2021 BMW X3

10 recalls, 140 complaints - 299 TSBs - 5/5 safety rating

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY

Defect Description

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Toyota Supra, 2022-2023 2 Series Coupe, 2021-2024 5 Series (xDrive), 2021-2022 Z4, 2022-2024 4 Series (Gran Coupe), 2021-2024 4 Series (Convertible and xDrive Convertible), 2021-2023 4 Series (Coupe), 2021-2024 3 Series, 2021-2023 X4, 20... Read more

Consequence

Fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. A letter informing owners of the safety risk was mailed on March 27, 2026. Owners will receive another letter once the remedy is available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-43... Read more

87,394 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY:RELAY

Defect Description

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 BMW 330i, 2019-2022 BMW Z4, 2020-2022 BMW 530i, X3, X4, Toyota Supra, 2021-2022 BMW 430i, 430i Convertible, and 2022 BMW 230i vehicles. The engine starter relay may corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short circuit.

Consequence

A short circuit in the starter relay may increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is complete. Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 6, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identificatio... Read more

199,674 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC

STRUCTURE

Defect Description

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... Read more

8,725 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC

STRUCTURE

Defect Description

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.

282,387 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC

SEATS

Defect Description

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.

51 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

Defect Description

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 servic... Read more

17 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Defect Description

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 Co... Read more

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.

13,858 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Defect Description

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. ... Read more

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.

312 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY

Defect Description

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 530e iPerformance and X3 xDrive30e and MINI Cooper Countryman All4 SE, 2020 BMW i8, and 2021 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le xDrive and X5 xDrive45e vehicles. Debris may have entered one or more of the hybrid battery cells d... Read more

Consequence

The debris could result in a short-circuit, increasing the risk of fire or injury.

Remedy

BMW will inspect and, if necessary, replace the battery module free of charge. The remedy is currently being developed. Until the remedy is completed, drivers are instructed to not charge their vehicles. Drivers are instructed to not drive in manual mode, sport mode, and to not use the shift padd... Read more

4,509 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

Defect Description

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 330e and X5 xDrive45e, 2020-2021 X3 xDrive30e, and 2020 MINI Countryman SE ALL4 vehicles. Loose welding beads may form a conductive path between the hybrid battery cells which could lead to a short-circuit.

Consequence

A short-circuited hybrid battery may increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the battery modules, free of charge. BMW issued owners an interim notification on October 16, 2020. Although potentially affected BMW owners received interim owner notification letters, all potentially affected BMW owner ... Read more

713 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC

Complaint Statistics

140 total complaints 6 crashes 3 fires 3 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	19
ENGINE	19
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	12
STEERING	11
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	10
POWER TRAIN	10
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	5
SUSPENSION	5
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS	4
SEATS	4

Incident date: Jul 10, 2026

There is an open safety recall for the engine starter on this vehicle. I contacted the local BMW dealer on 7/10/26 to have the recall fixed they advised me that they cannot address the recall because BMW North America has not sent the parts out for them to do so. I would like this on record in case... Read more

Incident date: Jun 17, 2026

2021 BMW X3 M40i VIN# [XXX] Starter failed with the following BMW codes: [XXX] Starter Malfunction was displayed on the Dash and car took multiple attempts or waiting 10 seconds to start. I had the starter replaced by the Dealer, who confirmed the starter required replacing. I was told it was not pa... Read more

Incident date: Apr 1, 2026

Incident date: Jun 1, 2026

The contact’s wife owns a 2021 BMW X3. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle on several occasions, the vehicle failed to start. The message "Vehicle Failed to Start - Contact Dealer" was displayed. The contact stated that for the vehicle to start, the contact had to turn th... Read more

Incident date: Jun 5, 2026

I am writing to formally request that Jaguar Land Rover North America repurchase my 2020 I-PACE. The vehicle has two unrepaired safety recalls for high-voltage battery thermal overload, including one for which no final remedy is yet available, and it is currently inoperable due to a recurring drive-... Read more

