2007 BMW X3 Sav
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › BMW › X3 Sav › 2007
These records cover every 2007 BMW X3 Sav. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2007 BMW X3 Sav. Newest first.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3…
Risk and remedy
Risk
An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.
Remedy
This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Vehicles previously repaired under the prior recalls will need to come back for the new recall remedy. The remedy is currently being developed. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 1, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 22, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335xi, 335i…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Owner complaints
160 complaints5 involved a crash20 involved a fire21 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags · Engine
My vehicle IS under two recalls: 17v605 17v683 as recommended, I took my vehicle in to the BMW dealer for the recalls. the dealer returned the vehicle to me stating that the remedy for the recall was not yet available. since that time, I continue to receive recall notices from BMW for the…
My vehicle IS under two recalls: 17v605 17v683 as recommended, I took my vehicle in to the BMW dealer for the recalls. the dealer returned the vehicle to me stating that the remedy for the recall was not yet available. since that time, I continue to receive recall notices from BMW for the same recall numbers. your database shows that for both recalls: "recall incomplete/remedy not yet available". I do not understand why the "remedy" IS "not yet available". can you tell me when BMW projects a "remedy" to be available to correct both recalls? it seems like the technical resolution of these issues would be fairly straightforward, albeit somewhat expensive, for BMW to process. thank you- [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6).' *pm
- Engine
I recieved a recall for pvc valve heater last year dec 2017 until now april 20 2018 my car IS not fix and I get overheat when my car IS stuck on traffic.
- Engine
All four engine mounting bolts are sheared and completely broken. The vehicle was not in any kind of accident and no other issues i.e. Engine taken out and reusage of bolts, etc. The engine was sitting on the surrounding chassis. This caused the engine head to crack and oil leaking onto the exhaust
- Air bags · Seats
Takata recall - my vehicle has a recall and no one has a remedy for it. not the dealer, manufacturer or takata. the issue IS that I need my car and the front seat passenger airbag sensor IS not working properly. I have received documentation from takata and BMW that there currently IS no…
Takata recall - my vehicle has a recall and no one has a remedy for it. not the dealer, manufacturer or takata. the issue IS that I need my car and the front seat passenger airbag sensor IS not working properly. I have received documentation from takata and BMW that there currently IS no remedy. my question IS since I am still driving my car, if I were in an accident, IS the liability of my passenger my responsibility? I cannot let the car sit parked until a remedy IS available as this would ruin the cars engine. BMW and takata have no remedy and have given no eta when one would become available. BMW will not give me a loaner until this remedy IS fixed. so for now I am without a car, which IS unfair as I still have to pay for insurance and registration.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2007 BMW X3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v071000 (air bags); however, 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 chattanooga BMW dealer…
TL* the contact owns a 2007 BMW X3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v071000 (air bags); however, 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 chattanooga BMW dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Air bags
I have had the vehicle over a year now. And I have received the notice in regards to the recall. But still no one has contacted me in regards to get this issue corrected. When I called my local BMW of las vegas. Still haven't done anything after couple of months.
- Electrical system · Seats
TL* the contact owns a 2007 BMW X3. When the vehicle was warming up, the contact stepped away for a few minutes. Upon returning, the interior was filled with smoke. The contact noticed that the front driver seat was burning. The contact turned the engine off and waited for the seat to cool down.…
TL* the contact owns a 2007 BMW X3. When the vehicle was warming up, the contact stepped away for a few minutes. Upon returning, the interior was filled with smoke. The contact noticed that the front driver seat was burning. The contact turned the engine off and waited for the seat to cool down. The contact drove the vehicle to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the electric wiring for the seat failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 58,000.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2007 BMW X3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v071000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Air bags
Takata recall takata recall dryer and reinbold BMW, greenwood,in will not repair the defective airbag in my vehicle. they will give me no timeframe for the repair of my vehicle. they have not provided an adequate response when asked why my vehicle has a lower priority for repair.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2007 BMW X3 sav. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v071000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Seats
2007 BMW X3 with just under 80,000 miles. the driver side seat bottom burned through the upholstery and burned the thigh of the driver while the seat heater was in use approximately five minutes into the drive on paved city streets. it was immediately turned off before the upholstery actually caught fire.
- Electrical system · Seats › Front assembly › Seat heater/cooler
TL* the contact owns a 2007 BMW X3 sav. After a seat warmer was activated, the heat generated became so intense that it burned a hole in the seat, as well as the contact's jacket and jeans. There were no injuries. The contact was altered to the failure due to a burning odor. The failure occurred…
TL* the contact owns a 2007 BMW X3 sav. After a seat warmer was activated, the heat generated became so intense that it burned a hole in the seat, as well as the contact's jacket and jeans. There were no injuries. The contact was altered to the failure due to a burning odor. The failure occurred without warning. An independent mechanic diagnosed that the failure was caused by a faulty heating element and the seat would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.
