2018 BMW X3 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 9%of 76 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 8,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the steering of the 2018 BMW X3, 9% of the 76 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 8,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 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.
“Bmw 2018 X3 steering wheel ***went out of control*** for unknown reason and took over my driving on hwy 84 when I was going about 62 miles, it geared to left on its own. The car eventually hit center divider during the course of trying to avoid otherwise possibly severe collision. X3 entire left side damaged, called 911, car towed. Contacted Bmw na and local dealer in fremont california, car tested, reported back with no problem. Bmw offered no explanation of why it happened. …”
NHTSA complaint #11202592, filed 2019-04, 3,200 miles“I was parking when I totally lost control of my car. I could not steer it and I could not break. I went left while I was attempting to brake but I had no brakes. I attempted to go straight and hit one parked car. Then I went right and damaged another car then the car hit a 3 car. Then the car stopped. I receive a Bmw assist message regarding having an accident then the screen went dead. I was parking my car. Few weeks before I received the following message: chassis stabilization problems. You can continue driving but take your car to the dealer ( something like that). …”
NHTSA complaint #11290747, filed 2019-12, 62,500 miles“At between 52 MPH and say 60 MPH steering wheel buzzes and shakes. Seems to be something with lane depart system even when shut off. Excessive front pass tire wear also. No fix from dealer yet?”
NHTSA complaint #11139914, filed 2018-10, 8,000 miles“2018 Bmw X3 m40i: upon start up the vehicle displays a warning 'seatbelt restraint system malfunction.' the car the enters a limp mode and says to drive to the nearest Bmw service center and that some safety features are unavailable. Power assist steering no longer works, and the vehicle defaults to 4wd mode. Additionally, it further states airbag functionality is limited, and crash avoidance is unavailable, but that driving is still possible! What's disturbing is that I discovered that many other late model Bmw owners are reporting this same issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #11150446, filed 2018-11, 2,000 miles“One morning, I tried to back my door out of garage and I couldn’t. I found front tire could not be turned. Found that front tire steering tie rod is snapped into 2 pieces. Further inspection showed that the steering rod had some deflects before broken. I took the photos to show the evidence.”
NHTSA complaint #11627999, filed 2024-11Related recalls
- 18V374000Jun 6, 2018BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2019 BMW X3 xDrive30i, X3 sDrive30i, and X3 M40i vehicles equipped with the "Active Lane Keeping…Covers: BMW X3 2018–2019
Related service bulletins
- 10249018Jan 8, 2024At low outside temperatures (below 40 degrees F) and slow driving speeds (i.e. when parking, maneuvering)with a large steering angle, the front end can be slightly axially…
- 10242690Aug 1, 2023?Disturbing noises (thump/pop) when reversing slowly near the steering wheel limit position; for example, when leaving a parking space.
- 10236223Apr 1, 2023Disturbing noises (thump/pop) when reversing slowly near the steering wheel limit position; for example, when leaving a parking space.
- 10227551Oct 1, 2022Due to the semiconductor supply, the Local Interconnect Network module in either of the exterior mirrors was switched to another controller. That one provides an imprecise…
- 10211809Mar 1, 2022The steering intervention for Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is too strong (severe), which can create an uncomfortable feeling for the driver. Background: Steering intervention…
- 10206690Dec 1, 2021Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column.
- 10203340Sep 1, 2021Groaning, scraping, or squeaking noise coming from the steering wheel area in the interior of the vehicle,when turning the steering wheel.
- 10187483Jan 1, 2021LDW (LANE DEPARTURE WARNING) STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION NOT STRONG: Lane Departure Warning (LDW) steering wheel vibration is perceived as being not strong enough, even with the…
- 10182908Oct 1, 2020INCREASED STEERING EFFORT WITH CHECK CONTROL MESSAGE (CCM): During multiple vehicle steering maneuvering or extended time at steering end stops (i.e. "full lock"), the check…
- 10182609Oct 1, 2020INCREASED STEERING EFFORT WITH CHECK CONTROL MESSAGE (CCM): During multiple vehicle steering maneuvering or extended time at steering end stops (i.e. "full lock"), the check…
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 27% |
| 2025 | 8 | 21% |
| 2024 | 2 | 5% |
| 2023 | 1 | 7% |
| 2022 | 3 | 4% |
| 2021 | 5 | 4% |
| 2020 | 2 | 2% |
| 2019 | 1 | 1% |
| 2018 | 7 | 9% |
| 2017 | 2 | 2% |
| 2016 | 3 | 4% |
| 2015 | 1 | 1% |
| 2014 | 4 | 5% |
| 2013 | 6 | 3% |
| 2012 | 7 | 17% |
| 2011 | 21 | 19% |
| 2010 | 2 | 6% |
| 2008 | 1 | 2% |
| 2007 | 2 | 2% |
| 2005 | 2 | 2% |
| 2004 | 5 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2018 BMW X3
22 complaintsEngine
16 complaintsOther or unknown
12 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsExterior lighting
6 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 27, 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