Incident date: Jun 3, 2026

I bought this truck and its got 50000 miles on it and it has a clunking noise c coming from the steering shaft took it to ford to have trailer module recall fixed and had them inspect the noise and they said the whole steering shaft needs replaced and I have co workers with f250s and they have the s... Read more

Incident date: May 30, 2026

The DQ250 6-speed DSG (dual clutch) automatic transmission in my 2017 Volkswagen CC Executive has catastrophically failed at 37,768 miles. COMPONENT FAILURE: The mechatronic unit, the electro-hydraulic controller that manages all gear selection and clutch engagement inside the DSG transmission has f... Read more

Incident date: Sep 1, 2025

Clear day and dry conditions. Pulling into a parking space going 4-5mph with foot hovering brake. Car then accelerated on its own into a building.

Incident date: Apr 30, 2026

1st incident My son was driving the truck when all the emergency lights came on. He pulled over and the engine was on fire. He ran to a strangers house to get buckets of water not safe for my child at all. Come to find out that an engine rod slipped and put three holes through the engine causing ... Read more

Fire

Incident date: May 5, 2026

Clicking/thumping on sharper turns a day before the issue. Then today, there was a loud clunk while driving. When I was reversing into my driveway, there was scraping noises and resistance. Upon exiting the vehicle, I saw the passenger side front control arm loose. It is now inoperable.

Incident date: Sep 30, 2025

The clock spring needs fixed no features including the horn is working in my airbag light is staying on. Also I now have a loud knock in my motor I understand this should fall under the extended 15 yr 150k warranty; 2012 Kia vehicles (specifically the Sorento) with V6 engines are covered under majo... Read more

Incident date: Apr 27, 2026

Intermittent failure of multiple safety‑critical Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) while driving. Forward collision avoidance, lane safety, and other driver‑assist features disable simultaneously without warning.

Incident date: Apr 21, 2026

While driving at highway speed under normal operating conditions with the accelerator engaged and no braking input, the vehicle suddenly experienced a sustained 6-minute-12-second ADAS/EDR degradation cascade. This included OVERHEAT_PROTECT_FANONLY activation, repeated AEB_CAN_STATE_UNAVAILABLE togg... Read more

Crash 2 injured

Incident date: Apr 2, 2026

There is a recall for the displacement of my 3rd row headrest. I have small children and are in the 3rd row daily. Also, although my 3rd row is under recall for mechanical issues, my 3rd row did malfunction and close on items in the 3rd row on 4/5/26. The sensors didn't detect that there were larger... Read more

Incident date: Apr 2, 2026

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Edge. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V544000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or... Read more

Incident date: Mar 31, 2026

Hello, I've contacted customer service for Kia America and also, customer service in Puerto Rico since I'm a resident in Puerto Rico, so that I can address the safety recall with number SC303 and also a technical service bulletin with number BOD319. However, customer service advised that they can't... Read more

Incident date: Apr 9, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Terrain. The contact was informed by his wife that while attempting to accelerate from being stationary, the vehicle was shaking abnormally and hesitated before accelerating. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed but... Read more

Incident date: Mar 30, 2026

The contact's son owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. While the contact's son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle started shaking erratically, and several unknown warning lights were illuminate... Read more

Incident date: Mar 20, 2026

Hello, I am the owner of the vehicle is a 2010 Infiniti QX56. Please look into any recalls provide placement or vehicle as well. I no longer have it as a vehicle was stolen. I need I need either a reimbursement or the vehicle, but it does have recalls, and the reason why the vehicle was stolen or ta... Read more

Incident date: Mar 20, 2026

The servo motor is bad per Lexus dealership. There is a recall for this exact problem for newer models. Years 2013 - 2016 should be included. My daughter has a 2006 Lexus, and it has the exact same problem. Lexus has a problem with their HVAC systems. The air conditioning stalls when turning on and ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 20, 2026

Incident date: Sep 23, 2025

Was trying to drive EV. As soon as I pulled out of driveway it gave me a warning sign; to check electrical system/stop vehicle and check power supply. I couldn't drive car anywhere, had to get it towed to dealership. When tow truck arrived we couldn't turn car on, it had no power. Mind you, I had fu... Read more

Incident date: Sep 23, 2025

The car had a complete engine failure at 92,000 miles. I was the second owner so this was not covered by any warranties. Well serviced and maintained vehicle.

