Car · BMW recalls
2020 BMW 3 Series recalls
NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns for the 2020 BMW 3 Series, filed between August 14, 2019 and September 25, 2025. Each one is below with what is wrong and the free fix.
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| Part | Filed | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system: starter assembly | September 25, 2025 | Fire risk |
| Electrical system: starter assembly | August 1, 2024 | Fire risk |
| Seat belts | August 16, 2023 | Crash risk |
| Seats | March 29, 2023 | Crash risk |
| Engine | August 2, 2021 | Crash risk |
| Back over prevention: camera | February 19, 2021 | Crash risk |
| Steering: tie rod assembly | June 15, 2020 | Crash risk |
| Seat belts: buckle assembly | March 19, 2020 | Air bag |
| Seat belts: pretensioner | December 20, 2019 | Crash risk |
| Exterior lighting: headlights | November 27, 2019 | Crash risk |
| Structure: trunk lid | October 23, 2019 | Injury risk |
| Engine | October 15, 2019 | Crash risk |
| Back over prevention: camera | September 28, 2019 | Crash risk |
| Seats | August 14, 2019 | Crash risk |
Electrical system: starter assemblyFire risk
Trims named in this campaign: 340i
What is wrong. After repeated attempts, the starter motor may overheat from an electrical overload.
What could happen. An overheated starter motor can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix. Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. This recall includes vehicles repaired under recall 24V576 and those owners will need to have their vehicle repaired again. Owner notification letters were mailed February 9, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov November 17, 2025.
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BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 340I, X6, 2020-2025 840I, 2020-2022 740LI, 2019-2020 X7, and X5 vehicles. After repeated attempts, the starter motor may overheat from an electrical overload.
Electrical system: starter assemblyFire risk
Trims named in this campaign: 340xi, M340i, M340xi
What is wrong. In the event the starter motor fails, repeated attempts to start the vehicle can cause the starter motor to overheat from an electrical overload.
What could happen. A starter motor that overheats can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix. Dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 27, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain 2019-2020 X5, X7, 2020 3 Series Sedan, X6, 2020-2021 7 Series Sedan, 2020 8 Series Convertible, 8 Series Coupe, and 2020 8 Series Gran Coupe vehicles. Please see the recall report for the complete list of models. In the event the starter motor fails, repeated attempts to start the vehicle can cause the starter motor to overheat from an electrical overload.
Seat beltsCrash risk
Trims named in this campaign: 330i, M340i
What is wrong. The receiver audio module control unit software may fail to properly generate audible seat belt warnings to the driver to fasten their seat belt.
What could happen. An audible chime that does not properly alert the driver to fasten their seat belt increases the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix. Dealers will update the receiver audio module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 12, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2022 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, 2022 430i Coupe, 2021-2022 430i, M440i Convertible, and 2020-2022 228i xDrive Gran Coupe vehicles. The receiver audio module control unit software may fail to properly generate audible seat belt warnings to the driver to fasten their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
SeatsCrash risk
Trims named in this campaign: 330i, M340i
What is wrong. The seat frame may not have been welded properly to the seat rails.
What could happen. An improperly welded seat frame may not properly restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix. Dealers will replace the seat frame and back rest, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i xDrive, 2020-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, 2021 X3 xDrive30e, X4 xDrive30i, and X4M vehicles. The seat frame may not have been welded properly to the seat rails.
EngineCrash risk
Trims named in this campaign: M340i
What is wrong. During engine start, the engine management software may cause loss of braking assist.
What could happen. Loss of braking assist can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix. Dealers will update the engine management software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 17, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 M340i, M340i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, X3 M40i, 2020-2021 X4 M40i, 745Le xDrive, 2019-2021 Z4 M40i, and 2020-2021 Toyota Supra vehicles. During engine start, the engine management software may cause loss of braking assist. Full mechanical braking (without assist) remains available.
Back over prevention: cameraCrash risk
Trims named in this campaign: 330e, 330i, M340i
What is wrong. When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate.
What could happen. If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Coupe, Convertible and Grand Coupe, 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le, 745Le xDrive, X5 xDrive45e, X3 xDrive30e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, M760i Drive, M760Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive Alpina, Alpina B7 xDrive, and 2021 4 Series Coupe 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive vehicles. When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Steering: tie rod assemblyCrash risk
Trims named in this campaign: 330i, M340i
What is wrong. In certain driving conditions, such as high temperatures and rough road surfaces, a steering gear tie rod may become damaged, possibly resulting in a fractured tie rod.
What could happen. A damaged or fractured tie rod may affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix. BMW and Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear tie rods, free of charge. The recall began August 14, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.
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BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019 Z4 sDrive30i, 2019-2020 330i xDrive, M340i and M340i xDrive, 2020 X3M and X4M, and Toyota Supra vehicles. In certain driving conditions, such as high temperatures and rough road surfaces, a steering gear tie rod may become damaged, possibly resulting in a fractured tie rod.
Seat belts: buckle assemblyAir bag
Trims named in this campaign: 330i, M340i
What is wrong. The sensors in the front seat belt buckles may inaccurately detect a belted occupant as unbelted, possibly causing the air bag and seat belt pretensioners to deploy improperly in the event of a crash.
