2004 BMW X3 Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 6%of 138 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 68,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the visibility of the 2004 BMW X3, 6% of the 138 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 68,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Frontal differential and window motor went bad at the same time. The SUV only has 80, 000 miles and is having all kinds of mechanical problems already. I bought a Bmw because I was under the impression that they build good cars not lemons.”
NHTSA complaint #10380174, filed 2011-02, 75,000 miles“04 mini cooper s cracked windshield. I washed the windshield at the gas station 10 minutes earlier there was no crack. I was checking the windshield wipers and noticed a crack starting at the base of the windshield near the VIN# it was about 3 inches long. Over night it grew to six inches. I know of many mini windshields that develope crack for no reason. This may be due to stress. I will take it into the dealer later today.”
NHTSA complaint #10108419, filed 2005-02, 24,100 miles“Tl- the contact owns a 2004 Bmw X3. The contact stated that the vehicle was impacted and the rolled over several times but the driver side nor passenger side air bags deployed. The contact sustained injuries to the neck, head and upper back. The vehicle sustained major damage. The current and failure mileage is 68000. Jp updated 10/14/08. The right rear power window would not roll up. Updated 10/16/08.”
NHTSA complaint #10240874, filed 2008-09, 68,000 miles“I purchased a 'certified Bmw 330i in december of 2006 and have had the fuel pump replaced, instrument carrier replaced, both passenger window regulators replaced, sunroof repaired, headliner repaired (it just fell down one day). The car won't start right up, and when it does it runs real hard and the RPM goes up suddenly, the car takes a minute before it will even move & then it does so fast! I have had it in several times with this complaint and they can't diagnose what's wrong with it. …”
NHTSA complaint #10200356, filed 2007-08“My windshield has a crack directly under where the driver's side windshield wiper sits when the wipers are not being used. I brought the car to the dealership and they said it was caused by the dealership and therefore was not under warranty. I contacted an attorney who said that was normal use and therefore it should be covered. When I called the dealer back they stated that they looked harder and it was caused by something falling on it. It is in a location where nothing could have fallen on it unless the wipers where removed from the car which never happened. …”
NHTSA complaint #10151505, filed 2006-03Related service bulletins
- 10249437Jan 16, 2024The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- 10244239Oct 18, 2023This situation can result in two customer complaints: 1. Wind noise 2. Excess water entry
- 10225114Sep 1, 2022The front sunroof glass seal has shrunk, creating a gap which can cause wind noise or excess water entry.
- 10150039Jul 1, 2013"?Panoramic Sunroof Repair Instructions. INFORMATION Sunroof Repair Instructions: The panoramic sunroof contains several ""mechanism sets"" which can be repaired and/or replaced…
- 10149603May 1, 2013"Panoramic Sunroof Repair Instructions. INFORMATION Sunroof Repair Instructions: The panoramic sunroof contains several ""mechanism sets"" which can be repaired and/or replaced…
- 10044679Aug 1, 2011Bmw: see document search button for owner letter. Information regarding the defect in the rear window defroster that fails to operate properly. No model years listed.
- 10014901Apr 21, 2005Panoramic roof won't close from the vent position.
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5 | 23% |
| 2025 | 3 | 8% |
| 2024 | 2 | 5% |
| 2022 | 2 | 2% |
| 2021 | 4 | 4% |
| 2020 | 3 | 3% |
| 2019 | 5 | 3% |
| 2018 | 2 | 3% |
| 2017 | 3 | 3% |
| 2015 | 1 | 1% |
| 2014 | 1 | 1% |
| 2013 | 2 | 1% |
| 2011 | 1 | 1% |
| 2010 | 1 | 3% |
| 2008 | 1 | 2% |
| 2007 | 2 | 2% |
| 2006 | 1 | 1% |
| 2005 | 2 | 2% |
| 2004 | 8 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2004 BMW X3
33 complaintsAir bags
32 complaintsElectrical system
18 complaintsEngine cooling
11 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
11 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsEngine
6 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsSteering
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 BMW X3
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology