The 2008 BMW X3 has 3 recalls, the most serious being a Takata airbag inflator that can rupture and send metal fragments into the driver or other occupants, a defect linked to serious injuries and fatalities.
A second urgent concern involves the positive crankcase ventilation valve heater, which can short circuit and cause plastic components inside the valve to melt. This can start a fire even when the vehicle is parked and the engine is off. The third recall involves the front passenger seat sensor mat that detects whether and how the passenger airbag should deploy in a crash. Over time, the mat can develop cracks and fail entirely, which causes the passenger airbag to be disabled. In a crash where the airbag would normally fire, it would not, leaving the front passenger with less protection.
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.
