2012 BMW X3

44 serious complaints of 48, the most about air bags (12) and engine (11); per car on the road, 1.1× this model's usual year. 2 recalls. NHTSA investigation EA21002: desiccated air bag inflator rupture.

What owners report

“Front passenger seat occupancy mat defect causes disabling of passenger airbag. Recalls have been issued for the same issue in other models. Issue confirmed by dealership. Persistent warning lamp alert.”

An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the air bags, Dec 2024

“Situation when starting a cold engine, a 'plume of blue smoke' can be seen emitting from the exhaust tailpipe for approximately 10-20 seconds. There is no engine malfunction light illuminated (no' turbocharger boost faults are stored) and no drivability issues are detected.”

An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the engine, Jul 2020

Fixes and extended coverage

• Extended coverage A check control message or MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) may be illuminated with faults stored related to the upper and/or lower active air flap(s). For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle's Radiator Grille Upper and Lower… (SIB011219, Aug 2022)
• Extended coverage Engine Camshaft (VANOS) Adjustment Units: Limited Warranty Extension to 10 Years Without Mileage Limitation. INFORMATION BMW of North America, LLC ("BMW NA") is extending the limited warranty for the Camshaft (VANOS) Adjustment Units on certain model BMW vehicles equipped with the non-turbocharged… (011014, Oct 2014)
• Extended coverage The engine's intake charge-air duct limited warranty extension to 10 years/120,000 miles applies to ?eligible USspecification (SIM010717, Jun 2017)
• Extended coverage For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle's Leak Diagnosis Module with hose assembly (NVLD, shown) to: 15 years/150,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original in-service date. For eligible MY 2017 BMW 530i Sedan and… (SIB010921, Aug 2022)
• Extended coverage Component specific limited warranty extension. For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) Sensor(s) to: 10 years/120,000 miles as determined by the vehicle original in-service date. (SIB011918, May 2022)
• Repair program ENGINE CAMSHAFT (VANOS) ADJUSTMENT UNITS: BMW of North America, LLC (ÒBMW NAÓ) is extending the limited warranty for the Camshaft (VANOS) Adjustment Units on certain model BMW vehicles equipped with the non-turbocharged 6-cylinder engine (B011014, Feb 2018)

From the manufacturer's bulletins filed with NHTSA. A dealer can look up whether a car has had the work done or is still covered.

48 owner complaints · 2 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 21 mpg · NHTSA: Not rated · 2012 trims and features