What could happen. If the air bag and/or seat belt pretensioners deploy improperly in the event of a crash, there is an increased risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
The fix. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the front seat belt buckles, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X3 xDrive30e, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, X4M, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, 840i Gran Coupe, 840i xDrive Gran Coupe, M850i xDrive Gran Coupe, M8 Gran Coupe, X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, and 840i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The sensors in the front seat belt buckles may inaccurately detect a belted occupant as unbelted, possibly causing the air bag and seat belt pretensioners to deploy improperly in the event of a crash.
Seat belts: pretensionerCrash risk
Trims named in this campaign: 330i
What is wrong. The outboard rear seat belt pretensioners may not lock as intended during a crash.
What could happen. In the event of a crash, if the seat belt pretensioners fail to lock, there is an increased risk of injury.
The fix. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear seat belts, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 10, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer at 1-800-525-7417.
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BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 330i and 330i xDrive vehicles. The outboard rear seat belt pretensioners may not lock as intended during a crash.
Exterior lighting: headlightsCrash risk
Trims named in this campaign: 330i
What is wrong. The headlight control units may fail causing a loss of one or both of the headlights.
What could happen. Headlight failure can reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the headlight control units, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 17, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.
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BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 Z4 M40i, Z4 sDrive30i, 330i and 330i xDrive vehicles as well as 2020 Toyota Supra vehicles. The headlight control units may fail causing a loss of one or both of the headlights.
Structure: trunk lidInjury risk
Trims named in this campaign: 330i, M340i
What is wrong. The interior trunk release cable may have been improperly installed, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside.
What could happen. If a person were inside the trunk compartment, they may not be able to get out, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the interior trunk release cable and properly install the cable, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 13, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Show NHTSA's full text
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 330i, 330i xDrive and M340i vehicles. The interior trunk release cable may have been improperly installed, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."
EngineCrash risk
Trims named in this campaign: 330i
What is wrong. The needle roller bearings of the counterbalance shafts may have been improperly installed, potentially causing the counterbalance shaft to loosen.
What could happen. If the counterbalance shaft loosens, severe engine damage could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine, free of charge. The recall began December 13, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Show NHTSA's full text
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 330i, 330i xDrive, and 2019 Z4 vehicles. The needle roller bearings of the counterbalance shafts may have been improperly installed, potentially causing the counterbalance shaft to loosen.
Back over prevention: cameraCrash risk
Trims named in this campaign: 330i, M340i
What is wrong. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse.
What could happen. The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
The fix. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.
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BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 530e, 530e xDrive, X3 sDrive, X3 xDrive, X3 M40i, X3 M, and 2019-2020 X4 xDrive, X4 M40i, X4 M, X7 xDrive, X7 M50i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 8 Series Convertible and Coupe 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, X5 sDrive, X5 xDrive, X5 M50i, X6 xDrive, X6 M50i, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, Z4 sDrive, Z4 M40i, 740Le xDrive and 745Le xDrive, 2018-2019 640i xDrive Gran Turismo and Rolls-Royce Phantom, 2019 M850i xDrive Gran Coupe and Rolls-Royce Cullinan and 2020 Toyota Supra vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
SeatsCrash risk
Trims named in this campaign: M340i
What is wrong. Due to improper welding, the rear center headrest may fold in the event of a rear impact crash.
What could happen. If the headrest folds down in a crash, there would be an increased risk of injury.
The fix. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear center headrest, free of charge. The recall began August 28, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Show NHTSA's full text
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling one 2020 M340i and one M340i xDrive vehicle. Due to improper welding, the rear center headrest may fold in the event of a rear impact crash.
Check that your car is on the list
Most campaigns cover only cars built in a certain date range or at a certain plant, so a 2020 BMW 3 Series may or may not be included. The VIN is the only sure test. It is 17 characters, on the dashboard by the windshield and on the driver door jamb sticker. Look up your VIN at NHTSA to see whether a campaign is open for your exact car.
How to confirm the repair is free
- Call any authorized BMW dealer service desk and give them the VIN and the campaign number from the list above.
- Ask them to confirm the campaign is open for your car. If it is, the parts and labor are covered.
- If the dealer says the part is not in stock, ask for a written note with the date, and ask about a loaner if the notice says not to drive the car.
- Keep the repair order. It shows the campaign number and proves the work was done.
If you already paid for a repair that a recall later covered, BMW may owe you a refund. Ask the dealer or BMW customer service about reimbursement, and keep your receipts.
Other model years of the 3 Series
- 2025 (1)
- 2024 (2)
- 2023 (4)
- 2022 (3)
- 2021 (10)
- 2019 (8)
- 2018 (6)
- 2017 (5)
- 2016 (8)
- 2015 (10)
- 2014 (12)
- 2013 (9)
- 2012 (11)
- 2011 (13)
- 2010 (11)
- All years
More: all BMW recalls, check-engine codes, car repair costs.
2020 BMW 3 Series recall questions
How many recalls does the 2020 BMW 3 Series have?
NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns for the 2020 BMW 3 Series. A campaign can cover only some cars of that model year, so check your VIN to see whether yours is included.
Is a recall repair on a 2020 BMW 3 Series free?
Yes. A safety recall repair is free at an authorized BMW dealer, whatever the age or mileage of the car and no matter who owns it now.
How do I know if my 2020 BMW 3 Series was already fixed?
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls. It shows whether a campaign is open for that exact car. You can also ask a dealer to run the VIN, or look at the service history paperwork for the campaign number.
Source: NHTSA recalls API, checked 2026-10-29. Text is NHTSA's wording of each campaign. New campaigns are added over time. Not a repair shop, estimates only.