- Air bags
"Takata recall" recall # 16v071 issued on 2/5/16 parts are still not available to be replaced 16 deaths have occurred resulting from the takata inflators malfunction it IS an extreme hazard to drive this vehicle!
- Air bags
I have not receive the recall letter to take my car to the dealer for the replacement of the airbag.
- Engine
Right front motor mount bracket bolts sheared off. 3 of the 4 bolts were sheared off, and if the 4TH had sheared before we got it to the repair shop this would have caused significant damage. if it had happened while driving this would have absolutely caused an accident. *tr
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2007 BMW X3 sav. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v071000 (air bags); however, the part for the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Electrical system · Seats
In cool climate on november 1, 2016. Turn on my heat seat, then I smelled something burned, then I felt sharp burn on left butt cheek. Then I knew something wrong with heat I turned off, , on november 7, 2016, I tried again,,, burning smell IS so bad, the heat still burned almost through out side layer of seat
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2007 BMW X3 sav. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v071000 (air bags). The part was not available within a reasonable time frame to schedule the recall repair. The dealer did not give a specific date for when the part would become…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2007 BMW X3 sav. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v071000 (air bags). The part was not available within a reasonable time frame to schedule the recall repair. The dealer did not give a specific date for when the part would become available. The contact was unable to determine when the vehicle would be repaired. The manufacturer could not provide an estimated date for when the contact's vehicle would receive the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. Updated 02/15/2017*ct
- Air bags
Recall campaign #16v-071 initiated in march 2016 still not addressed and it IS now november 2016.
- Seats
Heated drivers seat started to burn me left side of seat. Burning smell. I shut it off, but it looks like it would have continued to burn through seat if I had not. Can feel the wire through the leather seat. Called BMW and they said they would "help" with the cost of repair, but I have to pay a diagnostic fee first. Will take this to me regular mechanic first.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2007 BMW X3 sav. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v071000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Air bags
Safety recall 16v-071 still not repaired. BMW told me they repaired all other models so far but dont know when they are going to get the parts for the X3 models. I have been waiting since march 2016. It IS now october 2016, plus I am in florida which makes this repair a priority according to BMW because the damage happens faster in warmer climates.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2007 BMW X3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v071000 (air bags) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Part distribution disconnect.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2007 BMW X3 sav. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v071000 (air bags) and stated that the part needed for the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2007 BMW X3 sav. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v071000 (air bags) and stated that the part needed for the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. updated 11/17/16*lj updated 11/17/16. *Jb
- Air bags
Takata recall. I was informed by BMW USA that the interim repair IS the same parts that are currently being used in the vehicle and that due to the new (same) parts not having been exposed to atmospheric elements thereby "reduces the risk." the complaint I have IS that the risk should be…
Takata recall. I was informed by BMW USA that the interim repair IS the same parts that are currently being used in the vehicle and that due to the new (same) parts not having been exposed to atmospheric elements thereby "reduces the risk." the complaint I have IS that the risk should be eliminated by correctly repairing the issue, not to just "reduce the risk." the solution I am seeking IS to have the vehicle repaired to eliminate the risk, not just reduce it.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant…
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10253326While driving the vehicle on normal roads at10mph and above, a "cracking" sound from the top of the B-pillar(s) is heard.
- 10249437The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- 10249027The 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.
- 10182619Discharged Battery Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed: 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. In order to properly repair the vehicle the first time in the workshop, it is very important that the diagnostic test plans are performed to completion, with all results taken into consideration. Without performing the energy diagnosis test plan, the root cause of the discharged battery cannot be identified. This increases the chances of a repeat repair.
- 10057566BMW: some vehicles, with 552 option, are experiencing a malfunction of led headlight on one where it flickers on an doff during driving and the control check message IS indicating defective driving light or parking light.
- 10056324BMW: in some vehicles, when the k CAN2 wiring IS shorted, no communication with any control modules (box electronics, telematic control module,car access system, radio/navigation, central gateway model or footwell module) during vehicle testing, no engagement of transmission gears, fail to start, when driving, will stop running. Model F25 (X3).
- 10052012BMW: battery has an increased demand due to developemental process of the electrical system. This IS causing the batter to need to undergo an energy diagnosis.
- 10051899Instrument cluster display IS intermittently inoperative. BMW F25, and F30 models.
- 10051459BMW: dsc warning light IS on. The warning lamps for dsc, ABS and brake warning illuminated. There may also be a warning in the control display for chassis control system failure.