Incident date: Sep 23, 2025

Incident date: Nov 10, 2025

The contact owned a 2024 Volvo XC40. The contact stated that his wife was entering a parking lot at approximately 10 MPH when she heard the vehicle engine abnormally revving and the vehicle independently accelerated. The vehicle drove through the parking lot and crashed into a tree. The contact stat... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Feb 28, 2026

Hello. I brought my Tesla Y to Tesla service local at 7077 W. Sahara Av., Las Vegas, NV. To fix noise in the breaks on Aug 28, 2025, After that on the same day i went to drive Tesla and I started feeling severe ear pressure, heart pressures, severe body pain from high EMF exposure, also severe elec... Read more

Incident date: Feb 28, 2026

Complete engine failure. Car was burning oil, wasn't aware. Since I am an on the road salesman I travel alot and get oil changes consistently. Then recently the engine oil light keeps coming on when rounding bends or stopping on a hill. I checked the dip stick and see oil is Half gone in between oil... Read more

Incident date: Feb 28, 2026

Incident date: Aug 22, 2024

The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the vehicle. Upon further inspection, the sunroof glass panel had shattered. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer;... Read more

Incident date: Feb 14, 2026

The contact owns a 2025 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the automatic high beam headlights were activated, but failed to illuminate as needed; however, the high beam headlights illuminated when there was oncoming traffic, affecting the vision of the on... Read more

Incident date: Aug 22, 2024

We were driving yesterday evening (02/26) when the anti-collision break light flashed and the vehicle force stopped with without any obstacles in front of us. We were fortunate that a car wasn’t immediately behind us to have caused a collision. This was the first instance of failure. We haven’t ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 22, 2024

Incident date: Jan 23, 2026

When I go 63 miles an hour the car starts chugging and my dealership changed the transmission fluid. I drove it home today and it still chugging. They called me and said they took a 2026 Buick encore and did the same thing but will not help me. They told me it’s a daily occurrence in the vehicle. ... Read more

Incident date: Dec 15, 2025

Incident date: Dec 15, 2025

This vehicle’s engine failed on 10/25/21. This was 2 months after it was purchased. When we tried to have a Hyundai dealership diagnose the car, they said it would be an extended amount of time before the could look at it. When they finally did, they said it was not eligible for the warranty or re... Read more

Incident date: Dec 9, 2025

Engine makes rattling and knocking noises. Transmission hesitates and jerks Suspension front struts and rear shocks are bad. Possible the isolators. Having horrible back pain when riding in car. Starter intermittently doesn't work Lane keep assistance goes over small bump in road will make car dr... Read more

Incident date: Dec 9, 2025

Incident date: Jan 5, 2026

We leased the Lexus at the end of May 2025. My husband I drove the car. It was nice. My husband and I are in our early [XXX] . Meaning we are very capable of driving. We both ride motorcycles, snowmobiles, dirt bikes,4 wheeling and we also own 1957 truck, 2024 corvette, and we even both drove o... Read more

Incident date: Dec 19, 2025

The REAR end of the truck needs to be repair. The dealership says multiple people have needed to order the rear end.

Incident date: Dec 8, 2025

My Car Loosing Power The screen is black there is nothing showing on the dashboard this has been happening since August 2025 The SUV accelerate while I am driving or braking even when all of the lane changing and braking systems are turn off this happens often whenever I am driving the vehicle. It ... Read more

Incident date: Oct 24, 2025

Following ongoing unresolved ADAS and Pre-Collision Assist failures that have required repeated service visits and manufacturer engineering involvement, my vehicle underwent a master modem/system reset while in dealership custody. After this reset, vehicle access, safety alert history, and diagnosti... Read more

Incident date: Aug 18, 2025

Car shows a turtle image on dash and will not go faster than 30mph nor will it fully charge without dealer intervention. This happens when it's cold. There's also a clicking sound when turning as well that's a whole other issue.

