Owners filed 160 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the airbags. It has been recalled 2 times.
When it fails
07000070,000 milesMedian miles at failure
117 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 0–10,000 miles.
Most common 2007 BMW X3 Sav problems
41 of the 160 complaints (26%) are about the airbags.
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Air Bags · airbags
40
2
0
2
Seats
28
0
13
10
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission
28
0
0
0
Engine
16
0
1
0
Electrical System
14
0
4
4
Power Train · transmission
9
0
0
0
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration
3
1
0
3
Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler
3
0
2
1
Structure › Body · body and frame
2
0
0
0
Steering
2
1
0
0
2 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (pcv)22V119000
Filed Mar 2, 2022917,106 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC
Defect. 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); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Risk. 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.
Remedy. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Vehicles previously repaired under the prior recalls will need to come back for the new recall remedy. The remedy is currently being developed. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 1, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 22, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module16V071000
Filed Feb 5, 2016840,000 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC
Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive, 335is and M3 Coupes and Convertibles, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i SAVs, 2007-2010 X3 xDrive30i SAVs, 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M SAVs, 2009-2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d SAVs, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M SACs, 2010-2011 BMW X6 xDrive50i SACs and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk. 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.
Remedy. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
All 2 campaigns on file, newest first.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Air Bags
Filed Aug 31, 2018MD
MY VEHICLE IS UNDER TWO RECALLS: 17V605 17V683 AS RECOMMENDED, I TOOK MY VEHICLE IN TO THE BMW DEALER FOR THE RECALLS. THE DEALER RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO ME STATING THAT THE REMEDY FOR THE RECALL WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. SINCE THAT TIME, I CONTINUE TO RECEIVE RECALL NOTICES FROM BMW FOR THE SAME RECALL NUMBERS. YOUR DATABASE SHOWS THAT FOR BOTH RECALLS: "RECALL INCOMPLETE/REMEDY NOT YET AVAILABLE". I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THE "REMEDY" IS "NOT YET AVAILABLE". CAN YOU TELL ME WHEN BMW PROJECTS A "REMEDY" TO BE AVAILABLE TO CORRECT BOTH RECALLS? IT SEEMS LIKE THE TECHNICAL RESOLUTION OF THESE ISSUES WOULD BE FAIRLY STRAIGHTFORWARD, ALBEIT SOMEWHAT EXPENSIVE, FOR BMW TO PROCESS. THANK YOU- [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).' *PM
Engine
Filed Apr 20, 2018NJ
I RECIEVED A RECALL FOR PVC VALVE HEATER LAST YEAR DEC 2017 UNTIL NOW APRIL 20 2018 MY CAR IS NOT FIX AND I GET OVERHEAT WHEN MY CAR IS STUCK ON TRAFFIC.
EngineFire
Filed Mar 15, 2018110,000 milesMI
ALL FOUR ENGINE MOUNTING BOLTS ARE SHEARED AND COMPLETELY BROKEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT IN ANY KIND OF ACCIDENT AND NO OTHER ISSUES I.E. ENGINE TAKEN OUT AND REUSAGE OF BOLTS, ETC. THE ENGINE WAS SITTING ON THE SURROUNDING CHASSIS. THIS CAUSED THE ENGINE HEAD TO CRACK AND OIL LEAKING ONTO THE EXHAUST
Air Bags
Filed Feb 20, 2018CA
TAKATA RECALL - MY VEHICLE HAS A RECALL AND NO ONE HAS A REMEDY FOR IT. NOT THE DEALER, MANUFACTURER OR TAKATA. THE ISSUE IS THAT I NEED MY CAR AND THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. I HAVE RECEIVED DOCUMENTATION FROM TAKATA AND BMW THAT THERE CURRENTLY IS NO REMEDY. MY QUESTION IS SINCE I AM STILL DRIVING MY CAR, IF I WERE IN AN ACCIDENT, IS THE LIABILITY OF MY PASSENGER MY RESPONSIBILITY? I CANNOT LET THE CAR SIT PARKED UNTIL A REMEDY IS AVAILABLE AS THIS WOULD RUIN THE CARS ENGINE. BMW AND TAKATA HAVE NO REMEDY AND HAVE GIVEN NO ETA WHEN ONE WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. BMW WILL NOT GIVE ME A LOANER UNTIL THIS REMEDY IS FIXED. SO FOR NOW I AM WITHOUT A CAR, WHICH IS UNFAIR AS I STILL HAVE TO PAY FOR INSURANCE AND REGISTRATION.
