High Severity Issue
This component has been associated with crashes, fires, or deaths.
This Problem Across All Years
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The variable displacement oil pump contains a plastic (Duoplex) internal adjusting ring/vane carrier that is known to become brittle and shatter. Status: While the pump has not yet suffered a total mechanical collapse, it is a documented inherent defect. The manufacturer (BMW) has already superseded this part (Original #11418646454 or ...453) with a reinforced metal version (Part #11419895359), admitting the original material was insufficient for the engine's lifespan. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Risk: The failure mode is sudden and unpredictable. If the plastic ring shatters while driving, it can lead to an instantaneous loss of oil pressure, causing the engine to seize or stall at highway speeds. This creates an immediate risk of: Loss of power steering and braking assist in traffic. Potential rear-wheel lockup (in RWD/Manual configurations) leading to loss of vehicle control. Catastrophic engine failure in the middle of active traffic, requiring an emergency maneuver. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Assessment: The existence of the defect is confirmed by BMW’s internal technical case PuMA Measure 65494813. Furthermore, the manufacturer released a software update (S18A-21-03-567) specifically to reduce oil pressure during cold starts to mitigate stress on this plastic component—a "band-aid" fix that acknowledges the hardware's fragility. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Assessment: Not yet, as the vehicle is being operated under the assumption of a known safety defect. However, independent mechanics and BMW master technicians across the industry have verified that early B58TU builds (2018–2020) almost universally contain the defective plastic-internals pump.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The variable displacement oil pump contains a plastic (Duoplex) internal adjusting ring/vane carrier that is known to become brittle and shatter. Status: While the pump has not yet suffered a total mechanical collapse, it is a documented inherent defect. The manufacturer (BMW) has already superseded this part (Original #11418646454 or ...453) with a reinforced metal version (Part #11419895359), admitting the original material was insufficient for the engine's lifespan. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Risk: The failure mode is sudden and unpredictable. If the plastic ring shatters while driving, it can lead to an instantaneous loss of oil pressure, causing the engine to seize or stall at highway speeds. This creates an immediate risk of: Loss of power steering and braking assist in traffic. Potential rear-wheel lockup (in RWD/Manual configurations) leading to loss of vehicle control. Catastrophic engine failure in the middle of active traffic, requiring an emergency maneuver. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Assessment: The existence of the defect is confirmed by BMW’s internal technical case PuMA Measure 65494813. Furthermore, the manufacturer released a software update (S18A-21-03-567) specifically to reduce oil pressure during cold starts to mitigate stress on this plastic component—a "band-aid" fix that acknowledges the hardware's fragility. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Assessment: Not yet, as the vehicle is being operated under the assumption of a known safety defect. However, independent mechanics and BMW master technicians across the industry have verified that early B58TU builds (2018–2020) almost universally contain the defective plastic-internals pump.
Beginning Oct 1, 2025. The cars drivetrain warning came on intermittently until mechanics correctly diagnosed the issue. Thermostat valve failed to shut off properly causing the car to overheat. This has been an issue and recall already, just did not include my vin. Now it has happened to me at the cost of 2K and under 45k miles. heat management module had to be replaced due to the danger of overheating and complete car shut down. I am turning this into BMW as well.
Beginning Oct 1, 2025. The cars drivetrain warning came on intermittently until mechanics correctly diagnosed the issue. Thermostat valve failed to shut off properly causing the car to overheat. This has been an issue and recall already, just did not include my vin. Now it has happened to me at the cost of 2K and under 45k miles. heat management module had to be replaced due to the danger of overheating and complete car shut down. I am turning this into BMW as well.
The lower radiator blinds had to be replace and was causing the engineer light to come. I feel that this is a big problem with the BMW and should be cover under warranty.
The lower radiator blinds had to be replace and was causing the engineer light to come. I feel that this is a big problem with the BMW and should be cover under warranty.
The contact owns a 2020 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the message "Drivetrain Malfunction" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the heat management module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure but offered no assistance and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 29,400.
The contact owns a 2020 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the message "Drivetrain Malfunction" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the heat management module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure but offered no assistance and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 29,400.
I purchased the vehicle used on December 2, 2023. The vehicle randomly and intermittently exhibits a check engine light in normal driving conditions. The vehicle was inspected prior to sale, and engine oil was replaced prior to sale. The check engine light turns on and off sporadically but seems to turn on when the vehicle switches from electric to combustion engine.
I purchased the vehicle used on December 2, 2023. The vehicle randomly and intermittently exhibits a check engine light in normal driving conditions. The vehicle was inspected prior to sale, and engine oil was replaced prior to sale. The check engine light turns on and off sporadically but seems to turn on when the vehicle switches from electric to combustion engine.
1. Whenever I refill my tank the car will start knocking. It will be only for 1 or 2 sudden jerks. I have tried every grade and nearly all the brands of fuel but its still the same. Even I escalated the same issue when I had my car service done. But to no avail. It happens when I refuel the tank. Otherwise, no issue to my surprise. I Need to know if it’s a known issue? If yes then why no one reached out to me to provide solution for it? Its been years i have tried to escalate it but no resolution. 2. When i use turn signals (either left or right) it start skipping click sound. even when the engine is ON and even when auto engine start is switched off. It happens not all the times but occasionally. I also escalated it when i went for service but i was told if its not logged in system then nothing cant be done. For both issues i dont see any resolution. First issue is way too annoying as sometimes i loose power to engine.
