BMW X3 recalls
Recalls to 31 Oct 2026, from DVSA's file. Each recall shows its own launch date.
DVSA lists 50 safety recalls naming the BMW X3, launched from 2011 to 2026. Most recalls cover only cars built in certain dates or chassis number ranges, so check a specific car on GOV.UK's recall check.
BMW X3 recalls at a glance
- Recalls
- 50
- 2011 to 2026
- Latest recall
- 2 March 2026
- R/2026/054
Source: DVSA RecallsFile.csv, recalls launched from 1992 to October 2026, downloaded 31 October 2026. Open Government Licence v3.0.
Every BMW X3 recall
Newest first. The concern is the part or system affected, the defect is what can go wrong, and the remedy is what the manufacturer does to put it right.
Replace the Engine Starter Motor
R/2026/054, launched 2 March 2026. Also covers the 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, X4, X5, Z4
Defect: The Safety Recall relates to the engine starter motor. The fault relates to the RSW22 starter RWT (reinforced water tightness). It was found that with RWT starters an increased abrasion of the magnetic contact can cause the growth of deposits at the lowest point of the relay interior. This in turn may increase the relay contact resistance resulting in false starts or even causing short circuits and possibly a thermal reaction. In case of a short circuit the possibility of a thermal event cannot be excluded. This may happen while attempting to start the vehicle or while driving due to vibrations causing a short circuit due to moving deposits.
Remedy: On the affected vehicles the starter motor will be replaced with a variant by another supplier with a different design. Until the repair has been completed it is recommended to not leave the vehicle running unattended after starting the engine.
Replace the Driver’s Airbag – Takata PSDI-5
R/2025/327, launched 12 January 2026. Also covers the 1 Series, 3 Series, X1
Defect: Affected vehicles may be fitted with a drivers airbag which may deploy with too much explosive force causing sharp metal fragments to be released into the cabin. It has the potential to fatally or seriously injure vehicle occupants.
Remedy: Affected vehicles will have the airbag replaced.
Takata Driver and/or Passenger Airbag Recall (Global VINs)
R/2025/349, launched 18 December 2025. Also covers the 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, X1, X4, X5, X5M, X6, X6M
Defect: Affected vehicles are already included in Safety Recalls within the markets they have previously resided in. The vehicles may be fitted with a driver and/or passenger airbag/s which if deployed may do so with excessive force causing sharp metal fragments to be released this may cause serious injury which could prove fatal to people in the vicinity.
Remedy: Vehicles will have the affected airbags checked and if necessary replaced.
Programming Control Units (Steering Gear)
R/2025/535, launched 9 December 2025, 5,313 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: A quality check has revealed a potential issue with the steering gear software program which monitors the function of two sensors and compares the signals. In the vehicles concerned due to an error in the software the failure of a sensor may not always be detected correctly. When a failure has been detected correctly the driver is notified of it by a Check Control message on the Central Display and minimal change to steering feel.
Remedy: To ensure your vehicle is in perfect working order we would like to program the vehicles control units. This work will be free of charge.
Replace the Engine Starter Motor
R/2025/405, launched 27 October 2025. Also covers the 1 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, 7 Series, X4, Z4
Defect: For affected vehicles there is a concern involving water ingress and corrosion to the starter motor for where a short circuit cannot be ruled out. It is strongly recommended to park the vehicle outdoors and not in the immediate vicinity of buildings until the repair has been carried out.
Remedy: Replacement of the starter motor.
Replacing the Head Rest (2nd seat row)
R/2025/279, launched 4 September 2025, 411 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: On affected vehicles the outer headrests of the second row of seats may not have been manufactured correctly. In case of a collision or an accident they may not provide the necessary protection increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: On the affected vehicles the headrest of the second row seats will be replaced.
Rework/Replace the Starter Generator (SGR)
R/2025/186, launched 1 June 2025, 81 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: On affected vehicles the screw connection of the positive battery cable onto the starter generator may not have been performed to specification.
Remedy: On affected vehicles the starter generator will be replaced and positive cable will be reworked / replaced if required.
Replace Rear Brake Hose G45
R/2025/135, launched 26 March 2025, 16 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: On affected vehicles the rear brake hoses may not have been crimped correctly during production.
