2007 BMW X3

Routine

Owners filed 98 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the airbags. It has been recalled 3 times.

Not among the BMW X3 years to avoid. Which BMW X3 years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
110,000 milesMedian miles at failure

35 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 105,000–120,000 miles.

Most common 2007 BMW X3 problems

36 of the 98 complaints (37%) are about the airbags.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags · airbags35
214
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine14
010
Engine12
010
Seats8
021
Unknown or Other6
020
Electrical System6
021
Power Train · transmission4
000
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration3
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (pcv) · engine2
000
Suspension1
100

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module20V017000
Filed Jan 15, 202059,965 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC

Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp 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 air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (pcv)17V683000
Filed Oct 30, 2017740,561 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC

Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.

Risk. An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.

Remedy. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification17V605000
Filed Sep 28, 201785,302 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC

Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2010 BMW X3 2.5i, X3 3.0i and X3 xDrive30i Sports Activity Vehicles. 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.

Risk. Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.

Remedy. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger seat occupant detection mat, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. A second notification letter will be sent when parts are available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

All 3 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical System › Ignition › Switch
Filed Aug 8, 202514,000 milesNY

The contact owns a 2007 BMW X3. The contact stated that the vehicle had been taken to the dealer to be repaired under an undisclosed Takata recall repair; however, after the recall repair was performed, the horn became inoperable. Additionally, several buttons on the steering wheel also became inoperable. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer determined that the ignition switch was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 31, 2025NY

I’m writing to escalate an unresolved issue following a recent airbag takata recall repair performed at BMW of Manhattan on my 2007 BMW X3 VIN [XXX] ) , license [XXX] Prior to the recall service, there were no airbag or SRS warning lights on my dashboard. Immediately after the repair, however, the airbag light appeared, and I have since been informed by the dealership that it is unrelated to their work and my responsibility to address — despite this issue arising only after their service. This raises serious safety and liability concerns, especially considering the recall involved the airbag system. I respectfully request: A formal investigation into the cause of the warning light A no-cost diagnostic scan by the dealer to confirm or rule out installation error Assistance in resolving the issue promptly under BMW’s recall and warranty obligations. I have documentation from the service visit and can provide photos or service reports upon request. I was never given a document when I first picked up my car and would like to know what was exactly done to my vehicle since your service advisor strongly believes INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Engine
Filed Jan 5, 2024PA

Had it in bmw dealership for recall to be fixed, that caused my engine light to come on. My engine light was still in when I went back to get it. They said au had to pay $100.00 to have the engine light off. I said I'm not paying if it's a recall. They refused to do anything else. I took it home and put my code reader on it and it was showing code for the part that Was not changed under recall. I have been calling them since and they have not called me back.

Seats
Filed Nov 9, 2023MA

I was driving my daughter to school this morning and turned on the seat warmers/heaters. After a few minutes on the road, I started to smell something burning. I couldn’t identify the smell and wondered if it was coming from the heater. I touched the left edge of the driver seat and was immediately burned on my hand. I quickly turned off the seat heaters and noticed that the left edge of the seat was burning. Yes, the safety of me and my daughter was at risk. I swerved when it burned me. No accident, fortunately. This is a known issue from what I’ve researched and it seems a recall was issued in 2006. So why not for this year. Same seat. Very dangerous. Could have been much worse.No, it has not been inspected. The damage is obvious and the only solution is to disable/not use it until a recall is issued. There were no warning lamps, etc. And the fuse didn’t blow, either. Problem has been reproduced.

