On December 19, 2020 while driving with my driver's seat heater on warming my seat due to cold weather, I was on my way to pick up medication at the pharmacy when I noticed a sharp sting and burning sensation on my lower right side. I looked down and noticed my coat on fire. I immediately pulled over and turned the car off. I got out, frantically patted my coat that was burning, and looked at my seat to see if there was a fire and there was a hole where the heater had burned completely thru the leather seat. I got back in, didn't turn the heater on, and when I arrived home I didn't drive until that Monday, December 21, 2020 I drove to my local BMW dealership that regularly services my vehicle and explained what happened and asked if there was a known recall or issues. He explained it was a known issue with the heater system in the seats failing and causing damage but currently no recalls for the issue. I asked how could that be with the danger involved? I explained it could have been tragically worse if I had caught fire and couldn't get it out. I was lucky I felt it quickly and was able to pull over and get out of the vehicle. Chris at cain BMW, North canton, Ohio inspected mu vehicle and gave me an estimate of $1,495 to replace the part of my seat affected with a new heating system and repair. I feel that this should be a recall due to the manufacturer already knowing there's an issue. I just want them to recall vehicles they know are affected and repair. Or at least voluntarily repair vehicles that report the issue. (just for clarification: I was driving thru town on a state highway and city streets) I kept the coat that caught fire just in case it would be needed later.

- Minerva, OH, USA

After turning on the driver's seat heater, it defaults to high, the left side seat bolster started to smoke. A few seconds later before my wife realized what was happening she felt her left arm and side getting a lot hotter than the rest of her seat. The seat heater then immediately burned a hole through the leather seat while my wife was driving down a city road.

- Coeur D Alene, ID, USA

I have 2 dangerous recalls. One-no one can sit in the passenger seat because the air bags may not deploy and the second, my engine can be on fire due to a pvc valve. BMW has no remedies and it has been over 4 months, this is unacceptable. Someone has to put the pressure on BMW to get this fixed immediately. Thank you [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Concord, CA, USA

Seat occupation detection mat and positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve heater. Both recalls but no remedy since September 2017. Dangerous conditions that need to be resolved immediately

- Concord, CA, USA

The contact owns a 2008 BMW X3. While driving, the driver's seat heating element burned through the seat to the contact's clothes. The contact sustained a burn on the right side of his behind, which required medical attention. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 203,000. The VIN was not provided.

- Marmora, NJ, USA

-takata recall -front passenger seat occupant detection mat recall -positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve heater

- Springfield, PA, USA

While driving my 2008 BMW X3, the driver side heated seat was turned on, than shorted out, burned through the protective layers, a stinky smoke created, melted my leather seat, and partially burned my jeans and leg. Due to the year and miles on the vehicle, BMW would not fix any of the parts.

- San Francisco, CA, USA

The seat occupancy detection mat failed at 7,285 and was replaced, then was failing again at 31,592 and BMW did not repair/replace when serviced but did confirm the problem. Know the seat occupancy mat is in total failure at 59,000. BMW will not address the problem. This problem is part of a recall for most vehicle of this age but for some reason not the X3.

- Denver, CO, USA

Passenger seat alarm would activate for no apparent reason on a daily use. Under warranty seat pad was replaced. Reported same seat malfunction one month after warranty ran out and BMW agreed to pay for seat pad and I would have to pay for labor of $300. At this time seat no longer sounding alarm. Seat alarm would malfunction again the entire hot weather season of 2013. After contacting BMW in Dec of 2013 I was told no coverage. After researching internet I discovered this to be a regular complaint since 2003 when 1st X3 was manufactured. I discovered last week that as long as this pad is not functioning properly the air bag may not work in an accident. This a very serious driving situation that could result in serious injury. BMW needs to be held accountable and made to address this safety hazard immediately.

- Oil City, PA, USA

Passenger seat alarm would go off constantly without anyone or anything in the seat. BMW replaced sensor under warranty. Problem appeared to be fixed until the following summer 2012 when alarm on seat would go off again on a regular basis. BMW refused to replace until complaint filed and I stated it was a driving hazard due to attempting to fumble with belt while driving to stop alarm by securing belt. BMW offered to replace alarm sensor I had to pay $300 for labor. This was late Sept 2012. Shortly after due to cold weather alarm did not go off any longer.I did not have alarm sensor replaced because it was now working properly until April of 2014 when alarm again began to sound and continued throughout this past summer. According to internet and forums on the internet this is a problem that has existed on X3S from the first year the car was sold. BMW apparently avoids doing anything to prevent this from occurring even in the newer models.this is an annoying and dangerous situation which should be addressed.in my complaint they stated I didn't accept their offer even though the alarm was no longer going off and that my warranty was over. Someone needs to make them accountable and their cars safer..

- Oil City, PA, USA