2009 BMW X3 SAV
Only 16 complaints on file — too few 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.
Only 16 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2007 | 160 |
| 2008 | 56 |
| 2009 | 16 |
| 2010 | 23 |
| 2011 | 13 |
| 2012 | 6 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 16 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
10 of 16 total reports mention: air bags.
Show complaint excerpts
RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE IN OCTOBER 2017 AND BMW HAS YET TO HAVE A REMEDY/SOLVE FOR THE ISSUE. WE ARE OVER 6 MONTHS SINCE THE RECALL AND THIS IS FAR PAST A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME TO ADDRESS A SAFETY ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180520
3 of 16 total reports mention: seats.
Show complaint excerpts
RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE IN OCTOBER 2017 AND BMW HAS YET TO HAVE A REMEDY/SOLVE FOR THE ISSUE. WE ARE OVER 6 MONTHS SINCE THE RECALL AND THIS IS FAR PAST A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME TO ADDRESS A SAFETY ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180520
3 of 16 total reports mention: electrical system.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND UNMOVED IN MY DRIVEWAY FOR SEVERAL DAYS. IT SUDDENLY BROKE OUT IN FLAMES (ORIGINATING IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT). THE FIRE GREW QUITE LARGE AND THE CAR EXPLODED (THE POLICE OFFICER'S WORD).
NHTSA ODI report, 20160516
TL*THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 BMW X3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER PARKING HIS VEHICLE AT 9 AM HE RECEIVED A CALL AT 2 PM STATING THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. WHEN HE WALKED OUTSIDE HE SAW FLAMES COMING FROM THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20100722
1 of 16 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
1 of 16 total reports mentions: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
PIRELLI SCORPION TIRE 235/55HR17 99H BLOW-OUTS IN SIDE WALLS. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20111203
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
2009 BMW X3 SAV — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seats issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (3 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 2009 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 2009 BMW X3 SAV?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 63% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2009 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.