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 18, 2023NJ

Summary of complaint: We own a 2007 BMW X3 SUV that we have taken to the BMW Mt. Laurel NJ dealership for service since we bought the car over five years ago. On August 15th 2023, we took the car for a scheduled service and oil change. We paid $3000 + and brought the car back home first week of September when the car was purportedly repaired. My husband noticed that the car was not driving quite well. The steering was tight. When we called BMW they told us it might take a few drives for things to get back to normal. Then our 29 yr old daughter came from NYC where she resides to visit is for the weekend. On Sunday Sept 10th 2023, She went on an errand for us to Moorestown area. At a stop sign when she was not moving the car, the car started a spin in all directions. The oncoming vehicles thankfully avoided hitting her and she was able to come to a stop. Our daughter was terrified. After calming down she called to let us know what happened. She was so shaken up she barely managed to drive back home. We then called BMW right away when they opened on Monday and told them what happened. They came to pick up the car from our house to check it out and see why it spun out of control in circles. Then the service Dept called and said the car spun out of control due to a transfer case issue. I then questioned them why they did not properly diagnose this initially instead of us wasting $3000+ on repairs and still the car was not safe to drive. I then contacted Robert Durante the Asst ser

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 8, 2023WA

1. My car is very old and has 189,000 miles. Takata airbag recalls are now known and issued by the NHSTA, it shows that I have 6 recalls and BMW does not see the recalls. As well as my brakes they are super soft and the only thing I did for the brakes is replace new brake pads they are OEM and also my emergency parking brakes are not working. It is avaible for inspection. 2. My safety while driving the car is at risk because I dont know if the airbag will work or fail at any moment. 3. The problem has not been solved and BMW Seattle states that, "We do not see any recalls, and I am not saying that there isn't but because of the age of the car I don't know." BMW Seattle service receptionist states. 4. The vehichle has not been inspected for any safety recalls or notices. I have tried to call them about the safety and they always deny and say I dont know. 5. First it was the engine warning and now the low tire preasure light. But I always keep my car on top of things. But like I said 6 recalls that BMW don't see and I have called them about is very concerning for my safety and they safety of my passengers as well as kids that ride with me.

Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed May 15, 2023127,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2007 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH the vehicle T-bone crashed into the side of a tractor trailer. During the crash the front driver side and passenger side airbags did not deploy. The driver sustained head, neck, back and internal injuries and the front passenger sustained head, neck, back and leg injuries. No further information was available. Both occupants were transported to the hospital. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle towed away. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 127,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Apr 27, 2023TX

The contact owns a 2007 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

EngineFire
Filed Mar 29, 2023AK

I received a Recall notice in April 2022 regarding the PCV valve issue stating there was an issue and no fix was avaliable. The veichle caught fire in the drive way on 1/14/2023 and spred to the garage. 2 weeks after the fire on January 31, 2023 I received a fix is avalible notice.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Feb 28, 2023NY

The 2007 X3 BMW suddenly accelerates when stopped. This has happened multiple times' and is extremely dangerous. I have to put the vehicle in neutral and hit the gas pedal to stop it from racing. No codes come up when my mechanic scans the computer.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Feb 17, 2023CA

The contact owns a 2007 BMW X3. The contact stated that on various occasions when starting the vehicle, there was smoke coming from underneath the hood. The contact also stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the failure recurred, and the vehicle was stalling. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced, and the contact was advised to take the vehicle to a local dealer. The vehicle was then taken to a local dealer; however, the contact was informed that the recall remedy would not be completed due to the failures and was advised to file a complaint with the NHTSA hotline. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 1, 2023CA

The bmw dealer is not helping to perform the recall on my bmw x3 recall. the dealer in Murrieta, ca has been ignoring me and does not call me back. My vin# wbxpc93497wf04472

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Dec 5, 2022OH

The contact owns a 2007 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed Dec 1, 2022130,000 milesCA

The contact owned a 2007 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at mid-range speed, another vehicle ran a two-way stop sign and hit the front end of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. A police report was filed. The contact and his wife were taken to the hospital where his wife was treated for an injury to her foot (foot location unknown) and the contact was treated for the pain in his back and neck. He was also treated for respiratory issues related to his defibrillator. The whereabouts of the other driver were unknown. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was deemed a total loss by his insurance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Engine
Filed Nov 25, 2022IL

I have been waiting for any update from BMW about this issue,and I have not heard one word from them since April or 2022. Nothing has been up dated on their web site, no mailings etc. How long can this go on?? Thank You.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Nov 25, 2022CA

The contact owns a 2007 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had 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.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Sep 29, 202258,000 milesNM

