2022 BMW X3: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Oct 26, 2026 · PA

Recall states engine starter in severe cases can cause a fire while engine is running , the recall was I received notification back in July , it is now October going into November 4 months later which is a safety concern while driving the vehicle the car could catch on fire while driving on the highway with out notice based on the manufacturers description of the recall .

Filed Oct 13, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · SC

I have a 2022 X3 M40i and the negative battery terminal on the 48v battery was not connected properly to the battery and had welded itself to the terminal causing drivetrain errors, start stop issues and low voltage errors. The cable could of caught fire and burned my house and car down.

Filed Jun 4, 2026 · Engine · NJ

car starts emitting white smoke with plastic burning smell inside car and outside. no notifications on dash board before this happens therefore emitting this white smoke into car which we are subjected to inhaling further

Filed Feb 16, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · NJ · fire

1. The primary failure occurred within the electrical system and engine compartment wiring. According to the official forensic report (Ref No: XXX by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia, the fire originated in the engine compartment due to an electrotechnical fault (short circuit). 2. The vehicle spontaneously exploded and caught fire while parked in a closed, underground parking facility of a commercial building. This created an immediate risk of: Mass casualties due to smoke inhalation and potential structural collapse of the parking ceiling. Fire spreading to dozens of adjacent vehicles.The explosion occurred without any prior warning, posing a lethal threat to anyone nearby. 3. The failure was officially confirmed and documented through a State Forensic Examination. The Ministry of Internal Affairs’ Forensic-Criminalistic Department conducted a comprehensive technical audit. They ruled out any external factors (arson/accelerants) and confirmed an internal electrical short circuit as the sole cause. 4. Yes. The vehicle was inspected and seized as evidence by the Criminal Police and the State Forensic-Criminalistic Department of Georgia. 5. There were no warning lights or messages displayed on the dashboard prior to parking the vehicle. The incident was a spontaneous combustion that occurred while the vehicle was stationary and unoccupied. please note that uploaded police documents are in Georgian language and I will be able to send over official translations upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 20, 2025 · Engine · MD · fire

While driving, noticed smoke coming from under the hood. Immediately pulled in a parking lot where the smoke turned to fire and burned the entire car by the time fire dept arrived. I was the only person in the car and was luckily able to exit the vehicle before the actual fire started. Incident reported to insurance company and they are investigating. There were no dash warning lights of any kind.

Filed May 6, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · NY · fire

On April 26, 2025, while driving my 2022 BMW X3, the vehicle suddenly emitted smoke and caught fire. Fortunately, all five passengers, including myself, were able to exit the car before it became fully engulfed in flames. The car was destroyed and is a total loss. The BMW app later displayed a “drivetrain malfunction” message, which did not appear until after the fire had already started. The vehicle was still under the manufacturer’s 48-month new vehicle warranty and had no open recalls at the time. Routine maintenance and service had been performed at authorized BMW dealerships. I am concerned this fire may have resulted from a manufacturing defect, especially in light of similar reports and recalls involving fuel rail cracks or leakage in this model/year. No injuries were sustained, but this was a terrifying and traumatic incident, and I am now left with significant financial loss. What I am requesting: I ask that the federal safety agency investigate whether this fire was caused by a manufacturing defect common to the 2022 BMW X3 and whether a broader recall or corrective action is warranted

Filed May 4, 2022 · MI · fire

My BMW X3 was less then 1 month old with less then 200 miles. On the way home around 11PM I noticed sparks and some coming out the hood. I pulled to the side of the road and as soon as I stepped out of the car flames were coming out from under the car, drivers door. Called 911. Police and fire department showed up within 10 minutes. The fire was put out unfortunately the whole car melted by then. I'm glad I escaped unhurt. Few minutes more I could have been seriously hurt or dead.