The Lemon IndexBMW recalls.
Every NHTSA recall on the BMW models we track, by model and year. Check yours by VIN.
We hand the VIN to our free VIN check: the car, its model-year record and every recall for it.
Illustrations (AI-generated) of the cars shown, not photos of specific cars. Free to use under CC BY 4.0: credit The Lemon Index (lemonindex.com). Download and credit text
Recalls by model. Campaigns per model, all years.
Tap a model for every recall in one list. Models on sale for more years have had more time to collect recalls.
The biggest BMW recalls. By vehicles in the campaign, since 2010.
- Engine · recall issued Mar 2022 · 5 Series, X3, X5 · model years 2006–2010
An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.
917,106 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 22V119000
- Airbags · recall issued Feb 2016 · X1, X3, X5 · model years 2007–2010, 2013–2015
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
840,000 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 16V071000
- Engine · recall issued Oct 2017 · 3 Series, 5 Series, X3, X5 · model years 2007–2011
The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
740,561 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 17V683000
- Engine · recall issued Nov 2026 · 3 Series, 5 Series, X1, X3, X5 · model years 2012–2018 Park outside New: most likely still open
An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.
720,796 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 26V733000
- Engine · recall issued Aug 2024 · 3 Series, 5 Series, X1, X3, X5 · model years 2012–2018
An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.
720,796 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 24V608000
- Electrical · recall issued Oct 2017 · 3 Series · model years 2006–2011
The wiring and electrical connectors for the system that controls air flow for the heating and air conditioning system may overheat.
702,965 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 17V676000
The newest BMW recalls.
- Engine · recall issued Nov 2026 · 3 Series, 5 Series, X1, X3, X5 · model years 2012–2018 Park outside New: most likely still open
An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.
720,796 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 26V733000
- Transmission & drivetrain · recall issued Aug 2026 · 5 Series · model years 2021–2023 New: most likely still open
The connection between the driveshaft and the rear differential may become damaged, possibly resulting in a loss of power to the rear wheels or a vehicle rollaway.
39,144 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 26V525000
- Steering · recall issued Aug 2026 · X3 · model years 2024–2025 New: most likely still open
The steering spindle may have been incorrectly attached to the steering column.
13 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 26V524000
- Brakes · recall issued Jul 2026 · 5 Series, X1, X5 · model years 2023–2025 New: most likely still open
The integrated brake (IB) system may malfunction and result in a loss of power brake assist or cause the Antilock Brake (ABS) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) systems to not function properly.
428 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 26V422000
- Electrical · recall issued Feb 2026 · 5 Series · model year 2025 New: most likely still open
The electrical wiring harness for the air conditioning system may become damaged during replacement of the cabin air filter.
58,713 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 26V096000
- Electrical · recall issued Jan 2026 · 3 Series, 5 Series, X3 · model years 2021–2024 New: most likely still open
Please see the recall report for a complete list of all models.
87,394 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 26V056000
Park-it warnings 15
NHTSA flagged these: don't drive the car, or park it outside, until the fix is done.
- Engine · recall issued Nov 2026 · 3 Series, 5 Series, X1, X3, X5 · model years 2012–2018 Park outside New: most likely still open
An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.
720,796 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 26V733000
- Airbags · recall issued Oct 2025 · X5 · model years 2000–2001 Park it: don't drive
The inflator may explode during deployment due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature, and temperature cycling.
5,361 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 25V748000
- Electrical · recall issued Sep 2025 · 3 Series, 5 Series, X3 · model years 2019–2022 Park outside
The engine starter relay may corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short circuit.
199,674 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 25V636000
- Airbags · recall issued Jan 2020 · 3 Series · model years 2000–2005 Park it: don't drive
These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temp.
292,948 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 20V018000
- Airbags · recall issued Jan 2020 · X5 · model years 2007–2012 Park it: don't drive
These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and hig.
4,007 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 20V016000
- Suspension · recall issued Sep 2019 · X3 · model year 2020 Park it: don't drive
The front axle swivel bearings may not have been properly heat treated during manufacturing, reducing their strength and possibly causing them to break.
368 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 19V678000
- Airbags · recall issued Jan 2019 · X5 · model years 2007–2013 Park it: don't drive
These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment.
83,016 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 19V017000
- Airbags · recall issued Jan 2019 · 5 Series · model years 2000–2003 Park it: don't drive
This recall affects certain vehicles where the original steering wheel has been replaced with the optional sports steering wheel.
157,549 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 19V015000
Show all 15
- Airbags · recall issued Jun 2018 · 3 Series · model years 2000–2006 Park it: don't drive
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure could cause rupturing of the inflator resulting in metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injur…
574,007 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 14V428000
- Airbags · recall issued Jan 2018 · X5 · model years 2007–2013 Park it: don't drive
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
41,808 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 18V030000
- Airbags · recall issued Jan 2017 · X5 · model years 2001–2003 Park it: don't drive
These vehicles may have had a driver-side air bag module installed as replacement equipment such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bag, or as a remedy part for a prior recall.
230,117 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 17V047000
- Airbags · recall issued Jan 2017 · X5 · model years 2007–2009, 2012 Park it: don't drive
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
48,951 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 17V020000
- Airbags · recall issued May 2016 · X5 · model years 2007–2011 Park it: don't drive
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
97,738 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 16V364000
- Airbags · recall issued May 2015 · 3 Series, 5 Series, X5 · model years 2002–2005 Park it: don't drive
The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusio.
419,235 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 15V318000
- Airbags · recall issued May 2013 · 3 Series · model years 2002–2003 Park it: don't drive
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the passenger seat occupant or other occupa…
43,204 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 13V172000
Is one open on your BMW?
A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car. NHTSA's public recall data works by make, model and year, so these lists cover every car of that model year, not one VIN. Whether a recall was already fixed on a particular car is in the automaker's records: type the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or ask any dealer of that brand. The repair is free.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Questions
How many recalls does BMW have?
222 NHTSA recall campaigns on the 5 BMW models we track, model years 2000–2025. A campaign that covers several models or years counts once.
Which BMW has the most recalls?
The BMW X5, with 104 campaigns. Then the 3 Series (68), the X3 (65), the 5 Series (57). Models with more model years on sale have had more time to collect recalls.
What is the biggest BMW recall?
NHTSA 22V119000 (engine, Mar 2022): 917,106 vehicles in the whole campaign, on the 5 Series, X3, X5 among the models we track. An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.
What is the newest BMW recall?
Filed Nov 2026 for the 3 Series, 5 Series, X1, X3, X5 (NHTSA 26V733000): An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.
How do I check a BMW for recalls by VIN?
Type the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or ask any BMW dealer: that shows whether a recall is still open on that car. Our VIN check decodes it and lists every recall for that model year. Recall repairs are free.
Is BMW reliable? · Recall check for every make
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns (api.nhtsa.gov), matched to the model names owners use in NHTSA complaints. Vehicle counts and the "park it" warnings come from NHTSA's recall file, which starts in 2010, so older recalls have no count. A campaign's count covers every make and model in it.
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