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RecallScanner Severity Profile

BMW X3

High-severity history5 critical campaigns among 36 total.
0
RecallScore
Critical
5
Fire risk
7
Crash risk
30
Injuries
1
Deaths
0
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All Recalls

36 campaigns
36 recalls 5 critical🔥 7 fire risk💥 30 crash risk1 injuries reported
Model year
Airbag
Oct 17, 2024
566 days ago

Your front passenger airbag may not inflate in a crash and fail to protect the occupant.

Affected: AIR BAGS:PASSENGER SIDE FRONTAL:CUSHION · 2025
CRASH RISK
NHTSA
Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2025 X3 xDrive30i and X3 M50i vehicles. The front passenger air bag fabric may have been damaged during transport between suppliers.

Consequence

A damaged air bag may not inflate properly, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag, free of charge. None of the affected vehicles have been sold yet and therefore no owner notification letters will be mailed. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Airbag
Dec 11, 2024
511 days ago

Your right-side head curtain airbag may not deploy properly in a crash and fail to protect you.

Affected: AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN · 2025
CRASH RISK
NHTSA
Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2025 X3 30 xDrive vehicles. The gas generator in the right-side head curtain air bag may have been assembled incorrectly.

Consequence

An incorrectly assembled air bag can result in delayed activation or improper deployment of the head curtain air bag, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the right-side head curtain air bag, if necessary, free of charge. The vehicles have not been sold from dealer inventory and therefore no owner letters will be mailed. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Airbag
Oct 4, 2019
2406 days ago

Your passenger airbag may not deploy in a crash, leaving them unprotected from impact.

Affected: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · 2019
CRASH RISK
NHTSA
Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, and X4 M40i vehicles. The instrument panel assembly may have been improperly manufactured, possibly affecting the deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag.

Consequence

If the front passenger air bag does not deploy properly in the event of a crash, the occupant has an increased risk of injury.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the instrument panel assembly, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Airbag
Aug 7, 2021
1733 days ago

Your front passenger airbag can stay off in a crash and fail to protect your child.

Affected: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL · 2019
CRASH RISK
NHTSA
Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2019 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i and 2019 X4 xDrive30i, and X4 M40i vehicles. The front passenger seat occupant classification system may have been improperly assembled, which could result in the misclassification of the seat as unoccupied, and deactivate the front air bag.

Consequence

A deactivated front air bag will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the seat foam, which includes the occupant classification system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Steering
Nov 12, 2025
175 days ago

Your steering wheel can suddenly rotate on its own while parked or driving, causing a crash.

Affected: STEERING:STEERING CONTROL MODULE · 2026
CRASH RISK
NHTSA
Summary

BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain 2025-2026 X3 vehicles. While the vehicle is stationary, unexpected steering wheel movement (rotation) may occur.

Consequence

Unintended steering wheel movement while the vehicle is stationary increases the risk of an injury and on the road, a crash.

Remedy

The steering system software will be updated, free of charge, either over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer. Owner notification letters were mailed February 6, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning February 2, 2026.

Other
Jul 31, 2019
2471 days ago

Your front seatback can fold during a crash and increase your risk of serious injury.

Affected: SEATS · 2019
CRASH RISK
NHTSA
Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2019 X3 sDrive30i, xDrive30i and M40i and 2019 X4 xDrive30i and M40i vehicles. The front seatback frames may have been improperly welded, allowing the seatback to unexpectedly fold forward or rearward.

Consequence

In the event of a crash, there is an increased risk of injury if the seatback folds forward or rearward.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front seats, free of charge. The recall began September 27, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service 1-800-525-7417.

Software
Sep 30, 2020
2044 days ago

Your rearview camera can show a partially obscured image and blind you to vehicles or pedestrians behind you.

Affected: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA · 2021
CRASH RISK
NHTSA
Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 X3 sDrive 30i, X3 xDrive 30i, X3M 40i, X3 xDrive 30e, X4 xDrive 30i, X4M 40i, 530i, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 550e, 550e xDrive, and 550e iPerformance vehicles. A small portion of the rearview image may be slightly obscured. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence

If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, program the rearview camera with updated software. The recall began November 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Other
Mar 29, 2023
1134 days ago

Your seat frame may fail during a crash and leave you unrestrained.

Affected: SEATS · 2021
CRASH RISK
NHTSA
Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i xDrive, 2020-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, 2021 X3 xDrive30e, X4 xDrive30i, and X4M vehicles. The seat frame may not have been welded properly to the seat rails.

Consequence

An improperly welded seat frame may not properly restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the seat frame and back rest, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Other
May 23, 2016
3635 days ago

Your child's car seat anchor can break in a crash and fail to protect your child.

Affected: CHILD SEAT:LATCH STRAP · 2017
CRASH RISK
NHTSA
Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2011-2017, X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i and X3 xDrive35i, vehicles manufactured July 2, 2010 to April 14, 2016, 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d vehicles manufactured March 10, 2014 to March 31, 2016, and 2015-2017 x4 xDrive28i, X4 xDrive35i and X4 xDriveM40i vehicles manufactured March3, 2014 to April 15, 2016. The affected vehicles have lower anchor bars for securing child restraint seats that may become damaged when using the European-ISOFIX-type, rigid-style connector, child restraint system.

Consequence

Damaged lower anchor bars may increase the child's risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will weld a reinforcing bracket to the lower anchor bars and the vehicle body, free of charge. The recall began on July 13, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Electrical
Feb 21, 2025
439 days ago

Your battery cable connection can overheat, stall the engine, or start a fire.

Affected: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES · 2025
FIRE RISKCRASH RISK
NHTSA
Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2025 X3 30 xDrive vehicles. The connection between the positive battery cable and the starter-generator may have been improperly tightened and overheat.

Consequence

An overheated battery cable connection can cause an engine stall and increase the risk of a crash. In addition, an overheated battery cable increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and tighten the connection between the positive battery cable and the starter-generator, or replace the positive battery cable and starter-generator if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 5, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 800-525-7417.

Seat Belts
Mar 19, 2020
2239 days ago

Your front seat belt buckle can fail to detect the belt, causing airbags to deploy incorrectly in a crash.

Affected: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY · 2020
CRASH RISK
NHTSA
Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X3 xDrive30e, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, X4M, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, 840i Gran Coupe, 840i xDrive Gran Coupe, M850i xDrive Gran Coupe, M8 Gran Coupe, X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, and 840i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The sensors in the front seat belt buckles may inaccurately detect a belted occupant as unbelted, possibly causing the air bag and seat belt pretensioners to deploy improperly in the event of a crash.

Consequence

If the air bag and/or seat belt pretensioners deploy improperly in the event of a crash, there is an increased risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the front seat belt buckles, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Software
Feb 19, 2021
1902 days ago

Your rearview camera can show a partial or blank image, blocking your view when backing up.

Affected: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA · 2021
CRASH RISK
NHTSA
Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Coupe, Convertible and Grand Coupe, 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le, 745Le xDrive, X5 xDrive45e, X3 xDrive30e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, M760i Drive, M760Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive Alpina, Alpina B7 xDrive, and 2021 4 Series Coupe 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive vehicles. When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence

If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Electrical
Mar 18, 2020
2240 days ago

Your passenger airbag can loosen the dashboard and send plastic fragments into the cabin during a crash.

Affected: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL · 2020
CRASH RISK
NHTSA
Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 X4 xDrive30i and X4 M40i, and 2018-2020 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, and X3M vehicles. The instrument panel casing may not have been tightened properly to the passenger air bag.

Consequence

In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, the air bag could damage the instrument panel and cause small pieces of the panel to strike the driver or other occupants, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the instrument panel casing, free of charge. The recall began May 15, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Body
Jul 17, 2024
658 days ago

Your rear cargo rail can detach in a crash and injure passengers in the back seat.

Affected: STRUCTURE · 2023
CRASH RISK
NHTSA
Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2023 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, and X3 M vehicles. The attachment for the interior cargo rail may become damaged in a rear crash and result in the cargo rail detaching.

Consequence

Interior cargo rail detachment during a rear crash can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the rear cargo rail attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 2, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Body
Oct 15, 2024
568 days ago

Your rear cargo rail can detach in a crash and injure passengers in the back seat.

Affected: STRUCTURE · 2022
CRASH RISK
NHTSA
Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2022 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, and X3 M vehicles. The attachment for the rear cargo rail may become damaged in a rear crash and result in the cargo rail detaching.

