The Lemon IndexBMW 3 Series recalls.
Every NHTSA recall campaign for the 2000–2025 BMW 3 Series, newest first. Each one is listed once, with the model years it covers.
Check a VIN to see that car's model-year report and recalls.
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
Park-it warnings 6
NHTSA flagged these: don't drive the car, or park it outside, until the fix is done.
- Engine · recall issued Nov 2026 · model years 2012–2016 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
- Electrical · recall issued Sep 2025 · model years 2019–2021 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 · 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 Jun 2018 · 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 May 2015 · 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 · 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
Every recall 68
3 filed in the last 12 months. A new recall has had the least time to be fixed, so it's the one most likely still open on a used car.
- Engine · recall issued Nov 2026 · model years 2012–2016 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
- Electrical · recall issued Jan 2026 · 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
- Airbags · recall issued Dec 2025 · model year 2014 New: most likely still open
The head air bag inflator may fail at the weld joint, which can cause gas to leak from the inflator or result in an inflator rupture.
851 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 25V871000
- Electrical · recall issued Sep 2025 · model years 2019–2021 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
- Electrical · recall issued Apr 2025 · model year 2025
The electrical connection between the starter-generator and battery may come loose.
4,557 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 25V202000
- Engine · recall issued Aug 2024 · model years 2012–2016
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 Aug 2024 · model year 2020
Please see the recall report for the complete list of models.
105,588 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 24V576000
- Airbags · recall issued Jul 2024 · model years 2014–2015
Please see the recall report for the complete list of models.
1,145 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 24V527000
Show all 68 recalls
- Airbags · recall issued Jul 2024 · model years 2006–2012
The original steering wheel may have been replaced with a sport or M-sport steering wheel equipped with an inflator that can explode during deployment.
394,029 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 24V513000
- Airbags · recall issued Apr 2024 · model years 2014–2015
The head air bag inflator may fail at the weld joint, which can cause gas to leak from the inflator or result in an inflator rupture.
5,761 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 24V288000
- Steering · recall issued Nov 2023 · model year 2024
The steering gear may not have been tightened properly, which can allow it to loosen.
201 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 23V770000
- Seat belts · recall issued Aug 2023 · model years 2019–2022
The receiver audio module control unit software may fail to properly generate audible seat belt warnings to the driver to fasten their seat belt.
144 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 23V584000
- Seats · recall issued Mar 2023 · model years 2019–2021
The seat frame may not have been welded properly to the seat rails.
51 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 23V211000
- Electrical · recall issued Feb 2023 · model year 2023
During a service visit, a replacement electronic control unit (ECU) may have been installed with incorrect programming, which can cause the automatic door locking (ADL) function to not lock the doors as intended.
120 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 23V118000
- Back over prevention · recall issued Oct 2022 · model year 2023
After shifting into reverse, the rearview camera software may cause a portion of the rearview image to be obstructed.
1,296 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 22V747000
- Transmission & drivetrain · recall issued Feb 2022 · model year 2022
The mechatronics unit inside the transmission may not have been assembled properly, which could result in an internal leak.
4 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 22V070000
- Fuel system, diesel · recall issued Nov 2021 · model years 2014, 2017
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.
50,404 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 21V907000
- Engine · recall issued Aug 2021 · model year 2020
During engine start, the engine management software may cause loss of braking assist.
50,024 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 21V598000
- Fuel system, diesel · recall issued Jul 2021 · model years 2014, 2017
The high-pressure fuel pump may fail.
11,216 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 21V586000
- Seat belts · recall issued Jul 2021 · model year 2021
During a crash, a seat belt retractor that does not function as intended increases the risk of injury.
21,537 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 21V554000
- Airbags · recall issued May 2021 · model years 2000–2001
These vehicles are equipped with driver-side air bag inflators that were previously inspected, but not replaced under recall numbers 19V-851, 19V852, or 19V-853.
4,511 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 21V401000
- Seat belts · recall issued Apr 2021 · model year 2021
The bolt securing the seat belt assembly to the frame was not tightened to specification.
12 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 21V298000
- Back over prevention · recall issued Feb 2021 · model years 2019–2021
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.
