BMW 3 Series G20
from 2019
Based on 5 sources, each with its own reference date
Based on 5 sources, see the topics below
Key points to know
- Recalls
1 result 路 NHTSA, data up to and including 06/12/2023
- Recalls
2 results 路 EU Safety Gate, data up to and including 18/09/2026
- Complaint patterns
2 results 路 NHTSA, data up to and including 06/12/2023
- Manufacturer bulletins
8 results 路 NHTSA Manufacturer Communications, data up to and including 2026
- Safety rating
3 results 路 NHTSA SafetyRatings, data up to and including 2026
Recalls
Our EU Safety Gate feed only goes back to 17 July 2026
Show the full list (1)
Official item from NHTSA: power train / automatic transmission / control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Campaign number: 23V821000.
Show the full list (2)
Official item from EU Safety Gate
Official item from EU Safety Gate
Complaint patterns
US complaint data
Official item from NHTSA: electrical system
20 of the 53 of all NHTSA complaints for this model year.
Official item from NHTSA: engine
19 of the 53 of all NHTSA complaints for this model year.
Manufacturer bulletins
Not a recognised defect, only a bulletin from the manufacturer
NHTSA manufacturer communications: 330I
The manufacturer has published 394 technical bulletins about 330I, mainly about ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (123 of 394), EQUIPMENT (89 of 394), EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY (39 of 394). These are messages from the manufacturer to the dealer network, for example repair instructions, software updates or warranty programmes. They are not recalls themselves and not a proven problem with this model. That also holds when the text mentions a recall. The count says nothing about the quality of this car.
NHTSA manufacturer communications: 330E
The manufacturer has published 311 technical bulletins about 330E, mainly about ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (104 of 311), EQUIPMENT (64 of 311), ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (24 of 311). These are messages from the manufacturer to the dealer network, for example repair instructions, software updates or warranty programmes. They are not recalls themselves and not a proven problem with this model. That also holds when the text mentions a recall. The count says nothing about the quality of this car.
NHTSA manufacturer communications: 330E
The manufacturer has published 231 technical bulletins about 330E, mainly about ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (71 of 231), EQUIPMENT (50 of 231), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE (20 of 231). These are messages from the manufacturer to the dealer network, for example repair instructions, software updates or warranty programmes. They are not recalls themselves and not a proven problem with this model. That also holds when the text mentions a recall. The count says nothing about the quality of this car.
NHTSA manufacturer communications: 330E
The manufacturer has published 90 technical bulletins about 330E, mainly about ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (27 of 90), ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (10 of 90), EQUIPMENT (10 of 90). These are messages from the manufacturer to the dealer network, for example repair instructions, software updates or warranty programmes. They are not recalls themselves and not a proven problem with this model. That also holds when the text mentions a recall. The count says nothing about the quality of this car.
NHTSA manufacturer communications: 3 SERIES
The manufacturer has published 82 technical bulletins about 3 SERIES, mainly about ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (25 of 82), EQUIPMENT (9 of 82), ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (8 of 82). These are messages from the manufacturer to the dealer network, for example repair instructions, software updates or warranty programmes. They are not recalls themselves and not a proven problem with this model. That also holds when the text mentions a recall. The count says nothing about the quality of this car.
NHTSA manufacturer communications: 330E
The manufacturer has published 70 technical bulletins about 330E, mainly about ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (24 of 70), ENGINE (13 of 70), FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (5 of 70). These are messages from the manufacturer to the dealer network, for example repair instructions, software updates or warranty programmes. They are not recalls themselves and not a proven problem with this model. That also holds when the text mentions a recall. The count says nothing about the quality of this car.
NHTSA manufacturer communications: 330I
The manufacturer has published 43 technical bulletins about 330I, mainly about ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (15 of 43), FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (6 of 43), ENGINE (5 of 43). These are messages from the manufacturer to the dealer network, for example repair instructions, software updates or warranty programmes. They are not recalls themselves and not a proven problem with this model. That also holds when the text mentions a recall. The count says nothing about the quality of this car.
NHTSA manufacturer communications: 330I
The manufacturer has published 9 technical bulletins about 330I, mainly about ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (7 of 9). These are messages from the manufacturer to the dealer network, for example repair instructions, software updates or warranty programmes. They are not recalls themselves and not a proven problem with this model. That also holds when the text mentions a recall. The count says nothing about the quality of this car.
Safety rating
American crash test (NHTSA)
NHTSA safety rating: 3 SERIES
NHTSA scores the 3 SERIES from model year 2019 at 5 out of 5 stars (front 4/5, side 5/5, rollover 5/5). This is an American test. It follows the NHTSA protocol and is not a worldwide safety score. Other countries test differently, for example Euro NCAP, and can reach another rating.