Consequence

Interior rear cargo rail detachment during a crash can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the rear cargo rail attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicles in this recall were previously remedied for this issue under recall number 24V-534 and will need to have the new repair completed.

Engine
Sep 2, 2022
1342 days ago

Your transmission can leak and cause the car to roll away unexpectedly.

Affected: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION · 2022
CRASH RISK
NHTSA
Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022 330i, 530i, X3 xDrive30i, and X4 xDrive30i vehicles. The mechatronics unit inside the transmission may not have been assembled properly, which could result in an internal leak.

Consequence

An internal transmission leak can result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the transmission mechatronics unit, free of charge. All of the vehicle population for this recall have been repaired. Owner notification letters were not mailed. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Electrical
Jan 4, 2025
487 days ago

Your starter-generator connection can loosen, stalling the engine or causing the wiring to overheat and catch fire.

Affected: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY · 2025
FIRE RISKCRASH RISK
NHTSA
Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2025 330i, 330i xDrive, 530i, 530i xDrive, 4 Series Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive), 4 Series Convertible (430i, 430i xDrive), 4 Series Gran Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive) and X3 30 xDrive vehicles. The electrical connection between the starter-generator and battery may come loose.

Consequence

A loose starter-generator connection can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, the wiring may overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the starter-generator and positive battery cable as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed May 28, 2025. Second letters will be sent once the remedy is available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Brakes
Apr 16, 2025
385 days ago

Your front brake discs can fail and cause you to crash.

Affected: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC · 2025
CRASH RISK
NHTSA
Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2025 X3 30 xDrive vehicles. The front brake discs may have been damaged during transport before they were installed on the vehicle.

Consequence

Damaged front brakes may not function properly, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the front brake discs and brake pads, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 6, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Brakes
Dec 3, 2025
154 days ago

Your rear brake hoses can leak and cause complete brake failure.

Affected: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS · 2025
CRASH RISK
NHTSA
Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2025 X3 30 xDrive and X3 M50 xDrive vehicles. The rear brake hoses may leak, causing a loss of rear brake function, and a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system.

Consequence

A loss of rear brake function increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the rear brake hoses, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 9, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 800-525-7417.

Brakes
Jun 7, 2018
2890 days ago

Your rear brakes can weaken and fail to stop the car in an emergency.

Affected: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER · 2019
CRASH RISK
NHTSA
Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2019 BMW X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i and certain 2019 X4 xDrive30i and X4 M40i vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have an insufficient coating, potentially reducing rear brake performance.

Consequence

A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the rear brake circuit, free of charge. The recall began August 31, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Fuel System
Jul 29, 2021
1742 days ago

Your fuel pump can fail and stall the engine while driving at any time.

Affected: FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP · 2017
CRASH RISK
NHTSA
Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2018 328d, 328d xDrive, X5 xDrive35d, 2014-2016 535d, 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, and 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d vehicles. The high-pressure fuel pump may fail.

Consequence

Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the high-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 14, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Steering
Nov 16, 2023
902 days ago

Your steering gear can loosen and cause you to lose control of the car.

Affected: STEERING · 2024
CRASH RISK
NHTSA
Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2024 2 Series Coupe (230i), 330i, X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, and X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i vehicles. The steering gear may not have been tightened properly, which can allow it to loosen.

Consequence

A loose steering gear can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the steering gear, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 11, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Steering
Oct 16, 2019
2394 days ago

Your steering rack can break and make you lose control of the car.

Affected: STEERING:RACK AND PINION:PINION SHAFT · 2020
CRASH RISK
NHTSA
Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 BMW X3 M40i and X4 M40i vehicles. The steering rack pinion teeth may break under load, resulting in a loss of steering control.

Consequence

A loss of steering control increases risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW has notified owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear, free of charge. The recall began October 9, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Steering
Jun 6, 2018
2891 days ago

Your lane-keeping assistant may not detect when your hands leave the steering wheel, failing to warn you.

Affected: LANE DEPARTURE: LANE KEEP: STEERING ASSIST · 2019
CRASH RISK
NHTSA
Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2019 BMW X3 xDrive30i, X3 sDrive30i, and X3 M40i vehicles equipped with the "Active Lane Keeping Assistant" option. The steering wheel may be incompatible with the lane keeping assistant function and may not detect if the driver's hands are off the wheel.

