The Lemon IndexBMW X3 recalls.
Every NHTSA recall campaign for the 2004–2025 BMW X3, 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 3
NHTSA flagged these: don't drive the car, or park it outside, until the fix is done.
- Engine · recall issued Nov 2026 · model years 2013–2017 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 2020–2022 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
- Suspension · recall issued Sep 2019 · 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
Every recall 65
4 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 2013–2017 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
- Steering · recall issued Aug 2026 · 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
- Electrical · recall issued Jan 2026 · model years 2021–2023 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
- Steering · recall issued Dec 2025 · model year 2025 New: most likely still open
While the vehicle is stationary, unexpected steering wheel movement (rotation) may occur.
36,922 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 25V857000
- Electrical · recall issued Sep 2025 · model years 2020–2022 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
- Brakes · recall issued Apr 2025 · model year 2025
The front brake discs may have been damaged during transport before they were installed on the vehicle.
26 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 25V247000
- 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
- Brakes · recall issued Mar 2025 · model year 2025
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.
192 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 25V154000
Show all 65 recalls
- Electrical · recall issued Feb 2025 · model year 2025
The connection between the positive battery cable and the starter-generator may have been improperly tightened and overheat.
114 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 25V109000
- Latches/locks/linkages · recall issued Feb 2025 · model years 2022–2024
The second-row seat side door locking modules may not function properly and allow the doors to be unlocked with a single motion.
40,736 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 25V106000
- Suspension · recall issued Dec 2024 · model year 2025
The front wheel left-side swivel bearing may crack, causing a loss of vehicle handling and control.
2 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 24V909000
- Airbags · recall issued Nov 2024 · model year 2025
The gas generator in the right-side head curtain air bag may have been assembled incorrectly.
2 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 24V856000
- Airbags · recall issued Oct 2024 · model year 2025
The front passenger air bag fabric may have been damaged during transport between suppliers.
7 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 24V772000
- Body structure · recall issued Oct 2024 · model years 2018–2022
The attachment for the rear cargo rail may become damaged in a rear crash and result in the cargo rail detaching.
8,725 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 24V764000
- Engine · recall issued Aug 2024 · model years 2013–2017
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
- Body structure · recall issued Jul 2024 · model years 2018–2023
The attachment for the interior cargo rail may become damaged in a rear crash and result in the cargo rail detaching.
282,387 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 24V534000
- Airbags · recall issued Jul 2024 · model years 2013–2014
Please see the recall report for the complete list of models.
1,145 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 24V527000
- Transmission & drivetrain · recall issued Dec 2023 · model year 2023
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.
552 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 23V821000
- Airbags · recall issued Nov 2023 · model year 2014
The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.
486 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 23V797000
- 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
- Engine · recall issued Oct 2023 · model years 2010–2011
The aluminum bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and possibly break.
157,796 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 23V707000
- Seats · recall issued Mar 2023 · model years 2020–2021
The seat frame may not have been welded properly to the seat rails.
51 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 23V211000
- Fuel system, gasoline · recall issued Jul 2022 · model year 2022
The high-pressure fuel rail may crack and result in a fuel leak within the engine compartment.
5 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 22V513000
- Engine · recall issued Mar 2022 · model years 2007–2010
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
- 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 2015–2017
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 2015–2017
The high-pressure fuel pump may fail.
11,216 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 21V586000
- Airbags · recall issued Jul 2021 · model years 2018–2019
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.
138 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 21V521000
- Fuel system, gasoline · recall issued Mar 2021 · model year 2021
The inlet check valve weld may fail, allowing the filling pipe to separate from the fuel tank.
17 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 21V199000
- 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
- Back over prevention · recall issued Sep 2020 · model years 2020–2021
A small portion of the rearview image may be slightly obscured.
312 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 20V598000
- Electrical · recall issued Sep 2020 · model years 2020–2021
Debris may have entered one or more of the hybrid battery cells during their production.
4,509 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 20V601000
- Electrical · recall issued Aug 2020 · model years 2020–2021
Loose welding beads may form a conductive path between the hybrid battery cells which could lead to a short-circuit.
713 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 20V490000
- Back over prevention · recall issued Jul 2020 · model year 2020
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.
5 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 20V443000
- Steering · recall issued Jun 2020 · model year 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
- 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
- Electrical · recall issued Mar 2020 · model years 2018–2020
The instrument panel casing may not have been tightened properly to the passenger air bag.
