Currently 5101 Recalls

BMW Problems

Last update 08. 01. 2025

The BMW problems

BMW-common-problems

BMW is renowned for its engineering excellence, performance, and driving dynamics, making it a popular choice among luxury car enthusiasts.

However, its reliability is often debated, as BMWs can experience various common problems, including issues with the cooling system, electrical components, and oil leaks, particularly in older models. Additionally, the cost of maintenance and repairs can be high due to the need for specialized parts and services. While many BMW drivers enjoy a trouble-free experience, especially with newer models, the potential for costly repairs and maintenance should be considered when owning a BMW.

BMW in 2024

In 2024, BMW resolved 23 problems affecting 21 models through recalls reported to the European Safety Gate system. The database of the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt – KBA) shows 24 recalls for 20 models in the same period.


Search for BMW issues by model



The numbers of recalls were obtained from open data from official sources. Some recalls only affect a very limited number of cars in terms of number of units. We do not include such recalls in our archives and therefore the official figures may differ slightly from the number of recalls found on our website.

The purpose of this summary is not to provide exhaustive information on all recalls announced, but to encourage owners of older cars to contact an authorised workshop to enquire whether a recall or service campaign has been announced for a particular car. Advice on how to do this can be found here.


Useful links

If you wish to know more about possible problems of a specific car (e.g. real mileage, potential traffic accidents damages, odometer rollback, repairs, etc.), then we suggest going to this page.

Check the vehicle’s history


Latest BMW recalls

bmw-2-series-2025-fire-risk
24/08/2025
Faulty screwing of the ground cable can increase the contact resistance which could lead to heating of the screw connection. Moreo...
bmw-1-series-2025-fire-risk
24/08/2025
Faulty screwing of the ground cable can increase the contact resistance which could lead to heating of the screw connection. Moreo...
07/07/2025
The material used for the B-pillar reinforcement plates is inadequate. This can alter the crash characteristics, leading to an inc...

BMW issues by German KBA reports

23/06/2025
BMW is recalling 25,059 vehicles of the X1, iX1 model series manufactured between 17. 9. 2024 and 22. 10. 2024. The reason for the...
05/05/2025
BMW is recalling 307 X3 vehicles manufactured between 9 July 2024 and 3 February 2025 to authorized workshops worldwide. The reaso...
10/02/2025
BMW is recalling 364,275 vehicles of the 1, 3, M3, X1, and X3 model series manufactured between 2008 and 2010. The reason for the ...
Do you know the year Your car was made? You most likely don't.