13,858 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 21V096000
- Electrical · recall issued Dec 2020 · model year 2021
The connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator may not have been assembled properly, which can cause increased electrical resistance at the connections.
812 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 20V761000
- Steering · recall issued Jun 2020 · model years 2019–2020
In certain driving conditions, such as high temperatures and rough road surfaces, a steering gear tie rod may become damaged, possibly resulting in a fractured tie rod.
2,779 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 20V355000
- Transmission & drivetrain · recall issued Mar 2020 · model year 2014
The constant-velocity joint which transfers power between the transfer case and the rear drive shaft, may become damaged, possibly resulting in loss of power to the rear wheels.
8,536 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 20V185000
- Seat belts · recall issued Mar 2020 · model year 2020
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.
3,316 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 20V164000
- Airbags · recall issued Jan 2020 · 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 · model years 2006–2013
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
59,965 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 20V017000
- Seat belts · recall issued Dec 2019 · model years 2019–2020
The outboard rear seat belt pretensioners may not lock as intended during a crash.
135 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 19V912000
- Lights · recall issued Nov 2019 · model year 2020
The headlight control units may fail causing a loss of one or both of the headlights.
245 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 19V850000
- Airbags · recall issued Nov 2019 · model years 2000–2001
These vehicles may have received a replacement driver air bag as part of a vehicle repair.
74,185 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 19V853000
- Airbags · recall issued Nov 2019 · model year 2000
These inflators do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant.
34,396 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 19V852000
- Body structure · recall issued Oct 2019 · model year 2020
The interior trunk release cable may have been improperly installed, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside.
325 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 19V755000
- Engine · recall issued Oct 2019 · model years 2019–2020
The needle roller bearings of the counterbalance shafts may have been improperly installed, potentially causing the counterbalance shaft to loosen.
217 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 19V732000
- Back over prevention · recall issued Sep 2019 · model years 2019–2020
The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
257,473 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 19V684000
- Seats · recall issued Aug 2019 · model year 2020
If the headrest folds down in a crash, there would be an increased risk of injury.
2 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 19V600000
- Electrical · recall issued Jun 2019 · model year 2009
The connection of the positive battery cable at the fuse box terminal may degrade, resulting in an intermittent loss of electrical power.
16,641 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 19V472000
- Airbags · recall issued May 2019 · model year 2019
The driver and passenger knee air bag assemblies may have been improperly folded and assembled.
5,079 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 19V352000
- Engine · recall issued Apr 2019 · model year 2006
The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
184,505 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 19V273000
- Engine · recall issued Oct 2018 · model years 2014, 2017
If the EGR cooler leaks internally, the coolant can mix with diesel engine soot.
44,368 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 18V755000
- Engine · recall issued Jul 2018 · model year 2018
The crankshaft sensor may be equipped with incorrect firmware, preventing the sensor from properly processing input from the crankshaft reluctor ring, possibly resulting in a vehicle stall.
5,309 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 18V465000
- Airbags · recall issued Jun 2018 · 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
- Engine · recall issued Oct 2017 · 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
- Electrical · recall issued Oct 2017 · 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
- Airbags · recall issued Jul 2017 · model year 2006
The front passenger seat occupant detection mat that determines if, and how, the passenger frontal air bag should deploy in a crash may fatigue and develop cracks which could lead to a system failure.
2,158 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 17V428000
- Transmission & drivetrain · recall issued Feb 2017 · model year 2011
The rear driveshaft constant velocity (CV) joint on the affected vehicles may fatigue and break.
8,752 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 17V067000
- Lights · recall issued Aug 2015 · model years 2012–2015
The affected vehicles may have been programmed with new software that inadvertently makes the front side marker lights inoperative in conjunction with the parkin.
7,727 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 15V520000
- Airbags · recall issued May 2015 · 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
- Fuel system, gasoline · recall issued Mar 2015 · model year 2014
Improper nickel plating of components within the fuel pump may result in the fuel pump failing.
