BMW is recalling 2018-2023 X3 SUVs to address a problem with the rear cargo rails in “extreme” rear-end collisions.
The BMW X3 is one of the company’s best-selling SUVs, and it’s facing a safety related recall as of this past week. According to data the automaker provided to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the vehicle’s rear interior cargo rails can detach in an “extreme” rear-end crash. If they do actually detach and are pushed forward, there’s an increased risk of injury to the vehicle’s occupants.
This recall campaign covers 291,112 X3 models including the sDrive30i, xDrive30i, X3 M40i and X3 M built between the 2018 and 2023 model years, with the interior rear cargo rail system installed. BMW’s updated 2024 models do not have this cargo rail configuration, and are not covered by the recall and accompanying stop-sale on 2023 BMW X3 SUVs.
BMW first became aware of the issue in August 2022, after facing a lawsuit from an owner after a severe rear-end collsion. While the NHTSA report does not include details of the lawsuit, the company was legally served in October 2023. It inspected the vehicle in question in March 2024, and engineers conducted an investigation between April and June.
Ultimately, BMW came to the conclusion that a safety recall is necessary, as it says, “In an extreme rear crash, the attachment between the rear cargo rail and the vehicle body could become damaged.”
What’s the fix?
BMW’s recall covers all X3s built with the rear cargo rail configuration built between March 9, 2017 and September 19, 2022. The company’s remedy will be to remove and replace the bolts which attach the rails to the vehicle body.
The automaker says it’s already notified dealers of the issue, and will send out notifications to affected owners on August 30, 2024. For the time being, dealers are unable to sell X3s with the factory cargo rails until the new mounting hardware is available, though those models that have the spare tire kit installed in the cargo area instead are not impacted by the stop-sale.
If you own a 2018-2023 BMW X3, you can find out more information through the NHTSA’s recall site or BMW’s own recall page. BMW’s contact service line if you prefer to call is 1-(800)-525-7417.
