Model year 2020 · Compact Cars
2020 BMW 3 Series: recalls, fuel economy and safety ratings
EPA rates the 2020 BMW 3 Series at 28–30 mpg combined across 2 versions. NHTSA lists 15 safety recalls and 109 owner complaints for this model year.
Recall file dated Oct 27, 2026 · EPA file dated Sep 29, 2026 · updated Oct 27, 2026, 7:34 AM EDT
NHTSA lists this vehicle as 330E, 330I, 340I, 340XI, M340I, M340XI.
Check your own car: enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls for that exact vehicle, and contact a BMW dealer to schedule the repair — safety recall repairs are free. The list below covers the whole model year, so not every recall applies to every car.
2020 BMW 3 Series recalls
NHTSA's recall file lists 15 safety recalls for the 2020 BMW 3 Series, newest first.
Electrical system: Starter assembly
NHTSA 25V644000 Reported Sep 25, 2025
- Filed by
- BMW of North America, LLC
- Units affected
- 145,102 (estimate)
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- An overheated starter motor can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- 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.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Electrical system: Starter assembly: Relay
NHTSA 25V636000 Reported Sep 23, 2025 Park outside
- Filed by
- BMW of North America, LLC
- Units affected
- 199,674 (estimate)
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 BMW 330i, 2019-2022 BMW Z4, 2020-2022 BMW 530i, X3, X4, Toyota Supra, 2021-2022 BMW 430i, 430i Convertible, and 2022 BMW 230i vehicles. The engine starter relay may corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short circuit.
- Risk
- A short circuit in the starter relay may increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- 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. 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 14, 2025.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Engine and engine cooling: Engine: Engine control module (ecu/ecm): Software and 1 more component
NHTSA 24V576000 Reported Aug 1, 2024
- Filed by
- BMW of North America, LLC
- Components
- Engine and engine cooling: Engine: Engine control module (ecu/ecm): Software; Electrical system: Starter assembly
- Units affected
- 105,588 (estimate)
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- A starter motor that overheats can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- 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.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Electrical system: Software and 1 more component
NHTSA 23V584000 Reported Aug 16, 2023
- Filed by
- BMW of North America, LLC
- Components
- Electrical system: Software; Seat belts
- Units affected
- 144 (estimate)
- Problem
- 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."
- Risk
- An audible chime that does not properly alert the driver to fasten their seat belt increases the risk of injury in a crash.
- Remedy
- 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.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Seats
NHTSA 23V211000 Reported Mar 29, 2023
- Filed by
- BMW of North America, LLC
- Units affected
- 51 (estimate)
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- An improperly welded seat frame may not properly restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- 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.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Engine
NHTSA 21V598000 Reported Aug 2, 2021
- Filed by
- BMW of North America, LLC
- Units affected
- 50,024 (estimate)
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- Loss of braking assist can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- 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.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Back over prevention: Software and 1 more component
NHTSA 21V096000 Reported Feb 19, 2021
- Filed by
- BMW of North America, LLC
- Components
- Back over prevention: Software; Back over prevention: Sensing system: Camera
- Units affected
- 13,858 (estimate)
- Problem
- 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…
- Risk
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Steering: Linkages: Tie rod assembly
NHTSA 20V355000 Reported Jun 15, 2020
- Filed by
- BMW of North America, LLC (manufacturer recall no. Toyota: 20TA09)
- Units affected
- 2,779 (estimate)
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- A damaged or fractured tie rod may affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- 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.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Seat belts: Pretensioner and 3 more components
NHTSA 20V164000 Reported Mar 19, 2020
- Filed by
- BMW of North America, LLC
- Components
- Seat belts: Pretensioner; Seat belts: Front: Warning light/devices; Seat belts: Front: Buckle assembly; Air bags
- Units affected
- 3,316 (estimate)
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Seat belts: Pretensioner
NHTSA 19V912000 Reported Dec 20, 2019
- Filed by
- BMW of North America, LLC
- Units affected
- 135 (estimate)
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash, if the seat belt pretensioners fail to lock, there is an increased risk of injury.
- Remedy
- 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.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Exterior lighting: Headlights
NHTSA 19V850000 Reported Nov 27, 2019
- Filed by
- Toyota Motor Corporation (manufacturer recall no. Toyota - 19TA20)
- Units affected
- 245 (estimate)
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- Headlight failure can reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- 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.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Structure: Body: Trunk lid
NHTSA 19V755000 Reported Oct 23, 2019
- Filed by
- BMW of North America, LLC
- Units affected
- 325 (estimate)
- Problem
- 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."
- Risk
- If a person were inside the trunk compartment, they may not be able to get out, increasing their risk of injury.
- Remedy
- 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.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Engine
NHTSA 19V732000 Reported Oct 15, 2019
- Filed by
- BMW of North America, LLC
- Units affected
- 217 (estimate)
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- If the counterbalance shaft loosens, severe engine damage could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- 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.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Back over prevention: Sensing system: Camera
NHTSA 19V684000 Reported Sep 27, 2019
- Filed by
- BMW of North America, LLC
- Units affected
- 257,473 (estimate)
- Problem
- 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…
- Risk
- The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- 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.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Seats
NHTSA 19V600000 Reported Aug 14, 2019
- Filed by
- BMW of North America, LLC
- Units affected
- 2 (estimate)
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- If the headrest folds down in a crash, there would be an increased risk of injury.
- Remedy
- 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.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Recall summaries are written by NHTSA from manufacturers' defect reports. Dates are when NHTSA received the report.
2020 BMW 3 Series fuel economy by version
EPA city/highway/combined estimates for each engine, transmission and drive combination. Annual fuel cost is EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year (55% city, 45% highway) at EPA's current fuel-price assumptions; your cost will vary.
Source: FuelEconomy.gov (U.S. DOE and EPA), file dated Sep 29, 2026. Each version links to its FuelEconomy.gov record.
EPA estimates come from standardized lab tests so cars can be compared fairly; real-world mileage depends on speed, weather, load, tires and driving style.
2020 BMW 3 Series crash-test ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the tested versions. More stars mean a lower chance of serious injury in that type of crash. Rollover risk is NHTSA's estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program), checked Oct 26, 2026.
Star ratings compare vehicles of similar size and weight; a frontal rating for a large pickup is not directly comparable with one for a small car.
2020 BMW 3 Series owner complaints
Owners have filed 109 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 BMW 3 Series, most recently on Oct 23, 2026. 4 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 4 injured people and 0 deaths. These are unverified reports; a complaint is not proof of a defect.
Source: NHTSA consumer complaint files (complaints received since January 1, 2015). One complaint can name several components.
Had a safety problem with your vehicle? You can report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem.