Air Bags
Filed May 30, 2017TN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW X3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CHATTANOOGA BMW DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Air Bags
Filed May 25, 2017NV
I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE OVER A YEAR NOW. AND I HAVE RECEIVED THE NOTICE IN REGARDS TO THE RECALL. BUT STILL NO ONE HAS CONTACTED ME IN REGARDS TO GET THIS ISSUE CORRECTED. WHEN I CALLED MY LOCAL BMW OF LAS VEGAS. STILL HAVEN'T DONE ANYTHING AFTER COUPLE OF MONTHS.
SeatsFire
Filed May 11, 201758,000 milesPA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW X3. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS WARMING UP, THE CONTACT STEPPED AWAY FOR A FEW MINUTES. UPON RETURNING, THE INTERIOR WAS FILLED WITH SMOKE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SEAT WAS BURNING. THE CONTACT TURNED THE ENGINE OFF AND WAITED FOR THE SEAT TO COOL DOWN. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRIC WIRING FOR THE SEAT FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000.
Air Bags
Filed May 2, 2017CA
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW X3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Air Bags
Filed Apr 24, 2017IN
TAKATA RECALL TAKATA RECALL DRYER AND REINBOLD BMW, GREENWOOD,IN WILL NOT REPAIR THE DEFECTIVE AIRBAG IN MY VEHICLE. THEY WILL GIVE ME NO TIMEFRAME FOR THE REPAIR OF MY VEHICLE. THEY HAVE NOT PROVIDED AN ADEQUATE RESPONSE WHEN ASKED WHY MY VEHICLE HAS A LOWER PRIORITY FOR REPAIR.
Air Bags
Filed Apr 19, 2017NV
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW X3 SAV. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Seats1 injured
Filed Feb 13, 201779,113 milesNV
2007 BMW X3 WITH JUST UNDER 80,000 MILES. THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BOTTOM BURNED THROUGH THE UPHOLSTERY AND BURNED THE THIGH OF THE DRIVER WHILE THE SEAT HEATER WAS IN USE APPROXIMATELY FIVE MINUTES INTO THE DRIVE ON PAVED CITY STREETS. IT WAS IMMEDIATELY TURNED OFF BEFORE THE UPHOLSTERY ACTUALLY CAUGHT FIRE.
Electrical SystemFire
Filed Feb 1, 2017111,000 milesWA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW X3 SAV. AFTER A SEAT WARMER WAS ACTIVATED, THE HEAT GENERATED BECAME SO INTENSE THAT IT BURNED A HOLE IN THE SEAT, AS WELL AS THE CONTACT'S JACKET AND JEANS. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT WAS ALTERED TO THE FAILURE DUE TO A BURNING ODOR. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY A FAULTY HEATING ELEMENT AND THE SEAT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 111,000.
Air Bags
Filed Jan 19, 2017NJ
"TAKATA RECALL" RECALL # 16V071 ISSUED ON 2/5/16 PARTS ARE STILL NOT AVAILABLE TO BE REPLACED 16 DEATHS HAVE OCCURRED RESULTING FROM THE TAKATA INFLATORS MALFUNCTION IT IS AN EXTREME HAZARD TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE!
Air Bags
Filed Dec 11, 2016FL
I HAVE NOT RECEIVE THE RECALL LETTER TO TAKE MY CAR TO THE DEALER FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE AIRBAG.
