BMW 3 Series recalls and problems
8 recalls and 822 owner complaints for 15 model years. Pick your year for full details.
Recalls
8
Complaints
822
Crashes reported
29
Fires reported
18
Choose a model year
BMW 3 Series by year
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 3 Series | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2013 3 Series | 0 | 21 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2012 3 Series | 3 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2011 3 Series | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2010 3 Series | 2 | 30 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2009 3 Series | 1 | 53 | 4 | 2 | 9 | 0 |
| 2008 3 Series | 2 | 68 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| 2007 3 Series | 1 | 115 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 0 |
| 2006 3 Series | 3 | 202 | 6 | 1 | 7 | 0 |
| 2005 3 Series | 0 | 25 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| 2004 3 Series | 0 | 77 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| 2003 3 Series | 0 | 73 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| 2002 3 Series | 0 | 26 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2001 3 Series | 1 | 36 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2000 3 Series | 1 | 88 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 0 |
Most reported BMW 3 Series problems
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 266 | |
| Electrical System | 145 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 99 | |
| Engine | 70 | |
| Structure | 62 | |
| Power Train | 60 | |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages | 47 | |
| Steering | 43 | |
| Unknown or Other | 28 | |
| Tires | 27 |
All BMW 3 Series recalls
| Recall | Date | Years | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23V-821 | Dec 6, 2023 | 2023 | Power Train | 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… |
| 23V-707 | Oct 20, 2023 | 2010–2012 | Engine and Engine Cooling | BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2010-2012 1 Series Coupe, 1 Series Convertible, 3 Series Sedan, 3 Series Convertible, 2010-2011 3 Series Sportswagon, 3 Series Coupe, 5 Series Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, X3… |
| 22V-119 | Mar 2, 2022 | 2006–2012 | Engine and Engine Cooling | BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i)… |
| 21V-401 | May 27, 2021 | 2000–2001 | Air Bags | BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2001 BMW 3 Series (323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci and 330Ci), 1999-2001 323i, 328i, 330i, 330xi, and 2000 323i, 328i stationwagon vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air… |
| 12V-176 | Apr 20, 2012 | 2012 | Seats | Bmw is recalling certain model year 2012 bmw 3-series vehicles manufactured from october 19, 2011, through march 18, 2012, that have front seat head restraints that exceed the downward movement limit of 25mm in the… |
| 09V-257 | Jul 8, 2009 | 2008 | Seat Belts, Air Bags | Bmw is recalling 2,350 my 2008 1-series and 3- series passenger cars. |
| 08V-384 | Aug 5, 2008 | 2006 | Air Bags | 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. |
| 06V-400 | Oct 18, 2006 | 2006 | Suspension | On certain vehicles, one of the suspension control arm and swivel bearing connection bolts was not tightened correctly. |
Frequently asked questions
What is the worst year for the BMW 3 Series?
By owner complaints to NHTSA, the 2006 BMW 3 Series has the most reports (202). Check the 2006 page for the problems owners describe.
How many recalls does the BMW 3 Series have?
NHTSA lists 8 safety recalls covering BMW 3 Series model years 2000–2001, 2006–2012, 2023.
What are the most common BMW 3 Series problems?
Owners report air bags, electrical system, exterior lighting problems most often.