BMW 3 Series reliability and problems by year
Owners have filed 2,845 complaints about the BMW 3 Series with NHTSA since 2010, most often about engine and electrical system. BMW has filed 51 warranty extensions and 19 service campaigns for it, and there are 58 safety recalls on file.
From NHTSA's public data files, downloaded 2026-10-10.
How reliable is the BMW 3 Series? What NHTSA's records show
We don't give the 3 Series a reliability score. NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. Here is what's on file for model years 2010 on.
- Owner complaints
- 2,845
- Filed with NHTSA, all model years
- Warranty extensions
- 51
- Filed by BMW
- Service campaigns
- 19
- Filed by BMW
- Safety recalls
- 58
- Each covers part of the model
Every model year compared
Complaints rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so a newer or rarer year will show fewer. Compare years of the 3 Series with each other.
| Year | Complaints | Most named | Recalls | Warranty / campaigns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | Tires (100%) | 0 | 1 |
| 2025 | 5 | Electrical system (20%) | 1 | 6 |
| 2024 | 11 | Other or unspecified (45%) | 2 | 12 |
| 2023 | 14 | Electrical system (36%) | 4 | 3 |
| 2022 | 15 | Transmission and drivetrain (20%) | 3 | 3 |
| 2021 | 44 | Engine (41%) | 10 | 5 |
| 2020 | 106 | Engine (54%) | 15 | 9 |
| 2019 | 41 | Other or unspecified (22%) | 9 | 11 |
| 2018 | 72 | Engine (31%) | 7 | 15 |
| 2017 | 78 | Engine (42%) | 4 | 18 |
| 2016 | 106 | Engine (26%) | 6 | 19 |
| 2015 | 214 | Electrical system (33%) | 8 | 18 |
| 2014 | 409 | Engine (27%) | 12 | 23 |
| 2013 | 383 | Engine (33%) | 9 | 22 |
| 2012 | 178 | Engine (37%) | 11 | 20 |
| 2011 | 894 | Engine (32%) | 13 | 10 |
| 2010 | 274 | Airbags (28%) | 11 | 9 |
Look up one model year, or a VIN
See the complaints, recalls and warranty extensions for a single 3 Series model year, with the typical mileage when owners reported each problem.
Acknowledged by BMW
Warranty extensions and service campaigns BMW filed with NHTSA for the 3 Series, in its own words. A warranty extension means BMW pays for the repair beyond the normal warranty.
- Warranty extensionAug 2025· Engine· model years 2014–2018
N47/N57 diesel engine EGR cooler revised ext ltd wty(elw) coverage/procedure
- Warranty extensionAug 2025· Engine· model years 2014–2018
The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Cooler (with EGR Valve) and the Auxiliary Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Cooler limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been extended to 25 years without mileage limit as determined from the original first…
- Warranty extensionJul 2025· Body and structure· model years 2020
After carrying out the vehicle test, one or more of the stored faults indicate that the operation of the front bottom active air flap is obstructed or blocked.
- Warranty extensionMay 2025· Engine· model years 2023–2024
The high-voltage battery assemblys refrigerant circuit expansion valves limited warranty for defects in materials and/ or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from theoriginal first in-service / delivery date.
- Warranty extensionMay 2025· Body and structure· model years 2019–2022
A vehicle listed above may arrive with a Check Control Message (CCM), and/or malfunction indicator lamp(MIL) illuminated.
- Warranty extensionApr 2025· Body and structure· model years 2019–2022
The Radiator Grilles Lower Active Air Flap Assembly 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.
- Warranty extensionApr 2025· Airbags· model years 2019–2021
The Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) Front Passenger’s Seat Occupancy Capacitive Interior Sensor (CIS) Mat for defects in materials and/or workmanship that causes a false seat occupancy alert to occur has been extended to 10 years / 120,000 miles as determined from the…
- Warranty extensionFeb 2025· Electrical system· model years 2010–2013
The Footwell Module (FRM) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been supplementarily increased to 15 years / 240,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date.
- Warranty extensionJan 2025· Electrical system· model years 2018–2019
The Telematics Control Units (TCU) Internal Emergency (Backup) Battery for defects in materials and/or workmanship has been extended to 6 years without mileage limitation, as determined from the vehicles original first in-service / delivery date.