Consequence

If the sensors do not properly detect the driver's hands are off the wheel, the driver may not be alerted by one or more warning signals, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the steering wheel, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on July 19, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Fuel System
Mar 24, 2021
1869 days ago

Your fuel tank can leak and catch fire while driving or parked.

Affected: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY · 2021
FIRE RISK
NHTSA
Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, and X4, and 2021 X4 xDrive30i vehicles. The inlet check valve weld may fail, allowing the filling pipe to separate from the fuel tank.

Consequence

Fuel may leak through the failed weld, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall is scheduled to begin May 17, 2021. Owners were also contacted by telephone. To date, all repairs have been done. No further owner notification letters will be sent. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Fuel System
Nov 19, 2021
1629 days ago

Your EGR cooler can leak and cause your engine to catch fire while driving or parked.

Affected: FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL · 2017
FIRE RISK
NHTSA
Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2018 328d, 328d xDrive, 2014-2018 328d Sports Wagon, 328d xDrive Sports Wagon, 2014-2016 535d, 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d SAV, and 2014-2017 X5 xDrive35d SAV diesel vehicles equipped with an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) module with an integrated cooler. The EGR cooler may leak internally, causing coolant to mix with diesel engine soot, which could result in smoldering particles and a melting intake manifold.

Consequence

A melting intake manifold increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the EGR cooler and inspect the intake manifold, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 18V-755. Vehicles previously recalled under 18V-755 will need to have the new remedy performed for this recall. An interim owner notification letter was mailed on January 18, 2022. The remedy is expected to be available in June 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 6, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Steering
Mar 10, 2016
3709 days ago

Your power steering control unit can catch fire while parked with the engine off.

Affected: STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM · 2017
FIRE RISK
NHTSA
Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling one model year 2017 BMW X3 xDrive 28i vehicle manufactured on June 7, 2016. This vehicle has electronic power steering (EPS), and the contact pins on the EPS control unit may not have been welded properly resulting in increased resistance.

Consequence

An increase in pin contact resistance can increase the risk of a fire, even while the vehicle is parked and ignition is off.

Remedy

The vehicle was repaired at the dealership before sale. Therefore, an owner notification notice will not be issued for this campaign. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Software
Jul 29, 2020
2107 days ago

Your rearview camera won't show when you shift into reverse, making backing up dangerous.

Affected: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA · 2020
CRASH RISK
NHTSA
Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X3 sDrive40i, X3 xDrive40i and X3M40i vehicles. These vehicles were not programmed with rearview camera software during assembly, therefore, when the transmission is shifted to reverse, a rearview image is not displayed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."

Consequence

An inoperative rearview camera display can increase the risk of a crash when reversing.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will program the affected vehicles with rearview camera software, free of charge. The recall began August 14, 2020. All vehicles have been remedied as of November 9, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Suspension
Sep 25, 2019
2415 days ago

Stop driving. Your front axle swivel bearings can break and cause you to lose control of the vehicle.

Affected: SUSPENSION:FRONT · 2020
CRASH RISK
NHTSA
Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, and X3 M40i vehicles, X4 xDrive30i, and X4 M40i vehicles. The front axle swivel bearings may not have been properly heat treated during manufacturing, reducing their strength and possibly causing them to break.

Consequence

Broken swivel bearings can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW has notified owners and instructed them to not drive their vehicles. Dealers will replace the front axle swivel bearings, free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Lighting
Jun 21, 2018
2876 days ago

Your rear turn signals flash red and amber at the same time, confusing other drivers and risking a crash.

Affected: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL · 2018
CRASH RISK
NHTSA
Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW X3 xDrive30i and X3 M40i vehicles. The rear turn signals on the outboard side panel will illuminate red, while the inboard turn signals simultaneously illuminate amber. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence

Turn signals that flash multiple colors may confuse other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear turn signal lights, and replace if necessary, free of charge. The recall began August 20, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Electrical
Nov 15, 2017
3094 days ago

Your instrument cluster display can fail to light up, hiding warning lights and increasing crash risk.

