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Important NHTSA Safety Advisory

Federal recall records for the 2020 BMW 3 Series include 1 campaign with urgent safety operating instructions:

  • Campaign #25V636000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY:RELAY): ⚠️ Park Outside Advisory

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) lists 15 official safety recall campaigns for the 2020 BMW 3 Series in AutoUtility's current federal dataset. The primary affected vehicle systems include Air Bags & Restraints, Electrical System, Driver Assistance & Safety Tech. NHTSA records include 1 campaign carrying an official Park Outside safety advisory. The 2020 BMW 3 Series belongs to the 7th Generation (G20) platform.

Key Recall Findings
  • Official Recall Campaigns: 15 campaigns on file with NHTSA
  • Primary Affected Subsystems: Air Bags & Restraints, Electrical System, Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
  • Urgent Safety Advisories: 1 campaign carries urgent Do Not Drive or Park Outside instructions
  • Official Remedy: Detailed per campaign in official NHTSA records below
  • Most Recent NHTSA Report: September 25, 2025
VIN-Specific Notice: Safety recall campaigns apply to specific production date ranges and vehicle identification numbers (VINs). A campaign listing on this model-year page does not establish that every vehicle or trim is affected. Check your 17-digit VIN at NHTSA.gov or with an authorized dealer to verify whether a safety repair is needed.
Official Recall Campaigns
15
Listed in current NHTSA data
Affected System Areas
8
Broad component categories
Latest NHTSA Filing
September 25, 2025
Most recent campaign report
VIN Verification
Required
Exact applicability depends on VIN

Vehicle Systems Involved in Recalls for 2020 BMW 3 Series

Distribution of official safety recall campaigns across automotive subsystem domains

Vehicle Subsystem 3 campaigns

Air Bags & Restraints

NHTSA records also contain 5 consumer complaint filings involving this same system. View Complaints →
Vehicle Subsystem 3 campaigns

Electrical System

NHTSA records also contain 25 consumer complaint filings involving this same system. View Complaints →
Vehicle Subsystem 2 campaigns

Driver Assistance & Safety Tech

NHTSA records also contain 4 consumer complaint filings involving this same system. View Complaints →
Vehicle Subsystem 2 campaigns

Engine & Cooling

NHTSA records also contain 59 consumer complaint filings involving this same system. View Complaints →
Vehicle Subsystem 2 campaigns

Seats & Interior

Vehicle Subsystem 1 campaign

Body & Structure

NHTSA records also contain 2 consumer complaint filings involving this same system. View Complaints →
Vehicle Subsystem 1 campaign

Exterior Lighting

NHTSA records also contain 1 consumer complaint filing involving this same system. View Complaints →
Vehicle Subsystem 1 campaign

Steering System

NHTSA records also contain 1 consumer complaint filing involving this same system. View Complaints →
Domain Mapping Methodology: A single NHTSA recall campaign may involve more than one vehicle subsystem (such as electrical wiring affecting fuel delivery), so domain totals can exceed the total number of unique recall campaigns. Complaint and recall counts are grouped by broad vehicle system; component co-occurrence does not establish that an individual owner complaint is related to a specific recall campaign.

Official NHTSA Recall Campaigns (15)

Complete safety campaign filings including defect descriptions, safety hazards, and free dealer remedies

NHTSA Campaign #25V636000 Electrical System
⚠️ Park Outside Advisory
Affected Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY:RELAY
NHTSA Report Date: September 23, 2025
Safety Defect Summary:

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 BMW 330i, 2019-2022 BMW Z4, 2020-2022 BMW 530i, X3, X4, Toyota Supra, 2021-2022 BMW 430i, 430i Convertible, and 2022 BMW 230i vehicles. The engine starter relay may corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short circuit.

Safety Risk / Consequence:

A short circuit in the starter relay may increase the risk of a fire.

Authorized Remedy Instructions:

Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is complete. Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 6, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov November 14, 2025.

NHTSA Campaign #25V644000 Electrical System
Affected Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY
NHTSA Report Date: September 25, 2025
Safety Defect Summary:

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 340I, X6, 2020-2025 840I, 2020-2022 740LI, 2019-2020 X7, and X5 vehicles. After repeated attempts, the starter motor may overheat from an electrical overload.

Safety Risk / Consequence:

An overheated starter motor can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.

Authorized Remedy Instructions:

Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. This recall includes vehicles repaired under recall 24V576 and those owners will need to have their vehicle repaired again. Owner notification letters were mailed February 9, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov November 17, 2025.

NHTSA Campaign #24V576000 Electrical System
Affected Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY
NHTSA Report Date: August 1, 2024
Safety Defect Summary:

BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain 2019-2020 X5, X7, 2020 3 Series Sedan, X6, 2020-2021 7 Series Sedan, 2020 8 Series Convertible, 8 Series Coupe, and 2020 8 Series Gran Coupe vehicles. Please see the recall report for the complete list of models. In the event the starter motor fails, repeated attempts to start the vehicle can cause the starter motor to overheat from an electrical overload.

