The 2008 BMW X3 has 3 recalls, the most serious being a fire risk from the positive crankcase ventilation valve heater, which can short circuit and melt surrounding components even while the vehicle is parked.
Two recalls involve the airbag system. The driver's frontal airbag inflator can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, posing a risk of serious injury or death to the driver or other occupants. Separately, a sensor mat under the front passenger seat can crack and fail over time, causing the passenger frontal airbag to deactivate entirely in a crash rather than deploy as intended.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver frontal air bag inflator may explode due to chemical breakdown after prolonged exposure to humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Replace the driver air bag inflator. On X5 and X6 models, only the inflator is replaced. Repair is free.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The heater inside the positive crankcase ventilation valve may short circuit, potentially causing it to malfunction.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the PCV valve heater at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger seat occupant detection mat may crack from fatigue, potentially causing the passenger air bag system to fail during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger seat occupant detection mat at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
