Skip to main content

2023 BMW X3

4 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 #23V821000 Plain English
Component

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The transmission control unit in your vehicle is like the brain of the automatic transmission. It's a small computer that helps the gears shift smoothly. In some 2023 BMW models, the cover of this unit might not be welded properly, allowing transmission oil to leak in.
Risk if Unfixed
If transmission oil gets into the control unit, it could cause the transmission gears to seize up, suddenly cutting off power to your vehicle. This could make it hard to control your car and increase the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the faulty transmission control unit and the transmission fluid, all at no cost to you. You should schedule the repair as soon as possible after receiving the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota GR Supra, 3 Series Sedan (330i xDrive, M340i xDrive, M3), 5 Series Sedan (530i, 530i xDrive, M5), 4 Series Gran Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive), 4 Series Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive), 4 Series Convertible (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive), 8 Series Coupe (840i, M850i xDrive, M8), 8 Series Convertible (840i, M850i xDrive, M8), 8 Series Gran Coupe (850i xDrive, M8), X3 SAV (X3 xDrive30i, X3M), X4 SAV (X4 xDrive30i), X5 SAV (X5 xDrive40i, X5 M50i, X5M), X6 SAV (X6 xDrive40i, X6 M50i, X6M), and Z4 sDrive30i, Z4 M40i vehicles. The weld seam of the integrated transmission control unit's cover may not have been manufactured properly, which could allow automatic transmission oil to leak into the transmission control unit.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
Transmission oil that leaks into the control unit can lead to a seizure of the transmission gears, causing a sudden loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
Dealers will replace the transmission mechatronics module and the automatic transmission fluid, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 26, 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 →
Moderate #26V056000 Plain English
Component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The starter assembly in your vehicle is a critical part that helps start the engine. Over time, an internal component can wear down, causing the starter to overheat.
Risk if Unfixed
If the starter overheats, it could catch fire, which increases the risk of serious injury. This is a critical situation that requires immediate attention.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the faulty starter assembly with a new one, free of charge. You should schedule the repair as soon as you get the recall notice and follow up with the second letter once the remedy is available.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Toyota Supra, 2022-2023 2 Series Coupe, 2021-2024 5 Series (xDrive), 2021-2022 Z4, 2022-2024 4 Series (Gran Coupe), 2021-2024 4 Series (Convertible and xDrive Convertible), 2021-2023 4 Series (Coupe), 2021-2024 3 Series, 2021-2023 X4, 2021-2024 X3 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of all models. The engine starter may overheat and catch fire due to wear on an internal component.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
Fire increases the risk of injury.
Original — Remedy
Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. A letter informing owners of the safety risk was mailed on March 27, 2026. Owners will receive another letter once the remedy is available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 24, 2026.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Under Review #25V106000 Plain English
Component

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LOCK

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The locking mechanism in your X3's second-row doors helps keep them closed and secure. In some 2022-2024 models, this mechanism might not work as expected and you could accidentally unlock the doors with one quick motion.
Risk if Unfixed
If the locks malfunction, your rear doors could open unexpectedly while the vehicle is moving. This could put your rear seat passengers at risk of getting injured or falling out of the vehicle.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the faulty locking module for you, completely free of charge. You should schedule the repair as soon as possible after receiving your recall notice, which was mailed on April 21, 2025.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022-2024 X3 sDrive30i and X3 xDrive30i vehicles. The second-row seat side door locking modules may not function properly and allow the doors to be unlocked with a single motion. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."
Original — Risk if Unfixed
Doors that can be inadvertently unlocked and unlatched may open unexpectedly, increasing the risk of injury to rear seat occupants.
Original — Remedy
Dealers will replace the second-row seat side door locking modules, free of charge. A letter informing owners of the safety risk was mailed on April 21, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 800-525-7417.
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
Your vehicle's interior cargo rail is a metal bar that helps keep your luggage secure in the back. It's attached to the car with bolts. In a severe rear crash, these bolts could get damaged, causing the rail to break loose.
Risk if Unfixed
If the cargo rail breaks loose in a rear crash, it could cause injury to you or your passengers, as loose objects in the cargo area could become projectiles.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the bolts that hold the cargo rail in place with stronger, safer ones - at no cost to you. You should schedule the repair as soon as possible to ensure your safety.
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 →

Browse by Component

Other BMW X3 Years

Related Pages