2020 BMW X3: check engine light

Filed May 17, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · FL

I am submitting this complaint regarding ongoing and potentially dangerous mechanical failures involving my vehicle that have repeatedly occurred despite numerous repair attempts by the dealership. Over the past year, I have taken my vehicle to the dealership more than 10 times for serious recurring issues. The problems have included: Drivetrain malfunction warnings Engine warning lights Oil leaks Smoke coming from the vehicle The vehicle unexpectedly shifting into neutral while driving Sudden loss of drivability requiring the vehicle to be towed The dealership has repeatedly stated that the issues were repaired, and at one point even provided a one-year warranty on the repair work. Despite this, the same problems have continued to occur. Most recently, the drivetrain malfunction warning and engine light returned again, smoke came from the vehicle, and the car shifted into neutral on its own, becoming completely undriveable and requiring towing. I have spent more than $10,000 on repairs related to these ongoing issues, yet the vehicle remains unreliable and unsafe. My primary concern is the safety risk posed by the drivetrain failure and the vehicle unexpectedly shifting into neutral while in operation. I am requesting that this matter be reviewed as a potential vehicle safety issue. I believe these repeated failures may present a serious risk not only to myself but potentially to other drivers as well. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Filed Jan 16, 2026 · Engine · MA

The lower radiator blinds/air flaps are not working. I have a check engine light on and the dealership is stating that is what is wrong. This is a known issue with BMW vehicles and has been a recall with other BMW models.

Filed Jan 12, 2026 · Engine · NJ

The car has active air shutters on the grill/radiator, which are known to fail prematurely, causes overheating and emissions issues that trigger a check engine light. This was a know issue that BMW issued service bulletin and a 15 year, 150k mile warranty on the part/component up to 2019 model years. BMW did not resolve this malfunction in the same body style car in 2020, and the issue persists. BMW refuses to cover repairs on this issue that they have previously acknowledged and failed to fix, which effects the safety and drivability of the vehicle. There is a class of owners experiencing this issue who are not covered as a result of BMW failing to take accountability for the design failure in 2020+ model years. Estimated repair costs are $1,600 on average. Previous bulletin: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jan 10, 2024 · Engine · CA

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.

Filed Apr 11, 2022 · Engine · FL

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.