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2018 BMW X3

11 recalls Most severe issue: Critical

All recalls are free to repair at your local dealership. Contact your dealer to schedule service.

Known Safety Recalls

Critical #18V453000 Plain English
Component

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The rear brake caliper in your vehicle is a critical part that helps slow you down when you press the brake pedal. In certain 2018-2019 X3 and X4 models, the coating on the caliper pistons might be too thin, which could affect how well your rear brakes work.
Risk if Unfixed
If the brake performance is reduced, you could lose stopping power and increase your risk of being involved in a crash, especially on steep hills or when driving at high speeds.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will bleed the brake circuit to ensure your rear brakes are working properly and safely. This service is free, and you should schedule it as soon as you receive the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2019 BMW X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i and certain 2019 X4 xDrive30i and X4 M40i vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have an insufficient coating, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the rear brake circuit, free of charge. The recall began August 31, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Critical #18V374000 Plain English
Component

LANE DEPARTURE: LANE KEEP: STEERING ASSIST

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
Your BMW is equipped with a lane keeping assistant that helps you stay in your lane while driving. However, the steering wheel on certain 2018-2019 X3 models may not work properly with this feature, making it harder for the system to detect if your hands are off the wheel.
Risk if Unfixed
If the system can't detect your hands are off the wheel, you might not get warning signals, which could increase the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will inspect your steering wheel and replace it if necessary, all at no cost to you. You should schedule the repair as soon as you get the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2019 BMW X3 xDrive30i, X3 sDrive30i, and X3 M40i vehicles equipped with the "Active Lane Keeping Assistant" option. The steering wheel may be incompatible with the lane keeping assistant function and may not detect if the driver's hands are off the wheel.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
If the sensors do not properly detect the driver's hands are off the wheel, the driver may not be alerted by one or more warning signals, increasing the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the steering wheel, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on July 19, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #21V521000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The front passenger seat occupant classification system in your vehicle determines whether the airbag should deploy in case of a crash. In some 2018-2019 X3 and X4 models, this system might have been assembled incorrectly, which could mean the airbag won't turn on when it's supposed to.
Risk if Unfixed
If the airbag doesn't deploy in a crash, you could be at risk of serious injury. This is a critical safety issue that you should address as soon as possible.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the seat foam, which includes the occupant classification system, at no charge to you. You should schedule the repair as soon as you get the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2019 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i and 2019 X4 xDrive30i, and X4 M40i vehicles. The front passenger seat occupant classification system may have been improperly assembled, which could result in the misclassification of the seat as unoccupied, and deactivate the front air bag.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
A deactivated front air bag will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Original — Remedy
Dealers will replace the seat foam, which includes the occupant classification system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Moderate #20V152000 Plain English
Component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The instrument cluster in your vehicle is the dashboard display that shows you important info like speed, navigation, and warning lights. In certain 2018-2020 BMW X3 and X4 models, the housing for this display wasn't properly secured to the airbag.
Risk if Unfixed
If you're in a crash and the airbag deploys, it could damage the instrument panel and break off small pieces that could hit you or your passengers, potentially causing injury.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the faulty instrument panel casing with a new one, at no cost to you. They'll notify you when the repair is ready, and you should schedule it as soon as possible.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 X4 xDrive30i and X4 M40i, and 2018-2020 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, and X3M vehicles. The instrument panel casing may not have been tightened properly to the passenger air bag.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, the air bag could damage the instrument panel and cause small pieces of the panel to strike the driver or other occupants, increasing the risk of injury.
Original — Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the instrument panel casing, free of charge. The recall began May 15, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Moderate #18V431000 Plain English
Component

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
Your BMW X3's rear turn signal lights are controlled by a component on the outboard side panel. In some 2018 models, this part could be malfunctioning and showing the wrong color.
Risk if Unfixed
If this happens, your turn signals will flash both red and amber, which could confuse other drivers and increase the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will inspect the turn signal lights and replace them for free if necessary. You should schedule the repair as soon as you get the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW X3 xDrive30i and X3 M40i vehicles. The rear turn signals on the outboard side panel will illuminate red, while the inboard turn signals simultaneously illuminate amber. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Original — Risk if Unfixed
Turn signals that flash multiple colors may confuse other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear turn signal lights, and replace if necessary, free of charge. The recall began August 20, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Moderate #17V719000 Plain English
Component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The instrument cluster in your car is the screen that shows you important info like speed and warning lights. In some 2018 BMW models, the software controlling this screen might be faulty, causing it to not turn on or display warnings properly.
Risk if Unfixed
If the display doesn't work as it should, you might miss important warnings or information, which could lead to a crash.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will update the software for your instrument cluster display for free. You'll get a notification when it's time to schedule the repair.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 230i, 230i xDrive, M240i, M240i xDrive, M2, and X3 xDrive 30i SAV vehicles. These vehicles may have an error in the software for the instrument panel, causing the display to not properly illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Control and Displays."
Original — Risk if Unfixed
If the display does not illuminate during start up or does not illuminate various control and warning symbols while driving, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster display software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 8, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Low Priority #19V563000 Plain English
Component