Affected: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL · 2018
CRASH RISK
NHTSA
Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 230i, 230i xDrive, M240i, M240i xDrive, M2, and X3 xDrive 30i SAV vehicles. These vehicles may have an error in the software for the instrument panel, causing the display to not properly illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Control and Displays."

Consequence

If the display does not illuminate during start up or does not illuminate various control and warning symbols while driving, it can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster display software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 8, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Body
Jul 3, 2018
2864 days ago

Your rear spoiler can detach while driving and cause a crash.

Affected: STRUCTURE:BODY · 2018
CRASH RISK
NHTSA
Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW X3 xDrive30i and X3 M40i vehicles. The rear spoiler may not have been properly attached during assembly, or may be missing screws, possibly causing the spoiler to detach while driving.

Consequence

If the spoiler detaches while driving, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the spoiler, correcting its attachment as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 1, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Suspension
May 12, 2024
724 days ago

Your front left wheel bearing can crack and cause you to lose steering control.

Affected: SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING · 2025
CRASH RISK
NHTSA
Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2025 X3 30 vehicles. The front wheel left-side swivel bearing may crack, causing a loss of vehicle handling and control.

Consequence

A loss of vehicle handling and control increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the front left-side swivel bearing, free of charge. One owner was contacted December 12, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Engine
Oct 25, 2018
2750 days ago

Your EGR cooler can leak and cause your engine to catch fire while driving or parked.

Affected: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE) · 2017
FIRE RISK
NHTSA
Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2018 BMW 328d and 328d xDrive, 2014-2018 328d Sports Wagon and 328d xDrive Sports Wagon, 2014-2016 535d and 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d SAV and 2014-2017 X5 xDrive35d SAV vehicles equipped with an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) module with an integrated cooler. If the EGR cooler leaks internally, the coolant can mix with diesel engine soot. The high EGR temperatures may result in these particles possibly smoldering and melting the intake manifold.

Consequence

The melting intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the EGR cooler as necessary. If a leak has already occurred, the engine intake manifold will also be replaced. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Other
Feb 20, 2025
440 days ago

Your rear doors can unlock and swing open while driving, throwing rear seat passengers onto the road.

Affected: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LOCK · 2024
NHTSA
Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022-2024 X3 sDrive30i and X3 xDrive30i vehicles. The second-row seat side door locking modules may not function properly and allow the doors to be unlocked with a single motion. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."

Consequence

Doors that can be inadvertently unlocked and unlatched may open unexpectedly, increasing the risk of injury to rear seat occupants.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the second-row seat side door locking modules, free of charge. A letter informing owners of the safety risk was mailed on April 21, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 800-525-7417.

Engine
Aug 13, 2024
631 days ago

Your water pump electrical connector can short circuit and start a fire while you drive or park.

Affected: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:PUMP · 2017
FIRE RISK
NHTSA
Summary

BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.

Consequence

An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Owner complaints (65)
12/31/20252025 X3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I am submitting a safety complaint regarding a recurring infotainment system failure involving the 2025/2026 BMW X3. While driving, the center display screen suddenly blacks out, which creates a serious safety hazard. This issue first occurred with my personal BMW X3. More concerning, the exact same failure occurred again while I was driving a BMW X3 loaner vehicle provided by the dealership. This indicates the problem is not isolated to a single vehicle but may be systemic. I was able to capture video evidence of the incident while driving, which clearly shows the screen going completely black: [XXX] When the screen blacks out, access to navigation, vehicle settings, driver assistance displays, and other critical information is lost while the vehicle is in motion. This creates a dangerous distraction and increases the risk of an accident. Despite previous service visits, the issue has not been resolved, and the occurrence in a second vehicle raises serious concerns about the reliability and safety of BMW’s infotainment system in the X3. And most importantly, this is the brand-new redesign BMW X3 2025 and 2026 model. Not any previous model, which raises more concerns. I believe this defect warrants investigation, as it directly impacts driver safety and may affect multiple vehicles. I am uncomfortable continuing to drive the vehicle under these conditions. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

12/29/20252024 X3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I am submitting a supplemental update to my existing safety complaint regarding my BMW vehicle. On December 29, 2025, additional safety-related malfunctions occurred while the vehicle was parked and without the key present. A vehicle window rolled down autonomously, and the heating system temporarily stopped functioning during winter conditions. These failures follow an earlier incident on November 15, 2025, in which the vehicle continued operating without the key present and without any audible or visual warning, while two minor children were occupants. The involvement of multiple electronic systems—including key detection, window controls, and HVAC—suggests a potential electronic network or CAN-bus-related defect. These conditions present risks related to vehicle security, environmental exposure, and passenger safety. The vehicle is currently unsafe for transport of minors and unreliable for use during winter conditions. I am submitting this update so NHTSA’s records reflect continued post-notice safety malfunctions.

