW IX fully electric vehicle in May, 2023. A couple of weeks ago in early September, the “Emergency Call System Malfunction” warning light came on, and I can also smell a chemical burn from the vehicle. I dropped it off to Eastbay BMW in Pleasanton, California. 4350 Rosewood Drive, Pleasanton, California 94588. They confirmed that the “Control Module” may be over heating and causing the emergency call system to malfunction. Eastbay BMW contacted BMW HQ and was informed to just reset the warning light. “BMW advised Eastbay BMW that this is a recurring problem and the unit may overheat”. Eastbay BMW also confirmed that their technicians confirmed the warning codes showed the Control Module may be over heating. Instead of replacing this control module and finding a longer term fix, BMW HQ decided to decline replacement request and to simply reset the warning light until the next incident occurs. I have read on different BMW owners forums that this is an ongoing issue, occurring in many new vehicles as my BMW IX has less than 1,500 miles and we live in the Bay Area, California where it does not get too hot. Given that this relates to and impact the emergency call function, I want to file this formal complaint to ensure BMW address this issue properly and that the NHTSA launch a full investigation. Thank you

I brought a brand new BMW IX fully electric vehicle in May, 2023. A couple of weeks ago in early September, the “Emergency Call System Malfunction” warning light came on, and I can also smell a chemical burn from the vehicle. I dropped it off to Eastbay BMW in Pleasanton, California. 4350 Rosewood Drive, Pleasanton, California 94588. They confirmed that the “Control Module” may be over heating and causing the emergency call system to malfunction. Eastbay BMW contacted BMW HQ and was informed to just reset the warning light. “BMW advised Eastbay BMW that this is a recurring problem and the unit may overheat”. Eastbay BMW also confirmed that their technicians confirmed the warning codes showed the Control Module may be over heating. Instead of replacing this control module and finding a longer term fix, BMW HQ decided to decline replacement request and to simply reset the warning light until the next incident occurs. I have read on different BMW owners forums that this is an ongoing issue, occurring in many new vehicles as my BMW IX has less than 1,500 miles and we live in the Bay Area, California where it does not get too hot. Given that this relates to and impact the emergency call function, I want to file this formal complaint to ensure BMW address this issue properly and that the NHTSA launch a full investigation. Thank you

The vehicle automatically lost power, shut down, and came to a complete stop in the middle of the road. During the shut down, I was unable to accelerate, brake, or steer the vehicle to the side of the road to a safe stopping location. The vehicle computer appeared to take over and shut down the vehicle and I was unable to stop it from happening. I was informed by the dealer that the issue was with the Combined Charging Unit. The vehicle has been back at the dealer since July 17, 2023 and I do not know if the Combined Charging Unit is still on the vehicle and available for inspection. There was a recall for a software update that was supposed to address a known issue with loss of power. Prior to this incident, that software update had been completed for this vehicle. Our safety and the safety of others was put at risk because our vehicle lost power and came to a complete stop in the middle of the road. I was unable to control the vehicle or get to a safe stopping place after the issue started. This could have caused a serious and potentially fatal accident had our vehicle been hit. I do not know if the issue has been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. The vehicle and vehicle component have been inspected by the Service Department at the dealer where we purchased the vehicle. I do not know of inspection by any other party. There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. Once the vehicle began to shut down, a message came up stating that the vehicle was shutting down. The vehicle also automatically called BMW Emergency Services and a representative came on asking if we had been in a crash or needed assistance.

The vehicle automatically lost power, shut down, and came to a complete stop in the middle of the road. During the shut down, I was unable to accelerate, brake, or steer the vehicle to the side of the road to a safe stopping location. The vehicle computer appeared to take over and shut down the vehicle and I was unable to stop it from happening. I was informed by the dealer that the issue was with the Combined Charging Unit. The vehicle has been back at the dealer since July 17, 2023 and I do not know if the Combined Charging Unit is still on the vehicle and available for inspection. There was a recall for a software update that was supposed to address a known issue with loss of power. Prior to this incident, that software update had been completed for this vehicle. Our safety and the safety of others was put at risk because our vehicle lost power and came to a complete stop in the middle of the road. I was unable to control the vehicle or get to a safe stopping place after the issue started. This could have caused a serious and potentially fatal accident had our vehicle been hit. I do not know if the issue has been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. The vehicle and vehicle component have been inspected by the Service Department at the dealer where we purchased the vehicle. I do not know of inspection by any other party. There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. Once the vehicle began to shut down, a message came up stating that the vehicle was shutting down. The vehicle also automatically called BMW Emergency Services and a representative came on asking if we had been in a crash or needed assistance.

The BMW DOES NOT OFFER THIS RECALL RECOMMENDED BY NHTSA

The BMW DOES NOT OFFER THIS RECALL RECOMMENDED BY NHTSA

The contact owns a 2023 BMW IX. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power. During the failure, the message "Malfunction, Pull Over" was displayed. Approximately 20 minutes later, the contact was able to restart the vehicle however, moments later while driving the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who indicated that the failure was due to an undetermined High Voltage Battery malfunction. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 30.

The contact owns a 2023 BMW IX. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power. During the failure, the message "Malfunction, Pull Over" was displayed. Approximately 20 minutes later, the contact was able to restart the vehicle however, moments later while driving the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who indicated that the failure was due to an undetermined High Voltage Battery malfunction. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 30.