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 54% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2008 BMW X3 SAV have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

2008 BMW X3 SAV

○ Not enough data

2008 BMW X3 SAV
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:48:52.038Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 56
Recalls: 2
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Air bags

Complaints per year

2008: 56 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2007	160
2008	56
2009	16
2010	23
2011	13
2012	6

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Air bags

54% · 30 reports

Most commonly citing occupant classification.

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, 2017-11-06

Engine

16% · 9 reports

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, 2018-03-29

Power train

11% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission.

Show complaint excerpts

This vehicle is a BMW X3 3.0SI. When the vehicle is in first gear, there is a severe hesitation in the transmission. When you try to accelerate, the transmission "Thinks" About what gear it should be in.

NHTSA ODI report, 2010-08-03

Own a 2008 BMW X3 3.0 si awd. We had an engine cranking issue and took to vehicle to dealer to have TSB service bulletin number : sib-12-17-07/NHTSA item number : 10028464 performed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2010-02-27

My BMW X3 2008 was 'bought back' by BMW after three months of ownership in dec 2008 due to a problem with the transmission. The transmission would not respond when depressing the accelerator at random times.

NHTSA ODI report, 2010-02-05

Seats

9% · 5 reports

FIREINJURY

Show 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, 2015-12-07

Also filed under Structure

Fuel/propulsion system

7% · 4 reports

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2016-11-01Air bags16V071000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
R

2022-07-22Engine and engine cooling22V119000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2008 BMW X3 SAV — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Air bags: 30 reports on file for this year.
Engine: 9 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 6 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 16V071000 · Air bags
Recall 22V119000 · Engine and engine cooling

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 54% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 BMW X3 SAV have?: 2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.