12/21/20252026 X3
WHEELS

On December 5, 2025 the driver side rear tire experienced a sudden blowout while I was driving on a busy highway. The tire completely separated and I lost control of the car and ability to break. I was able to coast into shoulder and eventually the car stopped. The tire showed low air and I filled it prior to entering the highway and was at normal pressure.I also took the car for an oil change and check check 3 days prior (12/2/25) to the BMW dealership and there were no issues with the car. The car is essentially new (purchased new on 9/15/25). We reported the issue tp the dealer and BMW Customer Relations and was told that it I an issue with the tire manufacturer and not BMW.

12/11/20252024 X3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Supplemental Update – Manufacturer Response to Safety Complaint (BMW) I am submitting this supplemental update in connection with my existing NHTSA safety complaint regarding my BMW vehicle. Following my report that the vehicle continued operating without the key present while transporting minor children, BMW of North America acknowledged the concern and indicated it was under review. However, BMW has now stated that it is closing my case file without: • Conducting any inspection; • Issuing written findings; • Providing a safety explanation or analysis; or • Confirming whether the reported behavior is a defect, system failure, or normal operation. BMW has conditioned further assistance on dealership inspection while simultaneously closing the manufacturer-level case, creating a gap in accountability and preventing meaningful review of the safety issue at the corporate level. I am not refusing inspection and remain willing to present the vehicle. My concern is that BMW’s attempt to close the case prior to evaluation undermines safety reporting and limits transparency regarding potential risks to drivers and passengers. Please add this update to my complaint record for consideration in any review or investigation.

12/11/20252026 X3
STEERING

I purchased a new 2026 BMW X3 xDrive30 (VIN [XXX] ) on 10/10/2025 from Patrick BMW/MINI in Schaumburg, IL. At under 200 miles, the vehicle began pulling to one side without driver input. The issue recurred several weeks later. On 11/23/2025, the defect became severe. The steering wheel would not return to center, resisted turning, and the vehicle continued pulling sharply to one side. Multiple warnings appeared, including steering system malfunction, chassis stabilization, reduced driver assistance, collision-mitigation warnings, and a message stating the vehicle may roll. The vehicle became unsafe and undrivable. The car was towed to the dealership on 11/24/2025 and remains unrepaired. No confirmed diagnosis has been provided. I later learned BMW issued stop-delivery orders on 9/18/2025 and 10/31/2025 for steering-related defects affecting this model line. My vehicle was sold to me on 10/10/2025, between those dates. I am concerned the dealer may have delivered a vehicle that should not have been released and that my steering failure may be related to the issues described in those stop-delivery orders. This defect caused loss of steering control, instability, and failure of multiple safety systems, creating a serious crash risk. I request NHTSA investigate the steering defect, determine whether my vehicle is affected by the stop-delivery issues, and evaluate whether additional vehicles should be included in a recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

12/10/20252024 X3
VISIBILITY/WIPER

I am reporting a serious safety issue involving my 2024 BMW X3 purchased from Countryside Mitsubishi in Countryside, Illinois, on November 7, 2025. Within hours of purchase, I discovered multiple defects that were not disclosed before the sale. The most concerning issue involves the windshield wiper system and forward sensor components, which began to malfunction immediately. The vehicle’s onboard system initially flagged a windshield sensor fault. I later discovered that the original BMW windshield had been replaced with a non-OEM part, which BMW confirmed voided the vehicle's factory warranty and disabled key safety features dependent on OEM calibration. I was never informed of the windshield replacement at time of sale. When I raised concerns with the dealership, they admitted to using a sensor “workaround” instead of a proper replacement, which BMW later explained is not compliant with their specifications and leaves the vehicle’s advanced safety systems—such as forward collision alerts—compromised. The dealership falsely stated the repair was done by BMW-certified technicians, which was later denied by the repair staff. This defect creates a major visibility and safety hazard. I experienced intermittent wiper failure during poor weather, and the washer fluid system also failed to operate reliably. Despite repeated contacts, the dealership refused to install an OEM windshield or resolve the defect through an authorized BMW service provider. BMW has confirmed that their safety systems will not function correctly unless an OEM windshield and correct calibration process are used. This places me and others at serious risk during adverse weather or emergency braking situations. I have full documentation, a repair timeline, videos of the malfunction, and correspondence with the dealership. The vehicle is still in my possession and available for inspection upon request. I urge NHTSA to investigate this case for potential noncompliance and safety risk.

