2009 BMW X3 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 16%of 19 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 79,236miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2009 BMW X3, 16% of the 19 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 79,236 miles.
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.
“Driver side drive shaft fell off while driving on the highway. Very dangerous, merging from one highway in onto another in the middle of gridlock. No lights on prior to failure, just completely snapped off, ripped thru my oil pan and coolant hoses. Was shown the damage when I brought it to a repair shop.”
NHTSA complaint #11569626, filed 2024-02“I had started my car drove out of my parking lot as I approached the highway the first intersection everything went dead no lights, snow warning lights just completely shut down and rumble as if the engine was gonna fall out a police man passed me. I was stuck in the middle of the highway. Help me push my vehicle off the road and sat with me while I called AAA. He could not get the car started. It was not the battery. He also only checked the battery terminals under the hood he hooked his portable battery charger. just gonna let me drive home hooked up, but it would not start.”
NHTSA complaint #11755391, filed 2026-08Related service bulletins
- 10175267Apr 1, 2020Power Reduction FC2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC2 A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Fault: The "Service Engine Soon" (MIL) lamp is illuminated and engine power reduction is perceived. This…
- 10147008Aug 1, 2016"REPAIRING TRANSFER CASE ACTUATOR (VTG SERVO-MOTOR). The Anti-lock Brakes (ABS), Brakes and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) warnings are on and there may also be a ""Drivetrain…
- 10147241Sep 1, 2015Shudder from the Driveline on Vehicles with xDrive. There is a shudder or vibration from the driveline when taking off from a stop, or when accelerating at highway speeds. CAUSE…
- 10147930Jan 1, 2014GM6 - 6L45R: Diagnostic Procedure for Shudder or Vibration Issues. A shudder or vibration can be felt under light acceleration or when driving at constant suburban speeds. This…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 4 | 11% |
| 2024 | 4 | 10% |
| 2023 | 1 | 6% |
| 2022 | 9 | 10% |
| 2021 | 5 | 4% |
| 2020 | 14 | 13% |
| 2019 | 7 | 4% |
| 2018 | 2 | 3% |
| 2017 | 2 | 2% |
| 2016 | 9 | 11% |
| 2015 | 9 | 9% |
| 2014 | 6 | 7% |
| 2013 | 60 | 27% |
| 2012 | 7 | 17% |
| 2011 | 23 | 20% |
| 2009 | 3 | 16% |
| 2008 | 5 | 8% |
| 2007 | 6 | 6% |
| 2006 | 1 | 1% |
| 2005 | 4 | 4% |
| 2004 | 11 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2009 BMW X3
9 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 BMW X3
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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