The contact owns a 2007 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving 65-70 MPH, the coolant temperature and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact then noticed smoke coming out from underneath the hood of the vehicle and he smelled a burning plastic odor. The contact and his family exited the vehicle. The contact opened the hood and sprinkled water to prevent a fire. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Engine
Filed Sep 19, 2022AZ

Vehicle breaking down/stalling out due to overheating with no visible defects that would cause a vehicle to overheat. Vehicle is maintained regularly and very well taken care of but persists having overheating issues and smells of burning plastic or burning electrical smell with no visible cause. The most recent incident that occurred on 9/12/22 happened while I was making a very routine drive on the freeway going approx. 70mph mid morning so slight traffic and within 2 second the vehicles temperature gauge went from smack in the middle where it sits usually to maxed out in the red! Vehicle starts very loudly beep beep beeping and then just loses power MID FREEWAY which of course means zero power steering to assist in coasting to the nearest exit while hoping not to get run over by hurried angry morning Phoenix drivers. I made it just off the off ramp and was able to make a right turn onto the street before I had to just turn on my hazards and exit the vehicle for my own safety, but mind you this is after a few failed attempts to get the car started again. Now my vehicle sits smack in the middle of a busy road taking up a whole lane while I sit there waiting for it to "cool" down in 100°F + weather and look under the hood for possible leaks or cause. After 20 minutes or so the police show up which is just the icing on the cake but just before I about blew a gasket mentally (LOL PUN) the officers approached me very friendly and concerned my my safety and the safety of my vehic

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Sep 15, 2022WA

The contact owns a 2007 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had 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.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Aug 17, 2022GA

The contact owns a 2007 BMW X3. The contact received a recall notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine And Engine Cooling). However, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time to complete the recall repair. The contact stated that the vehicle was overheating while driving and the AC was hot. The contact stated that he smelled a burning odor inside the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that he would need to pay a diagnostic and repair fee. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 16, 2022CA

I purchased the above vehicle in June 02,2022. The previous owner stated there is a recall on the Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Valve heater. The issue was never resolved.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Aug 3, 2022MS

The contact owns a 2007 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet 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 experienced several failures that were unstated and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. Parts distribution disconnect. The failure mileage was unknown.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jun 3, 2022160,000 milesWA

The contact owns a 2007 BMW X3. The contact stated that there was an abnormal odor of burning plastic inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the heater was inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed May 25, 2022NC

The contact owns a 2007 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Apr 20, 2022170,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2007 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle overheated. The contact noticed smoke coming from under the hood. There were no warning lights on the instrument panel. The contact pulled over safely. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The approximate failure mileage was 170,000. (RECALL RELATED INCIDENT) TS

Engine
Filed Apr 13, 2022MI

I have contacted NHTSA and BMW several times. I want this in writing in the case myself or my children are injuried when in this vehicle. My bmw x3 is my only form of transportation the engine light is on and it has started to smoke twice when engine is off. I just purchased the car second week of March 2022. It is hard for the car to accelerate and once the car is stopped at light or stop sign, the car does not have enough power to drive away or pull off. The car RPM goes very high and then low. This issue is unsafe and unfair that a customer can not drive their vehicle to work and appointments for my son with autism as well as my other 3 children. The burden is on BMW and NHTSA to remedy this issue. I will be contacting my local congress person to address this issue is well.

Steering
Filed Apr 7, 2022MI

I just purchased a bmw x3 2007 the 2nd week of March 2022. Immediately, after driving home and parking the car. I turned the car off and the car began to make a loud noise and the engine start smoking very bad. I contacted bmw via email, and was told that there is not a remedy to the recalls effecting my car. The bmw x3 2007 is my only form of transportation and bmw cannot fix the problem. This car can catch on fire or worse kill me and children in the fire in the car. After research this is an ongoing problem with bmw. Bmw should be liable for any damages caused my this recall. I have car that i cannot drive because it is not safe to drive, by no fault of my own.

