Recaller Book › Recalls › BMW › 3 Series
BMW 3 Series recalls
177 official recall campaigns for the BMW 3 Series, published by vehicle safety authorities in Germany, Finland, France, UK, India, South Korea and 5 more, covering model years 1987–2025. The most recent was issued in 2026 (17 that year). A recall applies to specific build dates and VINs, so check yours before assuming it's affected — or not.
- 177 campaigns
- 135 rated high risk
- Latest: 2026
- 🇩🇪 Germany
- 🇫🇮 Finland
- 🇫🇷 France
- 🇬🇧 UK
- 🇮🇳 India
- 🇰🇷 South Korea
- 🇳🇿 New Zealand
- 🇵🇹 Portugal
Common BMW 3 Series recall issues
The parts and failures that come up most often in these campaigns.
- Airbags 22
- Engine 14
- Electrical & software 6
- Steering 6
- Seat belts 5
- Seats 3
BMW 3 Series recalls by year
- 2026 · 17
- 2025 · 12
- 2024 · 19
- 2023 · 21
- 2022 · 9
- 2021 · 16
- 2020 · 32
- 2019 · 4
- 2018 · 9
- 2017 · 3
- 2016 · 4
- 2015 · 4
- 2014 · 4
- 2013 · 6
- 2012 · 3
- 2009 · 1
- 2008 · 1
- 2006 · 2
- 2005 · 1
- 2002 · 1
- 2001 · 2
- 1999 · 2
- 1997 · 1
- 1996 · 1
- 1995 · 1
- 1992 · 1
BMW 3 Series recalls in 2026 (17)
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BMW 3 series, 5 series, 7 series voiture de tourisme. — safety recall (France)High risk
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BMW 3 series, 5 series, 7 series — safety recall (Slovakia)High risk
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BMW 3 series, 5 series — Passenger car recall (EU Safety Gate, DE)High risk
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BMW 2 SERIES, 3 SERIES — safety recall (Taiwan)High risk
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BMW 3 SERIES — safety recall (Taiwan)High risk
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BMW 1 SERIES, 2 SERIES — safety recall (Taiwan)High risk
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BMW X1, 3 SERIES, 4 SERIES — safety recall (New Zealand)High risk
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BMW 3 SERIES, X1, 5 SERIES — safety recall (New Zealand)High risk
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BMW 3 SERIES — safety recall (New Zealand)High risk
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BMW X3, X4, X5 — Replace the Engine Starter Motor (UK)High risk
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BMW 3 series, m3 voiture de tourisme. — safety recall (France)High risk
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BMW 3 series, M3 — Passenger car recall (EU Safety Gate, DE)High risk
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BMW X3, X4, 3 SERIES — safety recall (New Zealand)High risk
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BMW X3, 3 SERIES, X4 — safety recall (New Zealand)High risk
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BMW 3 SERIES, 4 SERIES — safety recall (Taiwan)High risk
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BMW 1 SERIES 3 DOOR HATCH, 1 SERIES COUPE, X3 — Replace the Driver’s Airbag – Takata PSDI-5 (UK)High risk
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BMW 6 SERIES, 5 SERIES, 1 SERIES — safety recall (New Zealand)High risk
BMW 3 Series recalls in 2025 (12)
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BMW 3 SERIES, X5, X6 — Takata Driver and/or Passenger Airbag Recall (Global VINs) (UK)High risk
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BMW 1 SERIES 5 DOOR HATCH, 1 SERIES 3 DOOR HATCH, X3 — Replace the Engine Starter Motor (UK)Medium
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BMW 3 SERIES — Replace the Front Passenger Airbag Takata PSPI (UK)High risk
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BMW 3 SERIES — safety recall (New Zealand)High risk
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BMW 3 SERIES — safety recall (New Zealand)High risk
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BMW 3 series, 4 series, 5 series — safety recall (France)High risk
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BMW 3 SERIES, 4 SERIES — safety recall (Taiwan)High risk
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BMW 3 SERIES, 1 SERIES, X3 — safety recall (New Zealand)High risk
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BMW 3 SERIES — safety recall (New Zealand)High risk
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BMW 1 SERIES, 7 SERIES, 3 SERIES — safety recall (New Zealand)Medium
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BMW 2 SERIES, 3 SERIES, 4 SERIES — safety recall (New Zealand)High risk
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BMW 1 series, 3 series, x1 — safety recall (France)High risk
BMW 3 Series recalls in 2024 (19)
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BMW 3 series - m3 voiture de tourisme — safety recall (France)High risk
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BMW 6 SERIES GRAN COUPE, 5 SERIES GT, 5 SERIES SALOON — Check Driver’s Airbag for Conversion Takata SDI & PSDI-5 (UK)High risk
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BMW 1 series, 3 series, x3 — safety recall (France)High risk
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BMW 1 series, 3 series — Passenger car recall (EU Safety Gate, DE)High risk
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BMW 3 SERIES SALOON, 2 SERIES COUPE, M2 — Replace the Passenger Airbag (UK)High risk