Remedy: Affected vehicles will have the brake hoses replaced.
Rework Starter Generator Electrical Connection
R/2025/082, launched 3 March 2025, 4 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: On affected vehicles the 48v connection to the starter generator may not be secured to the correct specification.
Remedy: Affected vehicles will have the connection checked and reworked if required.
Adaption measure for the emission control system
R/2024/482, launched 16 December 2024, 20,093 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: For certain vehicles there is an adaptation measure for the emissions control system.
Remedy: The vehicles will have some components of the emissions control system replaced with adapted parts and their control applications will be updated.
Luggage Compartment Lashing Rail G01 F97
R/2024/461, launched 20 November 2024. Also covers the X3M
Defect: On affected vehicles the screw connection for the luggage lashing rails may not withstand the forces in situations of a rear end impact. This may result in the lashing rail to not crumple as expected in these situations.
Remedy: On affected vehicles the luggage lashing rail screws will be replaced with revised screws.
Replace Passenger Airbag G45
R/2024/429, launched 28 October 2024, 2 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: For the affected vehicles the fabric of the passenger airbag may have been damaged during handling for airbag assembly.
Remedy: Replacement of the passenger airbag.
Check Driver’s Airbag for Conversion Takata SDI & PSDI-5
R/2024/403, launched 21 October 2024. Also covers the 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, X1, X4, X5, X6
Defect: Affected vehicles may have had a retrofit or conversion of the airbag using a previously recalled airbag variant which if deployed may do so with excessive force causing sharp metal fragments to be released this may cause serious injury possibly fatal to people in the vicinity. The original factory fitment airbag for the vehicle is not affected.
Remedy: Vehicles will have the airbag checked and if necessary replaced.
Luggage Compartment Lashing Rail G01 F97
R/2024/364, launched 20 September 2024. Also covers the X3M
Defect: On affected vehicles the screw connection for the luggage lashing rails may not withstand the forces in situations of a rear end impact. This may result in the lashing rail to not crumple as expected in these situations.
Remedy: On affected vehicles the luggage lashing rail screws will be replaced along with additional washers.
Replace VANOS bolts N51 N52 N55
R/2024/191, launched 1 May 2024. Also covers the 1 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, 7 Series, X1, X5, Z4
Defect: On affected vehicles overtime the aluminium screws can loosen or break on the adjustable variable camshaft timing (VANOS) units potentially resulting in engine emergency mode being activated.
Remedy: On affected vehicles the eight aluminium screws will be replaced if evidence of faulty screws is found then the VANOS adjustment unit will also be replaced.
Replacing the Driver’s Airbag PSDI-5
R/2024/132, launched 18 March 2024. Also covers the 1 Series, 3 Series
Defect: On affected vehicles a possible degradation due to age of the propellant tablets may lead to over aggressive combustion if the air bag is activated and cause the inflator body to rupture.
Remedy: On the affected vehicles the drivers air bag will be replaced.
On affected vehicles the three screws connecting the electric motor to the steering gear are potentially not fastened correctly.
R/2023/355, launched 20 December 2023, 46 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the X4
Defect: On affected vehicles the three screws connecting the electric motor to the steering gear are potentially not fastened correctly.
Remedy: On affected vehicles the steering gear will be replaced
On affected vehicles ingress of transmission fluid may occur to the integrated transmission control unit within the mechatronic module
R/2023/354, launched 20 December 2023, 26 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 3 Series, X3M, X4, X5, X5M, X6M
Defect: On affected vehicles ingress of transmission fluid may occur to the integrated transmission control unit within the mechatronic module
Remedy: On affected vehicles the transmission mechatronic module will be replaced
Check Steering Wheel and Rework Ground Connection
R/2023/332, launched 16 November 2023. Also covers the 5 Series, 7 Series
Defect: On affected vehicles the steering wheel ground connection may have been insufficiently fastened during production which may result in the system detecting the hands are on the steering wheel even though they are not
Remedy: On affected vehicles the steering wheel ground connection will be checked and if required reworked.
Checking potential vehicle damage
R/2024/156, launched 20 October 2023. Also covers the X3M, X4, X5, X5M, X6, X6M, X7, Xm
Defect: On affected vehicles risk of potential flooding could have occurred leading to salt water ingress whilst parked in port awaiting shipping
Remedy: The affected vehicles will be thoroughly checked cleaned and reworked as required
On affected vehicles the bolted connection for the starter-generator may not have been tightened onto the body (ground) according to specifications.
