2020 BMW X3 Engine Problems

I am reporting a safety concern involving BMW vehicles equipped with the B58 Technical Update (B58TU) engine, commonly found in model years 2019–2021. These vehicles utilize a variable-displacement engine oil pump containing an internal thermoplastic adjusting component responsible for regulating oil pressure. Field failures are increasingly being reported in which this internal component fractures, resulting in sudden loss or instability of engine oil pressure. The failure frequently occurs during cold-start operation in low ambient temperatures. When the component fails, oil pressure regulation becomes erratic or is lost entirely. In many cases, drivers receive little or no actionable warning prior to engine damage or vehicle disablement. Reported precursor symptoms include inability to electronically measure engine oil level, abnormal oil pressure behavior, or sudden drivetrain malfunction warnings. Failures may rapidly progress to engine shutdown or severe mechanical damage caused by oil starvation. Loss of lubrication can cause the vehicle to become disabled without warning while driving or shortly after startup. This creates a safety hazard, particularly when vehicles become immobilized in active traffic or during winter conditions the cold is when they fail the most, where occupants may be exposed to freezing temperatures while awaiting assistance. Replacement of the oil pump requires extensive disassembly of the vehicle and repairs commonly exceed $6,000–$8,000 for just the pump, assuming the motor is unharmed. Owners are currently unable to determine whether their vehicles contain the original thermoplastic oil pump design or a later revised version utilizing metal internal components, as VIN-based parts information now identifies updated components in the car even when no replacement has occurred and the old components are actually in the car. Also, BMW has actively removed the plastic part number out of all dealer networks as well. They are aware.

I am reporting a safety concern involving BMW vehicles equipped with the B58 Technical Update (B58TU) engine, commonly found in model years 2019–2021. These vehicles utilize a variable-displacement engine oil pump containing an internal thermoplastic adjusting component responsible for regulating oil pressure. Field failures are increasingly being reported in which this internal component fractures, resulting in sudden loss or instability of engine oil pressure. The failure frequently occurs during cold-start operation in low ambient temperatures. When the component fails, oil pressure regulation becomes erratic or is lost entirely. In many cases, drivers receive little or no actionable warning prior to engine damage or vehicle disablement. Reported precursor symptoms include inability to electronically measure engine oil level, abnormal oil pressure behavior, or sudden drivetrain malfunction warnings. Failures may rapidly progress to engine shutdown or severe mechanical damage caused by oil starvation. Loss of lubrication can cause the vehicle to become disabled without warning while driving or shortly after startup. This creates a safety hazard, particularly when vehicles become immobilized in active traffic or during winter conditions where occupants may be exposed to freezing temperatures while awaiting assistance. Replacement of the oil pump requires extensive disassembly of the vehicle and repairs commonly exceed $6,000–$8,000 when engine damage occurs. Owners are currently unable to determine whether their vehicles contain the original thermoplastic oil pump design or a later revised version utilizing metal internal components, as VIN-based parts information now identifies updated components even when no replacement has occurred. Failures have been reported across multiple production years, and affected vehicle population boundaries remain unclear.

I am reporting a safety concern involving BMW vehicles equipped with the B58 Technical Update (B58TU) engine, commonly found in model years 2019–2021. These vehicles utilize a variable-displacement engine oil pump containing an internal thermoplastic adjusting component responsible for regulating oil pressure. Field failures are increasingly being reported in which this internal component fractures, resulting in sudden loss or instability of engine oil pressure. The failure frequently occurs during cold-start operation in low ambient temperatures. When the component fails, oil pressure regulation becomes erratic or is lost entirely. In many cases, drivers receive little or no actionable warning prior to engine damage or vehicle disablement. Reported precursor symptoms include inability to electronically measure engine oil level, abnormal oil pressure behavior, or sudden drivetrain malfunction warnings. Failures may rapidly progress to engine shutdown or severe mechanical damage caused by oil starvation. Loss of lubrication can cause the vehicle to become disabled without warning while driving or shortly after startup. This creates a safety hazard, particularly when vehicles become immobilized in active traffic or during winter conditions the cold is when they fail the most, where occupants may be exposed to freezing temperatures while awaiting assistance. Replacement of the oil pump requires extensive disassembly of the vehicle and repairs commonly exceed $6,000–$8,000 for just the pump, assuming the motor is unharmed. Owners are currently unable to determine whether their vehicles contain the original thermoplastic oil pump design or a later revised version utilizing metal internal components, as VIN-based parts information now identifies updated components in the car even when no replacement has occurred and the old components are actually in the car. Also, BMW has actively removed the plastic part number out of all dealer networks as well. A recall should happen

