KnownCarProblems2007 BMW X3 SAV Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 160 complaints with NHTSA about the 2007 BMW X3 SAV, most often about the transmission (29% of complaints, typically around 17,000 miles). It is the most complained-about X3 SAV model year since 2000 and has 2 recalls.
Most common 2007 BMW X3 SAV problems
Transmission
46 complaints · 29%Half of these problems showed up before 17,000 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, driveline.
On 3 occasions, the transmission on my 2007 BMW x3 3.0si has resulted in near crash situations. The transmission either does not respond (a significant delay) in response to the accelerator or lurches nearly uncontrollably in response to only a slight accelerator depression. I have taken the vehicle to the BMW dealer…
The vehicle hesitates and is quite unsafe especially when making turns at intersections. Cars would be coming at you while you are 'praying' for it to move! It happens regularly but unpredictably. Sort of like playing russian roulette! The main problem, aside from performance is safety-safety-safety! The car was…
Seats
41 complaints · 26%Half of these problems showed up before 85,000 miles. Parts named most often: front assembly.
While driving my x3 at interstate speeds, I activated the driver side seat heater. Approximately two to three minutes later, my upper leg began feeling very hot and it started smelling like something was burning. I lowered the seat heater temperature from the hottest setting to the lowest/coolest setting, and the…
My passenger seats seatbelt light comes on and airbag light comes on when there is just a purse in the seat. It beeps over and over until you click the seatbelt when no one is in it. I know that it feels weight. But it's supposed to be around 45 lbs. Not 10lbs. I will keep a watch on this to see if its having airbag…
Air bags
41 complaints · 26%Half of these problems showed up before 91,000 miles. Parts named most often: frontal.
The contact owns a 2007 BMW x3. The contact stated that the front passenger side air bag sensor illuminated and dimmed intermittently even though the front passenger seat was unoccupied. The air bag sensor would not illuminate when a passenger occupied the seat. The dealer stated that the front passenger seat needed…
A warning code is triggered that affects the operation of the airbag. The warning code is passenger seat occupancy sensor. The airbag light in the dash flashes on and off randomly whether there is someone in the seat or not. It does not matter whether the passenger side seat belt is fastened or not. BMW has a recall…
Engine
21 complaints · 13%Half of these problems showed up before 85,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine.
While driving on interstate 72 in illinois, we noted a low coolant level light. Checked the owner's manual, and it stated that this was not a major issue, but we should check it at the next opportunity. Coincidentally, the other party we were traveling with asked if we wanted to stop for coffee at a location 1.5 miles…
Driving with 85000 miles on it and it just jumps when you push the gas. Hops like a bunny. Then it takes off like a race car...which is dangerous if a car is in front of my and I slam into them. This problem has came and went over weeks now. Had codes checked. There are no vaccum leaks or anything. I am not the only…
Electrical
21 complaints · 13%Half of these problems showed up before 92,500 miles.
The contact owns a 2007 BMW x3. The contact stated that while driving with the heated seat warmer activated, the contact smelled a burning odor. The heated seat warmer had burned a hole through the driver's seat and the contact's pant leg, burning the contact. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer…
Experiencing recurrent electrical issues including multiple episodes of complete loss of engine power, power steering, and power braking while driving at 15-25 MPH. This includes an episode of the vehicle's engine cutting off without warning during a turn on a busy street resulting in immediate loss of power steering…
Speed control
5 complaints · 3%Half of these problems showed up before 21,000 miles.
After multiple attempts to remedy the situation, BMW has been unable to resolve the transmission and the intermittent loss of power and most recently "limp-home" mode occurrence associated with the drivetrain on the 2007 BMW x3. The symptoms 1st presented itself as a loss of power from a start. Upon pressing the…
Tl contact owns a 2007 BMW x3. The contact stated that when the vehicle was in drive or reverse, it would lurch forward or backward about 100 feet suddenly. When the contact tried to change lanes and accelerate, the vehicle would begin to decelerate. The vehicle felt as if someone were applying the brakes. The contact…
Fuel system
3 complaints · 2%Parts named most often: fuel injection system.
Since purchase of my 2007 BMW x3 in nov 2006 the engine hesitated periodically when iaccellerating. I have taken tires to the BMW service center, who drove the car and agreed their was a problem. I was told that there were many cars within a certain lot of VIN numbers , who have the same problem and my VIN number…
My 2007 BMW x3 has broken down twice. The fuel sensor monitor has failed. I have less than 9,000 miles on the car. I do not want the vehicle any longer. I do not feel safe. The last time it broke down was on a draw bridge, there was no power!
Steering
3 complaints · 2%On 10/27/08 I purchased and drove a 2007 cpo BMW x3 3.0si sav from BMW encinitas in california. From the time I drove vehicle from the lot to my home the x3 pulled to the right. On 11/06/08 I took the vehicle back to BMW enciitas. The dealer performed a four wheel alignment and released the vehicle to me. During…
Driving on a side street at ~20mph and about to make a left turn and the steering completely locked (as when you turn the engine off and park the vehicle, with no ability to turn the steering). The battery and oil lights came on, but the engine was still running. Ended up having to bump into the curb and stop the…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2007 BMW X3 SAV recalls
Engine: crankcase (pcv)
Risk: An electrical short can cause the pcv valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.
Fix: This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17v-683 and 19v-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the pcv valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17v-683 and 19v-273. Vehicles previously repaired under the prior recalls will need to come back for the new recall remedy. The remedy is currently being developed. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on april 1, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on july 22,
Full defect summary
Bmw of north america, llc (bmw) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 series coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 series coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xdrive); 2007-2010 x3 sav (x3 3.0si, x3 xdrive30i); 2008-2013 1 series convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 series sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xdrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 series wagon (328i, 328i xdrive); 2007-2013 3 series convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 series sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 series wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 x5 sav (x5 3.0si, x5 xdrive30i); 2006-2008 z4 coupe (z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 z4 roadster (z4 3.0i, z4 3.0si, z4 sdrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (pcv) valve may short circuit.
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began march 9, 2018. Owners may contact bmw customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Full defect summary
Bmw of north america, llc (bmw) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 series m coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xdrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xdrive sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xit, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i xdrive, 335i, 335xi, 335i xdrive, 335is and m3 coupes and convertibles, 2013-2015 x1 sdrive28i, x1 xdrive28i and x1 xdrive35i savs, 2007-2010 x3 xdrive30i savs, 2007-2013 x5 xdrive30i, x5 xdrive35i, x5 xdrive48i, x5 xdrive50i and x5 m savs, 2009-2013 bmw x5 xdrive35d savs, 2008-2014 x6 xdrive35i, x6 xdrive50i, and x6 m sacs, 2010-2011 bmw x6 xdrive50i sacs and 2008-2011 m3 sedan vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Desiccated air bag inflator rupture
Summary
From 2000 through 2017, takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("psan") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004l. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 blomquist report at www.NHTSA.gov/sites/NHTSA.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substa
Questions about the 2007 BMW X3 SAV
- What are the most common problems with the 2007 BMW X3 SAV?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: transmission (46 complaints, typically around 17,000 miles); seats (41 complaints, typically around 85,000 miles); air bags (41 complaints, typically around 91,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2007 BMW X3 SAV have?
- 2 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from March 2, 2022 (engine). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2007 a bad year for the BMW X3 SAV?
- It is the most complained-about X3 SAV model year since 2000, with 160 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.
Other BMW X3 SAV years
- 2007
- 2008