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NHTSA Vehicle Research

BMW 3 Series Research

Free safety data straight from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Recalls, consumer complaints, and crash test ratings — everything you need before you buy.

1 Recalls
128 Complaints
N/A Safety Rating
FREE Gov Data
2026 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019

🛡️ NCAP Crash Test Safety Ratings

No NCAP safety rating data available from NHTSA for this vehicle. Ratings are typically available for passenger cars and light trucks.

⚠️ NHTSA Recalls (1)

The following safety recalls have been issued by NHTSA for the BMW 3 Series. If you own this vehicle, check your VIN at our VIN lookup tool or NHTSA.gov to see if your vehicle is affected.

2023 Model Year (1 recall)

Campaign #23V821000 06/12/2023
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

💬 Consumer Complaints (128)

Real complaints filed with NHTSA by BMW 3 Series owners. These reports help identify common issues and potential safety concerns.

Most Reported Components

ComponentComplaints
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 24
ENGINE 21
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 14
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE 6
AIR BAGS 6
TIRES 4
POWER TRAIN 4
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 4
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE 2
SUSPENSION 2
2022 model • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM • 03/23/2026

See attached document for complaint.

2022 model • UNKNOWN OR OTHER • 12/16/2023

Sunroof exploded out of nowhere. The glass shattered everywhere.

2022 model • UNKNOWN OR OTHER • 06/08/2023

Hours after a software update to the vehicle, a sudden unintended acceleration event occurred as I pulled into the alley of my office's driveway/garage. The brakes failed to work, and the vehicle rapidly accelerated in less than 2 seconds. In order to avoid endangering anyone, I steered the vehicle into City trash cans that were in front of a telephone…

2021 model • ENGINE • 11/01/2025

25V-636 This has been unresolved for 6 months with no sign of a fix. It’s a starter motor, not the space shuttle.

2021 model • ENGINE • 04/21/2026

I am submitting a claim pertaining to NHTSA Recall Number 25V636000 which pertains to a engine starter issue that can result in fire. This recall was reported first on September 23, 2025 and has been gone without a remedy. Since as of today, it has been 212 days without a solution that I am driving a car that may catch…

2021 model • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM • 04/11/2026

The contact owned a 2021 BMW 330i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V056000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, there was smoke coming from under the…

2020 model • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM • 03/11/2026

The contact owns a 2020 BMW 330i. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the starter made an abnormal, grinding metal-like sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the starter had failed. The starter was replaced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V056000 (Electrical System); however, the vehicle failed to start one morning post-repair. The message "Engine…

2020 model • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM • 01/10/2026

It was discovered during a routine check that the alternator for my 2020 BMW 330i with xdrive was dying. The car had around 40,000 miles on it. Alternator was replaced with an aftermarket part.

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