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2019 BMW 3 Series problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2019 BMW 3 Series has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 0safety recalls
- 41owner complaints
- 2crash reports
- 5fire reports
- 13%fail the UK MOT
41 complaints, against an average of 124 for the other 13 BMW 3 Series model years.
Every BMW 3 Series model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2019 BMW 3 Series?
The components named most often in the 41 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2019 BMW 3 Series owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 41 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
Has the 2019 BMW 3 Series been recalled?
NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2019 BMW 3 Series as of October 25, 2026. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN before you rely on this.
Is the 2019 BMW 3 Series recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSAReplace the Engine Starter Motor
Risk: For affected vehicles there is a concern involving water ingress and corrosion to the starter motor for where a short circuit cannot be ruled out. It is strongly recommended to park the vehicle outdoors and not in the immediate vicinity of buildings until the repair has been carried out.
Fix: Replacement of the starter motor.
UK DVSAIn rare cases the starter motor can inadvertently be activated permanently presenting a risk of a thermal event
Risk: In rare cases the starter motor can inadvertently be activated permanently presenting a risk of a thermal event.
Fix: Rework the starter motor assembly.
UK DVSAUndetected EGR System leaks may cause thermal activity in the intake manifold
Risk: Undetected EGR System leaks may cause thermal activity in the intake manifold.
Fix: The engine management control unit (DDE) will be programmed with improved software incorporating the latest OBD functionality.
UK DVSAThe exhaust gas recirculation cooler may leak over time and cause thermal incident
Risk: The Exhaust Gas Recirculation cooler may leak over time and cause thermal incident.
Fix: On the affected vehicles the EGR cooler module will be replaced.
UK DVSAThe tandam vacuum/oil pump may fail
Risk: The fault involves the tandem vacuum/oil pump fitted to the engine. On affected vehicles it is possible that the engine rotates in the opposite direction than it is meant to on start-up causing the tandem pump to fail.
Fix: On the affected vehicles the control unit (DME) will be programmed to prevent the failure from occuring.
UK DVSAThe exhaust gas recirculation module could leak over time
Risk: The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Module could leak over time and cause thermal incident.
Fix: The EGR cooler will be internally inspected with an endoscope and replaced if evidence of leaking is found.
UK DVSAThe exhaust gas recirculation cooler could leak over time
Risk: Leaking glycol coolant could create in combination with soot and oil sediments in the EGR module ignitable deposits.
Fix: The EGR cooler will be internally inspected with an endoscope and replaced if evidence of leaking is found.
UK DVSAThe battery cables on the 48v starter generator may not have been sufficiently secured during production
Risk: The battery cables on the 48V starter generator may not have been sufficiently secured during the production process.
Fix: Check the screw connection of the 48V positive / negative battery cables on the starter generator and rework if necessary.
UK DVSASteering tie rod can become broken in the 'kink' groove area of the rod
Risk: A steering tie rod with an earlier design configuration can become broken in the kink groove area of the rod.
Fix: Both of the steering tie rods will be replaced on the affected vehicles.
UK DVSAThe foldable rear centre head restraint interlock was not welded according to specifications
Risk: The rear center head restraint interlock was not welded according to specification.
Fix: On the affected vehicles the center rear head restraint will be replaced.
UK DVSAThe pressing force of the bearing bushing into the crankcase may be out of specification
Risk: The engine counterbalance shaft bearing bushing into the crankcase may be out of specification
Fix: Replace the engine of affected vehicles
UK DVSASoftware fault with crankshaft sensor
Risk: The affected vehicles may be equipped with a crankshaft sensor with a software fault. The crankshaft sensor cannot process the signal values from the crankshaft transmitter due to an improper firmware level. The firmware does not compensate sufficiently the temperature gradients and the magnetic field strength of the sensor electronic. If the crankshaft sensor cannot process the signal values from the transmitter the Digital Diesel Electronic (DDE) will notice that and change to the emergency operation mode. The emergency mode will be displayed by the check control message engine malfunction . The driver may notice a rough running engine and a reduced driving power (70%). However an engine stalling during driving conditions cannot be excluded.
