RoadVitals

2022 BMW X3

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

NHTSA has issued a “park outside” advisory affecting this model year.

Campaign 25V636000. Confirm whether your specific vehicle is covered using its VIN before acting on this.

Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov
Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
86
+3 complaints in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
8
Latest Jul 8, 2026
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
6
6 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 86 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2022 BMW X3, most frequently naming the electrical, driver assistance and body & structure categories. 8 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 107 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

8 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY

Jul 8, 2026
318,495 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Toyota Supra, 2022-2025 2 Series Coupe, 2021-2023 5 Series, 2022-2026 Z4, 2023-2024 4 Series Gran Coupe, 4 Series Convertible, 4 Series Coupe, 3 Series, 2021-2025 X4, and 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.
The risk: Fire increases the risk of injury.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 31, 2026. 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 August 28, 2026. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall 26V056.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY

Jan 30, 2026
87,394 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: Fire increases the risk of injury.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2026. 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.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov
25V636000NHTSA advisory: park outside

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY:RELAY

Sep 23, 2025
199,674 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: A short circuit in the starter relay may increase the risk of a fire.
The 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 became searchable on NHTSA.gov November 14, 2025.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Filed Oct 26, 2026

Recall states engine starter in severe cases can cause a fire while engine is running , the recall was I received notification back in July , it is now October going into November 4 months later which is a safety concern while driving the vehicle the car could catch on fire while driving on the highway with out notice based on the manufacturers description of the recall .

NHTSA ID
11773623
Incident
Jul 15, 2026
ElectricalVisibility
Filed Oct 26, 2026

I am the original owner of a 2022 BMW X3 sDrive30i, VIN [XXX], with 61,700 miles. I am reporting a progressively worsening malfunction involving the windshield wiper system and right turn signal. The exact defective component is UNKNOWN. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. While driving, the windshield wipers unexpectedly activate at 15mphspeed despite the wiper control being completely OFF. The wiper stalk becomes unresponsive. When the vehicle stops, the wipers stop immediately, sometimes halfway across the windshield. Once the vehicle reaches approximately 15 mph, the wipers resume operating at high speed without driver input. During these episodes, the right turn signal simultaneously becomes completely inoperative, including no flashing dashboard indicator. The left turn signal continues to function normally. Repeatedly operating the right turn signal stalk sometimes stops the wipers and restores normal operation. When the wipers are functioning normally, the right turn signal operates properly. This malfunction creates a safety hazard because the unexpected high-speed wiper operation can interfere with visibility and distract the driver. The simultaneous failure of the right turn signal prevents me from safely signaling right turns or lane changes, placing myself, passengers, and other motorists at risk. I contacted BMW of [XXX] and German Car Specialists seeking diagnosis and repair. Both facilities advised that the malfunction would need to occur during inspection before they could diagnose it. Neither facility reproduced or confirmed the malfunction, and to my knowledge, neither performed a comprehensive electrical diagnostic scan. The manufacturer has not inspected the vehicle for this concern. There have been no check engine lights, dashboard warning lamps, or warning messages associated with this malfunction. The problem initially occurred intermittently and has progressively worsened. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11773613
Incident
Sep 1, 2026
Airbags
Filed Oct 22, 2026

The contact owns a 2022 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the message "Driver's Restraint System Malfunction" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the driver's and passenger's side knee air bags and wiring harness under the center console needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 55,400.

NHTSA ID
11773055
Incident
Oct 12, 2026
Mileage
55,400 mi
ElectricalEngine
Filed Oct 13, 2026

I have a 2022 X3 M40i and the negative battery terminal on the 48v battery was not connected properly to the battery and had welded itself to the terminal causing drivetrain errors, start stop issues and low voltage errors. The cable could of caught fire and burned my house and car down.