Engine
Filed Dec 8, 2016147,000 milesCO
RIGHT FRONT MOTOR MOUNT BRACKET BOLTS SHEARED OFF. 3 OF THE 4 BOLTS WERE SHEARED OFF, AND IF THE 4TH HAD SHEARED BEFORE WE GOT IT TO THE REPAIR SHOP THIS WOULD HAVE CAUSED SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE. IF IT HAD HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING THIS WOULD HAVE ABSOLUTELY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Air Bags
Filed Dec 7, 2016MA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW X3 SAV. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Electrical System
Filed Nov 15, 2016105,000 milesCT
IN COOL CLIMATE ON NOVEMBER 1, 2016. TURN ON MY HEAT SEAT, THEN I SMELLED SOMETHING BURNED, THEN I FELT SHARP BURN ON LEFT BUTT CHEEK. THEN I KNEW SOMETHING WRONG WITH HEAT I TURNED OFF, , ON NOVEMBER 7, 2016, I TRIED AGAIN,,, BURNING SMELL IS SO BAD, THE HEAT STILL BURNED ALMOST THROUGH OUT SIDE LAYER OF SEAT
Air Bags
Filed Nov 3, 2016CA
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW X3 SAV. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. UPDATED 02/15/2017*CT
Air Bags
Filed Oct 29, 2016WI
RECALL CAMPAIGN #16V-071 INITIATED IN MARCH 2016 STILL NOT ADDRESSED AND IT IS NOW NOVEMBER 2016.
Seats
Filed Oct 28, 2016111,000 milesNY
HEATED DRIVERS SEAT STARTED TO BURN ME LEFT SIDE OF SEAT. BURNING SMELL. I SHUT IT OFF, BUT IT LOOKS LIKE IT WOULD HAVE CONTINUED TO BURN THROUGH SEAT IF I HAD NOT. CAN FEEL THE WIRE THROUGH THE LEATHER SEAT. CALLED BMW AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD "HELP" WITH THE COST OF REPAIR, BUT I HAVE TO PAY A DIAGNOSTIC FEE FIRST. WILL TAKE THIS TO ME REGULAR MECHANIC FIRST.
Air Bags
Filed Oct 14, 2016NY
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW X3 SAV. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Air Bags
Filed Oct 10, 2016FL
SAFETY RECALL 16V-071 STILL NOT REPAIRED. BMW TOLD ME THEY REPAIRED ALL OTHER MODELS SO FAR BUT DONT KNOW WHEN THEY ARE GOING TO GET THE PARTS FOR THE X3 MODELS. I HAVE BEEN WAITING SINCE MARCH 2016. IT IS NOW OCTOBER 2016, PLUS I AM IN FLORIDA WHICH MAKES THIS REPAIR A PRIORITY ACCORDING TO BMW BECAUSE THE DAMAGE HAPPENS FASTER IN WARMER CLIMATES.
Air Bags
Filed Oct 5, 2016TX
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW X3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PART DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Air Bags
Filed Sep 21, 201696,000 milesNJ
TAKATA RECALL. I WAS INFORMED BY BMW USA THAT THE INTERIM REPAIR IS THE SAME PARTS THAT ARE CURRENTLY BEING USED IN THE VEHICLE AND THAT DUE TO THE NEW (SAME) PARTS NOT HAVING BEEN EXPOSED TO ATMOSPHERIC ELEMENTS THEREBY "REDUCES THE RISK." THE COMPLAINT I HAVE IS THAT THE RISK SHOULD BE ELIMINATED BY CORRECTLY REPAIRING THE ISSUE, NOT TO JUST "REDUCE THE RISK." THE SOLUTION I AM SEEKING IS TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED TO ELIMINATE THE RISK, NOT JUST REDUCE IT.
