2005 BMW X3 problems
Owners have filed 144 complaints about the 2005 BMW X3 with NHTSA. Seats account for 34.7% of them — the clear leader, ahead of air bags at 22.2%.
Complaints144
Crashes8
Fires25
Injuries21
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Seats 34.7% · 50
Air bags 22.2% · 32
Electrical system 12.5% · 18
Structure 4.9% · 7
Engine 3.5% · 5
Unknown or other 3.5% · 5
Power train 2.8% · 4
Engine and engine cooling 2.1% · 3
Severity
Of those complaints, 8 describe a crash, 25 describe a fire and 21 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 15 model years of the BMW X3 in this data, 2005 sits 7th by complaint volume. 2013 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 5 in the last three years against 21 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 84,434 miles.
In owners' own words
I left home and turned on the seat heater for the driver seat. In just a few seconds I felt discomfort in my left buttock. I repositioned thinking something was pinching me and then smelled something burning. I was able to pull off the roadway and get out of the car. I saw the seat bottom scorching and immediately turned off the seat heater. No further damage was noted, but now afraid to use either seat heater. Seats · reported at 110,340 miles
Was driving with seat heater on. The seat felt very hot on my legs at it smelled like something was burning. I immediately turned off the seat heater. I pulled into a parking lot and exited the car. I noticed a burn mark on the drivers side seat. There is a matching burn mark on the wool coat I was wearing. The coat is what prevented me from being injured. I have pictures of the damage if you need it. Seats · reported at 183,700 miles
My wife's heated driver seat burned a hole in the vinyl seat cover and through her sweater. Dealer says this is not covered by warranty, but it appears to be a common problem for the X3. An internet search reveals several complaints. Additionally, a recall was announced for the BMW 5 and 3 series for the same issue. I hope the ntsb conducts a quick response. Thanks. Seats · reported at 85,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…