The vehicle dossier US · 2008

2008 BMW
X3Problems & recalls

66 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Air bags appears in 32 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.

Snapshot Sep 28, 2026Live NHTSA complaint API How this dossier is compiled

01 / Owner-reported evidence

What owners reported.

Categories attached to 66 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.

Air bags32 reports
Engine30 reports
Other components12 reports
Transmission & drivetrain5 reports
Electrical system5 reports
Brakes2 reports
Fuel system2 reports
Visibility1 reports
Steering1 reports
See original component labels
AIR BAGS32
ENGINE16
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING15
SEATS5
UNKNOWN OR OTHER5
POWER TRAIN4
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM4
SERVICE BRAKES2
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM2
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER1
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING1
VISIBILITY/WIPER1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1
STEERING1
TIRES1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SEAT HEATER:WIRING HARNESS1

These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.

The reporting timeline

When reports arrived.

Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 9 years with reports.

Year filed (last two digits)Latest report: Mar 18, 2026
Mileage, where supplied

119,000 miles is the median among 27 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 78,000–169,935 miles.

This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.

02 / Official safety campaigns

3 recall campaigns on file.

A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.

Jan 15, 2020 Safety recallAIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULECampaign 20V017000

Reported concern

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Read campaign 20V017000 at NHTSA
Oct 30, 2017 Safety recallENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)Campaign 17V683000

Reported concern

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.

Manufacturer’s stated response

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Read campaign 17V683000 at NHTSA
Sep 28, 2017 Safety recallAIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATIONCampaign 17V605000

Reported concern

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2010 BMW X3 2.5i, X3 3.0i and X3 xDrive30i Sports Activity Vehicles. The front passenger seat occupant detection mat that determines if, and how, the passenger frontal air bag should deploy in a crash may fatigue and develop cracks which could lead to a system failure.

Manufacturer’s stated response

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger seat occupant detection mat, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. A second notification letter will be sent when parts are available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Read campaign 17V605000 at NHTSA
Check this car’s VIN at NHTSA

03 / The manufacturer’s record

Instructions. Updates. Responses.

45 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.

Apr 4, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsB410722While driving the vehicle on normal roads at10mph and above, a "cracking" sound from the top of the B-pillar(s) is heard.NHTSA ID 10253326

While driving the vehicle on normal roads at10mph and above, a "cracking" sound from the top of the B-pillar(s) is heard.

Components: STRUCTURE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10253326 at NHTSA
Jan 16, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsB510819The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.NHTSA ID 10249437

The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10249437 at NHTSA
Jan 11, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsB611305The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the…NHTSA ID 10249027

The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle “discharged battery” complaints.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10249027 at NHTSA
Dec 15, 2023 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsB521823A noise can be heard from underneath the seat while the seat is being moved either forwards or backwards. This can occur to the driver’s and/or the passenger’s front seat.NHTSA ID 10247574

A noise can be heard from underneath the seat while the seat is being moved either forwards or backwards. This can occur to the driver’s and/or the passenger’s front seat.

Components: SEATS. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10247574 at NHTSA
Oct 18, 2023 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsB540421This situation can result in two customer complaints: 1. Wind noise 2. Excess water entryNHTSA ID 10244239

This situation can result in two customer complaints: 1. Wind noise 2. Excess water entry

Components: STRUCTURE · VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10244239 at NHTSA
Sep 1, 2022 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsB662419Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column.NHTSA ID 10225126

Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column.

Components: EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10225126 at NHTSA
Sep 1, 2022 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsB540421The front sunroof glass seal has shrunk, creating a gap which can cause wind noise or excess water entry.NHTSA ID 10225114

The front sunroof glass seal has shrunk, creating a gap which can cause wind noise or excess water entry.

Components: VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10225114 at NHTSA
Aug 1, 2022 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSIB011219Component-Specific Limited Warranty Extension. For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle's Radiator Grille Upper and Lower Active Air Flaps to: 15 years/150,…NHTSA ID 10224186

