Traveling at highway speed of 65 mph. Not using the cruise control or self driving feature and had both hands on the wheel. Message appears on the screen “inability to drive detected” with a chime and red warning light. I am driving the car so not sure what this means. Moments later, a new warning message saying “Emergency stop initiated” and the car slams on the brakes and starts to steer toward the shoulder. There is traffic around me braking and trying to get out of my way. The car will not respond until I finally press the accelerator to the floor and the message goes away. Car goes back to normal. I spoke to BMW and they really did know why it would do this. I asked if the driver attention system was active even without an assist features on and they weren’t sure. The only thing they could suggest is that since it was sunset, maybe the car couldn’t see me with my sunglasses on. I am concerned because this could have caused an accident and that there is no clear guidance from BMW as to why it happened at all.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11741986 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

The contact owns a 2026 BMX X7. The contact stated the charging tray for the phone was overheating. While driving approximately 70-80 MPH and charging the phone, the phone became extremely hot, and the contact threw the phone, striking the passenger on the head. The driver sustained injuries to the fingertips. The failure occurred while driving at various speeds with various external temperatures. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to assist. The dealer informed the contact that newer vehicles had a fan installed to mitigate the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 14,000.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11763705 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

The contact owns a 2026 BMW X7. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal water shifting around inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the message “Service Immediately” was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the contact was informed that the failure was an unknown failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact was informed that an inspector needed to inspect the vehicle. The contact was informed that the failure was a defect from manufacturing. Additionally, the contact received an unknown alert on the BMW App, which indicated that a recall was initiated for the improper installation of the front windshield. The contact stated that the alert indicated that the failure could cause mold and electrical failures. The contact stated that the dealer later informed the contact that the manufacturer denied the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 2,400.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11732805 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Safety Concern: Following a recent Remote Software Update, our 2026 BMW X7 has experienced multiple instances of random uncommanded seat movements with occupants in the seats. 6/22/26– Remote Software Update performed. 6/23/26– Incident 1: Vehicle was driven and parked. The entire second row of seats lifted and tilted forward without warning while occupied by a child. The child quickly jumped into the arm rest area between the front seats to avoid being trapped or injured. 6/24/26– Vehicle taken to Authorized BMW Dealer. The dealership could not reproduce the issue, could not determine the cause of the issue, and returned the vehicle without a fix. Mileage in/out 17,616/17,626 7/6/26– Incident 2: Vehicle was driven and then parked. The second row right-most seatback folded downward without warning while occupied by a child. As the seat was moving the child quickly stepped out of the vehicle to avoid being injured. 7/7/26– Vehicle taken back to the same Authorized BMW Dealer. The dealership submitted a case to BMW of N. America Executive Customer Care. The dealership again could not reproduce the issue. The cause of the issue was again not determined and the vehicle was again returned without a fix. Mileage in/out 17,726/17,735 7/24/26– Incident 3: Vehicle was parked. Driver unlocked door and entered the vehicle. The driver’s seat then experienced three uncommanded movements without warning while occupied by the driver. The seat moved all the way forward, the thigh support extended fully forward, and the seat back reclined partially. As the seat was moving, the driver quickly exited the vehicle to avoid injury. Vehicle owner left message for BMW of N. America Executive Customer Care to report that a third incident had occurred. 7/27/26– BMW of N. America Executive Customer Care called vehicle owner back to verify details. 7/29/26– As of the date of this submission to NHTSA, vehicle issue is still not resolved. Waiting next steps from BMW.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11753650 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov