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2020 Bmw X3: Recalls, Complaints & California Lemon Law

Below are recalls and complaints reported to NHTSA for the 2020 Bmw X3. This information is consumer-reported and provided for general informational purposes only. Vehicles like this may qualify under California lemon law depending on their individual repair history.

9
Recalls reported to NHTSA
12
Complaints filed with NHTSA
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Recalls Reported to NHTSA

The following recalls were reported to NHTSA. A recall does not by itself establish that any individual vehicle is defective.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY:RELAY

NHTSA #25V636000

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 BMW 330i, 2019-2022 BMW Z4, 2020-2022 BMW 530i, X3, X4, Toyota Supra, 2021-2022 BMW 430i, 430i Convertible, and 2022 BMW 230i vehicles. The engine starter relay may corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short circuit.

Reported consequence: A short circuit in the starter relay may increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is complete. Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 6, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning November 14, 2025.

STRUCTURE

NHTSA #24V764000

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.

Reported consequence: Interior rear cargo rail detachment during a crash can increase the risk of injury.

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.

ENGINE

NHTSA #21V598000

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 M340i, M340i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, X3 M40i, 2020-2021 X4 M40i, 745Le xDrive, 2019-2021 Z4 M40i, and 2020-2021 Toyota Supra vehicles. During engine start, the engine management software may cause loss of braking assist. Full mechanical braking (without assist) remains available.

Reported consequence: Loss of braking assist can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the engine management software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 17, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

STEERING:RACK AND PINION:PINION SHAFT

NHTSA #19V738000

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 BMW X3 M40i and X4 M40i vehicles. The steering rack pinion teeth may break under load, resulting in a loss of steering control.

Reported consequence: A loss of steering control increases risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW has notified owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear, free of charge. The recall began October 9, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

NHTSA #20V355000

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019 Z4 sDrive30i, 2019-2020 330i xDrive, M340i and M340i xDrive, 2020 X3M and X4M, and Toyota Supra vehicles. In certain driving conditions, such as high temperatures and rough road surfaces, a steering gear tie rod may become damaged, possibly resulting in a fractured tie rod.

Reported consequence: A damaged or fractured tie rod may affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW and Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear tie rods, free of charge. The recall began August 14, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.

SUSPENSION:FRONT

NHTSA #19V678000

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, and X3 M40i vehicles, X4 xDrive30i, and X4 M40i vehicles. The front axle swivel bearings may not have been properly heat treated during manufacturing, reducing their strength and possibly causing them to break.

Reported consequence: Broken swivel bearings can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW has notified owners and instructed them to not drive their vehicles. Dealers will replace the front axle swivel bearings, free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

NHTSA #20V598000

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 X3 sDrive 30i, X3 xDrive 30i, X3M 40i, X3 xDrive 30e, X4 xDrive 30i, X4M 40i, 530i, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 550e, 550e xDrive, and 550e iPerformance vehicles. A small portion of the rearview image may be slightly obscured. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Reported consequence: If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, program the rearview camera with updated software. The recall began November 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

NHTSA #20V164000

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X3 xDrive30e, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, X4M, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, 840i Gran Coupe, 840i xDrive Gran Coupe, M850i xDrive Gran Coupe, M8 Gran Coupe, X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, and 840i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The sensors in the front seat belt buckles may inaccurately detect a belted occupant as unbelted, possibly causing the air bag and seat belt pretensioners to deploy improperly in the event of a crash.

Reported consequence: If the air bag and/or seat belt pretensioners deploy improperly in the event of a crash, there is an increased risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the front seat belt buckles, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

SEATS

NHTSA #23V211000

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i xDrive, 2020-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, 2021 X3 xDrive30e, X4 xDrive30i, and X4M vehicles. The seat frame may not have been welded properly to the seat rails.

Reported consequence: An improperly welded seat frame may not properly restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat frame and back rest, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Complaints Filed with NHTSA

The following are consumer-reported complaints filed with NHTSA. These are unverified allegations and are not proof that any defect exists.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

It has come to my attention that liquid from the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) system may leak onto the water pump electrical connector. This condition can lead to an electrical short circuit and, in rare cases, may increase the risk of a vehi | We had an oil pump failure that was because the part was plastic, not metal.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V636000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reason | The contact owns a 2020 BMW X3. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal thumping sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: | The contact owns a 2020 BMW X3. The contact stated that several attempts were needed while cold-starting the vehicle. The contact stated that prior to receiving notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V636000 (Electrical System); the battery was rep

SEAT BELTS

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X3. The contact stated that while her son was using the rear passenger's side seat belt, the contact became aware that the seat belt was fraying. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was provided an estimate for the sea | Active protection reduced message Pretensioning of seatbelts not possible. I barely use the car and was not in any kind of accident.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the emergency sensor warning light illuminated, as well as the camera system, the Forward Collision Avoidance warning light, and the key proximity features | THE BACK UP CAMERA FAILS TO SHOW THE IMAGES AND PDC SENSORS DO NOT BEEP. EVEN WHEN IN REVERSE THE CAMERAS MALFUNCTION AND FREEZE. WAS PARKING IN A TIGHT SPOT AND NONE OF THE PDC SENSORS AND CAMERAS WORKED. EVEN WITH OPTION TO AUTOMATICALLY COME ON TH

BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X3. The contact stated that while reversing, the back over prevention camera displayed a black screen. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V096000 (Back Over Prevention). The vehicle was taken to the deale | The contact owns a 2020 BMW X3. The contact stated that at night or during inclement weather while shifted in reverse, the rear-view camera displayed a distorted screen. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, t

ENGINE

This recall was in September 2025, and for a starter issue that could cause a fire. Despite the urgency of this recall, it's now six months later, and I am still getting a response from BMW "Remedy Not available". So, in the meantime BMW advises t | I am reporting a safety concern involving BMW vehicles equipped with the B58 Technical Update (B58TU) engine, commonly found in model years 2019–2021. These vehicles utilize a variable-displacement engine oil pump containing an internal thermoplastic | I am reporting a driver safety concern involving BMW vehicles equipped with the B58 Technical Update (B58TU) engine in model years 2019–2021. These engines use a variable-displacement oil pump containing an internal thermoplastic adjusting component

POWER TRAIN

The differential mounting bolt will fail causing your differential to fall which breaks your driveshaft your transfer case and your exhaust system. This has been reported in well over 100 cars there is no warning light if driving at interstate speeds | Was driving the vehicle home and while driving I heard a loud pop and a thump. Had the vehicle towed home to see that the real differential bolt had sheared off the head! | The contact owns a 2020 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving 10-15 MPH, he heard an abnormal noise from the rear differential bolt. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and made the

STRUCTURE

So this just happened today - I was driving my 2020 BMW X3 on the freeway, cruising around 80 mph. No cars around me, no rocks, nothing hit the car… and suddenly, BANG! It sounded like a gunshot or small explosion. The sunroof shattered outward - co | The contact owns a 2020 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V534000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of | This recall was determined in July 2024. It's now November 7, 2024 and there is still not a fix for it.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS

This is the message I get: "Driver restraint system malfunction. Passenger knee airbag rewired to control module . Carefully drive to the closest service center. Driver restraint system is reduced. Increased risk of injury in case of a collision. | Received warning on screen. “Driver restraint system malfunction carefully drive to the closest service center driver restraint system is reduced. Increased risk of injury in case of collision. Continue using safety belt.” I took the car in, and th

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X3. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the message to “Drive Safely - See Nearest BMW Service Center” was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was driven to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was | The driver passenger restraint system light comes on which is a manufacturer defect that should be covered for the life of the vehicle (this is not a wear-and-tear) component. I called BMW and was told that the part is out of warranty. I would like a | While the car was still under warranty, I got an error message about passenger restraint malfunction. I took to the dealer and was told that it was caused by an iPad found under driver seat. They turned off the warning. Three months later, I get the

STEERING

After car warms up and while driving in warmer temperatures, steering becomes loose, vehicle drifts in lane and becomes difficult to control. Even with steering assist enabled, vehicle cannot maintain a straight line. Knocking sound from underneath v | TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 BMW X3. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, WHEN HE HEARD AN ABNORMAL SOUND COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED HE CONTINUED DRIVING THE VEHICLE TO HIS DESTINATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BMW OF RAMSEY LOCAT

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I am submitting a formal safety complaint regarding a defect in my 2020 BMW X3 that has resulted in the failure of a critical emergency safety system. The vehicle displayed an error message indicating an “Emergency Call System Malfunction.” I brough | My 2020 BMW X3 (VIN: [XXX] ) is subject to NHTSA Recall 25V636 (urgent fire risk when parked). The remedy is not yet available for my VIN, and my dealer has only given verbal assurances with no written confirmation of repair availability. I am unable | The sunroofs on BMWs are known to have issues with leaking, can be a distraction while driving in bad weather when conditions arent great to begin with. I have read where this is a constant problem and when brought to the dealership they are looking

Vehicles like this may qualify — get a free review

If your 2020 Bmw X3 has had repeated repairs for the same problem, you may have rights under California lemon law. Tell us about it and we will review your situation at no cost and no obligation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

There are 9 recalls reported to NHTSA for the 2020 Bmw X3. Recalls are issued by the manufacturer or NHTSA and do not by themselves establish that any individual vehicle is defective.

Important Legal Disclaimer

This page is attorney advertising and is provided for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and is not a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney regarding your specific situation. Viewing this page or contacting Lucky Lemon Law does not create an attorney-client relationship; such a relationship is formed only by a signed written agreement.

The recalls and complaints shown here are reported to NHTSA and are consumer-reported, unverified allegations. They do not establish that any defect exists in any individual vehicle, and nothing on this page should be read as asserting that the 2020 Bmw X3 is defective. Counts reflect items filed with NHTSA and may not be current. “May qualify” statements are general and do not mean any particular vehicle or owner qualifies.

Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different and depends on its own facts. Lucky Lemon Law is responsible for the content of this advertisement.