- Warranty extensionDec 2024· Electrical system· model years 2018–2020
The Telematics Control Units (TCU) Internal Emergency (Backup) Battery for defects in materials and/or workmanship has been extended to 6 years without mileage limitation, as determined from the vehicles original first in-service / delivery date.
- Warranty extensionDec 2024· Electrical system· model years 2016–2018
The High-Voltage (HV) Battery Assembly Cell Modules Temperature Sensors (Internal NTC repair kit-specific) limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original in-service/first delivery date.
- Warranty extensionNov 2024· Brakes· model years 2016–2018
BMW of North America, LLC(BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty forthe vehicle’s Brake Servo Unit’s ElectricVacuum Pump assembly to: 15 years/150,000 miles as determined bythe vehicle’s original in-service date.
- Warranty extensionOct 2024· Fuel and propulsion· model years 2014
Fuel tank limited warranty for leakage, due to defects in materials or workmanship, has been extended to 15 years/150,000 miles as determined from the original in-service date
- Warranty extensionOct 2024· Fuel and propulsion· model years 2015
Fuel tank limited warranty for leakage, due to defects in materials or workmanship, has been extended to 15 years/150,000 miles as determined from the original in-service date
- Warranty extensionSep 2024· Engine· model years 2016–2024
For this vehicle, the EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 15 years/150,000 miles, from the original 10 years/120,000 miles, as determined from the original in-service date.
- Warranty extensionJun 2024· Fuel and propulsion· model years 2016–2017
Component-Specific Extended Limited Warranty (ELW) Issues with the fuel supply module/level sensor assembly and its related components, the fuel doorcover pot (ejector and drive), the filler flap (door) itself and/or the emergency release mechanism arenot included under this…
- Warranty extensionMay 2024· Engine· model years 2016
EVAP system purge (vent) valve ext ltd wty (elw) 15/150
- Warranty extensionMay 2024· Engine· model years 2019
EVAP system purge (vent) valve ext ltd wty (elw) 15/150
- Warranty extensionDec 2022· Fuel system· model years 2012–2019
For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle's Fuel Injectors to 10 years/120,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original in-service date.
- Warranty extensionMay 2022· Engine and cooling· model years 2012–2019
Component specific limited warranty extension. For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) Sensor(s) to: 10 years/120,000 miles as determined by the vehicle original in-service date.
- Warranty extensionApr 2022· Equipment and accessories· model years 2012–2020
Component and Issue Specific Limited Emission Warranty Extension. This component-specific limited emission warranty extension applies to defects in materials or workmanship.
- Warranty extensionApr 2022· Fuel system· model years 2012–2020
Component and Issue Specific Limited Emission Warranty Extension.
- Warranty extensionOct 2021· Engine and cooling· model years 2012–2018
For the above-referenced vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the engine timing chain and oil pump drive chain modules to: 7 years/70,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original in-service date.
- Warranty extensionSep 2021· Fuel system· model years 2014–2018
For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle's engine high pressure fuel pump (shown) to: 10 years/120,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original in-service date.
- Warranty extensionJul 2021· Engine and cooling· model years 2012–2018
BMW of North America, LLC BMW NA is extending the limited warranty for the engine timing chain and oil pump drive chain modules to: 7 years/70,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original in-service date
- Warranty extensionJun 2020· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2012–2018
EPS STEERING ELECTRIC MOTOR MOUNTING BOLTS LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION: There are front end noises when turning the steering wheel and/or there is limited power steering assist when maneuvering or parking the vehicle.
- Warranty extensionApr 2019· Engine· model years 2014–2017
N47T/N57T DIESEL PARTICULATE SENSOR: LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120000 MILEAGE This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 04 18 dated April 2018.
- Warranty extensionDec 2018· Engine· model years 2014–2017
N47T/N57T nitrogen oxide sensor (nox) before and after the SCR: Limited warranty extension to 10 YEARS/120.
- Warranty extensionOct 2018· Airbags· model years 2010–2013
For the above-referenced vehicles with driver?s side airbag modules, BMW of North America, LLC (?BMW NA?) will provide a Customer Support Program as outlined in the Takata Settlement Customer Support Program Overview attachment.