Unknown or OtherFire
Filed Mar 10, 2022KS

I drove my 2007 bmw to work and got to work and I walked inside my job and clocked in maybe 5-10 of being inside a customer came inside and said a car was on fire 🔥 and it was my car on fire My boss called 911 and the fire department got there and put the fire out and called my insurance and got told to call bmw bc there was a recall on my vehicle

SeatsFire
Filed Jan 27, 2022180,000 milesIN

The contact owns a 2007 BMW X3. The contact stated that while the heated seat was in the on position the driver's side seat became extremely hot and caught fire. The fire burnt through the seat and left a hole. There were no reported injuries. The driver was able to extinguish the fire. The contact called the local dealer and left a message but, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.

Unknown or OtherFire
Filed Dec 2, 2021IL

On November 21, 2021 Will I was in church my vehicle caught on fire while it was park and not running. Before I went into church I was waiting for my friend and his wife in the parking lot for about 20mins, just sitting there without the car running. I did not see any fire/smoke or even smell any smoke when I got out of the car. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Engine
Filed Nov 7, 2021OH

After hearing a very loud bang. I noticed a very bad vibration during normal operation of the vehicle. Today I was able to find the problem. The 4 bolts that hold the motor mount bracket to the engine block were sheared off. After just a little research on this issue. It seems this a very common incident on all newer bmw vehicles. In the course of this damage, I now need several thousand dollars worth of repairs that are directly attributed to this bolt failure. The rest of the owners that have experienced this issue have had the same outcome. I am having my vehicle towed to a shop in a few days to get an estimate on the damages. Since this is obviously an ongoing and known issue for BMW vehicles, BMW should issue a recall or a service bulletin that will cover repairs to their vehicles.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Sep 16, 2021NY

The BMW SUDDENLY ACCELERATES WHEN Stopped. This has happened multiple times' and is extremely dangerous. I have to put the vehicle in neutral and hit the gas pedal to stop it from racing. No codes come up when my mechanic scans the computer.

Seats
Filed Nov 17, 2020173,350 milesCT

WHILE DRIVING, I TURNED ON THE SEAT WARMER. WITHIN A FEW MINUTES, I SMELLED BURNING AND MY LEFT THIGH FELT HOT. I TURNED OFF THE SEAT WARMER AND THE SMELL ABATED. THE RESULTING BURN MARK WAS LEFT IN THE SEAT.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 8, 202058,000 milesNY

I CALL THE BROOKLYNBMW DEALER TO SCHEDULE A RECALL REPAIR ON THREE ITEMS FOR MY TRUCK AND I WAS TOLD IT WOULD TAKES DAYS FOR THE REPAIRS AND I WOULD HAVE TO GET MY OWN MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION DURING THIS TIME EVEN AFTER I STATED I HAVE AN ELDERLY MOTHER WHOM LIVES WITH ME AND THAT I WOULD NEED SOME TYPE OF TRANSPORTATION DURING THAT TIME AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO LOANER CAR TO OFFER ME AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY $40 A DAY FOR A RENTAL CAR. THIS IS AN INCONVIENCE SINCE I SHOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR OUT OF POCKET EXPENSE FOR THE COMPANYS NEGLIGENCE OF DEFECTIVE/CHEAP/RECALLED AUTO PARTS. MY CAR IS DRIVABLE AND THE INCONVIENCE IS NOT OF MY FAULT.

Electrical System1 injured
Filed Jun 13, 2020112,520 milesGA

THE DRIVER'S SEAT HEATING ELEMENT BURNED AND DAMAGED THE SKIN OF THE SEAT AND BURNED MY BACK WHILE DRIVING IN THE CITY. I WAS SO SURPRISED WHEN THIS HAPPENED THAT I JUMPED IN THE SEAT AND CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. *TR

