Every road vehicle recall DVSA lists for the BMW X3 since 1992: what the problem is, how it is put right, how many vehicles it covers and when they were built. Newest first.
Not every BMW X3 is affected. Each recall covers cars built on particular dates or with
particular VINs, which DVSA’s file does not list in full. To check a specific car, use
GOV.UK’s vehicle recall check with its registration, or ask
the manufacturer or a dealer, who can check the VIN.
BMW X3 recalls by year
Recalls launched each year, 2011 to 2026
2023 had the most, with 8. 2026 runs to 14 September 2026. A count of recalls is not a measure of safety: one recall can cover a handful of cars or tens of thousands.
Launched 2 March 2026DVSA recall R/2026/054Manufacturer ref. 0012650600/0012660600/0012670600/0012680600/0012770600/0012790600
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.
Launched 12 January 2026DVSA recall R/2025/327Manufacturer ref. BMW - 0032730300
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.
Launched 18 December 2025DVSA recall R/2025/349Manufacturer ref. TBC – Multiple Takata Global Recalls
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.
Launched 9 December 2025DVSA recall R/2025/535Manufacturer ref. 0032840300
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.
Vehicles affected
5,313 X3 vehicles
Built
26 Aug 2024 to 9 Oct 2025
Replace the Engine Starter Motor
Launched 27 October 2025DVSA recall R/2025/405Manufacturer ref. BMW - 0012550600 0012560600 0012570600 0012620600 0012820600 0012840600
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.
Launched 4 September 2025DVSA recall R/2025/279Manufacturer ref. BMW - 0052250200
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.
Vehicles affected
411 X3 vehicles
Built
11 Jul 2024 to 15 Jul 2025
Rework/Replace the Starter Generator (SGR)
Launched 1 June 2025DVSA recall R/2025/186Manufacturer ref. 0012380600
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.
Vehicles affected
81 X3 vehicles
Built
20 Nov 2024 to 24 Feb 2025
Replace Rear Brake Hose G45
Launched 26 March 2025DVSA recall R/2025/135Manufacturer ref. 0034160300
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.
Vehicles affected
16 X3 vehicles
Built
10 Feb 2025 to 11 Feb 2025
Rework Starter Generator Electrical Connection
Launched 3 March 2025DVSA recall R/2025/082Manufacturer ref. 001235060
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.
Vehicles affected
4 X3 vehicles
Built
10 Oct 2024 to 25 Nov 2024
2024 7 recalls
Adaption measure for the emission control system
Launched 16 December 2024DVSA recall R/2024/482Manufacturer ref. 0011600700 / 0011610700
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.
Vehicles affected
20,093 X3 vehicles
Built
8 Mar 2010 to 15 Aug 2014
Luggage Compartment Lashing Rail G01 F97
Launched 20 November 2024DVSA recall R/2024/461Manufacturer ref. 0051070600
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.
Vehicles affected
1,777 X3 vehicles
Built
16 Aug 2017 to 26 Jun 2024
DVSA lists it as
“X3”, “X3M”
Replace Passenger Airbag G45
Launched 28 October 2024DVSA recall R/2024/429Manufacturer ref. 0072700200
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.
Vehicles affected
2 X3 vehicles
Built
7 Aug 2024
Check Driver’s Airbag for Conversion Takata SDI & PSDI-5
Launched 21 October 2024DVSA recall R/2024/403Manufacturer ref. BMW – 0032550300 0032790300 (SDI airbag) 0032570300 0032810300 (PSDI-5 airbag)
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.
Vehicles affected
57,467 X3 vehicles
Built
13 Oct 2003 to 28 Jul 2006 and 17 May 2010 to 19 Aug 2017
Launched 20 September 2024DVSA recall R/2024/364Manufacturer ref. 0051960500
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.
Vehicles affected
17,529 X3 vehicles
Built
14 Jul 2017 to 26 Jun 2024
DVSA lists it as
“X3”, “X3M”
Replace VANOS bolts N51 N52 N55
Launched 1 May 2024DVSA recall R/2024/191Manufacturer ref. 0011520700
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.
Launched 18 March 2024DVSA recall R/2024/132Manufacturer ref. BMW - 0032520300
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.
Launched 16 November 2023DVSA recall R/2023/332Manufacturer ref. 0032470300 0032650300
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.
On affected vehicles the bolted connection for the starter-generator may not have been tightened onto the body (ground) according to specifications.
Launched 31 July 2023DVSA recall R/2023/234Manufacturer ref. 0061810700
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.
Vehicles affected
6 X3 vehicles
Built
1 Feb 2022 to 5 Oct 2022
On affected vehicles the bolted connection to the starter-generator may not have been tightened according to specifications.
Launched 31 July 2023DVSA recall R/2023/233Manufacturer ref. 0012050600
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.
Vehicles affected
1 X3 vehicle
Built
6 Nov 2021
The affected vehicles possibly have an inadequate laser weld seam on the seat mechanism/frame of the driver s or front passenger seat.
Launched 17 April 2023DVSA recall R/2023/113Manufacturer ref. 0052100200
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.
Vehicles affected
1 X3 vehicle
Built
12 Mar 2021
DVSA lists it as
“X3 M40D”
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.
Launched 24 January 2023DVSA recall R/2023/016Manufacturer ref. 0032390300 0032420300
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.
The OBD software could misinterpret certain input parameters for the engine mangement system
Launched 28 March 2022DVSA recall R/2022/084
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.
Pistons in rear brake calipers may not be coated to specifications
Launched 10 August 2018DVSA recall R/2018/220Manufacturer ref. 0034370200
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
Launched 16 April 2018DVSA recall R/2018/101Manufacturer ref. 0032710200
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.
Vehicles affected
32 X3 vehicles
Built
22 Dec 2017 to 12 Mar 2018
Restricted fuel supply could cause engine to stall
Launched 16 April 2018DVSA recall R/2018/099Manufacturer ref. 0016320200
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.
Launched 19 March 2018DVSA recall R/2018/073Manufacturer ref. 0051270400
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.
Vehicles affected
2,397 X3 vehicles
Built
14 Jul 2017 to 22 Feb 2018
2016 2 recalls
Power steering may not perform correctly
Launched 21 December 2016DVSA recall R/2016/300Manufacturer ref. 003245200
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).
Launched 6 June 2016DVSA recall R/2016/179Manufacturer ref. 0041760100
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
Launched 28 July 2014DVSA recall R/2014/068Manufacturer ref. 0011280300& 0011360300
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
Launched 10 December 2013DVSA recall R/2013/137Manufacturer ref. 0051260300
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.
Vehicles affected
4 X3 vehicles
Built
Build dates not given
Possibility of fire
Launched 10 September 2013DVSA recall R/2013/095Manufacturer ref. 001345200
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.
Launched 5 October 2011DVSA recall R/2011/123Manufacturer ref. 0013080200
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.
Road vehicle recalls (DVSA numbers starting R/) whose model names match the BMW X3. DVSA records some recalls under a range or chassis name we cannot match, so this list may be incomplete.
Vehicles affected is the number the manufacturer reported to DVSA. When one recall covers several models, DVSA often gives only the total.
Build dates are the periods the manufacturer gave. Some recalls have none. VINs are not shown.
Concerns written in capitals have been put in sentence case, and apostrophes lost in DVSA’s file have been put back. The text is otherwise DVSA’s.
