2018 BMW X3 Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 12%of 76 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 23,190miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the body and structure of the 2018 BMW X3, 12% of the 76 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 23,190 miles. 3 recall campaigns on record are 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.
“The vehicle's rear liftgate has opened randomly several times without notice or without input from the user. The first incident was when backing out of a parking spot, the rear liftgate opened suddenly. This is concerning because it was a busy parking lot and our dog was in the car and began to jump out of the vehicle and could have jumped into moving traffic. Another incident occurred in our driveway where the vehicle was parked and unlocked and unoccupied. We noticed that the hatch had opened by itself at some point without any input from anyone. …”
NHTSA complaint #11403480, filed 2021-03, 31,380 miles“my car has a recall, and dealer told me it can not be solved. for this reason, I can not rent my car in Turo due to incomplete recall, and I also have safety concerns”
NHTSA complaint #11630740, filed 2024-12“I am writing to report a potential safety problem with my 2018 BMW X3, VIN: (provide VIN here if available), that was purchased in May 2018 and has covered 36,000 miles since then. The vehicle has always been garaged and well-maintained. A few weeks ago, I experienced a critical malfunction with the vehicle's moonroof. I opened it normally, but it failed to close afterwards. I should note that this was merely the 4th or 5th time I have ever operated the moonroof since the car was purchased. As of now, the moonroof remains in the open position unable to close it even manually. …”
NHTSA complaint #11522928, filed 2023-05“The sunroof drains of the vehicle become easily clogged. When this happens, water drains into the battery compartment and interior of the vehicle. Although BMW is aware of this, and the attendant danger of having water pooling in the battery compartment, they have not addressed the issue. There are no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms prior to the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11731138, filed 2026-04“The contact owns a 2018 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V534000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.”
NHTSA complaint #11625420, filed 2024-11Related recalls
- 24V764000Oct 15, 2024BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2022 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, and X3 M vehicles. The attachment for the rear cargo rail…Covers: BMW X3 2018–2022
- 24V534000Jul 17, 2024BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2023 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, and X3 M vehicles. The attachment for the interior cargo…Covers: BMW X3 2018–2023
- 18V154000Mar 7, 2018BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW X3 xDrive30i and X3 M40i vehicles. The rear spoiler may not have been properly attached during…Covers: BMW X3 2018
Related service bulletins
- 10253326Apr 4, 2024While driving the vehicle on normal roads at10mph and above, a "cracking" sound from the top of the B-pillar(s) is heard.
- 10249024Jan 8, 2024This bulletin outlines known areas of possible water entry, operational noise, or wind noise for the vehicles listed above. It serves only as a diagnostic resource in…
- 10244239Oct 18, 2023This situation can result in two customer complaints: 1. Wind noise 2. Excess water entry
- 10242879Sep 12, 2023A groaning noise is present from the door frame of any door, most commonly when driving over rough roadsor during body flex. This situation may be worse in vehicles which are…
- 10242699Aug 1, 2023?When driving over uneven pavement or cobblestones, a knocking noise is present from the passenger side front area (A pillar). Once the vehicle is driven on a flat, even surface…
- 10242696Aug 1, 2023?Water leaking into the vehicle from the headliner/microphone area.
- 10242692Aug 1, 2023While driving the vehicle on normal roads at 10mph and above, a "cracking" sound from the top of the B-pillar(s) is heard.
- 10242686Aug 1, 2023?An unapproved nut was used for the ground point for the chassis ground.
- 10238081May 1, 2023Upon opening and closing the tailgate, a creaking/groaning sound can be heard from tailgate actuator.
- 10235182Mar 1, 2023While driving the vehicle on normal roads at 10mph and above, a cracking sound from the top of the B-pillar(s) is heard.
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 9% |
| 2025 | 3 | 8% |
| 2024 | 2 | 5% |
| 2023 | 3 | 20% |
| 2022 | 12 | 14% |
| 2021 | 11 | 10% |
| 2020 | 8 | 7% |
| 2019 | 31 | 18% |
| 2018 | 9 | 12% |
| 2017 | 6 | 7% |
| 2016 | 2 | 2% |
| 2015 | 3 | 3% |
| 2014 | 3 | 3% |
| 2013 | 3 | 1% |
| 2006 | 5 | 4% |
| 2005 | 7 | 7% |
| 2004 | 8 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2018 BMW X3
22 complaintsEngine
16 complaintsOther or unknown
12 complaintsSteering
7 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