2020 BMW X3: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2020 BMW X3: 16 recalls, 110 owner complaints and up to 27 mpg combined.
Recalls
16 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Suspension, Steering Vehicle recall #19V678000 · 2019 · 368 vehicles
What's wrong: The front axle swivel bearings May not have been properly heat treated during manufacturing, reducing their strength and possibly causing them to break.
Why it matters: Broken swivel bearings can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Bmw has notified owners and instructed them to not drive their vehicles. Dealers will replace the front axle swivel bearings, free of charge.
Backup camera Vehicle recall #19V684000 · 2019 · 257,473 vehicles
What's 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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (fmvss) number 111, "rearview mirrors."
Why it matters: 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.
Steering Vehicle recall #19V738000 · 2019 · 20 vehicles
What's wrong: The steering rack pinion teeth May break under load, resulting in a loss of steering control.
Why it matters: A loss of steering control increases risk of a crash.
The fix: Bmw has notified owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear, free of charge. The recall began October 9, 2019.
Electrical, Airbags Vehicle recall #20V152000 · 2020 · 15 vehicles
What's wrong: The instrument panel casing May not have been tightened properly to the passenger air bag.
Why it matters: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, the air bag could damage the instrument panel and cause small pieces of the panel to strike the driver or other occupants, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the instrument panel casing, free of charge. The recall began May 15, 2020.
Seat belts, Seat belts Vehicle recall #20V164000 · 2020 · 3,316 vehicles
What's 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.
Why it matters: 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.
Steering Vehicle recall #20V355000 · 2020 · 2,779 vehicles
What's 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.
Why it matters: 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.
Backup camera, Electrical Vehicle recall #20V443000 · 2020 · 5 vehicles
What's wrong: These vehicles were not programmed with rearview camera software during assembly, therefore, when the transmission is shifted to reverse, a rearview image is not displayed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "rearview mirrors."
Why it matters: An inoperative rearview camera display can increase the risk of a crash when reversing.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will program the affected vehicles with rearview camera software, free of charge. The recall began August 14, 2020. All vehicles have been remedied as of November 9, 2020.
Electrical, Electrical Vehicle recall #20V490000 · 2020 · 713 vehicles
What's wrong: Loose welding beads May form a conductive path between the hybrid battery cells which could lead to a short-circuit.
Why it matters: A short-circuited hybrid battery May increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the battery modules, free of charge. Bmw issued owners an interim notification on October 16, 2020. Although potentially affected BMW owners received interim owner notification letters, all potentially affected BMW owner…
Backup camera Vehicle recall #20V598000 · 2020 · 312 vehicles
What's wrong: A small portion of the rearview image May be slightly obscured. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "rear visibility."
Why it matters: If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, program the rearview camera with updated software. The recall began November 18, 2020.
Electrical Vehicle recall #20V601000 · 2020 · 4,509 vehicles
What's wrong: Debris May have entered one or more of the hybrid battery cells during their production.
Why it matters: The debris could result in a short-circuit, increasing the risk of fire or injury.
The fix: Bmw will inspect and, if necessary, replace the battery module free of charge. The remedy is currently being developed. Until the remedy is completed, drivers are instructed to not charge their vehicles. Drivers are instructed to not drive in manual mode, sport mode, and to not use the shift…
Backup camera, Backup camera Vehicle recall #21V096000 · 2021 · 13,858 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: 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.
Engine Vehicle recall #21V598000 · 2021 · 50,024 vehicles
What's wrong: During engine start, the engine management software May cause loss of braking assist. Full mechanical braking (without assist) remains available.
Why it matters: 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.
Seats Vehicle recall #23V211000 · 2023 · 51 vehicles
What's wrong: The seat frame May not have been welded properly to the seat rails.
Why it matters: 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.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #24V534000 · 2024 · 282,387 vehicles
What's wrong: The attachment for the interior cargo rail May become damaged in a rear crash and result in the cargo rail detaching.
Why it matters: Interior cargo rail detachment during a rear crash can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the rear cargo rail attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 2, 2024.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #24V764000 · 2024 · 8,725 vehicles
What's wrong: The attachment for the rear cargo rail May become damaged in a rear crash and result in the cargo rail detaching.
Why it matters: Interior rear cargo rail detachment during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the rear cargo rail attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2024.
Electrical Vehicle recall #25V636000 · 2025 · 199,674 vehicles
What's wrong: The engine starter relay May corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short circuit.
Why it matters: A short circuit in the starter relay May increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is complete. Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 6, 2026.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 6 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (35): the most common themes are electrical failure (15), warning light on (7).
- Engine (26): the most common themes are fire / smoke (7), warning light on (6), stalls / loses power (5).
- Other / unknown (17): the most common themes are fire / smoke (3), noise or vibration (2).
- Transmission & drivetrain (14): the most common themes are noise or vibration (5), warning light on (4).
The 2020 BMW X3 has 110 owner complaints, ranking #7 of 23 X3 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 87). Complaints peaked in 2026 (37 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 21,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2019 (170 complaints, 10 recalls), 2021 (111 complaints, 10 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 25 | 29 | 27 | Premium |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 24 | 29 | 26 | Premium |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo hybrid | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 | 27 | 24 | Premium and Electricity |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 | 27 | 23 | Premium |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2020 BMW X3.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2020 BMW X3 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 16 vehicle recalls for the 2020 BMW X3. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2020 BMW X3 problems?
Owners have filed 110 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (35), engine (26), other / unknown (17).
What gas mileage does the 2020 BMW X3 get?
EPA ratings run up to 27 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic (S8)), across 5 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2020 BMW X3 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.