2009 BMW X3
Only 19 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 19 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 19
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2009
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2009: 19 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 138 |
| 2005 | 103 |
| 2006 | 143 |
| 2007 | 98 |
| 2008 | 66 |
| 2009 | 19 |
| 2010 | 32 |
| 2011 | 113 |
| 2012 | 42 |
| 2013 | 226 |
| 2014 | 86 |
| 2015 | 105 |
| 2016 | 82 |
| 2017 | 92 |
| 2018 | 76 |
| 2019 | 171 |
| 2020 | 110 |
| 2021 | 110 |
| 2022 | 81 |
| 2023 | 15 |
| 2024 | 39 |
| 2025 | 39 |
| 2026 | 21 |
Known problem areas
Only 19 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Air bags
9 of 19 total reports mention: air bags.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V071000 (Air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-09-14
Takata recall I have two vehicles in recall. It has been several years since discovered. BMW has done nothing.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-08-24
2009 BMW X3. Consumer writes in regards to dealership unable to repair driver airbag module recall notice. *ld updated 07/13/2017
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-07-13
Electrical system
5 of 19 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
My vehicle malfunctioned last week because of the fault harness. Vehicle had a slight fire and now is not drivable. BMW does not want to comply.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-05-28
Also filed under Service brakes and suspension
While driving in heavy tragic, smelled something burning, went to pull out of tragic and felt my [xxx] on fire, the heat seater burned a hole in the seat and melted seat cover to my pants causing much discomfort and ruined jeans.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-12-18
Also filed under Seats
I had started my car drove out of my parking lot as I approached the highway the first intersection everything went dead no lights, snow warning lights just completely shut down and rumble as if the engine was gonna fall out a police man passed me.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-07
Also filed under Power train and engine
Power train
3 of 19 total reports mention: power train.
Engine and engine cooling
3 of 19 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing crankcase (pcv).
Engine
2 of 19 total reports mention: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owned a 2009 BMW X3. While driving approximately 20 MPH, white smoke emerged from the engine compartment. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road and noticed sparks from the engine to the ground as a fire ignited.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-07-24
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2018-06-18Air bags17V605000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2010 BMW X3 2.5i, X3 3.0i and X3 xDrive30i Sports Activity Vehicles.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger seat occupant detection mat, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on November 27, 2017.
-
R
2018-06-18Engine and engine cooling17V683000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018.
-
R
2020-03-11Air bags20V017000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is,...
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020.
Buy-smart checklist
2009 BMW X3 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 9 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 3 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 17V605000 · Air bags
- Recall 17V683000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 20V017000 · Air bags
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2009 BMW X3 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?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 47% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2009 BMW X3 have?
- 3 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.