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BMW X5, 5 SERIES, X3 — safety recall (New Zealand)High risk
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BMW X1, X5, X6 — safety recall (New Zealand)Medium
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BMW 3 SERIES, 6 SERIES, 5 SERIES — safety recall (New Zealand)High risk
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BMW 3 SERIES — safety recall (New Zealand)High risk
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BMW X1, 3 SERIES — safety recall (New Zealand)High risk
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BMW X3, 1 SERIES, 3 SERIES — safety recall (New Zealand)High risk
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BMW 3 SERIES, 1 SERIES, 5 SERIES — safety recall (New Zealand)High risk
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BMW 3 series, 4 series — Passenger car recall (EU Safety Gate, DE)High risk
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BMW 5 SERIES SALOON, 5 SERIES TOURING, X5 — Replace VANOS bolts N51 N52 N55 (UK)Medium
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BMW 1 Series, 3 Series, M coupé — safety recall (Slovakia)High risk
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BMW X3, 1 SERIES 5 DOOR HATCH, 3 SERIES SALOON — Replacing the Driver’s Airbag PSDI-5 (UK)High risk
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BMW 1 series, 3 series, m coupé — safety recall (France)High risk
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BMW 3 Series, 4 Series — Passenger car recall (EU Safety Gate, DE)High risk
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BMW 3 SERIES, 5 SERIES — safety recall (Taiwan)High risk
BMW 3 Series recalls in 2023 (21)
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BMW 3 series, 2 series, x3 — safety recall (France)High risk
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BMW 3 series, 2 series — Passenger car recall (EU Safety Gate, DE)High risk
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BMW M3, 3 SERIES TOURING, X5M — On affected vehicles ingress of transmission fluid may occur to the integrated transmission control unit within the mechatronic module (UK)Medium
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BMW 1 Series, 3 Series — Passenger car recall (EU Safety Gate, DE)High risk
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BMW 3-series, 5-series — safety recall (South Korea)Medium
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BMW 2 Series (G42), 3 Series (G20), X3 (G01) — safety recall (Finland)High risk
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BMW X5, Z4, 3 SERIES — Engine And Engine Cooling: Engine (US)High risk
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BMW 1 SERIES, 2 SERIES — safety recall (Taiwan)High risk
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BMW 3 Series - M3 — Passenger car recall (EU Safety Gate, FR)High risk
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BMW 1 Series, 3 Series — Passenger car recall (EU Safety Gate, FR)High risk
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BMW 3 series - m3 voiture de tourisme — safety recall (France)High risk
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BMW 3 Series - M3 — Passenger car recall (EU Safety Gate, FR)High risk
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BMW 3 series limousine, x3, x4 — safety recall (France)Medium
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BMW 3 Series Limousine, X3 — Passenger car recall (EU Safety Gate, DE)High risk
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BMW 3 SERIES SALOON, 4 SERIES GRAN COUPE, M4 CONVERTIBLE — On certain vehicles the Body Domain Controller (BDC) control unit may have an incorrect setting applied to it. (UK)Medium
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BMW 1 SERIES, 3 SERIES, 4 SERIES — safety recall (New Zealand)High risk
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BMW X5, 1 SERIES, 3 SERIES — safety recall (New Zealand)High risk
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BMW 1 SERIES, 3 SERIES — safety recall (New Zealand)High risk
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BMW 1 SERIES, 2 SERIES — safety recall (Taiwan)Medium
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BMW 3 SERIES — safety recall (New Zealand)High risk
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BMW 4 SERIES COUPE, 2 SERIES ACTIVE TOURER, 3 SERIES GT — A possible degradation of the propellant tablets could lead to an over-aggressive combustion in the event the airbag is activated which may caHigh risk
BMW 3 Series recalls in 2022 (9)
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BMW 3 Series (G20, G21) — Passenger car recall (EU Safety Gate, DE)High risk
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BMW M3 SALOON, 3 SERIES TOURING — It is possible that a damaged seat belt may have been installed into the vehicle during production. (UK)High risk
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BMW 3 SERIES SALOON — Manufacturing defect with winding of cell-internal films for high voltage battery (UK)Medium
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BMW 3 SERIES — safety recall (Taiwan)High risk