NHTSA safety rating: 3 SERIES
NHTSA scores the 3 SERIES from model year 2021 at 5 out of 5 stars (front 5/5, side 5/5, rollover 5/5). This is an American test. It follows the NHTSA protocol and is not a worldwide safety score. Other countries test differently, for example Euro NCAP, and can reach another rating.
NHTSA safety rating: 3 SERIES
NHTSA scores the 3 SERIES from model year 2022 at 5 out of 5 stars (front 5/5, side 5/5, rollover 5/5). This is an American test. It follows the NHTSA protocol and is not a worldwide safety score. Other countries test differently, for example Euro NCAP, and can reach another rating.
Insurance loss
Compared with the US average. Not a chance of defects
IIHS/HLDI loss index: 3 series 4dr
According to IIHS/HLDI, the "all coverages combined" loss index for 3 series 4dr is 107. Basis 100 is the US national average for all passenger cars under this coverage. Note: this is an index figure or rating class, an insurance statistic about the whole model. It is not a chance of defects and not a prediction for this car.
IIHS/HLDI loss index: 3 series 4dr
According to IIHS/HLDI, the "all coverages combined" loss index for 3 series 4dr is 115. Basis 100 is the US national average for all passenger cars under this coverage. Note: this is an index figure or rating class, an insurance statistic about the whole model. It is not a chance of defects and not a prediction for this car.
IIHS/HLDI loss index: 3 series 4dr
According to IIHS/HLDI, the "all coverages combined" loss index for 3 series 4dr is 118. Basis 100 is the US national average for all passenger cars under this coverage. Note: this is an index figure or rating class, an insurance statistic about the whole model. It is not a chance of defects and not a prediction for this car.
IIHS/HLDI loss index: 3 series 4dr
According to IIHS/HLDI, the "all coverages combined" loss index for 3 series 4dr is 127. Basis 100 is the US national average for all passenger cars under this coverage. Note: this is an index figure or rating class, an insurance statistic about the whole model. It is not a chance of defects and not a prediction for this car.
Inspection statistics for these model years
- 0 to 2 years: 10,431 inspections
- 3 to 5 years: 37,846 inspections
- 6 to 8 years: 45,821 inspections
6 to 8 years: 45,821 inspections
Official inspection point: Chassis and chassis attachments
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 2641 of the 45821 Czech inspection data, age 6-8 yr.
Official inspection point: Braking equipment
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 2139 of the 45821 Czech inspection data, age 6-8 yr.
Official inspection point: Axles, wheels, tyres, suspension
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 2131 of the 45821 Czech inspection data, age 6-8 yr.
Official inspection point: Lighting equipment and parts of the electrical system
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 1821 of the 45821 Czech inspection data, age 6-8 yr.
Official inspection point: Visibility
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 1293 of the 45821 Czech inspection data, age 6-8 yr.
Show more age groups (2)
0 to 2 years: 10,431 inspections
Official inspection point: Identification of the vehicle
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 112 of the 10431 Czech inspection data, age 0-2 yr.
Official inspection point: Lighting equipment and parts of the electrical system
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 68 of the 10431 Czech inspection data, age 0-2 yr.
Official inspection point: Chassis and chassis attachments
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 66 of the 10431 Czech inspection data, age 0-2 yr.
Official inspection point: Axles, wheels, tyres, suspension
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 60 of the 10431 Czech inspection data, age 0-2 yr.
Official inspection point: Braking equipment
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 56 of the 10431 Czech inspection data, age 0-2 yr.
3 to 5 years: 37,846 inspections
Official inspection point: Chassis and chassis attachments
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 798 of the 37846 Czech inspection data, age 3-5 yr.
Official inspection point: Visibility
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 685 of the 37846 Czech inspection data, age 3-5 yr.
Official inspection point: Braking equipment
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 682 of the 37846 Czech inspection data, age 3-5 yr.
Official inspection point: Axles, wheels, tyres, suspension
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 659 of the 37846 Czech inspection data, age 3-5 yr.
Official inspection point: Identification of the vehicle
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 592 of the 37846 Czech inspection data, age 3-5 yr.
- 3 to 5 years: 10,160 inspections
- 6 to 8 years: 10,229 inspections
6 to 8 years: 10,229 inspections
Official item from DVSA MOT-statistiek
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 1741 of the 10229 British MOT statistics, age 6-8 yr.
