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BMW 3 Series Problems, Recalls and Owner Complaints by Model Year
Across 14 model years, NHTSA lists 51 recalls and 1,662 owner complaints for the BMW 3 Series. Newest model year first. Data as of October 25, 2026.
BMW 3 Series by model year
| Model year | Recalls | Complaints | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 BMW 3 Series | 0 | 6 | |
| 2024 BMW 3 Series | 0 | 11 | |
| 2023 BMW 3 Series | 0 | 14 | |
| 2022 BMW 3 Series | 1 | 15 | |
| 2021 BMW 3 Series | 8 | 44 | |
| 2020 BMW 3 Series | 10 | 108 | |
| 2019 BMW 3 Series | 0 | 41 | |
| 2018 BMW 3 Series | 0 | 60 | |
| 2017 BMW 3 Series | 0 | 75 | |
| 2016 BMW 3 Series | 0 | 93 | |
| 2015 BMW 3 Series | 8 | 215 | |
| 2014 BMW 3 Series | 12 | 411 | |
| 2013 BMW 3 Series | 5 | 391 | |
| 2012 BMW 3 Series | 7 | 178 |
Model years with no recall and fewer than three complaints are not listed. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. All BMW models.
BMW 3 Series: questions owners ask
Which BMW 3 Series year has the most problems?
By owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the BMW 3 Series model years with the most are the 2014 (411), 2013 (391) and 2015 (215). Newer model years have had less time on the road, so their counts are naturally lower; compare years of a similar age.
Which BMW 3 Series years have the fewest complaints?
Leaving out the newest model years (too new to compare), the fewest owner complaints were filed for the 2024 (11), 2023 (14) and 2022 (15), out of 13 model years from 2012 to 2024. A low count can also mean that year sold fewer cars.
How many recalls does the BMW 3 Series have?
NHTSA lists recalls for 7 BMW 3 Series model years, 51 in total when counted per model year (one recall often covers several years). The years with the most are the 2014 (12), 2020 (10) and 2015 (8). Check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Which BMW 3 Series years have the most stalling complaints?
193 owner complaints across 8 BMW 3 Series model years describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. The most were filed for the 2014 (72), 2013 (40) and 2012 (36) model years, out of 8 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which BMW 3 Series years have the most engine noise complaints?
90 owner complaints across 4 BMW 3 Series model years describe a knocking, ticking or rattling engine noise. The most were filed for the 2013 (45), 2012 (20) and 2014 (17) model years, out of 4 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which BMW 3 Series years have the most overheating complaints?
84 owner complaints across 7 BMW 3 Series model years describe the engine overheating or coolant loss. The most were filed for the 2014 (19), 2017 (18) and 2018 (15) model years, out of 7 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which BMW 3 Series years have the most check engine light complaints?
83 owner complaints across 8 BMW 3 Series model years describe the check engine light coming on. The most were filed for the 2014 (28), 2015 (20) and 2013 (12) model years, out of 8 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which BMW 3 Series years have the most burning smell complaints?
61 owner complaints across 8 BMW 3 Series model years describe a burning smell or smoke. The most were filed for the 2013 (21), 2015 (12) and 2012 (9) model years, out of 8 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which BMW 3 Series years have the most engine failure complaints?
54 owner complaints across 4 BMW 3 Series model years describe complete engine failure or a replaced engine. The most were filed for the 2013 (19), 2014 (16) and 2020 (11) model years, out of 4 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which BMW 3 Series years have the most sunroof complaints?
27 owner complaints across 4 BMW 3 Series model years describe the sunroof or panoramic roof shattering, exploding or failing. The most were filed for the 2015 (10), 2016 (7) and 2017 (6) model years, out of 4 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which BMW 3 Series years have the most no-start complaints?
26 owner complaints across 3 BMW 3 Series model years describe the car failing to start. The most were filed for the 2014 (16), 2012 (7) and 2018 (3) model years. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which BMW 3 Series years have the most fire complaints?
25 owner complaints across 4 BMW 3 Series model years describe the car catching fire or melting wiring. The most were filed for the 2015 (13), 2019 (5) and 2020 (4) model years, out of 4 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which BMW 3 Series years have the most oil consumption complaints?
16 owner complaints across 3 BMW 3 Series model years describe excessive oil consumption or oil leaks. The most were filed for the 2012 (9), 2020 (4) and 2019 (3) model years. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
How often does the BMW 3 Series fail its MOT?
In 2023 UK MOT tests, the BMW 3 Series's first-time failure rate ranged from 8.8% for cars first registered in 2021 to 32.1% for 2010, across 12 registration years with at least 100 tests. Older cars fail more often. The most common failure areas were tyres, lights and electrics, suspension. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results.