Safety Risk / Consequence:

A starter motor that overheats can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.

Authorized Remedy Instructions:

Dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 27, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Manufacturer & NHTSA Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA Campaign #23V584000 Air Bags & Restraints
Affected Component: SEAT BELTS
NHTSA Report Date: August 16, 2023
Safety Defect Summary:

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2022 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, 2022 430i Coupe, 2021-2022 430i, M440i Convertible, and 2020-2022 228i xDrive Gran Coupe vehicles. The receiver audio module control unit software may fail to properly generate audible seat belt warnings to the driver to fasten their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Safety Risk / Consequence:

An audible chime that does not properly alert the driver to fasten their seat belt increases the risk of injury in a crash.

Authorized Remedy Instructions:

Dealers will update the receiver audio module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 12, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Manufacturer & NHTSA Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA Campaign #23V211000 Seats & Interior
Affected Component: SEATS
NHTSA Report Date: March 29, 2023
Safety Defect Summary:

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i xDrive, 2020-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, 2021 X3 xDrive30e, X4 xDrive30i, and X4M vehicles. The seat frame may not have been welded properly to the seat rails.

Safety Risk / Consequence:

An improperly welded seat frame may not properly restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Authorized Remedy Instructions:

Dealers will replace the seat frame and back rest, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Manufacturer & NHTSA Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA Campaign #21V598000 Engine & Cooling
Affected Component: ENGINE
NHTSA Report Date: August 2, 2021
Safety Defect Summary:

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 M340i, M340i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, X3 M40i, 2020-2021 X4 M40i, 745Le xDrive, 2019-2021 Z4 M40i, and 2020-2021 Toyota Supra vehicles. During engine start, the engine management software may cause loss of braking assist. Full mechanical braking (without assist) remains available.

Safety Risk / Consequence:

Loss of braking assist can increase the risk of a crash.

Authorized Remedy Instructions:

Dealers will update the engine management software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 17, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Manufacturer & NHTSA Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA Campaign #21V096000 Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
Affected Component: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
NHTSA Report Date: February 19, 2021
Safety Defect Summary:

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Coupe, Convertible and Grand Coupe, 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le, 745Le xDrive, X5 xDrive45e, X3 xDrive30e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, M760i Drive, M760Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive Alpina, Alpina B7 xDrive, and 2021 4 Series Coupe 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive vehicles. When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Safety Risk / Consequence:

If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Authorized Remedy Instructions:

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Manufacturer & NHTSA Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA Campaign #20V355000 Steering System
Affected Component: STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
NHTSA Report Date: June 15, 2020
Safety Defect Summary:

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019 Z4 sDrive30i, 2019-2020 330i xDrive, M340i and M340i xDrive, 2020 X3M and X4M, and Toyota Supra vehicles. In certain driving conditions, such as high temperatures and rough road surfaces, a steering gear tie rod may become damaged, possibly resulting in a fractured tie rod.

Safety Risk / Consequence:

A damaged or fractured tie rod may affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Authorized Remedy Instructions:

BMW and Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear tie rods, free of charge. The recall began August 14, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.

Manufacturer & NHTSA Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA Campaign #20V164000 Air Bags & Restraints
Affected Component: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
NHTSA Report Date: March 19, 2020
Safety Defect Summary:

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X3 xDrive30e, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, X4M, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, 840i Gran Coupe, 840i xDrive Gran Coupe, M850i xDrive Gran Coupe, M8 Gran Coupe, X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, and 840i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The sensors in the front seat belt buckles may inaccurately detect a belted occupant as unbelted, possibly causing the air bag and seat belt pretensioners to deploy improperly in the event of a crash.

Safety Risk / Consequence:

If the air bag and/or seat belt pretensioners deploy improperly in the event of a crash, there is an increased risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.

Authorized Remedy Instructions:

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the front seat belt buckles, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Manufacturer & NHTSA Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA Campaign #19V912000 Air Bags & Restraints
Affected Component: SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER
NHTSA Report Date: December 20, 2019
Safety Defect Summary:

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 330i and 330i xDrive vehicles. The outboard rear seat belt pretensioners may not lock as intended during a crash.

Safety Risk / Consequence:

In the event of a crash, if the seat belt pretensioners fail to lock, there is an increased risk of injury.

Authorized Remedy Instructions:

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear seat belts, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 10, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer at 1-800-525-7417.

Manufacturer & NHTSA Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA Campaign #19V850000 Exterior Lighting
Affected Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
NHTSA Report Date: November 27, 2019
Safety Defect Summary:

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 Z4 M40i, Z4 sDrive30i, 330i and 330i xDrive vehicles as well as 2020 Toyota Supra vehicles. The headlight control units may fail causing a loss of one or both of the headlights.