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle began to shake with the message, "Pull Over Engine Oil Pressure Low Pull Over Stop Driving to Avoid Engine Failure". The contact immediately pulled over to the side of the road, inspected the vehicle, and became aware there was no issue with the oil. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the oil pump was defective due to the oil pump being manufactured with plastic. The mechanic confirmed it was a known issue, and the oil pumps were changed to a metal material to avoid the failure. The dealer was contacted, and the new metal pump part, PN: 11418646454, was ordered. The vehicle was scheduled to be repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was purchased at a dealer not associated with BMW, and the cost of the repair would not be covered. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

70-80k mileage the oil filter housing gushed coolant fluid. Replacement at dealership quoted at $4,000. Dealership indicated they replace part with current part and do not upgrade to an all aluminum to prevent future problems. Employee also stated they are seeing more of these issues of late. The housing has plastic components that fail easily. There was a 2020 bulletin warning of similar failures for this type of engine and vehicle but BMW has not issued a recall. If this draining of coolant is not detected early enough, the engine could overheat and fail, creating a traffic hazard and safety concern to passengers. Local certified mechanics quoted $2,500 for replacement using an aluminum part. These two quotes were from different mechanics and were based on phone conversation, so additional charges may have applied once they began work.they both opined if part is not replaced with aluminum, the part will fail again prematurely. There is a recently filed class action lawsuit in New Jersey.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The variable displacement oil pump contains a plastic (Duoplex) internal adjusting ring/vane carrier that is known to become brittle and shatter. Status: While the pump has not yet suffered a total mechanical collapse, it is a documented inherent defect. The manufacturer (BMW) has already superseded this part (Original #11418646454 or ...453) with a reinforced metal version (Part #11419895359), admitting the original material was insufficient for the engine's lifespan. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Risk: The failure mode is sudden and unpredictable. If the plastic ring shatters while driving, it can lead to an instantaneous loss of oil pressure, causing the engine to seize or stall at highway speeds. This creates an immediate risk of: Loss of power steering and braking assist in traffic. Potential rear-wheel lockup (in RWD/Manual configurations) leading to loss of vehicle control. Catastrophic engine failure in the middle of active traffic, requiring an emergency maneuver. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Assessment: The existence of the defect is confirmed by BMW’s internal technical case PuMA Measure 65494813. Furthermore, the manufacturer released a software update (S18A-21-03-567) specifically to reduce oil pressure during cold starts to mitigate stress on this plastic component—a "band-aid" fix that acknowledges the hardware's fragility. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Assessment: Not yet, as the vehicle is being operated under the assumption of a known safety defect. However, independent mechanics and BMW master technicians across the industry have verified that early B58TU builds (2018–2020) almost universally contain the defective plastic-internals pump.

I am reporting a driver safety concern involving BMW vehicles equipped with the B58 Technical Update (B58TU) engine in model years 2019–2021. These engines use a variable-displacement oil pump containing an internal thermoplastic adjusting component that regulates oil pressure. Field failures show this component can fracture, causing sudden loss or instability of engine oil pressure. Failures most commonly occur during cold starts in low temperatures, it can occur at any time or temperature. When the part breaks, oil pressure becomes erratic or is lost entirely. Drivers often receive little or no actionable warning before the vehicle shuts down or suffers severe engine damage. Precursor symptoms may include inability to measure engine oil level electronically, abnormal oil pressure behavior, or sudden drivetrain malfunction alerts. In many cases, the condition rapidly progresses to engine stall or mechanical failure due to oil starvation. Loss of lubrication can disable the vehicle without warning while driving or shortly after startup. This creates a serious safety hazard, especially if the vehicle stalls in active traffic. The risk is heightened in winter conditions—when failures occur most often—because occupants may be stranded in freezing temperatures while awaiting assistance. Repair requires major disassembly, and oil pump replacement alone commonly exceeds $6,000–$8,000, excluding additional engine damage Owners cannot reliably determine whether their vehicles contain the original thermoplastic oil pump design or a later revised version with metal internal components. VIN-based parts systems now default to the updated design even if no replacement has occurred, and the original plastic component part number has reportedly been removed from dealer networks. This lack of transparency prevents owners from assessing their risk. I believe this represents a known manufacturer defect with direct driver safety implications that warrants formal investigation

