2018 BMW X3 Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 8%of 76 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 3,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2018 BMW X3, 8% of the 76 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 3,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“Front headlights were replaced under warranty after daytime running lights both stopped working in Oct. 2021. Similar problem now on 9/4/25 approximately 4 years later, and BMW is leaving me to foot the bill on a barely 7 year old vehicle, forcing me to have 3 sets of lights on a car that is 7 years old.”
NHTSA complaint #11686663, filed 2025-09“This problem has occurred to me now twice. Both occurrences were on very cold days where the temperature was below 20 degrees F. The car starts promptly and runs, but the entire dashboard electronic instrument cluster is non-functioning and dark . In this condition, you cannot tell your speed, engine rpm, fuel level, engine temperature, or any mileage numbers. The turn signals also do not work. The headlights and the iDrive screen and the climate control were all lit properly and functioned. I did not think to check the brake or tailights, unfortunately. …”
NHTSA complaint #11708423, filed 2026-01Related recalls
- 18V431000Jun 21, 2018BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW X3 xDrive30i and X3 M40i vehicles. The rear turn signals on the outboard side panel will…Covers: BMW X3 2018
Related service bulletins
- 10252031Mar 14, 2024One or more of the LED daytime running lights are dim or discolored.
- 10239611Jun 1, 2023Headlight check control (CC) message 128 "High beam headlight failure" is displayed. The following fault codes are stored during a vehicle test: 80419A - Left high-beam…
- 10235200Mar 1, 2023One or more of the LED daytime running lights are dim or discolored.
- 10212786Apr 1, 2022The customer complains that under moderate throttle application or on deceleration after throttle application, a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is displayed in the instrument…
- 10200241Jun 1, 2021One or more of the LED daytime running lights are dim or discolored.
- 10190862Mar 1, 2021LED LIGHT CARPET IS DIM OR DISTORTED: The light carpet may appear dim or distorted on one or both sides. .
- 10186226Dec 1, 2020?DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT IS DIM OR DISCOLORED: One or more of the LED daytime running lights are dim or discolored. The connection between the LED module and light tube inside the…
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 8% |
| 2023 | 1 | 6% |
| 2021 | 5 | 4% |
| 2020 | 4 | 4% |
| 2019 | 6 | 4% |
| 2018 | 6 | 8% |
| 2017 | 1 | 1% |
| 2016 | 1 | 1% |
| 2015 | 1 | 1% |
| 2014 | 7 | 8% |
| 2013 | 2 | 1% |
| 2011 | 10 | 9% |
| 2008 | 1 | 2% |
| 2007 | 2 | 2% |
| 2006 | 2 | 1% |
| 2005 | 1 | 1% |
| 2004 | 6 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2018 BMW X3
22 complaintsEngine
16 complaintsOther or unknown
12 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsSteering
7 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
3 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 BMW X3
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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