15 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 20V152000
- Airbags · recall issued Jan 2020 · model years 2007–2010
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
- Steering · recall issued Oct 2019 · model year 2020
The steering rack pinion teeth may break under load, resulting in a loss of steering control.
20 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 19V738000
- Back over prevention · recall issued Sep 2019 · model years 2018–2020
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
- Suspension · recall issued Sep 2019 · 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
- Seats · recall issued Jul 2019 · model years 2018–2019
The front seatback frames may have been improperly welded, allowing the seatback to unexpectedly fold forward or rearward.
20 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 19V563000
- Airbags · recall issued Apr 2019 · model year 2019
The instrument panel assembly may have been improperly manufactured, possibly affecting the deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag.
50 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 19V291000
- Engine · recall issued Oct 2018 · model years 2015–2017
If the EGR cooler leaks internally, the coolant can mix with diesel engine soot.
44,368 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 18V755000
- Brakes · recall issued Jul 2018 · model years 2018–2019
The rear brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have an insufficient coating, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
5,594 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 18V453000
- Lights · recall issued Jun 2018 · model year 2018
The rear turn signals on the outboard side panel will illuminate red, while the inboard turn signals simultaneously illuminate amber.
5 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 18V431000
- Lane assist · recall issued Jun 2018 · model years 2018–2019
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.
51 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 18V374000
- Body structure · recall issued Mar 2018 · model year 2018
The rear spoiler may not have been properly attached during assembly, or may be missing screws, possibly causing the spoiler to detach while driving.
17,008 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 18V154000
- Electrical · recall issued Nov 2017 · model year 2018
These vehicles may have an error in the software for the instrument panel, causing the display to not properly illuminate.
3,188 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 17V719000
- 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
- Airbags · recall issued Sep 2017 · model years 2006–2010
Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.
85,302 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 17V605000
- Airbags · recall issued Aug 2017 · model years 2012–2013
The affected vehicles have a driver's frontal air bag inflator that may have been improperly welded.
6,785 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 17V495000
- Steering · recall issued Oct 2016 · model year 2017
An increase in pin contact resistance can increase the risk of a fire, even while the vehicle is parked and ignition is off.
103 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 16V704000
- Airbags · recall issued Sep 2016 · model year 2015
The affected vehicles have a driver's frontal air bag inflator that may have been improperly welded.
3,606 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 16V683000
- Child seat · recall issued May 2016 · model years 2011–2017
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.
188,668 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 16V333000
- Airbags · recall issued Feb 2016 · model years 2007–2010
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
- Visibility · recall issued Oct 2014 · model year 2015
Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards No. 111, "Rearview Mirrors.".
53 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 14V648000
- Brakes · recall issued Oct 2014 · model years 2013–2014
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 2010–2011
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 year 2013
Due to a production process error, the tear seam on the instrument panel was not manufactured correctly.
3 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 13V570000
- Brakes · recall issued Sep 2013 · model years 2013–2014
Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail.
76,191 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 13V454000
- Steering · recall issued Jun 2011 · model year 2011
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 X3 PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 27, 2011, THROUGH JUNE 8, 2011.
51 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 11V341000
- Airbags · recall issued Aug 2008 · model years 2004–2006
BMW IS RECALLING 200,000 MY 2006 3 SERIES SPORT SEAT, MY 2004-2006 5 SERIES STANDARD AND SPORT SEAT, AND MY 2004-2006 X3 PASSENGER VEHICLES.
- Equipment · recall issued Sep 2007 · model year 2005
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BMW BIKE CARRIERS, P/N 82110393954, SOLD FOR USE ON MY 2005 BMW X3 AND X5 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 X3?
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 X3 have?
65 recall campaigns across model years 2004–2025, 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 140.
Which BMW X3 year has the most recalls?
The 2020, with 16 campaigns. 2018: 11, 2021: 10, 2019: 10.
What are most BMW X3 recalls about?
Airbags: 13 of the 65 campaigns. Then electrical (8) and engine (8).
What is the newest BMW X3 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 X3 recall?
NHTSA 22V119000 (engine, Mar 2022) covers 917,106 vehicles in all, every model in that campaign. 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.
How do I check if my BMW X3 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 X3: 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 X3?