The car has active air shutters on the grill/radiator, which are known to fail prematurely, causes overheating and emissions issues that trigger a check engine light. This was a know issue that BMW issued service bulletin and a 15 year, 150k mile warranty on the part/component up to 2019 model years. BMW did not resolve this malfunction in the same body style car in 2020, and the issue persists. BMW refuses to cover repairs on this issue that they have previously acknowledged and failed to fix, which effects the safety and drivability of the vehicle. There is a class of owners experiencing this issue who are not covered as a result of BMW failing to take accountability for the design failure in 2020+ model years. Estimated repair costs are $1,600 on average. Previous bulletin: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The lower radiator blinds/air flaps are not working. I have a check engine light on and the dealership is stating that is what is wrong. This is a known issue with BMW vehicles and has been a recall with other BMW models.

Beginning Oct 1, 2025. The cars drivetrain warning came on intermittently until mechanics correctly diagnosed the issue. Thermostat valve failed to shut off properly causing the car to overheat. This has been an issue and recall already, just did not include my vin. Now it has happened to me at the cost of 2K and under 45k miles. heat management module had to be replaced due to the danger of overheating and complete car shut down. I am turning this into BMW as well.

This recall was in September 2025, and for a starter issue that could cause a fire. Despite the urgency of this recall, it's now six months later, and I am still getting a response from BMW "Remedy Not available". So, in the meantime BMW advises to keep the car outside in the hot Florida sun so it doesn't burn the house down. This is a totally unacceptable situation, and I would appreciate the NHTSA following up with BMW regarding why the delay. It appears to me that BMW is dragging their feet on correcting this serious issue.

The lower radiator blinds had to be replace and was causing the engineer light to come. I feel that this is a big problem with the BMW and should be cover under warranty.

I purchased the vehicle used on December 2, 2023. The vehicle randomly and intermittently exhibits a check engine light in normal driving conditions. The vehicle was inspected prior to sale, and engine oil was replaced prior to sale. The check engine light turns on and off sporadically but seems to turn on when the vehicle switches from electric to combustion engine.

The contact owned a 2020 BMW X3. The contact stated after parking her vehicle at her residence, the vehicle caught fire around the engine independently. The fire department extinguished the fire. A fire and police report were filed. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact stated no one was injured nor sought medical attention. The insurance company deemed the vehicle a total loss. The vehicle was not diagnosed. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 11,700. The consumer stated the police and fire reports have been requested and waiting to receive the reports.

BMW recalled our car twice to replace the hybrid battery. Purchase in late July 2020; first recall about August 2020; second recall about September 2021. BMW replaced the hybrid battery as part of the second recall. Since then the vehicle check engine light has intermittently illuminated. The service department has confirmed faults in the hybrid drive system but has not identified the cause of the faults nor identified a fix. The car is not drivable and has been in the shop for the last 6 weeks with no end in sight. This car has been in the BMW service center for issues relating to the hybrid battery drive system on at least 4 occasions encompassing more than 120 cumulative days over the past 1.6 years that we have owned it. BMW reportedly is now replacing sensors (e.g., throwing parts at the car) in hopes of correcting the fault rather than identifying the source of the fault. I understand from an employee at the BMW service center that he is aware that this dealership has SEVERAL X3 hybrid vehicles with issues identical to our car; and that other dealerships also have hybrid X3 vehicles with faults in the hybrid systems.

The contact owned a 2020 BMW X3. The contact stated the vehicle was stationary at a parking lot, when the front passenger informed her that there was smoke coming from under the passenger’s side hood. The contact stated a bystander attempted to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher but failed. The fire department arrived within 10 minutes and was able to extinguish the fire. The contact stated no one was injured nor was medical attention sought. A fire report was filed. A police officer arrived at the location and filed a police report. The vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was towed to towing lot. The insurance company deemed the vehicle a total loss. The contact called the local dealer and left a voicemail. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 7,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 BMW X3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND UNATTENDED, IT SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT FIRE. ADDITIONALLY, A LINCOLN MKZ PARKED ADJACENT TO THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO REPORTED INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT LOT. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000.