There are 2 owner-reported visibility & wipers complaints for the 2018 BMW X3in NHTSA's database. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
The windshield was replaced due to a crack from road debris. It was replaced with a Fuyoa 43R-0117043; DOT1038M544AS1. The car has head up display. The new windshield is highly reflective when driving during sunny day, and the head up display equipment is reflecting on the windshield in the middle of driver's view and very distracting. The previous windshield had a minimal reflection of head up display during daytime sun but not a driver distraction. BMW service (installed the windshield with OEM part) rep drove the car and observed the strong reflection. The service rep checked with BMW engineers who reported this is an issue they are receiving more reports about but the rep said there is nothing BMW will do in response to this safety complaint. He indicated the windshield is OEM and to specifications. There are no warning lamps or messages related to the new windshield, only this driver's observation of negative change in view while driving. The reflection does not occur when the car is in the shade.
Something is wrong with the BMW OEM windshields with HUD. I have had to completely replace 3 in 5 years. In between replacements have had Safeliite try and fill pits in it. My last windshield lasted 21 days before cracking on the side at the very edge. I was driving and the road construction had very uneven lane heights so the car was higher on the passenger side. All of the sudden I heard a crack. The was not rock or debris that hit the windshield. There have been lots of complaints about the BMW windshields with HUD especially the X series SUV’s. People are saying softer glass. All I know is this is dangerous and BMW is up charging for replacement windshields if you don’t have insurance or a warranty. The cost is in the thousands for the replacement. I’ve never had a car that had such issues with the windshield being damaged so easily and or faulty glass. My last windshield replacement was 6/29/23, cracked 7/20/23
Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA. A high complaint count may reflect vehicle popularity, not defect severity. Data sourced from NHTSA public records.
Data synced from NHTSA on Apr 26, 2026