Ask the seller for proof the repair was completed, or run the free VIN check. Recall repairs are done at no cost by a dealer.
Recalls
Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.
Airbags recall
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Electrical system recall
A loss of electrical power can cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace and secure the positive battery cable connector, free of charge. The recall began August 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion of a previous recall, number 18V-314.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Electrical system recall
Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiring and electrical connectors, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Airbags recall
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Owner complaints by system
Unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, grouped by the part of the car. Useful for spotting patterns. Open a group to read recent examples.
Engine & powertrain
6
Most reports here involve premature wear. Of these, 1 mention a crash.
Read full complaint
Parked on a slight hill, shifted out of drive and applied the ebrake by pulling up firmly. Unbucked my seat belt, opened the door, and got out of the vehicle. Left the door open to go in my house, grab my wallet, and come back. The car stayed in neutral instead of shifting into park which should have happened but multiple components of the car failed to detect me exiting (door latch sendor, software, seat sensor, seat belt sensor). Leaving the car in neutral meant the parking brake was all that was available to hold the car. As it turns out, the electronic brake was not strong enough to do so, and the car rolled down the hill hitting another car, pushing that car into a structure and causing my car to be totaled. This never happened before but due to car not shifting into park with exiting, the vehicle became a rolling hazard putting all people and property around it at risk. I did not hear or see any warning messages as I had exited the car as I had always done previously. I should not have to turn off the car (press power on/off) to engage park or there should be a "park" button like most cars. Given there is no labeled park, the system gives you no indication of what steps you have to take if autopark doesn't engage. My car has been totaled and released to copart. It may be available for inspection from them.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11533410 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Electrical & infotainment
1
Most reports here involve electrical shorts.
Read full complaint
THE OEM WIRING INSULATION IN THE HEADLIGHT HOUSING HAS FLAKED OFF. THE BARE WIRES CAUSED AN ELECTRICAL SHORT WHEN I REPLACED A LIGHT BULB. BMW SAYS THAT THE ONLY REPAIR IS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE HOUSING FOR $2100. THIS WILL NEED TO BE DONE ON THE OTHER SIDE EVENTUALLY, AS THE INSULATION IS DETERIORATING IN THAT HOUSING AS WELL. I HAVE READ ONLINE THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM IN MANY DIFFERENT MODELS BECAUSE OF THE TYPE OF WIRING THAT WAS SPECIFIED BY BMW JUST DOES NOT HOLD UP UNDER HIGHER TEMPERATURES. KNOWING THAT IT WILL BE SUBJECT TO HIGHER TEMPERATURES IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT IS A DESIGN OVERSIGHT AND WILL LEAD TO DANGEROUS MALFUNCTIONS WHEN OPERATING THE VEHICLE. IT IS JUST A MATTER OF TIME.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11000488 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Airbags & seat belts
8
Most reports here involve airbags deploying unexpectedly.
Read full complaint
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW M3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER (BMW OF DALLAS, 6200 LEMMON AVE, DALLAS, TX 75209 (972) 763-5528) STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE ON BACKORDER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11054116 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
How does it compare with other years? The 2010 has 15 complaints on file, fewer than the 2011 (31). Of the 3 model years of the BMW M3 we cover, the 2011 has the most (31). Older model years have had longer to collect complaints.