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BMW 5 SERIES SALOON, 7 SERIES SALOON, 7 SERIES SALOON LWB — In rare cases the starter motor can inadvertently be activated permanently presenting a risk of a thermal event (UK)High risk
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BMW X4, 7 SERIES SALOON LWB, X3 — Undetected EGR System leaks may cause thermal activity in the intake manifold (UK)High risk
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BMW 5 SERIES SALOON, X1, 3 SERIES TOURING — The exhaust gas recirculation cooler may leak over time and cause thermal incident (UK)High risk
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BMW X1, X2, i3 — The micro gas generator within the front seatbelt's retractor may have been damaged (UK)High risk
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BMW Z4, 3 SERIES, 5 SERIES — Engine And Engine Cooling: Exhaust System: Emission Control: Crankcase (Pcv) (US)High risk
BMW 3 Series recalls in 2021 (16)
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BMW 3 SERIES — Excessive increase of cooling system temperature could lead to a bursting of the heater matrix radiator (UK)Medium
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BMW 3 SERIES SALOON — The tandam vacuum/oil pump may fail (UK)Medium
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BMW 1/3 Series, X1/3/5/6/, M3 — safety recall (India)High risk
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BMW 3 SERIES — Some vehicles may be susceptible to damage to the anti-corrosion coating of the lower steering shaft (UK)High risk
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BMW 6 SERIES CONVERTIBLE, 4 SERIES COUPE, 6 SERIES COUPE — The exhaust gas recirculation module could leak over time (UK)High risk
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BMW 3 Series — safety recall (India)High risk
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BMW 330CI, 3 SERIES, 328CI — Air Bags: Frontal: Driver Side: Inflator Module (US)High risk
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BMW 3 Series - E46 — safety recall (Finland)High risk
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BMW M3, 3 SERIES — The screw connection of the front seat belt buckle assembly to the seat frame may not be tightened properly (UK)High risk
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BMW 3 SERIES — safety recall (New Zealand)High risk
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BMW 3 SERIES — safety recall (New Zealand)Medium
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BMW 3 SERIES — safety recall (New Zealand)High risk
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BMW 3 SERIES — safety recall (New Zealand)Medium
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BMW 5 SERIES, 4 SERIES, 3 SERIES — Affected vehicles may be fitted with brake discs which are not to specification (UK)High risk
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BMW 7 SERIES, 1 SERIES, X4 — The exhaust gas recirculation cooler could leak over time (UK)Medium
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BMW 5 SERIES, X5, X4 — The battery cables on the 48v starter generator may not have been sufficiently secured during production (UK)Medium
BMW 3 Series recalls in 2020 (32)
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BMW 3 series Limousine (E90), Touring (E91), Coupé (E92) — safety recall (Finland)High risk
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BMW 5 SERIES, 3 SERIES, X1 — Remaining particles in the cells of the high voltage battery can cause a short circuit (UK)Medium
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BMW 7 SERIES, 3 SERIES, 2 SERIES — Remaining particles in the cells of the high voltage battery can cause a short circuit (UK)Medium
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BMW Z4, X4M, 3 SERIES — Steering tie rod can become broken in the 'kink' groove area of the rod (UK)High risk
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BMW 1 Series Coupe, Convertible (E82, E88), 3 Series Sedan — safety recall (Finland)High risk
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BMW 3 Series — safety recall (India)High risk
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BMW 3 SERIES — safety recall (New Zealand)High risk
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BMW 1 SERIES, 2 SERIES, 3 SERIES — safety recall (New Zealand)High risk
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BMW 1 SERIES, 3 SERIES, X1 — safety recall (New Zealand)High risk
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BMW 1 SERIES, 2 SERIES, 3 SERIES — safety recall (New Zealand)High risk
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BMW 3 SERIES, 8 SERIES, X3 — safety recall (New Zealand)High risk
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BMW 3 SERIES — safety recall (New Zealand)Medium
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BMW 1 SERIES, 3 SERIES, X5 — safety recall (New Zealand)High risk
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BMW 3 SERIES — safety recall (New Zealand)Medium
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BMW 3 SERIES, 4 SERIES — safety recall (New Zealand)Medium
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BMW 1 SERIES, 2 SERIES, 3 SERIES — safety recall (New Zealand)High risk
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BMW X5, 3 SERIES, 5 SERIES — safety recall (New Zealand)Medium