Air Bags
Filed Sep 21, 2016VA
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW X3 SAV. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. UPDATED 11/17/16*LJ UPDATED 11/17/16. *JB
Air Bags
Filed Sep 20, 2016PA
RECALL WAS ISSUED FEB 2016 AND NOTICE SENT BY BMW MARCH 2016; NEVER RECEIVED ANOTHER NOTIFICATION FROM THEM THAT PARTS WERE AVAILABLE AND ONLY FOUND OUT "INTERIM" PARTS WERE AVAILABLE BY PROACTIVELY SEARCHING; SEPTEMBER 2016 AND STILL ONLY "INTERIM" PARTS AVAILABLE AND NOT A COMPLETE FIX?? THIS IS THE AIR BAG - MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN THAT IT HAS NOT BEEN A PRIORITY TO FIX ON THE PART OF BMW.
Air Bags
Filed Sep 8, 2016WA
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW X3 SAV. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/CoolerFire
Filed Aug 29, 2016146,000 milesCT
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BWM X3 SAV. WHILE DRIVING, THE SEAT WARMER WAS ACTIVATED. THE CONTACT FELT A STING AND SMELLED AN ABNORMAL ODOR. THE CONTACT NOTICED A HOLE IN THE SEAT. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THERE WAS A SHORT IN THE SEAT WARMER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 146,000.
Engine
Filed Aug 20, 2016116,000 milesFL
MY 2007 BMW X3 (E83) FRONT PASSENGER SIDE, "ENGINE MOUNT BRACKET BOLTS" SNAPPED WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE. AT LEAST 3 OF THE 4 ALUMINUM BOLTS SNAPPED DURING NORMAL VEHICLE OPERATION WHICH RESULTED IN MY ENGINE RESTING ON THE VEHICLES WATER PUMP AND EVENTUALLY CAUSING THE WATER PUMP TO FAIL. MY MECHANIC NOTICED THE SNAPPED BOLTS WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO INSTALL A NEW WATER PUMP. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE TO HAVE HALF YOUR ENGINE NOT PROPERLY MOUNTED DOWN AND SHOULD BE A FACTORY RECALL. JUST THINK OF THE DAMAGE A FRONT END COLLISION CAN COST WITH THAT PART OF THE ENGINE ABLE TO MOVE FREELY. ON THE MICRO SIDE IT COST ME A WATER PUMP. HOWEVER IT COULD HAVE DONE MORE DAMAGE. PLEASE RECALL THIS!!! NUMEROUS PEOPLE ONLINE ARE REPORTING THE SAME FAILURE. IT'S A VERY DANGEROUS AND LIFE THREATENING MALFUNCTION THAT COULD BE AVOIDED BY BMW. THE PROBLEM IS GALVANIZED CORROSION BETWEEN THE DIFFERENT METALS OVER TIME. THE BOLTS ARE ALUMINUM, AND THE ENGINE MOUNTS ARE MAGNESIUM-ALUMINUM MIX. I BELIEVE IT IS THE MAGNESIUM THAT IS CAUSING THE FAILURE. THERE ARE A COUPLE OF FIXES. 1-EASY FIX WOULD BE TO TAKE STEEL BOLTS AND COAT THEM WITH ALUMINUM (THE ALUMINUM WILL SLOW CORROSION AND THE STEEL WILL STRENGTHEN THE BOLT WITHOUT GIVING WAY TO GALVANIZED CORROSION). 2-OTHER FIX WOULD BE TO MAKE THE BOLTS OF THE EXACT SAME MIXTURE AS THE ENGINE BLOCK (MAGNESIUM AND ALUMINUM) NOT JUST ALUMINUM. THE BOLTS STILL WONT BE AS STRONG AS THE STEEL (ALUMINUM) COATED BOLTS.
