2023 BMW X3

4 recalls, 12 complaints - 60 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

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LOCK

Defect Description

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 Fe... Read more

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.

40,736 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

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

Defect Description

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota GR Supra, 3 Series Sedan (330i xDrive, M340i xDrive, M3), 5 Series Sedan (530i, 530i xDrive, M5), 4 Series Gran Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive), 4 Series Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive), 4 Series Convertible (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i... Read more

Consequence

Transmission oil that leaks into the control unit can lead to a seizure of the transmission gears, causing a sudden loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the transmission mechatronics module and the automatic transmission fluid, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 26, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

552 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC

Complaint Statistics

12 total complaints

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
ENGINE	2
STRUCTURE:BODY	2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	2
AIR BAGS	1
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	1
STEERING	1
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING	1
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:ELECTRONIC LOCK/LATCH ACTUATOR	1
STRUCTURE	1

Incident date: May 13, 2026

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim on the passenger side windshield started to detach. The contact also stated that the trim located on the driver’s door had also detached. The contact received notification of NHT... Read more

Incident date: Mar 6, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that the driver's side sliding door failed to open. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the door actuator had failed. The mechanic replaced the door actuator; however, the failure... Read more

Incident date: Feb 1, 2024

Frame failure in front end of fifthwheel. Reported and rewarded at factory. Failure to install all lag bolts holding front of frame to structure. Four baggage doors damaged from movement.

Incident date: Oct 6, 2024

The vehicle has a digital instrument panel. Today the instrumental panel started flickering, sometimes all warning lights will flash, and then the panel will go completely black/blank while driving. Sometimes a red "NO SIGNAL" warning will flash across the screen. When this happens, there's no sp... Read more

Incident date: Feb 13, 2023

I am experiencing sudden braking, without me using any of the braking system. Scared my wife and I. Our safety was at risk 3 times, when this sudden braking happened. Sent a message to Tesla but did not get an answer yet. The warning lights were activated when the sudden braking happened. my fi... Read more

Incident date: Oct 21, 2023

We were turning onto a crowded street, and halfway through turning the power steering suddenly failed. We couldn't get the steering wheel to move. We were facing perpendicular to the street and several cars were within inches of hitting us. We got out of the car (in the middle of the crowded street)... Read more

Incident date: Jul 25, 2023

Steering wheel locked up suddenly on the freeway. Once it started working again, and I continue to drive, it did the same thing and entire engine shut off in the middle of intersection, as well as steering wheel locking up. Car has not turned on since.

Incident date: Jun 22, 2023

The underbody frame is 95% rusted out, this vehicle is available for inspection upon request. I could have been fatally injured, not knowing the under frame was gone, until vehicle was taken in for new tires. The vehicle was inspected by Firestone tire and Gene Butman Ford. There were no warning me... Read more

Incident date: Jun 22, 2023

Hyundai corporate's engines on some vehicles has oil dissipating out of thin air. 2 to 3 quarts of oil can vanish between regular interval oil changes. Hyundai is lying saying that this is "normal." It is not. The other issue is the oil indicator light may just pop on and off but it does not stay o... Read more

Incident date: Jun 22, 2023

Incident date: May 24, 2023

On 5/24/2023 while driving with a front passenger, the passenger seat belt warning light, chime and airbag warning came on for no reason. Stopped the car at a red traffic light and turned ignition off and then on to hopefully clear the warning. There was no power to any system. The ignition switch d... Read more

Incident date: Apr 20, 2023

This vehicle is burning/losing oil. It is full, it will have a greasy substance on the dipstick and oil cap. Then after 1k-12k miles the oil is almost empty. I have had almost 5k in repairs at McLaughlin and they state nothing is wrong, yet I keep having the same issue. I went to key Auto mall and ... Read more

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2023 BMW X3

2023 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	No
Lane Departure Warning	No

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

Technical Service Bulletins, 2023 BMW X3

60 manufacturer communications from 37 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	11
160000 STRUCTURE	6
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	3
020000 SUSPENSION	3
134000 VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY	2
100000 POWER TRAIN	2
120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING	2
010000 STEERING	2

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.

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

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.

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

105300 POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

BMW AG has requested the inspection of all dealer stock of the following part number(s) listed below to ensure the spacer is conformed to drawing.

100000 POWER TRAIN

BMW AG has issued a Delivery Stop (effective September 28, 2023) on certain Model Year 2023 BMWvehicles that were produced between January 23, 2023, and June 15, 2023.

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.

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.

160000 STRUCTURE

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

131000 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

?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.

160000 STRUCTURE

136000 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER

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

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.

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

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

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

135000 VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES

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

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

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

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.

162500 STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE

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

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.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

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.

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.

118320 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:DRIVER MONITORING: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

118620 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:HUD:CAMERA/SENSOR

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.

010000 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.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

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.

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

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

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

274300 LANE DEPARTURE:LANE KEEP:NAVIGATION SYSTEM/SOFTWARE

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

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.

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.

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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

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.

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.

117000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

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

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

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

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 (current)	4	12
2022	7	103	View
2021	10	140	View
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

2023 BMW X3

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2023 BMW X3

Safety Technology

Technical Service Bulletins, 2023 BMW X3

Most Affected Components

BMW X3 - All Years Overview

BMW X3 - Year by Year

Other BMW Models