BMW 3 Series Recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign on record across 8 model years (2016–2023). Select your model year below, and confirm any open recall for a specific VIN with a franchised dealer.
Model years
2016–2023
in the database
Total recalls
1
manufacturer campaigns
Years affected
1
with ≥1 open campaign
BMW 3 Series models from 2016 to 2023 have 1 recorded safety recall across 1 model year. The most recent was reported on 06/12/2023, and the system flagged most often is power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm/pcm/tecm). Recalls are issued by the manufacturer and tracked in the NHTSA safety database. Recall data is model-level, so enter your VIN below to confirm exactly which recalls affect your specific vehicle.
Most important recall categories to understand
Based on the recall records for the BMW 3 Series, these are the systems flagged most often and what they mean for a buyer.
Powertrain / engine
Worth checkingPowertrain campaigns can be costly if unaddressed — ask whether work was done.
Categories are derived from recorded recall data and are general guidance, not a mechanical assessment of any specific vehicle. Always confirm which campaigns affect a VIN and whether repairs were completed.
What to do before buying a used BMW 3 Series with recalls
- 1Run the exact VIN to confirm whether that specific 3 Series is affected — cars in the same model line are not always included in the same campaigns.
- 2Ask the seller whether the recall work was already completed.
- 3Request repair documentation or the campaign number if work was done.
- 4Confirm any unresolved safety campaigns before you agree to buy.
- 5Add recall-related questions to your pre-purchase inspection.
2023 BMW 3 Series(1 recall)
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
06/12/2023BMW 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 Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive), 4 Series Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive), 4 Series Convertible (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive), 8 Series Coupe (840i, M850i xDrive, M8), 8 Series Convertible (840i, M850i xDrive, M8), 8 Series Gran Coupe (850i xDrive, M8), X3 SAV (X3 xDrive30i, X3M), X4 SAV (X4 xDrive30i), X5 SAV (X5 xDrive40i, X5 M50i, X5M), X6 SAV (X6 xDrive40i, X6 M50i, X6M), and Z4 sDrive30i, Z4 M40i vehicles. 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.
Consequence: Transmission oil that leaks into the control unit can lead to a seizure of the transmission gears, causing a sudden loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the transmission mechatronics module and the automatic transmission fluid, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 26, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Campaign #23V821000 · Affects ~unknown vehicles
Check this specific 3 Series by VIN
Model-level recall pages are useful for research, but the next step is always to check the exact VIN. Different vehicles from the same model line may not be affected in the same way.
Run a free VIN CheckBMW 3 Series Recalls — FAQ
How do I check if my BMW 3 Series has an open recall?
Enter your 17-character VIN on SmartVINReport.com. We decode it and show the NHTSA recall campaigns associated with that 3 Series's year, free of charge — then confirm any open recall for your specific VIN with a franchised dealer.
Are BMW 3 Series recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are done free of charge by an authorized BMW dealer, regardless of the vehicle's age or who owns it — you do not pay for parts or labor on an open recall.
How do I confirm a 3 Series recall was repaired?
Recall data is model-level — it shows which campaigns apply to a year and model, not whether a specific car was fixed. Confirm completion with your local BMW dealer or the manufacturer's recall lookup using your 17-character VIN.
What should I check before buying a used 3 Series?
Run the VIN through a free recall check to see the recall campaigns associated with that year and model, then get the Smart Buyer Report for an AI reliability analysis, common issues by mileage, and a pre-purchase inspection checklist before you commit.
Related Recall Pages
Data disclaimer:Vehicle history information on SmartVINReport.com is compiled from publicly available government sources, primarily the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Reports may not include all incidents, recalls, or issues related to a specific vehicle. Data is provided "as-is" without warranty of completeness or accuracy. Always obtain a professional pre-purchase inspection before buying any used vehicle. SmartVINReport.com is not liable for purchasing decisions made based on report contents.