NHTSA ID
11770819
Incident
Oct 1, 2026
Filed Oct 9, 2026

My 2022 BMW X3 xDrive30i, VIN [XXX], is subject to NHTSA recall 26V-438 involving a starter that may overheat and cause a fire. I have contacted BMW of San Rafael a few times over the past three months to arrange the recall repair. This week, the dealer advised me in writing that BMW has not yet released my VIN for repair, so they are not permitted to order the replacement part. They have no visibility into when BMW will make the repair available. I then emailed BMW Recall Support Services directly. BMW confirmed that my vehicle is affected by recall 26V-438, but stated that there is no estimated timeframe for when the remedy will become available for my VIN and that they are unable to expedite or further escalate the matter. BMW advised me that the vehicle may continue to be driven normally as long as there are no symptoms. However, the vehicle is primarily driven by my [XXX] son, which adds to my concern about continuing to operate it indefinitely with an acknowledged fire-related defect and no repair timeframe. I am submitting this complaint to document that BMW has confirmed the safety defect but, as of XXX, cannot provide either the recall remedy or any estimate for when my vehicle will become eligible for repair. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11770159
Incident
Jul 8, 2026
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Oct 2, 2026

The contact owns a 2022 BMW X3. The contact stated that while pulling into a parking spot, the vehicle experienced hard braking and then stalled. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the battery was replaced. While driving 25 MPH in heavy traffic after retrieving the vehicle, the vehicle vibrated abnormally and abruptly stopped in the middle of the road. During the failure, the transmission independently shifted to neutral(N). The gear shifter was shifted back to park(P) and the vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was later towed back to the dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 58,000.

NHTSA ID
11768449
Incident
Sep 9, 2026
Mileage
58,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Oct 1, 2026

Subject: Formal Safety Complaint – Unresolved Starter Recall on 2022 BMW X3 xDrive30i I am submitting this complaint regarding the active starter-related safety recall affecting my 2022 BMW X3 xDrive30i. I have contacted BMW Honolulu dealership multiple times seeking assistance and requesting an update regarding the recall. However, I have been informed that BMW has not yet developed or released a repair remedy for the affected vehicles. I am concerned that my vehicle remains subject to an unresolved safety recall with no available repair or confirmed timeline for a resolution. I regularly travel with my family, including my young granddaughter, and I am concerned about the possibility of experiencing a vehicle failure and being stranded on the road. I have made repeated attempts to obtain assistance from BMW and have requested that the matter be escalated. Unfortunately, I still do not have a solution or a clear timeline for when BMW will address this safety issue. I respectfully request that NHTSA review this matter and seek clarification from BMW regarding: Why a repair remedy has not yet been developed or released. What steps BMW is taking to address the safety concerns affecting recalled vehicles. When affected owners can reasonably expect a repair remedy. What interim safety guidance BMW can provide to owners while the recall remains unresolved. I understand that developing a safety remedy can take time, but affected vehicle owners deserve clear communication and timely action regarding an outstanding safety recall. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

NHTSA ID
11768403
Incident
Oct 1, 2026
Electrical
Filed Sep 30, 2026

The contact owns a 2022 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V438000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue by phone and confirmed that the part was not yet available, even though the manufacturer's website indicated that parts were available.

NHTSA ID
11768157
Incident
Sep 30, 2026

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

B010324

ENGINE

The EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date.

B010324

ENGINE

The EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original in-service date.

B641224

STRUCTURE:BODY

1. Use of aftermarket accessory hang-on cellular phone holders and/or air fresheners can break the instrument panel air vent slats. Damage and/or issues caused by outside influences are not covered under the BMW limited warranties. Originally, the air vent slats were only repairable by replacing the entire front center dash vent assembly; which in some applications, also included the IHKA control module.

B661323

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING; FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

Various Check Control messages (CCM) can be displayed to the customer, which indicate a restrictedfunction or an unavailability of the driver assistance systems or driver assistance functions. During the diagnosis, the following fault memory entries are entered individually or in combination: 800AC4 - Camera calibration failed 800AC8 - Permanent calibration error 800A24 - Temporary software fault 800ABE - KAFAS camera: Field of view permanently faulty This only affects vehicles with the following optional equipment: 5AU Driving AssistantProfessional.

B310122

SUSPENSION

During inspection and/or diagnosis there is noticeable dirt/grease buildup on the axles near the inner and/orouter CV boots.

B510925

STRUCTURE:BODY

Oxidation/corrosion on the tailgate latch electrical connector and/or mechanical cable. This is caused by pressure washing the tailgate for a long period of time at close distance, resulting in water entering the vehicle through the gaps of the tailgate.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

BMW X3 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026222064.0
2025399060.7
2024434062.2
2023174061.1
2022Viewing868062.1
202111611062.5
202011016065.1
201917110058.5
20187611059.6
2017927262.9
2016826267.0
20151058265.7
2014867261.9
20132268260.5
2012422156.5
20111134155.1
2010324050.7
2009193058.6
2008663052.7
2007993053.7
20061432261.9
20051032262.8
20041381151.4

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.