Incident date: Aug 18, 2025

The contact called on behalf of her son who owned a 2022 GMC Canyon. The contact stated while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, and the brakes failed to engage. Additionally, the infotainment screen was inoperable. The front camera module warning light was i... Read more

Incident date: Dec 9, 2025

Driving a loud bang was heard from the back of the car. Stopped to check, no obvious physical issue. A warning light came on, it was described as an issue with the air flap. Started driving again, it worked for a few 1000 feet. The car went into a limp mode while an arterial road, in the dark, slowi... Read more

Incident date: Dec 8, 2025

I was pulling into a parking spot outside of a Costco and suddenly the car began to accelerate uncontrollably, and I couldn't stop the car. It ended up hitting the car in front of me, pushing it out of the spot and then hit the car next to us. Fortunately, there was no one in any of the cars hit b... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Dec 1, 2025

Hood release latch is broken, no tension in the lever in the cabin. I'm unable to access the engine compartment. Car would not start this morning, and I'm unable to access the engine to jump start.

Incident date: Oct 3, 2025

ALL SAFETY FEATURE WARNING ALERTS (3) OF THEM, SINCE IT WILL NOT ALLOW ME TO CHECK ALL THAT APPLY THEY ARE THE FOLLOWING ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL NOT WORKING, BLIND SPOT WARNING NOT WORKING, FORWARD COLLISON DETECTION NOT WORKING, LANE DEPARTURE WARNING NOT WORKING, LANE KEEPING ASSISTANCE NOT WORKI... Read more

Incident date: Oct 3, 2025

Incident date: Jul 26, 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the front driver's side seat belt independently unlatched. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mil... Read more

Showing 50 of 140 complaints.

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2021 BMW X3

2021 BMW X3 SUV AWD

Category	Rating
Overall Rating	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash, Driver	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash, Passenger	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Driver	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Passenger	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Rollover	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Rollover Risk	17.1%

Safety Technology

Feature	Status
Electronic Stability Control	Standard
Forward Collision Warning	Standard
Lane Departure Warning	Standard

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings Program. Ratings are based on crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Technical Service Bulletins, 2021 BMW X3

299 manufacturer communications from 134 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
350000 EQUIPMENT	49
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	35
160000 STRUCTURE	16
118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE	13
353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL	12
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY	11
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	11
010000 STEERING	10

160000 STRUCTURE

While driving the vehicle on normal roads at10mph and above, a "cracking" sound from the top of the B-pillar(s) is heard.

020000 SUSPENSION

During inspection and/or diagnosis there is noticeable dirt/grease buildup on the axles near the inner and/o router CV boots.

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

One or more of the LED daytime running lights are dim or discolored.

138000 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

An interference noise (groaning noise) can be heard from within the heating and air-conditioning unit in thecenter of the instrument panel. The groaning noise always occurs when either a ventilation flap, air stratification flap or the rec

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The Check Control message below appears even though the coolant level is not below minimum when theengine is cold. Check Control message (ID 166): Top up coolant.

133000 VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on ho

020000 SUSPENSION

With the vehicle is on a lift and the front struts are in the extended position, there may be a cracking and orclicking type noise when turning the steering wheel left/right. See attached video V31 01 24. The sound can reoccur when the veh

160000 STRUCTURE

This bulletin outlines known areas of possible water entry, operational noise, or wind noise for the vehicles listed above. It serves only as a diagnostic resource in troubleshooting complaints from the roof area. This bulletin and the as

010000 STEERING

At low outside temperatures (below 40 degrees F) and slow driving speeds (i.e. when parking, maneuvering)with a large steering angle, the front end can be slightly axially misaligned. This can be felt (jerking)/ heard via an acoustic ackno