R/2023/234, launched 31 July 2023, 6 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: On affected vehicles the bolted connection for the starter-generator may not have been tightened onto the body (ground) according to specifications.
Remedy: Check and rework the ground connection for the starter generator if required.
On affected vehicles the bolted connection to the starter-generator may not have been tightened according to specifications.
R/2023/233, launched 31 July 2023, 1 vehicle affected across the models it covers
Defect: On affected vehicles the bolted connection to the starter-generator may not have been tightened according to specifications.
Remedy: Check and rework the ground connection to the starter generator if required.
The affected vehicles possibly have an inadequate laser weld seam on the seat mechanism/frame of the driver s or front passenger seat.
R/2023/113, launched 17 April 2023, 1 vehicle affected across the models it covers
Defect: The affected vehicles possibly have an inadequate laser weld seam on the seat mechanism/frame of the driver’s or front passenger seat.
Remedy: Replace the defective seat mechanism and backrest frame on the affected front seat.
A possible degradation of the propellant tablets could lead to an over-aggressive combustion in the event the airbag is activated which may cause the inflator body to rupture.
R/2023/016, launched 24 January 2023. Also covers the 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, X1, X4, X5, X5M, X6, X6M
Defect: A possible degradation of airbag propellant tablets could lead to an over-aggressive combustion in the event the airbag is activated which may cause the inflator body to rupture.
Remedy: On affected vehicles the drivers airbag module will be replaced.
Undetected EGR System leaks may cause thermal activity in the intake manifold
R/2022/255, launched 22 August 2022, 322,745 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, 7 Series, 8 Series, X1, X4, X5, X6, X7
Defect: Undetected EGR System leaks may cause thermal activity in the intake manifold.
Remedy: The engine management control unit (DDE) will be programmed with improved software incorporating the latest OBD functionality.
THE EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION COOLER MAY LEAK OVER TIME AND CAUSE THERMAL INCIDENT
R/2022/206, launched 1 August 2022, 319,399 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, 7 Series, X1, X4, X5, X6
Defect: The Exhaust Gas Recirculation cooler may leak over time and cause thermal incident.
Remedy: On the affected vehicles the EGR cooler module will be replaced.
THE OBD SOFTWARE COULD MISINTERPRET CERTAIN INPUT PARAMETERS FOR THE ENGINE MANGEMENT SYSTEM
R/2022/084, launched 28 March 2022, 6,401 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 5 Series, X4
Defect: During a service visit the affected vehicles have been updated with software that could misinterpret certain input parameters for the engine management system.
Remedy: The control units will be reprogrammed with an improved version of software.
THE EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION MODULE COULD LEAK OVER TIME
R/2021/213, launched 14 June 2021, 18,330 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 3 Series, 4 Series, 6 Series, X4, X5, X6
Defect: The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Module could leak over time’and cause thermal incident.
Remedy: The EGR cooler will be internally inspected with an endoscope and replaced if evidence of leaking is found.
THE EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION COOLER COULD LEAK OVER TIME
R/2021/037, launched 9 February 2021, 63,888 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series, X4, X5
Defect: Leaking glycol coolant could create in combination with soot and oil sediments in the EGR module ignitable deposits.
Remedy: The EGR cooler will be internally inspected with an endoscope and replaced if evidence of leaking is found.
THE BATTERY CABLES ON THE 48V STARTER GENERATOR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SUFFICIENTLY SECURED DURING PRODUCTION
R/2021/015, launched 25 January 2021, 388 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, X4, X5, X6, X7
Defect: The battery cables on the 48V starter generator may not have been sufficiently secured during the production process.
Remedy: Check the screw connection of the 48V positive / negative battery cables on the starter generator and rework if necessary.
REMAINING PARTICLES IN THE CELLS OF THE HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY CAN CAUSE A SHORT CIRCUIT
R/2020/283, launched 14 December 2020, 2,665 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 2 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series, I8, X1, X2, X5
Defect: A possibility of impurities contained in the HV batteries may cause short circuit.
