NHTSA Complaint #11567145 — 2019 BMW X3

On the 2019 BMW X3, we’ve experienced the tailgate opening while the vehicle is in traffic, and the transmission is in ‘D’ drive. The safety hazard I’m suggesting be investigated is that the buttons on the remote key fob to the vehicle, including lock, unlock, tailgate, and panic, ALL work even if the vehicle is turned on and driving. This poses a serious safety risk to not only occupants of the vehicle, objects or animals that may be in the trunk, but also to other motorists on the road. We’ve personally had this happen three times, all in cases where we were in live traffic on an active roadway. One case in particular our dog was in the trunk and we had to pull over in the middle of traffic while the dog thankfully stayed seated in the trunk area. I believe this happens because it’s very common for the key fob to be in a pocket or purse while operating the vehicle, where it’s very possible for the buttons to be pressed inadvertently. In my opinion, the key fob should not be functional while the car’s ignition is on. No other car I’ve ever owned has had a key fob whose buttons still work while the ignition is on. Happy give further comment if need be. Thanks