353600 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT

The Central Information Display goes black intermittently due to resets of the Head Unit (HU-H3). FaultB7F8F9 ??A???A???A???A???A???A? ??A???A???A???A???A???A?HU-H: Reset??A???A???A???A???A???A? will be stored in the HU-H3.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

A vehicle arrives at your center to be diagnosed for a micro-leak in the fuel evaporative (EVAP) system(NVLD natural vacuum leak detection). For this condition, the following fault is stored in the DME: 190302 - fuel tank ventilation and

220000 SEATS

A noise can be heard from underneath the seat while the seat is being moved either forwards or backwards. This can occur to the driver??A?A?s and/or the passenger??A?A?s front seat.

140000 AIR BAGS

A check control message (CCM) for the restraint system (Air bag) appears. In the instrument cluster, the red air bag warning light lights up permanently. One of the following fault codes is stored in the ACSM (air bag control unit): 93094

160000 STRUCTURE

This situation can result in two customer complaints: 1. Wind noise 2. Excess water entry

134000 VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

This situation can result in two customer complaints: 1. Wind noise 2. Excess water entry

160000 STRUCTURE

A groaning noise is present from the door frame of any door, most commonly when driving over rough roadsor during body flex. This situation may be worse in vehicles which are regularly waxed in the area of the door jamb. Note: This servic

350000 EQUIPMENT

Customers may be experiencing one or more of these following issues with Bluetooth operation: Bluetooth cannot be switched on or off in the head unit (HU-H4) Paired mobile devices cannot be deleted Customer is unable to make phone calls

160000 STRUCTURE

?Water leaking into the vehicle from the headliner/microphone area.

134000 VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

?Water leaking into the vehicle from the headliner/microphone area.

160000 STRUCTURE

While driving the vehicle on normal roads at 10mph and above, a "cracking" sound from the top of the B-pillar(s) is heard.

020000 SUSPENSION

?Disturbing noises (thump/pop) when reversing slowly near the steering wheel limit position; for example, when leaving a parking space.

010000 STEERING

?Disturbing noises (thump/pop) when reversing slowly near the steering wheel limit position; for example, when leaving a parking space.

350000 EQUIPMENT

?An unapproved nut was used for the ground point for the chassis ground.

160000 STRUCTURE

?An unapproved nut was used for the ground point for the chassis ground.

270000 LANE DEPARTURE

A check control message (CCM) for the restraint system (Air bag) appears. In the instrument cluster, the red air bag warning light lights up permanently.

140000 AIR BAGS

A check control message (CCM) for the restraint system (Air bag) appears. In the instrument cluster, the red air bag warning light lights up permanently.

160000 STRUCTURE

?When driving over uneven pavement or cobblestones, a knocking noise is present from the passenger side front area (A pillar). Once the vehicle is driven on a flat, even surface; the noise is no longer present.

136000 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER

131000 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

With the introduction of the BMW Remote Software Upgrade, all Service Pack 18 vehicles and partial Service Pack 15 vehicles may receive new functionality or modifications in their features.

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Headlight check control (CC) message 128 "High beam headlight failure" is displayed. The following fault codes are stored during a vehicle test: 80419A - Left high-beam headlight: Short circuit and/or 8041A5 - light outputs: Number of permi

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

A vehicle arrives at your center to be diagnosed for a micro-leak in the fuel evaporative (EVAP) system (NVLD natural vacuum leak detection). For this condition, the following fault is stored in the DME: 190302 - fuel tank ventilation and s

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

BMW AG has issued a Delivery Stop effective June 6, 2023 on certain Model Year 2023 - 2024 BMW vehicles that were produced between October 26, 2022 and May 8, 2023.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Due to the semiconductor supply, the Local Interconnect Network module in either of the exterior mirrors was switched to another controller. That one provides an imprecise voltage measurement, which the main controller interprets as a fault

135000 VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES

162500 STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE

Upon opening and closing the tailgate, a creaking/groaning sound can be heard from tailgate actuator.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

BMW AG has issued a Delivery Stop (effective October 15, 2021) on certain Model Year 2022 BMW vehicles that were produced between September 28, 2021 and October 8, 2021. The issue involves the Active Crash Safety Module (ACSM) sensor.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

After programming the head unit (HU-H2), activating the FSC (German word Freischaltcode) Enabling Codes repeatedly fails.