Air Bags
Filed Aug 9, 2016CA
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW X3 SAV. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Air Bags
Filed Aug 8, 2016TX
BMW SAYS THEY HAVE ON SHIP DATE ON AIRBAGS AND NOTHING IS BEING RUSHED OR DONE NOW' THIS WAS RECALLED IN FEB AND I AM NOT GETTING ANY INFO FROM THEM ON STATUS. THE DEALERSHIPS SAY BMW IS IN NO RUSH TO FIX THE ISSUE'. I HAVE CALLED MANY DEALERS AND THE MAIN COMPANY COMPLAINT NUMBER' PLEASE HELP.
Air Bags
Filed Aug 8, 2016TX
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW X3 SAV. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Air Bags
Filed Aug 2, 2016FL
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW X3 SAV. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT WAS NOT EXPERIENCING A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Air Bags
Filed Jul 27, 2016MD
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW X3 SAV. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Air Bags
Filed Jul 13, 2016PA
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW X3 SAV. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Air Bags
Filed Jul 13, 2016GA
I HAVE BEEN HAVING ISSUES WITH MY X3 EVERY SINCE I'VE HAD IT I AM CONVINCED THAT MY VEHICLE IS A LEMON. NOW MY AIRBAGS HAVE HAD A RECALL ON THEM FOR ALMOST 7 MONTHS AND NO ONE HAS CONTACTED ME ON FIXING THEM WHEN I CALL I GET THE RUN AROUND. I GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT AND THE AIRBAGS DIDN'T EVEN DEPLOY, I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED . I AM SEEKING LEGAL HELP. I WANT A REPLACEMENT VEHICLE OR I AM GOING TO COURT AND THEY CAN HAVE THIS PIECE OF CRAP BACK. NOW I HAVEN'T BEEN DRIVING MY CAR FOR THE PASS COUPLE OF MONTHS BECAUSE THEY CLAIM THAT MY AIRBAGS CAN DEPLOY AT ANYTIME WITH METAL FRAGMENTS THAT CAN KILL ME, AND POSSIBLY KILL MY DAUGHTER IF SHE IS IN THE CAR WITH ME. THIS WAS OUR ONLY MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION, AND IT IS HARD TRYING TO FIND RIDES TO AND FROM WORK. I DONT SEE WHY THEY CANT REPLACE MY VEHICLE. I PAY THEM EVERY MONTH FOR A VEHICLE I'M NOT EVEN DRIVING.
Structure › Body
Filed Jul 5, 2016147,000 milesCA
THE BACK PASSENGER DOOR SUDDENLY STOPPED OPENING. UNABLE TO OPERATE THE LATCH FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THIS COULD TRAP AN OCCUPANT INSIDE OR PREVENT A RESCUER FROM GETTING A OCCUPANT OUT. THIS WAS NOTICED WHEN VEHICLE WAS STOPPED, IN PARK, ALL DOORS WERE UNLOCKED, WHEN A PASSENGER ATREMPTED TO OPEN THE DOOR FROM OUTSIDE IN ORDER TO RETRIEVE HER BELONGINGS. LATER ATTEMPTS TO OPERATE THE DOOR FAILED, INCLUDING LOCKING/UNLOCKING WITH KEY, WITH INTERIOR UNLOCK BUTTON, WITH WINDOW UP AND DOWN AND WITH CAR ON AND OFF. DOOR WILL NOT AXTIVATE AND NOTHING SOUNDS BROKEN OR DETACHED.
Air Bags
Filed Jun 29, 2016NC
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW X3 SAV. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO PERFORM THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Air Bags
Filed Jun 21, 2016PA
TAKATA RECALL FOR OVER A MONTH (SINCE MAY 18TH) I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE CONVERSATIONS WITH BMW NORTH AMERICA CUSTOMER SERVICE AND WEST GERMAN BMW IN FORT WASHINGTON, PA ABOUT THIS RECALL. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE HAVING MY WIFE AND 20 MONTH OLD DAUGHTER IN THIS (MY WIFE'S) VEHICLE. EVERYONE IS TELLING ME THE VEHICLE "SHOULD BE SAFE" BUT NOBODY WILL PUT THAT IN WRITING, SO I HAVE REQUESTED A LOANER OR RENTAL CAR. I KEEP GETTING BOUNCED AROUND TO DIFFERENT PEOPLE AND NOBODY IS TAKING THIS SERIOUSLY AND GETTING ME A SAFE VEHICLE FOR MY WIFE. I WOULD LIKE HER X3 FIXED PER THE RECALL, OR IF THE PART REMAINS UNAVAILABLE TO BE PUT INTO A SAFE LOANER OR RENTAL IMMEDIATELY.