Remedy: Testing of battery charge cycles and replacement of the HV cells where necessary.
ON AFFECTED VEHICLES SEAT BELT MOUNTING BOLTS MAY NOT BE SECURELY ATTACHED
R/2020/346, launched 26 November 2020, 88 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: On affected vehicles seat belt mounting bolts may not be securely attached.
Remedy: Check connections of both front seat belts and rework if necessary.
THE CABLE LENGTHS FOR THE ELECTRIC CONNECTION OF THE HALL SENSOR INSIDE THE SEATBELT BUCKLE COULD BE TOO SHORT
R/2020/120, launched 22 April 2020, 326 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 8 Series, X3M, X4, X4M
Defect: The cable lengths for the electric connection of the hall sensor integrated inside the seatbelt buckle could be too short.
Remedy: R; The front seat belt buckles will be checked and replaced if they are found to be faulty.
DEPLOYMENT OF THE PASSENGER AIRBAG COULD DAMAGE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL
R/2020/116, launched 22 April 2020, 1 vehicle affected across the models it covers
Defect: Deployment of the passenger air bag could damage the instrument panel
Remedy: On the affected vehicle the instrument panel trim will be replaced
FRONT AXLE SWIVEL BEARINGS NOT PRODUCED TO SPECIFICATION
R/2019/377, launched 3 October 2019, 13 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the X4
Defect: The swivel bearing/s on the front axle of the affected vehicles may not have been produced to specification.
Remedy: The swivel bearing/s on the affected vehicles will be replaced.
FRONT SEATBACKS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN WELDED TO SPECIFICATIONS
R/2019/367, launched 10 September 2019, 1 vehicle affected across the models it covers
Defect: The front seatbacks may not have been welded to specifications by the sub-supplier.
Remedy: On the affected vehicles the front seat structure will be replaced.
REAR SPOILER TO BOOT LID MAY NOT BE ATTACHED SECURELY
R/2019/038, launched 8 July 2019, 436 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: Vehicles may not have had the rear spoiler properly attached
Remedy: The screw connection of the rear spoiler will be inspected and if necessary screws installed.
THE SCREW AT THE BOTTOM STEERING SPINDLE CONNECTION MAY BE INCORRECTLY TIGHTENED
R/2018/362, launched 14 December 2018, 53 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: The screw at the bottom steering spindle connection may be tightened incorrectly.
Remedy: The screw connection at the bottom steering spindle will be checked replaced and tightened to the correct specifications.
EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION MODULE COOLER COULD LEAK
R/2018/341, launched 7 December 2018, 225,449 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, 7 Series, X1, X4, X5, X6
Defect: The EGR cooler may leakpresenting a fire risk
Remedy: A visual inspection of the EGR cooler to check for leaks and excessive build-up of deposits. The EGR cooler will be replaced on all affected vehicles
EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION COOLER COULD POTENTIALLY LEAK OVER TIME
R/2018/258, launched 5 November 2018, 153,602 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series, X4, X5
Defect: The EGR cooler may leakpresenting a fire risk.
Remedy: The EGR cooler will be replaced with an improved version.
PISTONS IN REAR BRAKE CALIPERS MAY NOT BE COATED TO SPECIFICATIONS
R/2018/220, launched 10 August 2018, 1,032 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the X4
Defect: The fault affects the brake system in particular the brake calipers on the rear axle. Because of a faulty coating hydrogen gas (approximately 10 ml) could be created in the coating of the piston of the brake caliper. This will be completely outgassed during the first 2 months after the production process causing longer brake pedal travel. Under certain circumstances the relevant brake pressure cannot be build up in the rear brake circuit. As a result the brake force of the system may be reduced by up to 30%. The driver may feel a soft brake pedal and a reduction of the brake performance. In certain cases the rear brake circuit could fail leading to increased risk of an accident.
Remedy: On the affected vehicles the brake system will be bled.
INFLATOR IN DRIVER AIRBAG MODULE MAY NOT BE PRODUCED TO SPECIFICATION
R/2018/101, launched 16 April 2018, 32 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: The driver airbag module may not have been produced to specification. This could lead to excessive pressure building up inside the inflator causing the inflator to rupture resulting in metal fragments passing through the airbag cushion material into the vehicle interior at high speed. This could lead to injury or death of the vehicle occupants.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the driver airbag module.