Seats
Filed Mar 11, 2020107,000 milesGA

THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT HEATER GOT EXCESSIVLY HOT AND ALMOST BURNT MY SIDE. I COULD SMELL A BURNING SMELL SO I TURNED IT OFF. NOW YOU CAN SEE THE IMPRINT OF THE COIL THROUGH THE LEATHER SEAT. I'VE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH MICHAEL PIGONCELLI AT BMW NORTH AMERICA AND HE SUGGESTED I FILE A COMPLAINT WITH THE NHTSA. YOU ISSUED A RECALL FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM IN 2004 WITH THE BMW 5 & 7 SERIES. I FEEL THE ISSUE NEVER GOT RESOLVED AND IT IS STILL A PROBLEM. THERE SHOULD NEVER BE AN INTERIOR PART OF A CAR THAT COULD CATCH ON FIRE AND BURN SOMEONE REGARLESS OF THE AGE OF THE CAR. I TRIED TO GET UNITED BMW TO DO A "GOODWILL" FIX, BUT THEY WOULDN'T. MR. PIGONCELLI IS REACHING OUT TO UNITED BMW TO HAVE A FREE DIAGNOSTIC TEST RUN ON THE SEAT HEATER TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM AND ESTIMATE TO FIX IT, BUT I DON'T FEEL I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE ENTIRE REPAIR COST.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Mar 6, 2020200,000 milesFL

ALL WIRING INSIDE OF BOTH HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES ARE BRITTLE TO THE TOUCH. I HAD A LIGHT COME ON IN THE DASH FOR A LIGHT BULB OUT AND UPON GETTING READY TO REPLACE THE DRIVERS LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT, I LEARNED ALL THE WIRE COATING WAS FLACKED OFF AND CAUSED A GROUND. I REMOVED BOTH HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES, AS BOTH WERE AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN AND HAD THEM PROFRESSIONALLY REWIRED THEM WITH HEATSHRINK TUBING, AND REPLACED THE BURNT OUT HEAD LIGHT BULB. I STILL HAVE A LIGHT OUT ON THE DASH AND THE HEADLIGHT DOES NOT WORK. FURTHER TROUBLESHOOTING HAS REAVEALED THIS IS NOT THE SWITCH, AS I PURCHASED A KNOWN GOOD ONE, AND STILL NO POWER TO THE DRIVERS LOW BEAM HEAD LIGHT + LEAD. I HAVE YET TO REPLACE THE LIGHT CONTROL MODULE UNIT (UNDER THE DASH? I BELIEVE) AS THIS IS TOO COSTLY FOR ME TO AFFORD. I WILL JUST DRIVE WITH ONE HEADLIGHT OUT. :(

SeatsFire1 injured
Filed Mar 6, 2020230,000 milesFL

VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT SKI RESORT SINCE ABOUT NOON/12PM. OUTSIDE TEMPURATURE BETWEEN 24F & 35F. STARTED VEHICLE ABOUT 4:20PM. WARMED UP ENGINE TO JUST UNDER NORMAL OPERATING TEMPURATURE. PROCEEDED TO PUT VEHICLE IN GEAR & TURNED ON VEHICLE HEATER TO 91F FULL SPEED (AUTO)CIRCULATE, FOLLOWED BY BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT HEATERS (TO LEVEL 3 OF 3 GREEN LIGHTS ON BUTTON). DROVE 15MPH SPEED LIMIT & AFTER ABOUT 3 MINUTES, LESS THAN 1/4 OF A MILE. SMOKE BEGAN FILLING THE CABIN, MEANWHILE PASSENGER PANICED SCREAMING I'M BURNING, I'M ON FIRE. IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER & TURNED OFF VEHICLE, AIRED OUT VEHICLE BY OPENING DOORS, & INVESTED CAUSE. FOUND BURN ON RIGHT SIDE OF PASSENGER SEAT. PASSENGER RIGHT LEG THIGH WAS BURNED THROUGH SEAT & CLOTHING. VEHICLE HAS 230K ACTUAL OEM MILES.

Power Train
Filed Jan 2, 2020160,000 milesWA

WHITE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT A SPEED OF 65 MPH THE ENGINE LOST POWER AND STOPPED. AFTER TO THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AND STARTED AGAIN THE HEATER WAS NO LONGER WORKING. TOOK IN FOR THE REPAIR, WAS TOLD IT WAS A WATER PUMP. $1600 REPAIR 6 WEEKS AGO. LAST NIGHT 1/1/2020 WHILE DRIVING ON THE SAME HIGHWAY ALL THE LIGHTS BEGAN BLINKING AND THE ENGINE CEASED AGAIN WITH THE INDICATOR LIGHTS SHOWING A TRANSMISSION ERROR.