Fix: On the affected vehicles the crankshaft sensor will be replaced with a new version.
EU Safety GateWater may enter the starter motor and cause damage.As a result, the engine may no longer start, or the starter motor may short-circuit or remain continuously activated. This could cause local overheating of the starter motor or thermal overload of surrounding components and lead to a vehicle fire, including when the ignition is switched off.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 31/08/2026
EU Safety GateThe engine starter’s electrical contacts may overheat and cause the vehicle to start improperly.Continued starting attempts can intensify the overheating and ignite surrounding components, potentially leading to a vehicle fire while driving or shortly after parking.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateWater may come into contact with the starter relay and gradually cause corrosion.This could affect the electrical connection inside the relay and make the engine difficult to start. It may also result in a short circuit and could cause the starter to overheat leading to a fire when the vehicle is in motion or when it is parked with the ignition off.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe software-based overload protection function cannot sufficiently prevent the starter being overloaded in the event of repeated long…The software-based overload protection function cannot sufficiently prevent the starter being overloaded in the event of repeated long start-up attempts. The starter may overheat or sparks may be produced as a result of an increased current flow. This increases the risk of a fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe driver's and/or passenger's seat could break the frame rail that connects the seat to the guide rails on the vehicle floor.The stability of the seats may be affected, increasing the risk of injury in case of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateA vibration fatigue failure of the track rod may occur due to to an exceptional bending load.Such a failure would lead to a loss of wheel control on one side of the vehicle, increasing the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe cable connecting the hall sensor with the seat buckle might be too short.Consequently, the sensor might detach from the buckle, causing a faulty seatbelt lock recognition, impairing the functioning of the restraint system and the deployment of the airbag, increasing the risk of injury in the event of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe press-in force of the counterbalance shaft’s bearing shells may not have met the specifications, which could cause the counterbalance…The press-in force of the counterbalance shaft’s bearing shells may not have met the specifications, which could cause the counterbalance shaft to become loose. As a result, the engine could be damaged and locked in motion, increasing the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe head restraint interlock of the rear center seat may not have been welded sufficiently to the head restraint support rod bracket and…The head restraint interlock of the rear center seat may not have been welded sufficiently to the head restraint support rod bracket and could break. This could cause an inadvertent folding down of the head restraint in case of a rear impact, increasing the risk of an injury.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe knee airbags may be defective.This could lead to inadequate inflation of the knee airbags in the event of an accident, increasing the risk of injury.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2019 BMW 3 Series fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2019, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2019 BMW 3 Series owners report?
12 of the 41 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
On XXX approximately 2:02am my car was seen on fire parked in driveway on [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owned a 2019 BMW 330I. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked at the residence in the driveway, there was an abnormal cracking sound coming from outside the residence. The contact checked and became aware that the vehicle was on fire. The vehicle was unoccupied at the time. The contact stated that the residential camera showed that the fire had started by the front driver's side tire. The Fire Department arrived at the residence and extinguished the fire. The residence and the vehicle were consumed by the fire. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. No injuries…
KAFAS Mid Camera has software malfunction, internal fault, system does not operate as designed. Takes down all driver assistance features. Module unable to accept new coding/programming. BMW service information - B66 20 19
Please update recall repair status to repaired for this VIN (dealer repair invoice attached)
The contact owns a 2019 BMW 330I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V636000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while driving up to a red light, the vehicle became inoperable. The "Call Roadside Assistance", "Starter System Failure" and "Engine Could Not…
Vehicle shudders under acceleration no warning lights or errors . Changed transfer case oil and same problem continues. No recall from manufacturer for issu
I am reporting a premature failure of two critical engine components: the Heat Management Module (Coolant Pump/Thermostat assembly) and the Oil Filter Housing. Despite the vehicle's low mileage (40,000 miles), the Heat Management Module began leaking coolant, posing a significant risk of engine overheating and sudden loss of power while driving. Simultaneously, the Oil Filter Housing has developed a leak, allowing oil to seep onto the engine block and potentially onto the serpentine belt. Both failures represent a safety hazard: Coolant Leak: Risk of thermal engine damage and being stranded in…
The contact owns a 2019 BMW 330i. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH on a three-lane highway, traveling in the exit lane, and using the hands-free calling system to speak with his wife, the vehicle crashed into an unknown metal object in the roadway, which tore the undercarriage. The driver-side air bag exploded without warning, resulting in him sustaining a concussion, and the vehicle came to a stop. The emergency call system failed to activate. His wife was able to contact 911, who was delayed in locating the incident site. The fire department, ambulance, and police department…
Seat restraint malfunction that prevents the air bag from working properly. Dealer is aware of this problem but has not been able to correct it.