061600 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)

Check Engine Light is illuminated, check control message indicates ""bring in for service"". The faults themselves and the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) have no functional effect on the vehicle. There are multiple missing message fault c

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Due to a software error, the vehicle sporadically does not achieve sleep mode. As a result, the 12-volt battery becomes discharged and may cause a no-start condition.

130000 VISIBILITY

Upon opening or closing (i.e., folding in or out) the exterior mirror assembly, a creaking sound is heard from either the driver and/or passenger side.

030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Brake squeak may occur with cold brakes and driving slowly or reversing

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Due to the semiconductor supply, the Local Interconnect Network module in either of the exterior mirrors was switched to another controller.

135200 VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR

Due to the semiconductor supply, the Local Interconnect Network module in either of the exterior mirrors was switched to another controller.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Due to the semiconductor supply, the Local Interconnect Network module in either of the exterior mirrors was switched to another controller.

018000 STEERING:AUTOMATED/ADAPTIVE STEERING

Disturbing noises (thump/pop) when reversing slowly near the steering wheel limit position; for example, when leaving a parking space.

200000 WHEELS

Disturbing noises (thump/pop) when reversing slowly near the steering wheel limit position; for example, when leaving a parking space.

010000 STEERING

Disturbing noises (thump/pop) when reversing slowly near the steering wheel limit position; for example, when leaving a parking space.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

In hot ambient conditions, if the engine was running for a prolonged time while the vehicle is stationary, a jolt may be experienced while lightly accelerating.

118620 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:HUD:CAMERA/SENSOR

Issues with the various functions of the camera-based driver assistance systems (KAFAS system) can possibly lead to following customer complaints: KAFAS camera system deactivates itself, due to system restrictions that are not clear to the

118320 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:DRIVER MONITORING:CAMERA/SENSOR

350000 EQUIPMENT

The 3G network in the US has been shut down. This means that only the 4G network will be available. In the 4G network, voice calls will be transferred via the Voice over LTE (VoLTE) function. For this purpose, the SIM card must perform an I

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

One or more of the LED daytime running lights are dim or discolored.

117000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

In SPORT mode, a black square appears in the RPM gauge (tachometer) section of the instrument cluster display.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The gear selector switch (GWS) consists of the control electronics circuit and the selector lever. The sensors for recording the gearshift lever position and for inhibiting inadvertent gearshifts are integrated in the control electronics.

353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

Customer states there is no audio playback (telephony, navigation, radio) and system sounds (PDC, turn indicators, acoustic signals) may also have failed.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Due to a software error, the vehicle sporadically does not achieve sleep mode. As a result, the 12-volt battery becomes discharged and may cause a no-start condition.

162900 STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

While driving the vehicle on normal roads at 10mph and above, a cracking sound from the top of the B-pillar(s) is heard.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

There is a howling or whistling noise from under the vehicle at 30 -37 mph (50 -60 km/h) when driving after a cold start, when the outside temperature is 32 F (0 C) or lower.

274300 LANE DEPARTURE:LANE KEEP:NAVIGATION SYSTEM/SOFTWARE

Customer is shown an incorrect GPS location in the vehicle (i.e., Nav Map, coordinates).

353500 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

Customer is shown an incorrect GPS location in the vehicle (i.e., Nav Map, coordinates).

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

Engine Variants Updated.

100000 POWER TRAIN

There is a howling or whistling noise from under the vehicle at 30 -37 mph (50 -60 km/h) when driving after a cold start, when the outside temperature is 32 F (0 C) or lower. The noise goes away as the vehicle/driveline reaches operating te

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

353620 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:VIDEO (TOUCH)SCREEN/MONITOR/UNIT

Visible white spots on the edge of the central information display (CID) from being touched with a finger.