- Warranty extensionJul 2018· Electrical system· model years 2016–2017
HIGH-VOLTAGE BATTERY SAFETY BOX: LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120,000 MILEAGE: For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (ÒBMW NAÓ) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicleÕs high-voltage battery safety box to
What owners report most
The parts of the car owners named in their complaints, across every 3 Series model year. Unverified, and not a failure rate.
- Engine878 (31%)
- Electrical system631 (22%)
- Airbags428 (15%)
- Engine and cooling411 (14%)
- Other or unspecified300 (11%)
- Fuel and propulsion245 (9%)
- Transmission and drivetrain218 (8%)
- Brakes109 (4%)
Safety recalls
58 recalls cover at least one 3 Series model year. Each covers a range of VINs, not every car. Check one car at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
The engine starter relay may corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short circuit.
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 head air bag inflator may fail at the weld joint, which can cause gas to leak from the inflator or result in an inflator rupture.
The EGR cooler may leak internally, causing coolant to mix with diesel engine soot, which could result in smoldering particles and a melting intake manifold.
After repeated attempts, the starter motor may overheat from an electrical overload.
The engine starter relay may corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short circuit.
The electrical connection between the starter-generator and battery may come loose.
An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.
Please see the recall report for the complete list of models. In the event the starter motor fails, repeated attempts to start the vehicle can cause the starter motor to overheat from an electrical overload.
Please see the recall report for the complete list of models. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.
The original steering wheel may have been replaced with a sport or M-sport steering wheel equipped with an inflator that can explode during deployment.
The head air bag inflator may fail at the weld joint, which can cause gas to leak from the inflator or result in an inflator rupture.
The weld seam of the integrated transmission control unit's cover may not have been manufactured properly, which could allow automatic transmission oil to leak into the transmission control unit.
The steering gear may not have been tightened properly, which can allow it to loosen.
The aluminum bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and possibly break.
And 43 more recalls on NHTSA.
NHTSA investigations
Defect investigations NHTSA opened. Many close without a recall.
- EA23001Engineering analysis· opened Mar 2023, still open· Fuel system (diesel)· model years 2014–2018
High pressure fuel pump failure
Led to recall 24V957.
- DP22005Defect petition· opened Jan 2023, closed Aug 2023· Electrical system· model years 2013–2018, 2021–2022
Pedestrian alert sounds
Led to recall 22V063000.
- EA21002Engineering analysis· opened Sep 2021, still open· Airbags· model years 2010–2018
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
- PE13030Preliminary evaluation· opened Sep 2013, closed Oct 2013· Brakes· model years 2012–2014
Loss of power assist braking
Led to recall 13V454000.
NHTSA's own page for the 2026 BMW 3 Series has the complaint text and every document.
Was the work actually done on the car you're looking at?
Model-year records can't tell you about one car. A BMW service history check returns that vehicle's own dealer records by VIN.
Check a BMW's service historyCommon questions
Is the BMW 3 Series reliable?
We don't score reliability: NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. What's on file for model years 2010 on: 2,845 owner complaints, 51 warranty extensions and 19 service campaigns BMW filed, and 58 safety recalls. The model years with the most complaints are 2011 (894), 2014 (409), 2013 (383). Whether a known problem was fixed on one car is what its service records show.
What are the most common problems with the BMW 3 Series?
Across every model year since 2010, owners' complaints to NHTSA most often name engine (31%), electrical system (22%), airbags (15%). BMW has filed 51 warranty extensions covering the 3 Series, listed on this page.
Which 3 Series model years have the most complaints?
2011 (894), 2014 (409), 2013 (383). Complaint counts rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so compare years of the 3 Series with each other rather than with other models.
Has BMW extended the warranty on the 3 Series?
Yes: engine (model years 2014–2018); engine (model years 2014–2018); body and structure (model years 2020), and 48 more. A dealer does a covered repair for free within the extended time or mileage.
How do I check recalls on a 3 Series?
Enter the car's 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. That answers for one vehicle; the 58 recalls listed here are for the model, and each covers only part of it.