Official item from DVSA MOT-statistiek
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 7819 of the 50941 British MOT statistics, age 6-8 yr.
Official item from DVSA MOT-statistiek
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 2669 of the 19785 British MOT statistics, age 6-8 yr.
Show more age groups (1)
3 to 5 years: 10,160 inspections
Official item from DVSA MOT-statistiek
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 1401 of the 10160 British MOT statistics, age 3-5 yr.
Official item from DVSA MOT-statistiek
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 865 of the 6533 British MOT statistics, age 3-5 yr.
Official item from DVSA MOT-statistiek
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 3340 of the 25410 British MOT statistics, age 3-5 yr.
Official item from DVSA MOT-statistiek
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 2782 of the 24127 British MOT statistics, age 3-5 yr.
- 0 to 2 years: 310 inspections
- 3 to 5 years: 14,506 inspections
- 6 to 8 years: 13,221 inspections
3 to 5 years: 14,506 inspections
Official inspection point: Axles, wheels, tyres, suspension
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 1408 of the 14506 Dutch inspection data, age 3-5 yr.
Official inspection point: Lighting equipment and parts of the electrical system
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 813 of the 14506 Dutch inspection data, age 3-5 yr.
Official inspection point: Visibility
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 155 of the 14506 Dutch inspection data, age 3-5 yr.
Official inspection point: Braking equipment
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 51 of the 14506 Dutch inspection data, age 3-5 yr.
Official inspection point: Steering
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 43 of the 14506 Dutch inspection data, age 3-5 yr.
Show more age groups (2)
0 to 2 years: 310 inspections
Official inspection point: Axles, wheels, tyres, suspension
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 37 of the 310 Dutch inspection data, age 0-2 yr.
Official inspection point: Lighting equipment and parts of the electrical system
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 13 of the 310 Dutch inspection data, age 0-2 yr.
6 to 8 years: 13,221 inspections
Official inspection point: Axles, wheels, tyres, suspension
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 1717 of the 13221 Dutch inspection data, age 6-8 yr.
Official inspection point: Lighting equipment and parts of the electrical system
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 902 of the 13221 Dutch inspection data, age 6-8 yr.
Official inspection point: Visibility
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 203 of the 13221 Dutch inspection data, age 6-8 yr.
Official inspection point: Braking equipment
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 173 of the 13221 Dutch inspection data, age 6-8 yr.
Official inspection point: Chassis and chassis attachments
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 53 of the 13221 Dutch inspection data, age 6-8 yr.
- 3 to 5 years: 994 inspections
- 6 to 8 years: 1,456 inspections
6 to 8 years: 1,456 inspections
Official inspection point: Axles, wheels, tyres, suspension
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 190 of the 1456 Norwegian inspection data, age 6-8 yr.
Official inspection point: Braking equipment
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 182 of the 1456 Norwegian inspection data, age 6-8 yr.
Official inspection point: Lighting equipment and parts of the electrical system
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 153 of the 1456 Norwegian inspection data, age 6-8 yr.
Official inspection point: Visibility
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 52 of the 1456 Norwegian inspection data, age 6-8 yr.
Official inspection point: Nuisance
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 36 of the 1456 Norwegian inspection data, age 6-8 yr.
Show more age groups (1)
3 to 5 years: 994 inspections
Official inspection point: Axles, wheels, tyres, suspension
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 124 of the 994 Norwegian inspection data, age 3-5 yr.
Official inspection point: Lighting equipment and parts of the electrical system
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 53 of the 994 Norwegian inspection data, age 3-5 yr.
Official inspection point: Braking equipment
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 49 of the 994 Norwegian inspection data, age 3-5 yr.
- 3 to 5 years: 2,190 inspections
- 6 to 8 years: 2,560 inspections
6 to 8 years: 2,560 inspections
Official inspection point: Axles, wheels and suspension
Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 337 fail items across 2560 Finnish inspection data, age 6-8 yr.
Official inspection point: Lighting and electrical equipment
Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 177 fail items across 2560 Finnish inspection data, age 6-8 yr.
Official inspection point: Test drive and visibility
Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 147 fail items across 2560 Finnish inspection data, age 6-8 yr.
Official inspection point: Environmental nuisance
Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 83 fail items across 2560 Finnish inspection data, age 6-8 yr.
Official inspection point: Vehicle identification
Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 49 fail items across 2560 Finnish inspection data, age 6-8 yr.
Show more age groups (1)
3 to 5 years: 2,190 inspections
Official inspection point: Axles, wheels and suspension
Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 177 fail items across 2190 Finnish inspection data, age 3-5 yr.