1. Whenever I refill my tank the car will start knocking. It will be only for 1 or 2 sudden jerks. I have tried every grade and nearly all the brands of fuel but its still the same. Even I escalated the same issue when I had my car service done. But to no avail. It happens when I refuel the tank. Otherwise, no issue to my surprise. I Need to know if it’s a known issue? If yes then why no one reached out to me to provide solution for it? Its been years i have tried to escalate it but no resolution. 2. When i use turn signals (either left or right) it start skipping click sound. even when the engine is ON and even when auto engine start is switched off. It happens not all the times but occasionally. I also escalated it when i went for service but i was told if its not logged in system then nothing cant be done. For both issues i dont see any resolution. First issue is way too annoying as sometimes i loose power to engine.
The contact owned a 2020 BMW X3. The contact stated after parking her vehicle at her residence, the vehicle caught fire around the engine independently. The fire department extinguished the fire. A fire and police report were filed. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact stated no one was injured nor sought medical attention. The insurance company deemed the vehicle a total loss. The vehicle was not diagnosed. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 11,700. The consumer stated the police and fire reports have been requested and waiting to receive the reports.
The contact owned a 2020 BMW X3. The contact stated after parking her vehicle at her residence, the vehicle caught fire around the engine independently. The fire department extinguished the fire. A fire and police report were filed. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact stated no one was injured nor sought medical attention. The insurance company deemed the vehicle a total loss. The vehicle was not diagnosed. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 11,700. The consumer stated the police and fire reports have been requested and waiting to receive the reports.
BMW recalled our car twice to replace the hybrid battery. Purchase in late July 2020; first recall about August 2020; second recall about September 2021. BMW replaced the hybrid battery as part of the second recall. Since then the vehicle check engine light has intermittently illuminated. The service department has confirmed faults in the hybrid drive system but has not identified the cause of the faults nor identified a fix. The car is not drivable and has been in the shop for the last 6 weeks with no end in sight. This car has been in the BMW service center for issues relating to the hybrid battery drive system on at least 4 occasions encompassing more than 120 cumulative days over the past 1.6 years that we have owned it. BMW reportedly is now replacing sensors (e.g., throwing parts at the car) in hopes of correcting the fault rather than identifying the source of the fault. I understand from an employee at the BMW service center that he is aware that this dealership has SEVERAL X3 hybrid vehicles with issues identical to our car; and that other dealerships also have hybrid X3 vehicles with faults in the hybrid systems.
BMW recalled our car twice to replace the hybrid battery. Purchase in late July 2020; first recall about August 2020; second recall about September 2021. BMW replaced the hybrid battery as part of the second recall. Since then the vehicle check engine light has intermittently illuminated. The service department has confirmed faults in the hybrid drive system but has not identified the cause of the faults nor identified a fix. The car is not drivable and has been in the shop for the last 6 weeks with no end in sight. This car has been in the BMW service center for issues relating to the hybrid battery drive system on at least 4 occasions encompassing more than 120 cumulative days over the past 1.6 years that we have owned it. BMW reportedly is now replacing sensors (e.g., throwing parts at the car) in hopes of correcting the fault rather than identifying the source of the fault. I understand from an employee at the BMW service center that he is aware that this dealership has SEVERAL X3 hybrid vehicles with issues identical to our car; and that other dealerships also have hybrid X3 vehicles with faults in the hybrid systems.
The contact owned a 2020 BMW X3. The contact stated the vehicle was stationary at a parking lot, when the front passenger informed her that there was smoke coming from under the passenger’s side hood. The contact stated a bystander attempted to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher but failed. The fire department arrived within 10 minutes and was able to extinguish the fire. The contact stated no one was injured nor was medical attention sought. A fire report was filed. A police officer arrived at the location and filed a police report. The vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was towed to towing lot. The insurance company deemed the vehicle a total loss. The contact called the local dealer and left a voicemail. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 7,000.
The contact owned a 2020 BMW X3. The contact stated the vehicle was stationary at a parking lot, when the front passenger informed her that there was smoke coming from under the passenger’s side hood. The contact stated a bystander attempted to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher but failed. The fire department arrived within 10 minutes and was able to extinguish the fire. The contact stated no one was injured nor was medical attention sought. A fire report was filed. A police officer arrived at the location and filed a police report. The vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was towed to towing lot. The insurance company deemed the vehicle a total loss. The contact called the local dealer and left a voicemail. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 7,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 BMW X3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND UNATTENDED, IT SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT FIRE. ADDITIONALLY, A LINCOLN MKZ PARKED ADJACENT TO THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO REPORTED INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT LOT. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 BMW X3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND UNATTENDED, IT SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT FIRE. ADDITIONALLY, A LINCOLN MKZ PARKED ADJACENT TO THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO REPORTED INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT LOT. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000.