Safety Risk / Consequence:

Headlight failure can reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Authorized Remedy Instructions:

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the headlight control units, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 17, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.

Manufacturer & NHTSA Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA Campaign #19V755000 Body & Structure
Affected Component: STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID
NHTSA Report Date: October 23, 2019
Safety Defect Summary:

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 330i, 330i xDrive and M340i vehicles. The interior trunk release cable may have been improperly installed, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."

Safety Risk / Consequence:

If a person were inside the trunk compartment, they may not be able to get out, increasing their risk of injury.

Authorized Remedy Instructions:

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the interior trunk release cable and properly install the cable, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 13, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Manufacturer & NHTSA Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA Campaign #19V732000 Engine & Cooling
Affected Component: ENGINE
NHTSA Report Date: October 15, 2019
Safety Defect Summary:

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 330i, 330i xDrive, and 2019 Z4 vehicles. The needle roller bearings of the counterbalance shafts may have been improperly installed, potentially causing the counterbalance shaft to loosen.

Safety Risk / Consequence:

If the counterbalance shaft loosens, severe engine damage could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.

Authorized Remedy Instructions:

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine, free of charge. The recall began December 13, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Manufacturer & NHTSA Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA Campaign #19V684000 Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
Affected Component: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
NHTSA Report Date: September 27, 2019
Safety Defect Summary:

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 530e, 530e xDrive, X3 sDrive, X3 xDrive, X3 M40i, X3 M, and 2019-2020 X4 xDrive, X4 M40i, X4 M, X7 xDrive, X7 M50i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 8 Series Convertible and Coupe 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, X5 sDrive, X5 xDrive, X5 M50i, X6 xDrive, X6 M50i, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, Z4 sDrive, Z4 M40i, 740Le xDrive and 745Le xDrive, 2018-2019 640i xDrive Gran Turismo and Rolls-Royce Phantom, 2019 M850i xDrive Gran Coupe and Rolls-Royce Cullinan and 2020 Toyota Supra vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."

Safety Risk / Consequence:

The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.

Authorized Remedy Instructions:

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.

Manufacturer & NHTSA Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA Campaign #19V600000 Seats & Interior
Affected Component: SEATS
NHTSA Report Date: August 14, 2019
Safety Defect Summary:

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling one 2020 M340i and one M340i xDrive vehicle. Due to improper welding, the rear center headrest may fold in the event of a rear impact crash.

Safety Risk / Consequence:

If the headrest folds down in a crash, there would be an increased risk of injury.

Authorized Remedy Instructions:

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear center headrest, free of charge. The recall began August 28, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Manufacturer & NHTSA Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Source Data Notice: Campaign summaries, safety consequences, and remedy descriptions are direct text extracts published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation.

Recall History for BMW 3 Series

Official safety recall campaign volume across sibling model years (2015–2026)

Model Year NHTSA Recalls NHTSA Complaints Detailed Report
2015 BMW 3 Series 8 194 View 2015 Recalls →
2016 BMW 3 Series 5 93 View 2016 Recalls →
2017 BMW 3 Series 3 72 View 2017 Recalls →
2018 BMW 3 Series 6 59 View 2018 Recalls →
2019 BMW 3 Series 9 41 View 2019 Recalls →
2020 BMW 3 Series Current Page 15 103 Current
2021 BMW 3 Series 10 43 View 2021 Recalls →
2022 BMW 3 Series 3 14 View 2022 Recalls →
2023 BMW 3 Series 5 0 View 2023 Recalls →
2024 BMW 3 Series 3 0 View 2024 Recalls →
2025 BMW 3 Series 1 0 View 2025 Recalls →
2026 BMW 3 Series 0 0 View 2026 Recalls →
Historical Reporting Note: Recall campaign counts are shown by model year and should not be interpreted as a vehicle reliability score. Campaigns may cover multiple model years, and newer model years naturally have had less calendar exposure time for new safety campaigns to be issued.

VIN-Specific Recall Verification

How to confirm whether an individual vehicle requires an authorized safety repair

Safety recall campaigns on this page are associated with this make, model, and model year in NHTSA federal records. A campaign may apply only to certain vehicles based on production date, equipment, manufacturing details, or other campaign-specific criteria.

AutoUtility cannot determine whether a particular VIN is affected or whether a recall remedy has already been completed.

For vehicle-specific recall status, check the 17-digit VIN using NHTSA's official recall lookup or contact an authorized dealer. Campaign-specific remedy information shown above is reproduced from official NHTSA recall records.

Official NHTSA Safety Resources: NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline: 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 711)
Official US Government Data Provenance

Recall records published on this page are retrieved directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Safety Recalls Database.

Local Production Store Compiled: August 2026 • Deterministic Audited Dataset • Zero Dynamic External API Runtime Latency.