RESTRICTED FUEL SUPPLY COULD CAUSE ENGINE TO STALL
R/2018/099, launched 16 April 2018, 1,752 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the X4
Defect: The sealing cap of the pressure-limiting valve in the fuel tank delivery module may be damaged. This concern could lead to a reduction in fuel transfer from the left side to the right side of the fuel tank. Therefore it is possible for the engine to stall even though the fuel gauge would show fuel present.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and check the fuel pressure of the delivery module and the distance of the cap on the pressure-limiting valve. Where necessary the delivery module will be replaced.
REAR SPOILER MAY BE INSECURE
R/2018/073, launched 19 March 2018, 2,397 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: The rear spoiler may not have been properly attached Wind noise and deformation of the spoiler may occur. Continued use may cause the spoiler to detach.
Remedy: On affected vehicles inspect the attachment of the spoiler and where necessary install new fixings.
POWER STEERING MAY NOT PERFORM CORRECTLY
R/2016/300, launched 21 December 2016, 41 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Sepies, X5, X6
Defect: The electrical contact of the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) of the Electric Power Steering (EPS) is not sufficiently robust over the service life of the vehicle. As a result the power steering support may fail possibly leading to disconcerting driving situation for the driver. Additionally in a few cases a localised thermal event cannot be excluded.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the steering gear (EPS).
ISOFIX CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM MAY BECOME INSECURE
R/2016/179, launched 6 June 2016, 45,154 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the X4
Defect: ISOFIX mountings are fixed to a cross member. As a result of vibrations and type of seat used it is possible for the ISOFIX mountings to become insecure and in rare cases break off.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and a metal angle bracket will be welded to each of the four ISOFIX brackets in the back seats to reinforce the mounting.
ENGINE EMERGENCY MODE MAY BE ACTIVATED DURING DRIVING
R/2014/068, launched 28 July 2014, 2,967 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 1 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, 7 Series, X1, X5, Z4
Defect: The screws retaining the variable camshaft timing (VANOS) housing may loosen and under certain circumstances the heads may break off. This can lead to the VANOS leaking oil internally and adversely affect the valve timing adjustment. If found to deviating from targeted data the engine emergency mode will be activated. This will be indicated by a distinct change in engine running. The orange engine management warning lamp and a check message; On vehicles with N51/N52 engines this will appear at ignition recycle on N55 engine it will display immediately.
Remedy: Repalce bolted connection of the VANOS adjustment unit
FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY CORRECTLY
R/2013/137, launched 10 December 2013, 4 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: The defect concerns the front passenger air bag. The skin of certain instrument panels was not correctly scored. In case of accident with air bag deployment the predetermined breaking point will not tear open resulting in the air bag deploying in the instrument panel. This will lead to insufficient restraint effect and possibly release of parts of the air bag system into the passenger compartment.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the instrument panel.
POSSIBILITY OF FIRE
R/2013/095, launched 10 September 2013, 21,502 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 1 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series, X5, X6
Defect: Due to a fault with an internal connection within the Fuel Filter Heater (FFH) it is possible that during temperatures below freezing the FFH can remain permanently activated. This will normally cause the FFH to overheat which will result in the inability to start the vehicle due to a flat battery. This can occur even when the ignition is turned off. However in extreme cases it could cause a vehicle fire.
Remedy: Recall all affected vehicles to replace the FFH.
RISK OF FIRE
R/2011/123, launched 5 October 2011, 21,923 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 1 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series, X5, X6
Defect: Moisture may enter the fuel filter heater at an electrical connection. Should this occur it can cause a discharge of the battery causing non starting of the vehicle. Also if it occurs whilst the vehicle is in motion it could result in a fire when the vehicle is left unattended.
Remedy: Recall all affected vehicles and replace the fuel filter heater.
Source: DVSA RecallsFile.csv, recalls launched from 1992 to October 2026, downloaded 31 October 2026. Open Government Licence v3.0.
What to do next
If you own a BMW X3, check its registration on GOV.UK and ask a BMW dealer whether any recall work is outstanding. If you are buying one, ask the seller for proof the work was done, and run a Motoring Insider history check for finance, write-offs and the MOT history.