12/08/20252025 X3
STEERING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

On 12/5/2025, while driving my 2025 BMW X3 at approximately 35 mph on Milwaukee Ave (IL Route 21) during rush-hour traffic, the vehicle displayed a “drivetrain malfunction” warning and immediately lost propulsion; the engine completely shut down. The vehicle could not be driven under its own power and remained stopped in traffic with a minor child passenger present, creating a traffic hazard and risk of being struck (including rear-ended). Ambient temperature was approximately 12F and we were stranded for about 2 hours awaiting a tow. The vehicle was towed and is currently at Knauz BMW (Lake Bluff, IL) and is available for inspection. The specific failed component/system is UNKNOWN at this time This is a repeat event. Approximately three days after purchase in New Jersey (6/25/2025 purchase date, 6/28 was the incident date), the same vehicle experienced a similar sudden loss of propulsion/power/shutdown while driving in heavy traffic while driving at 60mph, again with my minor child passenger present. This same error occurred twice before the vehicle was taken to Morristown BMW and kept approximately 10 days for diagnosis/repair. Per the dealer, BMW technical assistance was consulted during that repair. The problem has recurred despite the prior repair. I believe this presents a safety defect due to sudden loss of propulsion while driving. I drive along tollway routes weekly, with speeds of 65mph.

12/04/20242025 X3
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

While driving on a state highway in cruise mode, the vehicle displayed a “CHECK CONTROL” message: •Support from Driver Assistance restricted •You can continue driving. Driver Assistance permanently restricted. •Check Control messages (1) Suddenly, the car exited cruise mode. While this is designed as a safety feature, it should not disengage abruptly during driving, as it may lead to potential risks. This a second biggest issue with this vehicle within just a few months of purchase.

Complaints are self-reported to NHTSA by owners and are not verified by the agency.

Full analysis: how to read the BMW X3 recall history
Year range, common components, complaint patterns, and how to use this page.

Understanding the BMW X3 recall history

The BMW X3 currently has 36 recall campaigns and 65 owner complaints indexed from the NHTSA public database. Each recall represents a formal campaign to fix a defect at no cost to the current owner. Owner complaints are self-reported incidents that haven't (yet) resulted in a recall but can indicate emerging patterns worth watching.

The most frequent recall categories for the X3 in our dataset are steering (5), air bag (4), and software / sensor (3). These clusters matter when you're shopping for a used X3: recalls in these systems tend to be the ones most likely to have been skipped by previous owners, because they aren't always visible during a routine test drive or pre-purchase inspection.

The tracked recalls span model years 2017–2026, with campaigns reported to NHTSA between 2016 and 2025. Not every model year carries every recall. Each campaign is scoped to a specific year range and often a specific build window, which is why a VIN lookup is the only way to know whether a particular X3 is actually affected by any of these campaigns.

NHTSA's complaint database for the X3 records 9 crash reports, 1 fire report. Complaint data is unverified and shouldn't be read as a blanket condemnation of the model (large production volumes naturally produce more reports), but it is useful for spotting whether a specific defect has a serious real-world pattern behind it.

How to use this page

The safest path for an owner is to run your VIN through the checker above. A VIN query hits NHTSA's live API and tells you whether your specific X3 has an open, unresolved recall. If you're researching a used X3before buying, use the recall list below to understand the model's full history, then check the seller's VIN to see whether prior owners actually completed the free repairs. Many don't, and unresolved recalls can linger for years.

Figures are generated live from the RecallScanner dataset, which is sourced from NHTSA's public recall and complaint APIs and refreshed daily. RecallScanner is independent and not affiliated with BMW or any U.S. government agency.