Official inspection point: Test drive and visibility
Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 87 fail items across 2190 Finnish inspection data, age 3-5 yr.
Official inspection point: Lighting and electrical equipment
Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 66 fail items across 2190 Finnish inspection data, age 3-5 yr.
Official inspection point: Environmental nuisance
Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 40 fail items across 2190 Finnish inspection data, age 3-5 yr.
Official inspection point: Vehicle identification
Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 16 fail items across 2190 Finnish inspection data, age 3-5 yr.
- 3 to 5 years: 2,286 inspections
- 6 to 8 years: 4,331 inspections
6 to 8 years: 4,331 inspections
Official inspection point: Steering, suspension, wheels and tyres
Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 1011 fail items across 4331 Irish inspection data, age 6-8 yr.
Official inspection point: Lighting equipment and parts of the electrical system
Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 506 fail items across 4331 Irish inspection data, age 6-8 yr.
Official inspection point: Other equipment
Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 370 fail items across 4331 Irish inspection data, age 6-8 yr.
Official inspection point: Braking equipment
Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 206 fail items across 4331 Irish inspection data, age 6-8 yr.
Official inspection point: Steering
Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 172 fail items across 4331 Irish inspection data, age 6-8 yr.
Show more age groups (1)
3 to 5 years: 2,286 inspections
Official inspection point: Steering, suspension, wheels and tyres
Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 347 fail items across 2286 Irish inspection data, age 3-5 yr.
Official inspection point: Lighting equipment and parts of the electrical system
Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 254 fail items across 2286 Irish inspection data, age 3-5 yr.
Official inspection point: Steering
Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 142 fail items across 2286 Irish inspection data, age 3-5 yr.
Official inspection point: Other equipment
Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 117 fail items across 2286 Irish inspection data, age 3-5 yr.
Official inspection point: Nuisance
Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 22 fail items across 2286 Irish inspection data, age 3-5 yr.
See the inspection statistics for all generations of 3 Series
Go to 3 SeriesInspections by country and age
This table shows, per age, how many cars of this model fail inspection, by country. An index of 100 is that country's average for that age.
| Age | Netherlands | United Kingdom | Czechia | Ireland | NO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-2 years | 15.5% failed (48 of 310) | No data | No data | No data | No data |
| 3-5 years | 15.3% failed (2213 of 14506) | 12.7% failed (8388 of 66230) | No data | 28% failed (639 of 2286) | 22% failed (219 of 994) |
| 6-8 years | 20.5% failed (2711 of 13221) | 15.1% failed (12229 of 80955) | No data | 33.8% failed (1464 of 4331) | 34.2% failed (498 of 1456) |
Czechia only counts serious defects, severity B or C. The Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Norway count every inspection with a real defect.
Finland is not in this table. Finland counts defect points, not cars with a defect.
Buyer knowledge and checklist
Before you buy: the inspection requirement in this country, plus a checklist for the test drive.
Periodic inspection: MOT: annually
Read the guideFrequently asked questions
What are the known problems with a BMW 3 Series G20?
Recalls: 1 result (NHTSA, data up to and including 06/12/2023). Recalls: 2 results (EU Safety Gate, data up to and including 18/09/2026). Complaint patterns: 2 results (NHTSA, data up to and including 06/12/2023). Manufacturer bulletins: 8 results (NHTSA Manufacturer Communications, data up to and including 2026). Safety rating: 3 results (NHTSA SafetyRatings, data up to and including 2026). Each point is worked out below with its source and reference date.
Are there any known recalls for the BMW 3 Series G20?
1 recall recorded with NHTSA, data up to and including 06/12/2023. Reported in the United States: says nothing about the status in this country.
Which defects are found most often at inspection for a BMW 3 Series?
Official item from DVSA MOT-statistiek. Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 1741 of the 10229 British MOT statistics, age 6-8 yr. DVSA MOT-statistiek, data up to and including 2025. More age groups and categories are available in the inspection statistics on this page.
Where does this data come from?
NHTSA (data up to and including 06/12/2023), EU Safety Gate (data up to and including 18/09/2026), CZ STK (data up to and including 03/07/2026), DVSA MOT-statistiek (data up to and including 2025), NHTSA Manufacturer Communications (data up to and including 2026), NHTSA SafetyRatings (data up to and including 2026), IIHS/HLDI (data up to and including 2026), GDV Typklassenverzeichnis (data up to and including 2024), Dutch inspection data (data up to and including 03/09/2026), Norwegian inspection data (data up to and including 31/12/2025), Finnish inspection data (data up to and including 31/12/2025), Irish inspection data (data up to and including 31/12/2025). Every fact here has its own source and reference date.