BMW has issued a recall for 40,736 X3 crossover SUVs due to a potential issue with their rear door locks. The recall affects 2022-2024 BMW X3 sDrive30i and xDrive30i models. The problem lies in the rear door-lock mechanisms, which could both unlock and unlatch the doors with a single motion, contrary to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206.
According to the NHTSA, the standard mandates that doors must unlock via a dedicated mechanism and unlatch when the occupant pulls the door handle. If both actions occur simultaneously by unlocking the door, it could lead to the door opening inadvertently, posing a safety risk to rear-seat occupants.
BMW identified this issue during internal testing and has not received any reports of related warranty claims, accidents, or injuries. To rectify the problem, dealers will replace the rear door lock modules on affected vehicles at no cost. Any previous related work done before the recall will still be covered under warranty.
Owners of the affected X3 SUVs will receive notification letters from BMW starting on April 14. Alternatively, they can contact BMW’s customer service department at 800-525-7417 or visit the recall website for more information.
These recalled X3 SUVs, some of which may have been part of a 2024 recall for interior cargo rail issues, are among the last of the previous generation. A redesigned X3 was introduced for the 2025 model year, with an electric version expected in 2026.
Overall, BMW is taking proactive measures to address the rear door lock issue in the affected X3 models to ensure the safety of its customers. If you own one of the recalled vehicles, make sure to stay informed and take the necessary steps to have the rear door lock modules replaced as soon as possible to prevent any potential safety hazards.