18,054 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 15V189000
- Brakes · recall issued Oct 2014 · model years 2012–2014
A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
8,988 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 14V627000
- Engine · recall issued Apr 2014 · model years 2010–2012
In the affected vehicles, the bolts that secure the housing f.
156,137 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 14V176000
- Airbags · recall issued Nov 2013 · model years 2006–2007
The front passenger seat occupant detection mat that determines if and how the passenger frontal air bag should deploy in a crash may fatigue an.
76,565 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 13V564000
- Brakes · recall issued Sep 2013 · model years 2012–2014
Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail.
76,191 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 13V454000
- Airbags · recall issued May 2013 · 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
- Electrical · recall issued Feb 2013 · model years 2007–2011
In February 2013, BMW recalled 504,545 vehicles.
516,791 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 13V044000
- Transmission & drivetrain · recall issued Sep 2011 · model year 2011
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 328I XDRIVE AND 335I XDRIVE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 8, 2011, THROUGH JULY 29, 2011.
190 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 11V476000
- Lights · recall issued Aug 2011 · model years 2002–2005
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002-2005 325I, 325XI, 330I, AND 330XI VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2001, THROUGH MARCH 1, 2005.
241,000 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 11V438000
- Brakes · recall issued Mar 2007 · model years 2001–2005
CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUI…
- Visibility · recall issued Apr 2003 · model year 2003
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE WINDOW LIFTING ANTI-PINCHING DEVICE MIGHT NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY.
- Speed control · recall issued Mar 2003 · model year 2003
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER AND SPORT WAGON VEHICLES WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING, AND THE VEHICLE AT REST, AN INCREASE OF ENGINE IDLE SPEED (UP TO 1,300 RPM) MAY OCCUR.
- Airbags · recall issued Aug 2002 · model year 2000
ON CERTAIN 4-DOOR PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE SIDE AIR BAG SYSTEM COULD DEPLOY IN CERTAIN NON-CRASH IMPACTS, SUCH AS WHEN CONTACTING LARGE POTHOLES OR CURBS AT SUBSTANTIAL SPEEDS.
- Engine · recall issued May 2002 · model year 2001
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE ENGINE AUXILIARY/COOLING FAN OPERATION, INCLUDING VARIABLE SPEED, IS ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED.
- Service brakes, air · recall issued Mar 2002 · model year 2002
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A PROBLEM IN THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS OF THE REAR BRAKE ROTORS MAY HAVE RESULTED IN THE CREATION OF A CRACK WHERE THE BRAKE DISC AND THE PARKING BRAKE DRUM MEET.
- Suspension · recall issued Feb 2002 · model year 2002
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, DURING THE STRUT MOUNT MANUFACTURING PROCESS, THE THRUST BEARING WAS NOT PROPERLY POSITIONS AND SECURED.
- Engine · recall issued Jun 2001 · model year 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.
- Wheels · recall issued Nov 2000 · model year 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.
- Lights · recall issued Feb 2000 · model year 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.
Recalls by model year. Campaigns that cover each year.
Tap a year for its problems, complaints and Lemon Index.
What they fix. Campaigns by system.
Is one open on your 3 Series?
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 the BMW 3 Series have?
68 recall campaigns across model years 2000–2025, from NHTSA. Many campaigns cover several model years; counted once for every model year they cover (the way each year's page counts them), that's 157.
Which BMW 3 Series year has the most recalls?
The 2020, with 14 campaigns. 2014: 13, 2019: 9, 2021: 8.
What are most BMW 3 Series recalls about?
Airbags: 16 of the 68 campaigns. Then engine (11) and electrical (9).
What is the newest BMW 3 Series recall?
Engine, filed Nov 2026 (NHTSA 26V733000): An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.
What is the biggest BMW 3 Series recall?
NHTSA 17V683000 (engine, Oct 2017) covers 740,561 vehicles in all, every model in that campaign. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
How do I check if my BMW 3 Series has an open recall?
Use its VIN: type it at nhtsa.gov/recalls or ask any BMW dealer. Our VIN check decodes it and lists every recall for that model year. Recall repairs are free.
BMW 3 Series: problems and best years · All BMW recalls · Recall check
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.
Know someone with a 3 Series?