2009 BMW X3 Sav
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2009 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 2009 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
16 complaints2 involved a fire
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags · Seats
Received a safety recall notice in october 2017 and BMW has yet to have a remedy/solve for the issue. we are over 6 months since the recall and this IS far past a reasonable amount of time to address a safety issue.
- Air bags
BMW sent letter 3/2016 about recall and continue to tell me that they do not have the parts for my cars recall.i have check several times during the last year locally and then another nearby dealership close by in another town. They said they would place me on a call list and that has been 7 mths…
BMW sent letter 3/2016 about recall and continue to tell me that they do not have the parts for my cars recall.i have check several times during the last year locally and then another nearby dealership close by in another town. They said they would place me on a call list and that has been 7 mths ago. I feel like they are waiting for me to get rid of the car, but in the meantime I am at risk if I get into an accident. What do I do? Thanks in advance for your advice
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2009 BMW X3 sav. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v071000 (air bags). The parts to do the repairs were unavailable for the driver side air bag inflator. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2009 BMW X3 sav. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v071000 (air bags). The parts to do the repairs were unavailable for the driver side air bag inflator. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Air bags · Electrical system · Seats
Nhtsa investigations pe07045 and ea08001 determined micro-cracks could develop in the side flanks of the front occupancy sensor mat causing a broken circuit and deactivation of the passenger air bag and the illumination of both the air bag warning light and the passenger air bag light. When both of…
Nhtsa investigations pe07045 and ea08001 determined micro-cracks could develop in the side flanks of the front occupancy sensor mat causing a broken circuit and deactivation of the passenger air bag and the illumination of both the air bag warning light and the passenger air bag light. When both of the lights are illuminated, the passenger frontal air bag will not deploy in a frontal crash. Nhtsa recall campaign number 08v384000 was issued however only covers model years 2004-2006 of the BMW X3 sav. Request nhtsa conduct further investigations to expand the existing recall to cover all 2004-2009 model years of the first generation BMW X3 sav which many owners online can concur exhibit the same symptoms of this serious manufacturing defect that poses a severe safety risk.
- Air bags
S10 appropriate handling- copy of a letter to president and ceo of BMW of north america ludwig weillisch regarding the availability of the safety parts needed for the airbags on his vehicles. *smd the consumer stated he and his family own three bmw's that are all affected by the recall. *Jb
- Air bags
2009 BMW X3. consumer writes in regards to replacement parts not available to repair driver front air bag module recall notice. *smd the consumer stated the air bag light has been on for the last 2-3 years. *Jb
- Air bags
Takata recall BMW not offering loaner program and also no date available for drivers front airbag parts even though original recall notice was march 2016.
- Air bags
"Takata recall" I have been notified of a recall. However, five months later BMW has not replaced the air bag. This IS a danger to me and my passengers. what IS nhtsa doing about this?
- Electrical system · Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
The vehicle was parked and unmoved in my driveway for several days. It suddenly broke out in flames (originating in the engine compartment). The fire grew quite large and the car exploded (the police officer's word). Security cameras on the property show no one in the area to tamper with the car. This was spontaneous combustion. A google search of "2009 BMW X3 fire" shows many other similar incidents.
- Air bags
Takata recall - I received a recall notice from BMW, call the local dealer, have been placed on a waiting list because they do not have parts. I am concern that if the air bag inflates there IS a risk of death because of what has happen with other vehicles effect by this recall.
- Air bags · Seats
There IS an active recall campaign 08v-384 for defective front passenger airbags that will not deploy and protect the passenger occupant in the event of a severe accident. The active recall campaign which IS extended for 10 years only covers model years 2004-2006 of the BMW X3 despite the first…
There IS an active recall campaign 08v-384 for defective front passenger airbags that will not deploy and protect the passenger occupant in the event of a severe accident. The active recall campaign which IS extended for 10 years only covers model years 2004-2006 of the BMW X3 despite the first generation of the vehicle being produced from 2003 - 2010 and vehicles from all other years exhibiting the same symptoms. For instance my own vehicle IS model year 2009 and exhibits all symptoms of the air bag issue as described in the recall campaign notice however I have no matter of recourse and have been unable to petition the dealership or BMW north america llc to remedy the issue as they have refused citing the recall campaign makes them liable only for those specific model years which IS ridiculous since this IS a serious safety issue and IS not receiving as much attention due to the massive takata recall. I would like to petition the nhtsa to have BMW expand the airbag recall campaign to cover additional model years of the same production generation of the X3.
