NHTSA Complaint #11515345 — 2015 BMW X3

Driver drove approx. 3.5 to passenger’s home. While sitting & talking to the passenger for several minutes, the car suddenly, rapidly lurched forward, crashing into neighbor’s property. Substantial damage was done to the neighbor’s deck and brick wall at rear of the house. At least one piece of heavy lumber speared through the windshield between the driver and passenger. Vehicle is auto-shut off capable, however, the driver doesn’t recall if they shut the engine off manually, but believes it may have auto-shut off, while stopped before parking the vehicle. Driver recalls pressing the “P” button to put the vehicle in park. Driver said they were just sitting and talking to the Passenger (ie Driver was in a relaxed seating position, hands were not on the steering wheel, and feet not on the pedals). Driver said they attempted to hit the brakes after the vehicle lurched forward, but feels that they may have partially froze due to the shock of the unexpected acceleration. The passenger who also witnessed the event says the car seemed to go slowly for a split second then suddenly took off at extremely high acceleration. Passenger said prior to the car moving, the driver was pressing or had pressed the park button on the gear shift, when the car started to move, slowly at first (for a split second) and then suddenly the car took off at rapid acceleration. Driver said they recalled checking to see if the car was in park, which they noted is indicated by a red light (which they recall seeing). Passenger doesn’t recall seeing light on, but recalls Driver pressing the P button at least twice. Vehicle owned since 2017, purchased with 24k miles, 1 prior owner (previously leased). Vehicle had about 50k miles at time of incident. Vehicle was always serviced at BMW of Fairfax. No prior issues with the vehicle. The car was equipped with BMW OEM rubber floor mats. No Airbag deployment. The event occurred on or about May 25th, 2021 at 9 pm. Vehicle deemed total loss.