Air Bags
Filed May 31, 2016OH
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW X3 SAV. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Engine
Filed May 14, 201670,000 milesID
WHEN I PULLED THE COVER PLATE OFF LEADING TO THE ENGINE MOUNT ON THE BOTTOM RIGHT SIDE OF THE ENGINE, A SHEARED BOLT FELL OUT. AS I SEARCH TO WHERE IT CAME FROM I NOTICED IT WAS ONE OF THE FOUR BOLTS HOLDING THE ENGINE MOUNT TO THE ENGINE. ONE THING TO MENTION ABOUT THE BOLT IS THAT IS MADE OF ALUMINUM. IT SEEMS COMPLETELY INADEQUATE FOR A HIGH STRESS AREA LIKE AN ENGINE MOUNT. I CANNOT TELL YOU WHEN EXACTLY THE BOLT FAILED, LIKELY IN MOTION AT SOME POINT BETWEEN 70K AND 80K MILES.
Air Bags
Filed May 9, 2016GA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW X3 SAV. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS)WAS RECEIVED IN MARCH OF 2016. AFTER CONTACTING THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WERE STILL NOT AVAILABLE AND NO ESTIMATED TIME FOR RECEIVING THE PARTS COULD BE GIVEN. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Air Bags
Filed May 8, 2016WA
TAKATA RECALL. RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FROM BMW. LOCAL DEALER (BMW OF SPOKANE 509-458-3288) SAID JUST DRIVE IT WITH NO REPAIR OPTIONS. CALLED BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AT 1-800-525-7417, WAS ADVISED JUST TO DRIVE IT. CONCERNED THE RECALL IS SO LARGE THAT REPAIRS WILL NOT BE WITHIN ANY REASONABLE TIMEFRAME. ALSO CONCERNED THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER ARE NOT TAKING THE DOT SAFETY RECALL SERIOUSLY.
Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed May 2, 2016VA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2007 BMW X3 SAV. THE CONTACT WAS A PASSENGER IN THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CRASH SIDE SWIPED ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THEN CROSSED OVER TO THE FAR RIGHT LANE STRIKING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT WAS IN AND ROLLED OVER. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD WHERE IT WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THERE WERE TWO INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION THE CONTACT'S LEFT HAND WAS CRUSHED AND REQUIRED FOUR SURGERIES. THE CONTACT ENDURED ONE AND A HALF YEARS OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY, POST CONCUSSION BRAIN DAMAGE, AND PTSD THERAPY. DUE TO THE CRASH, THE CONTACT NO LONGER HAD PROPER FUNCTIONALITY OF THE LEFT HAND. THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE HAD TO GET STITCHES ON THE TOP OF THE HEAD. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 08/04/16*LJ UPDATED 08/16/16. *JB
Air Bags
Filed Apr 6, 201695,000 milesIL
A WARNING CODE IS TRIGGERED THAT AFFECTS THE OPERATION OF THE AIRBAG. THE WARNING CODE IS PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR. THE AIRBAG LIGHT IN THE DASH FLASHES ON AND OFF RANDOMLY WHETHER THERE IS SOMEONE IN THE SEAT OR NOT. IT DOES NOT MATTER WHETHER THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT IS FASTENED OR NOT. BMW HAS A RECALL FOR EARLIER YEARS OF THIS SAME PROBLEM ON THIS VEHICLE, BUT NOT FOR THIS YEAR WHICH ALSO HAS QUITE A FEW OF THESE FAILURES. OBVIOUSLY THEY HAVE NOT FIXED THIS PROBLEM AND NEED TO RECALL ALL VEHICLES WITH SIMILAR OCCUPANCY SEAT SENSORS THAT AFFECT THE AIRBAG.