Electrical System
Filed Dec 1, 2019126,000 milesIN

BMW HAS KNOWLEDGE OF VARIOUS SOFTWARE ISSUES ,AND IF YOU THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT,MIGHT URGE THEM TO MAKE SOFTWARE UPDATES READILY ACCESSIBLE FOR ,TRANSMISSION,DME,EGS,ALL THERE MODULES IT WOULD PROBABLY ELIMINATE 80%OF THERE COMPLAINTS.

Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler
Filed Oct 23, 2019124,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW X3. WHEN THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT HEATER WAS ACTIVATED, THE CONTACT NOTICED A SMOKE ODOR AND IMMEDIATELY SAW SMOKE COMING FROM THE SIDE OF THE SEAT. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF THE SEAT HEATER AND OPENED THE WINDOW. THERE WAS NO INJURY. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT PART OF THE SEAT WAS BURNED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 124,000.

SuspensionCrash
Filed Oct 11, 2019110,000 milesNJ

THE REAR COIL SPRINGS ON BOTH SIDES BROKE. LESS THAN 115,000MILES ON ODOMETER. ALSO WHEEL BEARING IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY ON PASSENGER SIDE REAR. CAR HAS BEEN DRIVING WITH A DRAG. DIDN'T KNOW WHY. WENT TO REPLACE THE WHEEL BEARING AND SAW COIL SPRINGS ON ONE WAS BROKEN. CHECKED THE OTHER SIDE AND IT WAS BROKEN TOO.

Seats
Filed Oct 10, 2019110,000 milesPA

THE HEATING ELEMENT IN THE DRIVERS HEATED SEAT BURNED THROUGH THE LEATHER SEAT AND AND BURNED ME. THIS IS THE 2ND TIME THIS INCIDENT HAS HAPPENED WITH THIS CAR. IT ALSO HAPPENED 4 YEARS AGO. THE SEAT WAS REPLACED WITH ANOTHER FAULTY SEAT, OBVIOUSLY. THERE IS AN OBVIOUS BURN MARK ON THE SEAT. VEHICLE WAS MOVING, I WAS 2 BLOCKS FROM MY SUBURBAN HOUSE, FIRST TIME USING IT THIS FALL

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 18, 201990,000 milesPA

I WAS NEARLY KILLED TODAY BY A TRUCKER. THE COMPANY AND THE TRUCKER DIDN'T CARE. THE TRUCKER FLIPPED ME OFF AND CUSSED ME OUT. THE COMPANY GAVE ME FALSE CONTACT INFORMATION TO REPORT THE INCIDENT AND THEN REFUSED TO ANSWER SUBSEQUENT CALLS. I REPORTED THE INCIDENT WITH THE FMCSA AMONG OTHERS. I HAVE ATTACHED A COPY OF THE FMCSA REPORT AND PICTURES OF THE DRIVER. THE TRUCKER CROSSED TWO LANES FROM THE RIGHT HAND LANE DURING A TURN, NEARLY DRIVING OVER MY VEHICLE. THE TRUCK DRIVER DID NOT USE A TURN SIGNAL, AND NEVER SLOWED DOWN DESPITE ALMOST HITTING ME. THIS FORCED MY VEHICLE INTO THE MEDIUM, AND THE TRUCK DRIVER FLIPPED ME OFF AND CUSSED ME OUT. THE COMPANY FAILED TO TAKE THE COMPLAINT SERIOUSLY.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 4, 2019CT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW X3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V605000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WITHIN A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME. NEW COUNTRY BMW (1 WESTON PARK RD, HARTFORD, CT 06120) CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Mar 9, 20192 milesTX

WHILE DRIVING MY 2007 BMW X3 THE VEHICLE IN SAN ANTONIO ON BANDERA RD IT LOST POWER ALL WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AND THE VECHILE STARTED TO SPUTTER TILL IT'S JUST DIED AND NOW WON'T TURN OVER EVERYTHING WORKS HAS POWER BUT VEHICLE WILL NOT CRANK OVER.

