Complaints by model year
Distinct federal complaints filed against each model year of the BMW 3 Series, to date. Hover a bar for the count. Older years have had longer to accumulate filings; the rankings below correct for that.
1985
1995
2000
2005
2010
Highest totals within an 8-year windowAll other years
Model years compared
Ranked from the same federal record on an equal exposure window. Click any year for its full file.
Highest complaint totals
- 2006 BMW 3 Series - 156 complaints in its first 8 years (202 to date)
- 2007 BMW 3 Series - 69 complaints in its first 8 years (115 to date)
- 2008 BMW 3 Series - 48 complaints in its first 8 years (68 to date)
Ranked on distinct complaints filed within eight years of the model year, so old and new years get the same exposure window. Not adjusted for sales volume; a best-selling year files more complaints at the same failure rate.
Lowest totals among mature years
- 2010 BMW 3 Series - 29 complaints in its first 8 years (30 to date)
- 2004 BMW 3 Series - 34 complaints in its first 8 years (77 to date)
- 2000 BMW 3 Series - 42 complaints in its first 8 years (88 to date)
Same eight-year window, among model years old enough to have completed it and with at least 25 complaints in it. Model years before 1990 are excluded because the federal file begins in 1995. A low total is not proof of reliability.
What owners report, all years combined
Every model year
| Model year | Complaints to date | Within 8 years | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 BMW 3 Series | 21 | 21 | 0 |
| 2012 BMW 3 Series | 7 | 7 | 3 |
| 2011 BMW 3 Series | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| 2010 BMW 3 Series | 30 | 29 | 2 |
| 2009 BMW 3 Series | 53 | 45 | 1 |
| 2008 BMW 3 Series | 68 | 48 | 2 |
| 2007 BMW 3 Series | 115 | 69 | 1 |
| 2006 BMW 3 Series | 202 | 156 | 3 |
| 2005 BMW 3 Series | 25 | 4 | 0 |
| 2004 BMW 3 Series | 77 | 34 | 0 |
| 2003 BMW 3 Series | 51 | 10 | 0 |
| 2002 BMW 3 Series | 26 | 7 | 0 |
| 2001 BMW 3 Series | 36 | 3 | 1 |
| 2000 BMW 3 Series | 88 | 42 | 1 |
| 1999 BMW 3 Series | 6 | 2 | 1 |
| 1998 BMW 3 Series | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| 1997 BMW 3 Series | 5 | 2 | 0 |
| 1996 BMW 3 Series | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 1995 BMW 3 Series | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| 1994 BMW 3 Series | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 1988 BMW 3 Series | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1987 BMW 3 Series | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1986 BMW 3 Series | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 1985 BMW 3 Series | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1984 BMW 3 Series | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Recall campaigns, all years
Every campaign filed against this model, with the model years it covers. Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN.
| Campaign | Years | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23V821000 | 2023 | Power Train | BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota GR Supra, 3 Series Sedan (330i xDrive, M340i xDrive, M3), 5 Series Sedan (530i, 530i xDrive, M5), 4 Series Gran... |
| 23V707000 | 2010-2012 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2010-2012 1 Series Coupe, 1 Series Convertible, 3 Series Sedan, 3 Series Convertible, 2010-2011 3 Series Sportswagon, 3 Series... |
| 22V119000 | 2006-2012 | Engine And Engine Cooling | 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... |
| 21V401000 | 1999-2001 | Air Bags | BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2001 BMW 3 Series (323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci and 330Ci), 1999-2001 323i, 328i, 330i, 330xi, and 2000 323i, 328i stationwagon... |
| 12V176000 | 2012 | Seats | BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 BMW 3-SERIES VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 19, 2011, THROUGH MARCH 18, 2012, THAT HAVE FRONT SEAT HEAD RESTRAINTS THAT EXCEED THE... |
| 09V257000 | 2008 | Seat Belts | BMW IS RECALLING 2,350 MY 2008 1-SERIES AND 3- SERIES PASSENGER CARS. INCORRECT CRIMP CONNECTORS MAY HAVE BEEN USED ON THE SIDE AIR BAG AND BELT TENSIONER WIRING. |
| 08V384000 | 2006 | Air Bags | BMW IS RECALLING 200,000 MY 2006 3 SERIES SPORT SEAT, MY 2004-2006 5 SERIES STANDARD AND SPORT SEAT, AND MY 2004-2006 X3 PASSENGER VEHICLES. |
| 06V400000 | 2006 | Suspension | ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, ONE OF THE SUSPENSION CONTROL ARM AND SWIVEL BEARING CONNECTION BOLTS WAS NOT TIGHTENED CORRECTLY. THE BOLTED CONNECTION COULD LOOSEN. |