Component-Specific Limited Warranty Extension. For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle's Radiator Grille Upper and Lower Active Air Flaps to: 15 years/150,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original in-service date. 1. Air flap control (link) active, upper (G12, G30 and G32) 2. Air flap control (drive), active, upper 3. Air flaps, upper (assembly) 4. Air flaps, lower (assembly) For eligible MY 2017 BMW 530i (B460) vehicles that are currently registered in the State of California (CA) or a State that has fully adopted the State of California PZEV/SULEV regulation (CT, ME, MD, MA, NJ, NY, RI, and VT), the standard emission-related coverage for the Radiator Front Grille Air Vent Flaps is15 years/150,000 miles. This component-specific limited warranty extension applies to defects in materials or workmanship.' This coverage is subject to the same vehicle eligibility requirements, limitations, and exclusions that apply to the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty for Passenger Cars and Light Trucks. A check control message or MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) may be illuminated with faults stored related to the upper and/or lower active air flap(s). Potential causes include: Faulty upper air flap link (G12, G30, G32) Faulty upper air flap actuator (G01, G02, G12, G30, G32) Faulty upper flap assembly (G01, G02, G12, G30, G32) Faulty lower air flap assembly (G01, G02, G12, G30, G32) Software error in the DME affecting the upper flap (G01, G02 only) Or: Upon visual inspection, the passenger side upper active air flaps are either stuck open or closed, and they will not move and there are no faults stored for the active air flaps (With no check control message or check engine light or displaying)

Components: EQUIPMENT · STRUCTURE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10224186 at NHTSA
Aug 1, 2022 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSIB010921Component-Specific Limited Warranty Extension. For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle's Leak Diagnosis Module with hose assembly (NVLD, shown) to: 15 year…NHTSA ID 10224185

Component-Specific Limited Warranty Extension. For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle's Leak Diagnosis Module with hose assembly (NVLD, shown) to: 15 years/150,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original in-service date. For eligible MY 2017 BMW 530i Sedan and xDrive (B460) vehicles that are currently registered in the State of California (CA) or a State that has fully adopted the State of California PZEV/SULEV regulation (CT, ME, MD, MA, NJ, NY, RI, and VT), the standard component-related coverage for the NVLD is 15 years/150,000 miles. This component-specific limited warranty extension applies to defects in materials or workmanship. This coverage is subject to the same vehicle eligibility requirements, limitations, and exclusions that apply to the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty for Passenger Cars and Light Trucks. Over time, the Leak Diagnosis Module (NVLD) (with connected hose) component material may fail, this can create a fine leak to develop in the Evaporative Emission Control System (EVAP). Should this occur, corresponding fault codes will be stored in the DME memory and the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) will illuminate.

Components: EQUIPMENT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10224185 at NHTSA
Jul 1, 2022 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSIB840622The 3G network in the US has been shut down. This means that only the 4G network will be available. In the 4G network, voice calls will be transferred via Voice over LTE (VoLTE) function. For this purpose the SIM card must perf…NHTSA ID 10218420

The 3G network in the US has been shut down. This means that only the 4G network will be available. In the 4G network, voice calls will be transferred via Voice over LTE (VoLTE) function. For this purpose the SIM card must perform an IMS registration in the mobile communication network. Due to a production error, the telematics control units were delivered without an IMS configuration. The Connected Drive voice services (Concierge Call, BMW Assistance and emergency call voice) can no longer be used regionally in the US in vehicle with telematics control units ATM-1 and TCB-4G. Voice control of the vehicle and all other telephone (paired mobile devices) functions are not affected. Emergency call location data is unaffected.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · EQUIPMENT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10218420 at NHTSA
Jul 1, 2022 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSIB510522BMW AG has issued a Delivery Stop (effective March 28, 2022) on certain Model Year 2022 BMW vehicles that were produced between March 1, 2022 and March 8, 2022 because the torsion struts may not have been installed at the plant…NHTSA ID 10218413

BMW AG has issued a Delivery Stop (effective March 28, 2022) on certain Model Year 2022 BMW vehicles that were produced between March 1, 2022 and March 8, 2022 because the torsion struts may not have been installed at the plant. Do not deliver to a customer, a New, Certified Pre-Owned or Used vehicle subject to a Delivery Stop, until the vehicle is repaired. Do not use or sell replacement equipment/parts subject to a Delivery Stop.

Components: SUSPENSION · SUSPENSION:FRONT:MACPHERSON STRUT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10218413 at NHTSA
Jun 1, 2022 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSIB662419Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column. Note: Opening, closing and starting via the BMW Digital Key …NHTSA ID 10218384

Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column. Note: Opening, closing and starting via the BMW Digital Key or the Digital Key Card are not affected.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · EQUIPMENT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10218384 at NHTSA
Browse all manufacturer records by page

Records below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.

04 / Agency investigations

Official inquiries.

An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.

No investigation records matched this model-year in the snapshot.

Your next step

Take good questions
to the inspection.

Use these prompts with a qualified inspector. This page is research, not a diagnosis or a substitute for a hands-on inspection.