Air Bags
Filed Feb 26, 2019IL

RECALL NO. 17V-605 - PERILLO BMW CLAIMS NOT A 'RECALL' I HAVE A 'IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL - FINAL REMEDY AVAILABLE' NOTICE FOR RECALL CAMPAIGN NO. 17V-605 FOR MY 2007 X3 VIN: [XXX] THE NOTICE STATES THAT BMW 'WILL REPLACE THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT DETECTION SENSOR MAT'. I CONTACTED PERILLO BMW IN CHICAGO, IL (WWW.PERILLOBMW.COM) TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT FOR THIS RECALL REPAIR. THE SERVICE ADVISOR (AT 312-981-5200) STATED TO ME THAT THIS WAS NOT A RECALL, THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL, AND THAT BMW SENDS THIS KIND OF NOTICE OUT FOR ALL CARS LIKE THIS EVEN IF THERE WERE NO RECALL. BUT, APPARENTLY, THERE IS A 'WARRANTY ISSUE' AND THEY WERE WILLING TO 'INSPECT' MY BMW TO SEE IF THERE WAS A PROBLEM. I'M HESITANT TO ACCEPT THAT A 'WARRANTY CHECK' REPRESENTS THAT THE REQUIRED RECALL REPAIR WAS CARRIED OUT. COULD YOU PLEASE DETERMINE WHY PERILLO BMW WOULD NOT BE WILLING TO HONOR THE RECALL NOTICE THAT I RECEIVED, AND PERHAPS PROVIDE ADVICE ABOUT HOW BEST TO PROCEED? THANKS, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Seats
Filed Dec 10, 2018104,348 milesMD

WHEN DRIVER SIDE SEAT HEATER WAS TURNED ON THIS MONTH, MY WIFE COULD SMELL "BURNING" MATERIAL ORDER. SHE TURNED IT OFF AND REPORTED HER PROBLEM TO ME. I TOOK THE CAR OUT FOR A TEST DRIVE, ACTIVATING THE PASSENGER SEAT HEATER AND NOTED NO ODOR. I THEN ACTIVATED THE DRIVER SEAT AND COULD SMELL "WIRE BURNING ORDER" I LEFT THE SWITCH ON FOR ANOTHER 30 SECONDS AND COULD FEEL THE SEAT GETTING ABNORMALLY WARM. TURNED IT OFF AND WILL NOT USE UNTIL TROUBLE SHOOTING COMPLETED BY BMW SERVICE TECHS, IN BOTH INSTANCES, WE WERE DRIVING THE VEHICLE.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Dec 9, 2018660,060 milesIL

TURNED ON DRIVER SIDE SEAT HEATER AND IT BURNED A HOLE IN THE SEAT AT THE LOWER LEFT SIDE OF THE OF THE SEAT UPRIGHT PORTION. IMMEDIATELY TURNED OFF WHEN SMELLED BURNING AND FELT EXTREMELY HOT AT LOWER BACK. DRIVER COULD HAVE BEEN BURNED. SAW MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS ONLINE FOR THE EXACT SAME ISSUE IN THE EXACT SAME LOCATION. THIS COULD SERIOUSLY INJURE SOMEONE ESPECIALLY IF IT HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC.

Engine
Filed Dec 6, 2018124,000 milesGA

I'VE MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO GET AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE TWO RECALLS DONE AT MY NEAREST BMW DEALERSHIP (GLOBAL IMPORTS BMW IN MARIETTA, GA.), BUT THEY REFUSE TO SCHEDULE ME. THE TWO RECALLS ARE: NHTSA 17V605 AND NHTSA 17V683

Complaints 1-50 of 98, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2013
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202622200Routine
202538910Routine
202442300Routine
202317400Routine
202286740Routine
20211131020Routine
20201101660Do not drive
20191711020Routine
2018761120Routine
201792620Routine
201682530Routine
2015105770Routine
201486610Routine
20132267100Above average
201242210Routine
2011113430Routine
201032420Routine
200919330Routine
200866340Routine
2007 — this page98390Routine
20061432160Routine
20051032180Routine
20041381130Routine

Compare every X3 year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

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: Jan 15, 2020. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.