NHTSA Data Explorer
BMW M3
Data refreshed August 27, 2026
Select a model year to filter results to that year of the BMW M3.
Complaints
1,361
Active records
Recalls
39
Active records
TSBs
739
Active records
Filing history
Monthly totals over the last 20 years. Click a legend item to show or hide that series.
Reported severity
Based on consumer complaints filed since 2000. Recalls and TSBs do not include severity data.
Deaths
0
Injuries
52
Crashes
60
Fires
28
Top reported issues — BMW M3
Click a category to expand its values.
Condition issue
Operating state
Safety restraint issue
Reporting mechanism
Transmission/drivetrain behavior
Performance issue
Access/entry issue
Lighting behavior
Thermal issue
Engine behavior
Noise
Fluid issue
Safety restraint behavior
Electrical issue
Starting behavior
Vibration/harshness
Steering behavior
Braking behavior
Driver assistance issue
Smell
Powering on/off behavior
Recent change
HVAC behavior
Wiper/washer behavior
Ride/handling behavior
Infotainment behavior
Recent filings
The 10 most recent filings for each type.
2018 BMW M3
Filed Aug 24, 2026
While driving, suddenly, with no warning smoke came from under the hood. I got off the road and turned off car immediately. Luckily, since I did turn off the car so quickly, it did not burst into flames but did create a fire within the engine. I have video of fire damage and BMW quote on repair stating fire damage. As in the past with BMW, there is a documented history of PCV-heater fires. NHTSA Recall 22V-119 states the BMW PCV valve heaters can short circuit, overheat and cause a fire.
2004 BMW M3
Filed Jun 22, 2026
Below is a partial email to a BMW Dealer that replaced an airbag 2 1/2 years ago per a recall. The airbag light, convertible top light were both illuminated when I left the dealer. I have sent emails and contacted BMW USA. A friend scanned the car with a Snap-On scanner that showed that the light has been illuminated because of the air bag that they replaced. They continue to avoid the issue and they made my car unsafe and allowed me to leave with it. What can be done to resolve this issue? …
2003 BMW M3
Filed May 4, 2026
On May 01, 2026, at approximately 0230 while traveling on hwy. I75 I heard a loud pop towards the rear for the vehicle as the car started to slide. I pulled over to the right side of the road nearly hitting another vehicle. I exited my vehicle and noticed the right rear passenger tire tread had separated from the side wall completely. It should be noted there was no warning before the tire failed. I then contacted Continental Tires who advised a take them to Discount Tires for inspection. The…
2025 BMW M3
Filed Apr 23, 2026
I just did a software update for my 2025 M3 and all settings were lost. Most of this is a customer inconvenience, but brake auto hold was turned off so imagine my surprise when I took my foot off the brake and my car rolled forward. Thankfully I was paying attention or there could have been an accident. I rely on auto hold to keep my car stopped even when my foot is off the brake.
2021 BMW M3
Filed Apr 1, 2026
Sunroof shattered while driving, no impact from outside.
2022 BMW M3
Filed Jan 28, 2026
I am reporting a safety-related failure involving the clutch system on my 2022 BMW M3. At approximately 26,000 miles when I purchased, I began experiencing clutch-related issues, including slipping and abnormal engagement. I brought the vehicle to the BMW dealership on two separate occasions to report these concerns, but the dealership dismissed the issue and did not document or inspect the clutch. At approximately 33,000 miles, while driving on the freeway, the clutch failed to properly…
2003 BMW M3
Filed Aug 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2003 BMW M3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V018000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
2021 BMW M3
Filed Aug 2, 2025
Loud clunking and creaking noise from front suspension when driving on uneven or bumpy road surfaces.
2023 BMW M3
Filed Jun 26, 2025
Car was parked and turned off in our driveway and it rolled backwards down the driveway and into the street
2025 BMW M3
Filed Jan 15, 2025
The lane departure warning in my 2025 BMW M3 is in the form of a vibration alert in the steering wheel. However, even when the vibration alert level is set to the highest, most intense level, it is barely noticeable, and is virtually indistinguishable from ordinary road vibration felt in the steering wheel. I took this to the dealer and was told this is normal. This cannot be normal, and it could easily cause a crash because the driver is probably not going to feel the vibration alert. I have…