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BMW 3 SERIES, 5 SERIES, 7 SERIES — safety recall (New Zealand)Medium
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BMW 1 SERIES, 3 SERIES, X1 — safety recall (New Zealand)High risk
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BMW 1 SERIES, 3 SERIES, 5 SERIES — safety recall (New Zealand)Medium
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BMW 3 SERIES, 5 SERIES, 7 SERIES — safety recall (New Zealand)Medium
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BMW 5 SERIES, 3 SERIES, X3 — safety recall (New Zealand)Medium
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BMW 3 SERIES — The foldable rear centre head restraint interlock was not welded according to specifications (UK)Medium
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BMW 3 SERIES — safety recall (New Zealand)High risk
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BMW 5 SERIES, 3 SERIES — safety recall (New Zealand)High risk
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BMW 1 SERIES, 2 SERIES, 3 SERIES — safety recall (New Zealand)Medium
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BMW 1 SERIES, 2 SERIES, 3 SERIES — safety recall (New Zealand)Medium
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BMW 1 SERIES, 3 SERIES, Z4 — safety recall (New Zealand)Medium
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BMW 3 SERIES, 5 SERIES, X1 — safety recall (New Zealand)Medium
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BMW 1 SERIES, 3 SERIES, X1 — safety recall (New Zealand)High risk
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BMW 3 SERIES — safety recall (New Zealand)High risk
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BMW 3 SERIES — Driver's front takata (nadi) airbag inflator may rupture on deployment (UK)High risk
BMW 3 Series recalls in 2019 (4)
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BMW 5 SERIES, 6 SERIES, 3 SERIES — The pressing force of the bearing bushing into the crankcase may be out of specification (UK)Medium
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BMW 3 series, type: G3L — Passenger car recall (EU Safety Gate, DE)High risk
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BMW 5 SERIES, X5, 3 SERIES — Potential rupture of driver front air bag inflator (UK)High risk
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BMW 3 Series, 5 Series — safety recall (India)Medium
BMW 3 Series recalls in 2018 (9)
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BMW 3 Series — safety recall (India)High risk
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BMW 6 SERIES, 5 SERIES, 1 SERIES — Exhaust gas recirculation module cooler could leak (UK)High risk
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BMW 2 SERIES, X3, 5 SERIES — Exhaust gas recirculation cooler could potentially leak over time (UK)High risk
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BMW 5 SERIES, MINI, 2 SERIES — Software fault in crankshaft sensor (UK)Medium
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BMW 4 SERIES, 5 SERIES, 6 SERIES — Software fault with crankshaft sensor (UK)High risk
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BMW 3 Series — safety recall (India)High risk
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BMW E46 3 series — safety recall (New Zealand)High risk
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BMW 3 SERIES — Variation to electrical resistance in the blower regulator wiring harness connector (UK)High risk
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BMW 1 SERIES, X1, Z4 — Plug in contact cable may malfunction (UK)Medium
BMW 3 Series recalls in 2017 (3)
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BMW X1, 5 SERIES, 6 SERIES — Driveshaft universal joint may break (UK)Medium
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BMW 1 SERIES, M3, 3 SERIES — Plug in contact cable may malfunction (UK)High risk
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BMW 3 Series, 5 Series — Passenger car recall (EU Safety Gate, DE)High risk
BMW 3 Series recalls in 2016 (4)
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BMW X3, 2 SERIES, 1 SERIES — Power steering may not perform correctly (UK)High risk
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BMW 5 SERIES, 3 SERIES, X5 — Drivers airbag may deploy incorrectly (UK)High risk
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BMW E53, 5 SERIES, 3 SERIES — safety recall (New Zealand)High risk
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BMW 2 SERIES, 3 SERIES, 4 SEPIES — Possible loss of control (UK)High risk
BMW 3 Series recalls in 2015 (4)
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Bmw Alpina 3 series – BMW ALPINA B3 3, 3 / B3 S — Passenger car recall (EU Safety Gate, DE)High risk
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BMW 3 series, 5 series — Passenger car recall (EU Safety Gate, DE)High risk
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BMW 4 SEPIES, 1 SERIES, 3 SERIES — Engine may stall (UK)High risk
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BMW 2 SERIES, 3 SERIES, M3 — Seat belt may malfunction (UK)High risk
BMW 3 Series recalls in 2014 (4)
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BMW 3 Series — Passenger car recall (EU Safety Gate, DE)High risk