Seats
Filed Apr 3, 2016119,000 milesNV
WHILE DRIVING I TURNED ON DRIVER SEAT HEATER. IT SMELLED LIKE IT WAS BURNING SO I TURNED IT OFF. I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP AND THEY SAID THAT SOMETIMES IT BURNS A HOLE IN THE SEAT. I TURNED MINE OFF BEFORE IT COULD DO THAT. THEY UNHOOKED IT SO THAT I CAN'T ACCIDENTALLY TURN IT ON.
Electrical SystemFire
Filed Mar 30, 2016110,000 milesTX
BMW X3 HEATED SEAT BURNED HOLE THROUGH SEAT. IF HEATED SEAT IS TURNED ON, VISIBLE SPARKS OR FIRE WILL COME THROUGH HOLE. HOLE IS DIRECTLY BELOW DRIVER'S LEFT THIGH. BMW HAS ISSUED A RECALL FOR OTHER MODELS, BUT NOT THE X3. THE X3 IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO THE SAME ISSUE.
Engine
Filed Mar 29, 201685,000 milesTN
DRIVING WITH 85000 MILES ON IT AND IT JUST JUMPS WHEN YOU PUSH THE GAS. HOPS LIKE A BUNNY. THEN IT TAKES OFF LIKE A RACE CAR...WHICH IS DANGEROUS IF A CAR IS IN FRONT OF MY AND I SLAM INTO THEM. THIS PROBLEM HAS CAME AND WENT OVER WEEKS NOW. HAD CODES CHECKED. THERE ARE NO VACCUM LEAKS OR ANYTHING. I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE HAVING ISSUES WITH THIS. ITS DANGEROUS AND UNACCEPTABLE OF BMW.
Seats
Filed Mar 29, 201685,000 milesTN
MY PASSENGER SEATS SEATBELT LIGHT COMES ON AND AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON WHEN THERE IS JUST A PURSE IN THE SEAT. IT BEEPS OVER AND OVER UNTIL YOU CLICK THE SEATBELT WHEN NO ONE IS IN IT. I KNOW THAT IT FEELS WEIGHT. BUT IT'S SUPPOSED TO BE AROUND 45 LBS. NOT 10LBS. I WILL KEEP A WATCH ON THIS TO SEE IF ITS HAVING AIRBAG ISSUES WITH A ADULT SITTING IN IT. JUST LIKE THE RECALL ON THE DRIVERS SIDE AS WELL, ALREADY .WHAT HAPPENS IF SOMETHING HAPPENS BEFORE THE NEW PARTS ARE OUT TO FIX THIS RECALL?? LITTLE TO LATE.
Seats
Filed Mar 29, 201685,000 milesTN
MY DRIVERS SIDE SEAT HAS MANY TIMES STARTED OVER HEATING AND YOU CAN SMELL THE ELECTRICAL BURNING. GETS REAL HOT. I HAVE HAD TO TURN IT OFF IT GETS SO HOT AND I ALWAYS AM LOOKING FOR ELECTRICAL FIRE WHEN I SMELL IT. ITS REAL STRONG. THIS IS DANGEROUS, COULD START A FIRE WHILE MY CAR IS WARMING UP IN THE SNOWY WINTERS. WHAT IF THIS CAUGHT FIRE UNDER ME AND BURNT MY LEGS OR BODY BEFORE I COULD GET PULLED OVER. REGARDLESS ITS FAULTY AND DANGEROUS.
Complaints 1-50 of 160, newest first, reproduced as filed.
A high number of complaints describe fires or crashes.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Mar 2, 2022. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.