2019 BMW X3 Forward Collision Avoidance Automatic Emergency Braking Problems

Starting in July/August 2025, my 2019 BMW X3 (G01) suffered a total failure of multiple safety-critical systems, including the Emergency Call (eCall) system, the rearview camera, and frontal collision/pedestrian alert sensors. These failures were accompanied by a persistent "Emergency Call System Malfunction" warning on the dashboard. BMW Service Information Bulletin SIB 65 12 22 acknowledges a manufacturing defect where the roof-mounted antenna housing seal was "not optimal," leading to water ingress. This water ingress has damaged the Telematics Control Unit (TCB), which manages these safety features. I have contacted BMW North America and local dealerships; however, they have provided a written refusal to repair the damaged internal electronics because the vehicle is out of its original 4-year warranty. Safety Risk: This defect leaves the vehicle in a non-compliant safety state. In the event of a crash, the vehicle cannot automatically notify emergency services (eCall failure). Furthermore, the loss of the...

At some point in June 2025, between approximately 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., I was driving southbound on the 110 Freeway in Los Angeles, just south of the 134 interchange, at approximately 45 mph. Traffic was light, with no vehicles in front of me and no vehicles attempting to merge into my lane. Without warning, a bright red alert appeared on the dashboard of my 2019 BMW x3 and the vehicle suddenly applied full braking. The position of my arms at that moment caused an injury to my right elbow, which has remained painful since the incident. In January 2026, under nearly identical circumstances, the emergency warning appeared again. This time, the brakes did not engage. In July, I contacted BMW Corporate and service center regarding these incidents. I found their response dismissive, stating that “sometimes that happens.” A service center later informed me that this is a known issue...

1- Passenger Restraint System Malfunction error codes- related to wiring or front passenger seat- long timeframe and expense to diagnose 2- Engine mounts broken Oct 2023 and again Aug 2025- known issue by BMW service- high repair cost & repeat failure 3- Front crash assist will brake for shadows caused by trees or adjacent trucks and has nearly caused accidents

The automatic emergency braking system randomly applied itself while I was driving 40mph down a highway where there was no obstacle/animal of any kind. My vehicle braked hard and quickly and a red car image appeared in the dash simultaneously. Thankfully there were no other vehicles around me at the time. Prior to today, my vehicle has had regular maintenance and has had no issues. I have not yet brought his forward to a dealership, service center, police, insurance, etc.

When driving on citi street at 40MPH the vehicle randomly initiated the automatic emergency breaking system. The vehicle almost came to a complete stop in the middle of morning traffic. Almost had the vehicle behind me rear end me. The vehicle was taken to BMW dealer and a software update was performed. This is the second time that this has occurred. The vehicle will periodically still display collision warning light when nothing is even near the vehicle.

MY CAR HAS BEEN AT THE BMW DEALERSHIP TWICE FOR THESE INCIDENTS. THE INCIDENTS HAVE HAPPENED A TOTAL OF 4 TIMES. THE FIRST TIME, I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 45 MILES PER HOUR ALONG THE CITY STREET, WOODRUFF AVE IN LONG BEACH. IT WAS A SUNNY DAY AND THERE WERE NO OTHER CARS AROUND ME WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY STARTS BEEPING AND DASH BLINKS AND THEN CAR SLAMS ON BRAKES AUTOMATICALLY UNTIL IT COMES TO A STOP. I AM NOT SURE WHAT CAUSED THE PROBLEM BUT I THINK IT MAY BE THE SENSORS FOR THE AUTOMATIC COLLISION BRAKING SYSTEM. THE SECOND TIME I WAS GOING ABOUT 15 MPH COMING UP TO A RIGHT TURN IN THE RIGHT TURN LANE OF A CITY STREET. THERE WAS A CAR IN THE LEFT LANE THAT WAS STOPPED AT THE TRAFFIC LIGHT. MY CAR THEN SOUNDS THE ALARM, FLASHES THE WARNING AND SLAMS ON THE...