SEATS

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The front seat in your X3 or X4 is designed to protect you in a crash. But in some 2018-2019 models, the seatback might not be attached securely, which could cause it to fold forward or backward unexpectedly.
Risk if Unfixed
If the seatback folds forward or backward in a crash, you could be at risk of serious injury, especially to your head or neck.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace your front seat with a safer, properly attached one – at no cost to you. You'll receive a notification when the repair is ready, and you should schedule it as soon as possible.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2019 X3 sDrive30i, xDrive30i and M40i and 2019 X4 xDrive30i and M40i vehicles. The front seatback frames may have been improperly welded, allowing the seatback to unexpectedly fold forward or rearward.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
In the event of a crash, there is an increased risk of injury if the seatback folds forward or rearward.
Original — Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front seats, free of charge. The recall began September 27, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service 1-800-525-7417.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Under Review #24V764000 Plain English
Component

STRUCTURE

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The rear cargo rail attachment is a critical part that keeps your cargo secure in the back of your X3. It's an essential component that's prone to damage in a rear crash, which could cause the rail to come loose.
Risk if Unfixed
If the cargo rail detaches during a crash, it could lead to objects in the cargo area falling on you or your passengers, increasing the risk of injury.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the damaged cargo rail attachment bolts with new ones, free of charge. You should schedule this repair as soon as possible to ensure your safety on the road.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2022 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, and X3 M vehicles. The attachment for the rear cargo rail may become damaged in a rear crash and result in the cargo rail detaching.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
Interior rear cargo rail detachment during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Original — Remedy
Dealers will replace the rear cargo rail attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicles in this recall were previously remedied for this issue under recall number 24V-534 and will need to have the new repair completed.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Under Review #24V534000 Plain English
Component

STRUCTURE

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The interior cargo rail in your X3 is the metal frame that helps hold your cargo in place. It's attached to the car's structure with bolts. In a rear crash, these bolts might become damaged and cause the rail to break loose.
Risk if Unfixed
If the cargo rail detaches in a rear crash, it could hit you or someone in the vehicle, causing injury. This is because the rail can swing around and become a loose, flying object.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the bolts that hold the cargo rail in place, at no cost to you. This repair is free, and you should schedule it as soon as you get the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2023 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, and X3 M vehicles. The attachment for the interior cargo rail may become damaged in a rear crash and result in the cargo rail detaching.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
Interior cargo rail detachment during a rear crash can increase the risk of injury.
Original — Remedy
Dealers will replace the rear cargo rail attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 2, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Under Review #19V684000 Plain English
Component

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The back-up camera system in your vehicle helps you see what's behind you when you're in reverse. However, in certain models, the camera settings can be adjusted to hide the rear view image, and it will stay that way even when you turn your vehicle around again.
Risk if Unfixed
If you can't see behind your vehicle when you're in reverse, you could fail to notice something or someone behind you, increasing the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will update the back-up camera software, free of charge, to ensure the system works correctly. This repair is complimentary, and you should schedule it as soon as you get the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 530e, 530e xDrive, X3 sDrive, X3 xDrive, X3 M40i, X3 M, and 2019-2020 X4 xDrive, X4 M40i, X4 M, X7 xDrive, X7 M50i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 8 Series Convertible and Coupe 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, X5 sDrive, X5 xDrive, X5 M50i, X6 xDrive, X6 M50i, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, Z4 sDrive, Z4 M40i, 740Le xDrive and 745Le xDrive, 2018-2019 640i xDrive Gran Turismo and Rolls-Royce Phantom, 2019 M850i xDrive Gran Coupe and Rolls-Royce Cullinan and 2020 Toyota Supra vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Original — Risk if Unfixed
The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Under Review #18V154000 Plain English
Component

STRUCTURE:BODY

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The rear spoiler on your X3 is a piece of plastic that attaches to the back of your vehicle. In some 2018 models, it might not be properly attached or even missing screws, which could cause it to come loose while driving.
Risk if Unfixed
If the spoiler breaks off on the road, it can become a hazard, and you might hit it with your vehicle, increasing the risk of a collision.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will check the spoiler's attachment and fix it if needed – at no cost to you. You'll get a notice with instructions on when to schedule the inspection and repair, and it's free.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW X3 xDrive30i and X3 M40i vehicles. The rear spoiler may not have been properly attached during assembly, or may be missing screws, possibly causing the spoiler to detach while driving.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
If the spoiler detaches while driving, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the spoiler, correcting its attachment as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 1, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →

Browse by Component

STRUCTURE
3 recalls
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 recalls
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1 recall
LANE DEPARTURE
1 recall
AIR BAGS
1 recall
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 recall
SEATS
1 recall
BACK OVER PREVENTION
1 recall

Other BMW X3 Years

2026
1 recall
2025
8 recalls
2024
2 recalls
2023
4 recalls
2022
7 recalls
2021
10 recalls
2020
16 recalls
2019
10 recalls
2017
6 recalls
2016
5 recalls
2015
7 recalls
2014
6 recalls
2013
7 recalls
2012
2 recalls
2011
4 recalls
2010
4 recalls
2009
3 recalls
2008
3 recalls
2007
3 recalls
2006
2 recalls
2005
2 recalls
2004
1 recall

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