This Problem Across All Years
This submission is a supplemental update to my existing NHTSA complaint regarding my BMW X3. On [XXX], at approximately [XXX], while the vehicle was traveling approximately 40 MPH with the doors locked, the rear passenger door opened while the vehicle was in motion. A [XXX] child was secured in a rear car seat at the time. A [XXX] child witnessed the event while I was dropping him off at school. No audible or visual warning alerts activated before or during the incident. This event follows prior electronic access and system reliability concerns reported in November and December 2025, including operation without key presence and unauthorized access behavior. I believe these events may be related and indicative of a broader electronic or body control system failure. Due to the seriousness of this incident involving minor occupants, I no longer consider the vehicle safe to operate. The vehicle is pending inspection and has not been driven further. I am submitting this update to document a potential child-safety defect and to ensure this information is considered as part of NHTSA’s review. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
This submission is a supplemental update to my existing NHTSA complaint regarding my BMW X3. On [XXX], at approximately [XXX], while the vehicle was traveling approximately 40 MPH with the doors locked, the rear passenger door opened while the vehicle was in motion. A [XXX] child was secured in a rear car seat at the time. A [XXX] child witnessed the event while I was dropping him off at school. No audible or visual warning alerts activated before or during the incident. This event follows prior electronic access and system reliability concerns reported in November and December 2025, including operation without key presence and unauthorized access behavior. I believe these events may be related and indicative of a broader electronic or body control system failure. Due to the seriousness of this incident involving minor occupants, I no longer consider the vehicle safe to operate. The vehicle is pending inspection and has not been driven further. I am submitting this update to document a potential child-safety defect and to ensure this information is considered as part of NHTSA’s review. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I am submitting a supplemental update to my existing safety complaint regarding my BMW vehicle. On December 29, 2025, additional safety-related malfunctions occurred while the vehicle was parked and without the key present. A vehicle window rolled down autonomously, and the heating system temporarily stopped functioning during winter conditions. These failures follow an earlier incident on November 15, 2025, in which the vehicle continued operating without the key present and without any audible or visual warning, while two minor children were occupants. The involvement of multiple electronic systems—including key detection, window controls, and HVAC—suggests a potential electronic network or CAN-bus-related defect. These conditions present risks related to vehicle security, environmental exposure, and passenger safety. The vehicle is currently unsafe for transport of minors and unreliable for use during winter conditions. I am submitting this update so NHTSA’s records reflect continued post-notice safety malfunctions.
I am submitting a supplemental update to my existing safety complaint regarding my BMW vehicle. On December 29, 2025, additional safety-related malfunctions occurred while the vehicle was parked and without the key present. A vehicle window rolled down autonomously, and the heating system temporarily stopped functioning during winter conditions. These failures follow an earlier incident on November 15, 2025, in which the vehicle continued operating without the key present and without any audible or visual warning, while two minor children were occupants. The involvement of multiple electronic systems—including key detection, window controls, and HVAC—suggests a potential electronic network or CAN-bus-related defect. These conditions present risks related to vehicle security, environmental exposure, and passenger safety. The vehicle is currently unsafe for transport of minors and unreliable for use during winter conditions. I am submitting this update so NHTSA’s records reflect continued post-notice safety malfunctions.
Supplemental Update – Manufacturer Response to Safety Complaint (BMW) I am submitting this supplemental update in connection with my existing NHTSA safety complaint regarding my BMW vehicle. Following my report that the vehicle continued operating without the key present while transporting minor children, BMW of North America acknowledged the concern and indicated it was under review. However, BMW has now stated that it is closing my case file without: • Conducting any inspection; • Issuing written findings; • Providing a safety explanation or analysis; or • Confirming whether the reported behavior is a defect, system failure, or normal operation. BMW has conditioned further assistance on dealership inspection while simultaneously closing the manufacturer-level case, creating a gap in accountability and preventing meaningful review of the safety issue at the corporate level. I am not refusing inspection and remain willing to present the vehicle. My concern is that BMW’s attempt to close the case prior to evaluation undermines safety reporting and limits transparency regarding potential risks to drivers and passengers. Please add this update to my complaint record for consideration in any review or investigation.
Supplemental Update – Manufacturer Response to Safety Complaint (BMW) I am submitting this supplemental update in connection with my existing NHTSA safety complaint regarding my BMW vehicle. Following my report that the vehicle continued operating without the key present while transporting minor children, BMW of North America acknowledged the concern and indicated it was under review. However, BMW has now stated that it is closing my case file without: • Conducting any inspection; • Issuing written findings; • Providing a safety explanation or analysis; or • Confirming whether the reported behavior is a defect, system failure, or normal operation. BMW has conditioned further assistance on dealership inspection while simultaneously closing the manufacturer-level case, creating a gap in accountability and preventing meaningful review of the safety issue at the corporate level. I am not refusing inspection and remain willing to present the vehicle. My concern is that BMW’s attempt to close the case prior to evaluation undermines safety reporting and limits transparency regarding potential risks to drivers and passengers. Please add this update to my complaint record for consideration in any review or investigation.
I am reporting a safety defect involving a 2024 BMW X3 xDrive30i. The vehicle continued operating for several miles with no key inside the vehicle, and at no point did the car display a “Key Not Detected” warning, icon, or audible alert. Two minors were present during this incident. This indicates a failure of the key-recognition system, immobilizer logic, and associated warning functions. BMW’s safety system should detect the absence of the key and immediately warn the driver. Failure to issue a warning presents a significant safety hazard, as the driver may unknowingly operate the vehicle without the ability to restart, secure the car, or be alerted to a loss of security control. BMW Roadside Assistance documented the incident. BMW North America has not provided a case number, safety review, or written plan for addressing the defect despite multiple requests. This lack of response is concerning for a safety-critical malfunction. I am requesting NHTSA’s review of this defect and BMW’s handling of the matter.
I am reporting a safety defect involving a 2024 BMW X3 xDrive30i. The vehicle continued operating for several miles with no key inside the vehicle, and at no point did the car display a “Key Not Detected” warning, icon, or audible alert. Two minors were present during this incident. This indicates a failure of the key-recognition system, immobilizer logic, and associated warning functions. BMW’s safety system should detect the absence of the key and immediately warn the driver. Failure to issue a warning presents a significant safety hazard, as the driver may unknowingly operate the vehicle without the ability to restart, secure the car, or be alerted to a loss of security control. BMW Roadside Assistance documented the incident. BMW North America has not provided a case number, safety review, or written plan for addressing the defect despite multiple requests. This lack of response is concerning for a safety-critical malfunction. I am requesting NHTSA’s review of this defect and BMW’s handling of the matter.
The digital instrument cluster that displays the speedometer and other information will occasionally not illuminate when the car is started leaving the driver unable to know how fast they are going. This is so dangerous. This has happened to me at least 4 times in the past 6 months
The digital instrument cluster that displays the speedometer and other information will occasionally not illuminate when the car is started leaving the driver unable to know how fast they are going. This is so dangerous. This has happened to me at least 4 times in the past 6 months
See attached document for complaint.
See attached document for complaint.