2008 BMW X3 SAV
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2007 | 160 |
| 2008 | 56 |
| 2009 | 16 |
| 2010 | 23 |
| 2011 | 13 |
| 2012 | 6 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
52% of complaints: air bags — 29 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
TAKATA RECALL - I CALLED EAST BAY BMW AND BMW OF CONCORD DEALERSHIPS SINCE RECEIVING SAFETY RECALL IN JUNE 2017 TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE AIRBAG RECALL SERVICE AND I HAVEN'T RECEIVED A CALL BACK REGARDING THE PARTS ARRIVING TO THE DEALERSHIP.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171106
16% of complaints: engine — 9 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
I HAVE 2 DANGEROUS RECALLS. ONE-NO ONE CAN SIT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT BECAUSE THE AIR BAGS MAY NOT DEPLOY AND THE SECOND, MY ENGINE CAN BE ON FIRE DUE TO A PVC VALVE. BMW HAS NO REMEDIES AND IT HAS BEEN OVER 4 MONTHS, THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180329
9% of complaints: seats — 5 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING MY 2008 BMW X3, THE DRIVER SIDE HEATED SEAT WAS TURNED ON, THAN SHORTED OUT, BURNED THROUGH THE PROTECTIVE LAYERS, A STINKY SMOKE CREATED, MELTED MY LEATHER SEAT, AND PARTIALLY BURNED MY JEANS AND LEG.
NHTSA ODI report, 20151207
7% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 4 distinct reports on file.
5% of complaints: suspension — 3 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d...
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Campaign 16V071000 — check if this car was fixed
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan...
Remedy: This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge.
Campaign 22V119000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2008 BMW X3 SAV — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (29 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seats issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 16V071000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V119000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2008 BMW X3 SAV reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 BMW X3 SAV?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 52% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 BMW X3 SAV have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.