repaired · 2021 Q2
Driver side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
2009 BMW X3Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 19 owner complaints about the 2009 BMW X3, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 17V-605 the manufacturer reports only 37% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 7, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Harvey Bold, CC BY 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2009 BMW X3 has problems
19 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
9Air bags
5Electrical system2 crash/fire/injury
3Power train
3Engine and engine cooling
2Engine1 crash/fire/injury
1Seats
1Service brakes
1Suspension
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 9 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 5 | 2 |
| Power train | 3 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 3 | 0 |
| Engine | 2 | 1 |
| Seats | 1 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 1 |
| Suspension | 1 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2009 BMW X3 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2019 Q3
Emission control: crankcase (pcv)
Risk. An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
repaired · 2019 Q3
Sensor: occupant classification
Risk. Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with BMW.
Best & worst years
2009 vs. every other X3 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the X3 median. How we score
'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2009 BMW X3 safety ratings
2009 BMW X3 4-DR w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What X3 owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
Front Passenger Seat Occupancy Mat (OC3) for the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS/Air bag system) Failure. Recall was done 06/2018 by BMW dealer, but problem came back 08/2022. Airbag warning light on in dashboard. Reading codes confirms problem. DANGER of bodily harm to passengers because the…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW X3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V605000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. BMW OF TUCSON (855 W WETMORE RD, TUCSON, AZ 85705, [PHONE]) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW X3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V605000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE DEALER (UNITED BMW CPO SERVICE, 11458 ALPHARETTA HWY, ROSWELL, GA 30076, [PHONE]) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE…
Own a 2009 X3?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.