BMW Recalls Over 40,000 X3 Models for Door Lock Issue

Written By: Jessica Anvar Stotz
Legally Reviewed By: Jessica Anvar Stotz

100% or approximately 40,736 recalled BMW X3 vehicles are estimated to be affected by a defect in the rear door locking mechanism, prompting BMW to issue a recall for certain 2022–2024 X3 SUVs.

BMW identified the issue during internal testing and voluntarily initiated the BMW X3 Door Lock Recall.

The door lock defect could impact the security of passengers in the rear seats, increasing the risk of injury during sudden stops or collisions.

BMW’s recall repair work includes replacing the faulty door locking modules. For BMW X3 owners, you’ll want to stay informed to ensure that any necessary repairs are completed to maintain the safety and functionality of your vehicles.

What Causes the BMW Door Lock Problem?

The BMW Door Lock issue in certain BMW X3 SUVs stems from a manufacturing defect in the second-row seat side door locking modules.

Specifically, the malfunction causes the rear doors to unlock with a single pull of the interior handle, rather than the intended two-step process—one pull to unlock and another to open the door.

This defect increases the likelihood of the rear doors unlocking unexpectedly, posing a potential safety risk, particularly when the vehicle is in motion.

BMW discovered the defect during internal testing and took immediate action by issuing a recall to address the issue. The problem is confined to vehicles equipped with second-row seat side door locking modules that do not meet the required standards outlined in FMVSS 206 Section 4.3.1.

In the affected vehicles, the rear doors fail to require separate actions for unlocking and unlatching. This could pose a risk to rear seat occupants, as the doors may inadvertently open under certain conditions.

The issue was identified on January 30, 2025, during routine internal vehicle testing, engineers noticed that a second-row seat side door could be unlocked and unlatched with just one motion.

An engineering review followed, during which technical drawings and regulatory requirements, including U.S.-specific standards, were examined.

Vehicle assembly plants were contacted to confirm build configurations and module functionality. Based on this review, BMW determined that the affected vehicles did not fully comply with FMVSS 206 Section 4.3.1, leading to the decision to issue a voluntary non-compliance recall.

As of now, BMW is not aware of any warranty claims, customer complaints, or field reports related to this issue.

Additionally, the company has not received any reports of accidents or injuries stemming from the door lock malfunction.

How Do I Know If My BMW X3 Is Included?

The 2025 Door Lock Recall includes certain 2022-2024 BM X3 vehicles. To find out if your BMW X3 is part of the recall, you can check using the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) lookup tools provided by both BMW USA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Here’s how to do it:

1. Locate Your VIN: The VIN is a 17-character number typically found on the driver’s side dashboard, near the windshield, or on the driver’s side door frame.
2. Check on the BMW Recall Page:
   1. Visit the BMW Safety Recalls page.
   1. Enter your VIN in the provided search field and click “Search” to check for any open recalls related to your vehicle.
3. Check on the NHTSA Recall Page:
   1. Visit the NHTSA Recall Lookup tool.
   1. Enter your VIN in the search box and click “Submit” to see if your BMW X3 is listed in any open recalls.

If your vehicle is included in the recall, contact BMW customer service at 800-525-7417 for assistance and to schedule a free repair.

What’s BMW’s Solution for the Issue?

BMW’s solution to the door lock issue in the affected X3 models is to replace the defective second-row seat side door locking modules.

This repair will be provided at no cost to vehicle owners and will be carried out at authorized BMW dealerships.

Owners of affected vehicles will receive a notification letter by April 14, 2025, detailing the next steps. The letter will explain how to take the vehicle to an authorized BMW dealer for the recall-related repair work.

If the door lock issue was noticed prior to the recall, the repair will still be covered under the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty program.

For owners of the affected models, BMW customer service can be reached at 800-525-7417 to schedule the repair.

How the Lemon Law Can Help with Repeat Problems

If your BMW X3 continues to have the same issue despite multiple repair attempts, the lemon law may offer a solution.

If a manufacturer or dealer cannot fix a serious defect after a reasonable number of attempts, you may be entitled to a replacement vehicle or a refund, including costs like towing and rental fees.

A “reasonable number” of repairs typically means four or more attempts for the same defect, two or more attempts for a safety-related issue, or 30 or more days out of service due to repairs.

Some manufacturers offer arbitration programs to resolve disputes, but if that doesn’t work, you have the right to take legal action.

Keeping detailed records of repair attempts, communications, and related expenses is essential for a successful claim.

If you think your BMW qualifies, speaking with a Lemon Law attorney can help you understand your options. Here’s a look at the average lemon law settlements for BMW vehicles affected by this recall:

*Please be advised that the figures depicted in the chart are estimates that are derived from previous case results and should not be considered a guarantee or prediction. Each case is distinctive and necessitates tailored legal counsel.

Let the Experts Fight for You!

Modern vehicle defects can create serious safety concerns, and recall-related issues may give consumers the right to seek compensation under lemon law protections.

If your BMW X3 is affected by the door lock malfunction recall and continues to experience problems, you may be eligible for relief.

Since 2009, our team at the Lemon Law Experts has helped thousands of vehicle owners recover millions in compensation for defective cars.

If your BMW X3 has persistent issues related to this recall or any other defect, we can review your case at no cost. Don’t wait—contact us today and take the first step toward resolving your lemon case today.