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BMW E46 3 series — safety recall (New Zealand)High risk
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BMW 3 SERIES, Z4, X1 — Engine emergency mode may be activated during driving (UK)Medium
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BMW 3 Series F3x — safety recall (New Zealand)High risk
BMW 3 Series recalls in 2013 (6)
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BMW 1 Series F20, 3 Series F3x — safety recall (New Zealand)High risk
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BMW 3 SERIES — Passenger side airbag may fail to deploy correctly (UK)High risk
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BMW Z4, X1, 1 SERIES — Loss of drive (UK)Medium
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BMW 3 Series, 3 series E46 — Passenger car recall (EU Safety Gate, PT)High risk
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BMW E46 3 series — safety recall (New Zealand)High risk
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BMW 1 SERIES, Z4, X1 — Engine may cut out (UK)High risk
BMW 3 Series recalls in 2012 (3)
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BMW 3 SERIES — Rear window may detach (UK)High risk
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BMW 3 SERIES, Z4, 1 SERIES — Eps may not perform as specified (UK)High risk
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BMW 3 SERIES — Seats: Front Assembly: Head Restraint (US)Medium
BMW 3 Series recalls in 2009 (1)
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BMW 1 SERIES, 3 SERIES — Front side airbag or seat belt tensioner may not operate correctly (UK)High risk
BMW 3 Series recalls in 2008 (1)
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BMW 3 SERIES — Door pressure sensors may delay side airbag deployment following an impact. (UK)High risk
BMW 3 Series recalls in 2006 (2)
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BMW 3 SERIES — Steering lock may inadvertently engage (UK)High risk
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BMW 1 SERIES, 3 SERIES — Possible loss of braking power assistance (UK)High risk
BMW 3 Series recalls in 2005 (1)
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BMW 5 SERIES, E61, 7 SERIES — The bearings of the fuel injection pump may fail (UK)High risk
BMW 3 Series recalls in 2002 (1)
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BMW 3 SERIES, 5 SERIES — Possible detachment of ball bearing from front suspension strut top mounting (UK)High risk
BMW 3 Series recalls in 2001 (2)
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BMW 5 SERIES, 3 SERIES — Tyres may have cuts in side walls. (UK)Medium
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BMW 3 SERIES — Lower steering shaft may fail (UK)High risk
BMW 3 Series recalls in 1999 (2)
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BMW 5 SERIES, 3 SERIES, 7 SERIES — Brake lights may fail to operate remain on or flicker (UK)High risk
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BMW 3 SERIES — Possible unscheduled deployment of side airbags and activation of battery isolator switch (UK)High risk
BMW 3 Series recalls in 1997 (1)
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BMW 3 SERIES — Corrosion on lower steering shaft (UK)High risk
BMW 3 Series recalls in 1996 (1)
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BMW 3 SERIES — Security of stub axle mountings (UK)Medium
BMW 3 Series recalls in 1995 (1)
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BMW 3 SERIES — Possible damage to wheel bearings (UK)Medium
BMW 3 Series recalls in 1992 (1)
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BMW 3 SERIES — Possible chafing of the battery cable (UK)High risk
BMW 3 Series recalls by country
| Country | Campaigns | Official recall check |
|---|---|---|
| 🇬🇧 UK | 66 | DVSA · registration or VIN lookup |
| 🇳🇿 New Zealand | 57 | NZTA · recall search |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | 14 | KBA · recall database (Rückrufdatenbank) |
| 🇫🇷 France | 13 | RappelConso · recall notices |
| 🇹🇼 Taiwan | 9 | — |
| 🇮🇳 India | 6 | — |
| 🇫🇮 Finland | 4 | Traficom · recall search |
| 🇺🇸 United States | 4 | NHTSA · VIN lookup |
| 🇸🇰 Slovakia | 2 | EU Safety Gate · EU product alerts |
| 🇰🇷 South Korea | 1 | MOLIT · recall search |
| 🇵🇹 Portugal | 1 | EU Safety Gate · EU product alerts |
How to check if your BMW 3 Series has a recall
A recall covers specific build dates and vehicle identification numbers (VINs), not every BMW 3 Series on the road. To see whether yours is affected:
- Look up your VIN or registration on the official recall checker for the country where the car is registered: DVSA (UK), NZTA (New Zealand), KBA (Germany), RappelConso (France), Traficom (Finland), NHTSA (United States).
- Ask an authorised BMW dealer: recall repairs are free, including on used cars and cars serviced elsewhere.
- Add the car to your watched vehicles on Recaller Book and get an email when a new campaign is published for it.
Own a BMW 3 Series? Add it to your watched vehicles and we'll email you the day a new recall is published for it — free. Pro shows the full defect, risk and remedy text and the official notice for every campaign.
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