- Vehicle speed control
While making a broken u-turn in a parking lot, the car suddenly went into extreme rapid acceleration. *tr
- Suspension
Loud rattle from rear suspension, sounded like loose shock tower. took to dealer, both rear suspension springs were broken. I avoid all road hazards and do not 'beat' my cars. BMW service advisor had a broken spring on her desk to explain the issue. it happens that often. repair cost me $987.38. I call manufacturer defect. *tr
- Seat belts
With no occupant in the front passenger seat the seat belt warning alarm went off on multiple occasions, forcing the driver to fasten the passenger side seat belt even though there was no occupant. This warning also occurred once when there was an occupant in the front seat and had the seat belt properly fastened. *tr
- Tires
Pirelli scorpion tire 235/55hr17 99H blow-outs in side walls. *tr
- Electrical system
Tl*the contact owned a 2009 BMW X3. The contact stated that after parking his vehicle at 9 am he received a call at 2 pm stating that his vehicle was on fire. When he walked outside he saw flames coming from the vehicle. The fire department extinguished the fire and a report was filed. The police…
Tl*the contact owned a 2009 BMW X3. The contact stated that after parking his vehicle at 9 am he received a call at 2 pm stating that his vehicle was on fire. When he walked outside he saw flames coming from the vehicle. The fire department extinguished the fire and a report was filed. The police also responded and filed police report #2010-0000-122. The vehicle was towed to a BMW dealer who stated that they could not identify the cause of the fire. The vehicle was destroyed. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.
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.
- 10057568BMW: on some vehicles, when starting, low beam, with 0552 option, would briefly flashes, due to a faulty led main light module that needs replacing. Model 2008-14 F01, F02, F06, F07, F10, F12, F13, F25.
- 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.
- 10057527BMW: selective catalyst reduction module (scr) has a stored fault, pressure build up IS low, causing service engine soon light to illuminate. *
- 10057335BMW: the camshaft (vanos) adjustment units, on certain vehicle, had the limited warranty extended, without the limitation of mileage, to 10 years.
- 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).
- 10056099BMW: when using iphone, various connectivity failures occur, such as disconnection of call, list of contacts incomplete, due to the variants and software used. Model 2008-2014.
- 10052360BMW: some vehicle engines may experience a delay in response to acceleration, after slowing down, due to an unfavorable software calibration. Models F10, 25, 07, E70, 71. No model years listed.
- 10052358BMW: on some vehicles, the alternator would malfunction, due to sporadically charging or not charge at all, intermittently, when engine's at operating temperature. Models F10, F25. No model years listed.
- 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.
- 10043862BMW: electronic malfunction and various check control messages are displayed in cid (central information display) and instrument cluster. Models 2009-2012 E70, E71, E72, E82, E88, E90, E91, E92, E93, F01, F02, F04, F07, F10, F12, F13, F25. Updated 11/2/12.
- 10041407BMW: service engine soon light IS on and the engine has reduced power with trouble codes stored. Updated on 4/24/2013.
- 10041276BMW: service engine soon light IS on with a fault code stored. Internal dmtl pump failure.*rm
- 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.
- 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.
- 10037934BMW: the emergency park release cable has been removed in these models and there IS a procedure to disengage the park lock. 2011 e70/e71. Updated on 06/08/2011. Updated on 06/21/2011.
- 10037061BMW: a fault for oil wear IS stored in the memory, but it does not illuminate the warning lamp.
- 10037050BMW: operating description of the passenger airbag status light.
- 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.
- 10034669BMW: N54 engines-misfire faults, diagnosis with istad. Situation (1) service engine soon lamp IS illuminated with various misfire fault codes (e.g., 29CC, 29D2, 29D1, 29D0, 29C0, 29CF) stored in dme control module. Do not follow the recommendation of the test plan to replace a complete set of the injectors. Situation (2) service engine soon lamp IS illuminated and a single, individual cylinder misfire fault IS store in the dme. Swap the affected injector with one from another bank. No models or model years are listed.
- 10034667BMW: oil separator-cold climate conditions. Certain areas of the us experience extremely cold climate conditions during the winter months. A small number of vehicles have experienced problems ranging from leaking or broken valve covers to complete engine failure. Include models E39, 46, 53, 60, 83, and E85. No model years listed.
- 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.
Every BMW X3 Sav model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.