- 10045283BMW: experiencing loss of engine power, service engine soon lamp IS illuminated, a noise, like rattling, coming from engine compartment. Updated 10/31/12. Models 2010 E70, 71, 82, 88, 90, 92, 93, F07, 10, 12, 13, 25. Updated 1/18/13. Updated 4/18/2013. Updated 05/13/2013 updated 5/19/15.
- 10044679BMW: see document search button for owner letter. Information regarding the defect in the rear window defroster that fails to operate properly. No model years listed.
- 10040852BMW: the service engine soon light IS on. There are trouble codes stored for the crankshaft sensor. No driveability issues.
- 10040368BMW service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. There may be a problem with the fuel pump which could not meet emissions requirements. There may be a long crank and a service engine soon light.
- 10040169BMW: a software error IS causing the service engine soon light or check gas cap light to come on along with stored trouble codes.
- 10039765BMW: the service engine soon light IS on while driving. This IS a programming issue. Updated 1/4/12. Updated 4/24/12.
- 10038217BMW: crankcase pressure diagnosis and information for all vehicles. Updated on 4/24/2013.
- 10037025BMW: procedure for determining and replacing incandescent and halogen light bulbs under warranty.
- 10037010BMW: six different models equipped with the M54 engine could have valve covers break in cold weather and ruin the engine. This IS due to moisture accumulation.
- 10036979BMW: a new technical process has been created for BMW to identify causes of steering complaints with a wide range of models.
- 10033133BMW vehicles: delayed upshift may occur uphill in 3RD or 4TH gear. The transmission will not upshift, usually after going up a slight incline, and stays in either 3RD or 4TH gear too long. Calibraton sensitivity in the hill recognition program of the egs transmission module. Models E83, X3. No model years listed.
- 10033130BMW vehicles: fuel level sensor repairs. Where it IS necessary to replace the right or the left side fuel level sensor due to a failure, the entire pump and housing or delivery unit (suction jet assembly) do not need to be replaced as well. In some cases, epc does not show that the repair kit IS available separately in the illustration, but it IS available in the parts description. All models. No model years listed.
- 10032988BMW: tire warning light illuminated due to low ambient temperature. Model E90, E91(3 series);e92, E92 (3 series); E60 (5 series); E60 (M5); E63, E64 (6 series); E63, E64 (M6); E65, E66 (7 series); E70 (X5); E83 (X3); and E85, E86 (Z4).
- 10032779BMW vehicle: the service engine soon (mil) lamp IS illuminated and a power reduction IS clearly perceptible. This situation may occur after driving for some time with the engine already at full operating temperature. If the ignition IS cycled, the engine then usually performs normally. Updated 2/7/11. Updated on 06/09/2011. Updated 8/10/11. Updated 1/11/13.
- 10032650BMW: service engine soon lamp illuminated-fc 23F4 map thermostat. In some vehicles have insufficient heat. E90, E91 (3 series), E60, E61 (5 series) 3/06 and E83 (X3 series) 9/08.
- 10031604BMW: the steering angle sensor must be adjusted after certain repair work IS performed, such as a wheel alignment or coding/programming of the dxc module. Due to a software error of the steering angle sensor, the dxc warning may be displayed after the adjustment IS performed. E83 (X3).
- 10030624BMW vehicle: water has entered electronics box because the lid IS not properly fitted. Once it IS verified that water has indeed entered the electronics box, it will be necessary to replace both the lower part of the electronics box and the lid of the electronics box. Updated 8/3/11.
- 10030612BMW vehicles: service engine soon lamp or check gas cap warning illuminated while driving. Software error in the dme for the tank leak diagnostic system. Models E60, E61 (5 series); E70 (X5); E71 (X6); E82, E88 (1 series); E83 (X3); E90, E91, E92, E93 (3 series).
- 10029009BMW: software error may result in the continuous activation of the servomotors in the locks, resulting in individual lock actuator failure or fuel filler lock failure.
- 10028464BMW vehicle: engine electrical systems. Poor throttle response; lack of power when accelerating; engine may crank too long before starting; loss of power at idle or when slowing to a stop. E83 (X3) models.
- 10028390BMW: the telematics control unit (tcu) in vehicles may not have been properly activated. This causes the manual and automatic emergency call and roadside call (BMW assist) not to function. Models E53, E60, E90, E83 are affected.
- 10028365BMW vehicle: air bag warning lamp illuminated and fault code A1 IS stored. A low voltage condition caused the steering angle sensor position data to be lost. The battery may have been discharged or disconnected. (Model E83).
- 10026205BMW: replace the chain tensioning rail bearing bolt that could come loose and cause damage to the engine. Models E60 (5 series), E70 (X5 series), E83 (X3 series), E9X (3 series).
Every BMW X3 Sav model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.