BMW M3 Recalls

The BMW M3 has 25 recalls spanning 1990 through 2023, with the most serious being Takata airbag inflator defects on 2000–2015 model years where the driver or passenger frontal airbag inflator can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, causing serious injury or death.

The most recent recall affects 2023 models, where a software issue can prevent the doors from locking while the vehicle is moving, allowing them to open in a crash. On 2021 models, three separate recalls cover occupant restraints and braking: a seat belt anchor bolt that was not tightened to specification can fail to hold an occupant in a crash, a seat belt retractor that may not function correctly during a collision, and a brake system fault that can reduce anti-lock braking assistance and extend stopping distances.

The Takata inflator issue spans a wide range of production years and multiple recall campaigns. On 2014–2015 models, a side airbag inflator can rupture and scatter metal fragments both inside and outside the vehicle. On 2006–2013 models, the driver's frontal airbag inflator carries the same rupture risk. Passenger-side inflator rupture affects 2000–2006 models. These campaigns collectively represent the most serious safety concern across the production run.

On the drivetrain side, 2016–2017 models have a driveshaft-to-flange connection that can fail and cut power to the rear wheels. On 2015–2016 models, a driveshaft slip-joint that may lack grease can also fail and leave the vehicle unable to move. A related structural issue on 2015–2017 models involves rear subframe bolts that may have been reused during a prior service procedure, loosen over time, and degrade handling and control.

The 2008–2012 models have a positive battery cable connection at the fuse box that can degrade and cause the engine to stall without warning. The 2006–2011 models have heating and air conditioning wiring that can overheat, melt its connectors, and start a fire even when the vehicle is parked. On 2008 models with the optional double-clutch transmission, rapid deceleration can trigger an unintended multi-stage downshift that stalls the engine at low speed.

Going further back, the 1998 model has a side airbag sensor that can trigger deployment without an actual side impact. The 1996 model has a cruise control cable bushing that can break and hold the throttle partially open, preventing normal deceleration. The 1995 model has a brake light switch that can stick in either position, leaving brake lights permanently on or permanently off, and a separate compliance issue where crash test forces on unbelted occupants exceeded allowable limits. The 2001 model has parking brake cable bracket screws that can loosen and fall into the drum, disabling the parking brake on one side. The 1994 model has a heater core that can crack under elevated coolant pressure and suddenly spray hot coolant into the cabin. The 1990 model has a broader cooling system pressure issue where hoses, the radiator, or other components can fail under excessive heat and pressure.