162300 STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

Uneven ambient lighting emission (bright spots/dark spots) on the door trim panel.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

There is a howling or whistling noise from under the vehicle at 30 -37 mph (50 -60 km/h) when driving after a cold start, when the outside temperature is 32F (0C) or lower.

160000 STRUCTURE

A cracking, metallic noise from under the center of the vehicle.

353500 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

Customer is shown an incorrect GPS location in the vehicle (i.e., Nav Map, coordinates).

353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

The Sirius(r) Satellite Radio is inoperative.

140000 AIR BAGS

A check control message for the restraint system appears. In the instrument cluster, the red air bag warning light lights up permanently. One of the following fault codes is stored in the ACSM (air bag control unit): 930949 - Knee airbag,

100000 POWER TRAIN

Due to an unfavorable operating point, primarily in the low-end torque range, an incorrect detection of amixture that is too rich could happen.

160000 STRUCTURE

While driving the vehicle on normal roads at 10mph and above, a cracking sound from the top of the B-pillar(s) is heard.

260000 FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

After programming, the customer may complain that the Sport Mode display is not fully displayed in the instrument cluster. Instead of a red background in sport mode, the background is displayed in blue (like ECO PRO mode).

162900 STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

The seal of the roof-mounted antenna housing is separating from the vehicle.

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The seal of the roof-mounted antenna housing is separating from the vehicle.

353200 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ANTENNA

The seal of the roof-mounted antenna housing is separating from the vehicle.

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Service Action: Retrofit Satellite Radio. The Sirius(r) Satellite Radio is inoperative.

117000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

The Check Engine Light is on (MIL). After checking faults and diagnosis there is raw fuel found in the charcoal canister and the NVLD pressure switch (in R/R wheel well). Possible faults stored in the DME: 190F08 - Fuel tank venting system:

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

010000 STEERING

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

130000 VISIBILITY

270000 LANE DEPARTURE

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

The customer complains that the radio stations change by themselves.

130000 VISIBILITY

After opening the vehicle with the radio remote control and changing the profile, the exterior mirror settings are lost.

270000 LANE DEPARTURE

The Lane Change Warning (LCW) yellow triangle symbol on either one, or both the exterior side view mirrors does not illuminate to alert the driver when it should.

353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column.

134000 VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

The front sunroof glass seal has shrunk, creating a gap which can cause wind noise or excess water entry.

138000 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

An interference noise (groaning noise) can be heard from within the heating and air-conditioning unit in the center of the instrument panel.

350000 EQUIPMENT

Component-Specific Limited Warranty Extension. For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle's Radiator Grille Upper and Lower Active Air Flaps to: 15 years/150,000 miles as

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BMW X3 - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the BMW X3 across all model years (2004, 2026).

124 Total Recalls

2,766 Total Complaints

0 Investigations

152 Reported Crashes

130 Reported Fires

1 Reported Deaths

BMW X3 - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2026	1	24	View
2025	8	66	View
2024	2	47	View
2023	4	12	View
2022	7	103	View
2021 (current)	10	140
2020	16	136	View
2019	10	227	View
2018	11	102	View
2017	6	138	View
2016	5	117	View
2015	7	158	View
2014	6	127	View
2013	7	346	View
2012	2	67	View
2011	4	163	View
2010	4	41	View
2009	3	23	View
2008	3	93	View
2007	3	132	View
2006	2	178	View
2005	2	144	View
2004	1	182	View

Other BMW Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
X5	223	4,349	View
330I	122	1,050	View
X6	110	293	View
328I	108	3,743	View
M3	95	550	View
325I	83	1,809	View
Z4	83	1,439	View
5 SERIES	78	557	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

2021 BMW X3

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2021 BMW X3

Safety Technology

Technical Service Bulletins, 2021 BMW X3

Most Affected Components

BMW X3 - All Years Overview

BMW X3 - Year by Year

Other BMW Models