The contact owns a 2019 BMW 330I. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and there was an abnormal sound. The contact stated that while the brake pedal was depressed, the brakes failed to engage as designed. No warning light was illuminated; however, the "Electronic Stability Control System Malfunctioning" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the…
BMW updates the car software by sending Remote Software Updates (RSU) using the the Over The Air (OTA) method. The updates include Driver Assistance updates and fixes. My car amongst many other BMW owners worldwide are reporting on the internet that the RSU process is not working and that the updates download OTA to the car but they do not do the final installation step. FYI OTA is currently the only method BMW uses to send updates to the vehicles . BMW replies to queries about the failure by directing owners to their dealers. The dealers than update the latest RSU at their facility . Cars in…
I have heavy condensation in my BMW 330i xDrive driver side headlights. Comes during rainy and moist weather and takes couple of days to go away. upon dealer inspection its underlying issue with BMW's and sadly my warranty just expired 5 months ago and BMWusa is not helping in this regard.
2019 BMW 3 Series: questions owners ask
Is the 2019 BMW 3 Series reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 41 complaints with NHTSA about the 2019 BMW 3 Series; the most common categories were engine (9, 22%), electrical system (7, 17.1%), power train (5, 12.2%). There are no safety recalls listed for this model year. 2 complaints mention a crash, 5 mention a fire, 2 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 BMW 3 Series?
Across 41 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are engine (22% of complaints), electrical system (17.1% of complaints), power train (12.2% of complaints), air bags (9.8% of complaints), exterior lighting (7.3% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2019 BMW 3 Series have any recalls?
As of October 2026, NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2019 BMW 3 Series. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Have any 2019 BMW 3 Series vehicles caught fire?
5 of the 41 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2019 BMW 3 Series (12.2%) describe the car catching fire or melting wiring. One owner wrote: "On XXX approximately 2:02am my car was seen on fire parked in driveway on [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)" (NHTSA complaint 11759675, August 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2019 BMW 3 Series overheat?
4 of the 41 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2019 BMW 3 Series (9.8%) describe the engine overheating or coolant loss. One owner wrote: "My 2019 BMW 330i has a recurring cooling system defect, including coolant leaks, heater inoperative, and risk of engine overheating. The defect began while the vehicle was under warranty and was repaired by BMW, but it recurred." (NHTSA complaint 11712263, January 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is my 2019 BMW 3 Series burning or losing oil?
3 of the 41 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2019 BMW 3 Series (7.3%) describe excessive oil consumption or oil leaks. One owner wrote: "The issue at hand is the oil filter housings on the B 58 and B 48 motors that BMW manufacturers. These oil filter housings are known to break after four years or 60,000 miles. can range from the engine overheating to oil leaks." (NHTSA complaint 11671771, July 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own 3 Series
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2019 only; combines NHTSA's entries for 3 SERIES and 3 SERIES GT.