Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

2004 Bmw M3: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

31 owner complaints analyzed

3 distinct recall campaigns

77,994 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2004 model year. Data updated: . 22 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Air Bags is the most frequently named component, appearing in 9 of 31 complaints (29.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Transmission and shifting412.9%
Braking behavior26.5%
Electrical and battery issues26.5%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Air Bags
9
Power Train
4
Visibility
4
Engine
2
Exterior Lighting
2
Structure:Body
2
Electrical System
1
Engine And Engine Cooling
1
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Air Bags9
Power Train4
Visibility4
Engine2
Exterior Lighting2
Structure:Body2
Electrical System1
Engine And Engine Cooling1

Air Bags: 9; Power Train: 4; Visibility: 4; Engine: 2; Exterior Lighting: 2; Structure:Body: 2; Electrical System: 1; Engine And Engine Cooling: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
0
25,000 to 49,999
5
50,000 to 74,999
6
75,000 to 99,999
6
100,000 to 149,999
5
150,000 and above
0
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0000
25,000 to 49,9995
50,000 to 74,9996
75,000 to 99,9996
100,000 to 149,9995
150,000 and above0

Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 5; 50,000 to 74,999: 6; 75,000 to 99,999: 6; 100,000 to 149,999: 5; 150,000 and above: 0

50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (6). 9 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2008
1
2009
1
2010
5
2011
2
2012
3
2013
5
2014
4
2015
2
2016
5
2019
1
2022
1
2026
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20081
20091
20105
20112
20123
20135
20144
20152
20165
20191
20221
20261

2008: 1; 2009: 1; 2010: 5; 2011: 2; 2012: 3; 2013: 5; 2014: 4; 2015: 2; 2016: 5; 2019: 1; 2022: 1; 2026: 1

Pattern summary

Air Bags leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 4 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 2 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10246544 · 2008-10-23 (October 23, 2008)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW M3. WHILE DRIVING 65-70 MPH, THE CALIPERS LOCKED SUDDENLY. THE CONTACT PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY AND WAITED FOR THE CALIPERS TO COOL DOWN IN ORDER TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY HAD NEVER HEARD OF THIS TYPE OF FAILURE. CURRENTLY, THE DEALER IS REPLACING THE CALIPERS, ROTORS, AND BRAKE PADS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 37,000.

Owner-reported narrative. 37,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10246544 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10259666 · 2009-02-23 (February 23, 2009)

REAR VIEW MIRROR LEAKS CAUSTIC FLUID, AND TURNS BLACK, UNABLE TO BE USED. DEALERSHIPS WILL NOT REPLACE THE FAULTY UNIT. DOCUMENTATION OF COMMON OCCURRENCE: HTTP://WWW.M3FORUM.NET/M3FORUM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=167927&HIGHLIGHT=MIRROR+LEAK ACID HAS BEEN REPORTED TO CAUSE SKIN INJURIES. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 55,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10259666 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10335988 · 2010-06-12 (June 12, 2010)

LIQUID LEAKING FROM REAR VIEW MIRROR, POSSIBLY CORROSIVE AS CENTER DOME AROUND SHIFTER KNOB BEGAN TO PEEL FROM CONTACT WITH LIQUID. REAR VIEW MIRROR NO LONGER FULLY FUNCTIONAL; BLURRY, DISTORTED VIEW. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 94,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10335988 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10339941 · 2010-06-25 (June 25, 2010)

2004 BMW M3 AUTO DIMMING REARVIEW MIRROR, MIRROR LEAKED CAUSTIC/CORROSIVE UNKNOWN LIQUID ONTO PASSENGER SEAT AND CENTER CONSOLE, LIQUID WAS SO CORROSIVE IT DAMAGED LEATHER SEAT AND CENTER CONSOLE, BUBBLING PAINT AND EATING AWAY AT LEATHER SEAT. APPARENTLY THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING TO ALOT OF BMW M3'S AND NO RECALL NOTICE HAS BEEN ISSUED BY BMW. IT APPEARS ALL OVER THE BMW FORUMS. I AM JUST GLAD NO ONE WAS IN CAR WHEN IT LEAKED OR SOMEONE'S SKIN COULD OF BEEN BURNED LIKE IT DID THE LEATHER AND CENTER CONSOLE. IT ONLY HAPPENED ONCE, NO MORE LIQ…

Owner-reported narrative. 25,340 miles reported. Look up ODI 10339941 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10345127 · 2010-07-25 (July 25, 2010)

HADN'T DRIVEN THE CAR IN 2 WEEKS, WAS OUT OF TOWN. DROVE IT TO WORK ON MONDAY AND MONDAY EVENING OR TUESDAY MORNING NOTICED WHAT LOOKED LIKE A BUBBLE AT THE TOP OF MY REAR VIEW MIRROR. BY TUESDAY NOON, THE BUBBLE WAS IN THE CENTER OF THE MIRROR AND WHEN I CAME OUT TO THE CAR AT ABOUT 5:30 THAT AFTERNOON, THERE WAS A LIQUID SUBSTANCE ON MY CENTER CONSOLE THAT LEAKED OUT FROM THE MIRROR. IT WAS IN THE MID-90S MONDAY & TUESDAY. THE LIQUID WAS CAUSTIC AS IT ATE THE PAINT AND MELTED INTO THE PLASTIC CONSOLE. I WIPED IT OFF WITH A NAPKIN AS BEST…

Owner-reported narrative. 60,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10345127 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10347500 · 2010-08-05 (August 5, 2010)

REARVIEW MIRROR LEAKED ELECTROCHROMIC FLUID ALL OVER CONSOLE AND SEATS, BADLY DAMAGING THEM. WILL NEED TO REPLACE MIRROR AND DAMAGED PARTS. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 43,400 miles reported. Look up ODI 10347500 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10369931 · 2010-12-10 (December 10, 2010)

REARVIEW MIRROR LEAKED ELECTROCHROMIC FLUID ALL OVER CONSOLE AND SEATS, BADLY DAMAGING THEM. WILL NEED TO REPLACE MIRROR AND DAMAGED PARTS. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 95,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10369931 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10386218 · 2011-03-02 (March 2, 2011)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SLIP OUT OF GEAR WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BECAUSE THE VEHICLE HAD A SMG TRANSMISSION, THE FAILURE WOULD NOT ALLOW THE CONTACT TO ACCELERATE AND HE WOULD HAVE TO SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND RESTART TO ALLOW THE GEAR TO RE-ENGAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER YET HE WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 40,000.

Owner-reported narrative. 40,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10386218 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

3 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

14V428000 · Air Bags

Reported: 2018-06-11 (June 11, 2018)

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2000 323i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sports Wagons; 2000 328i sedans and coupes; 2001-2005 325i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sport Wagons; 2001-2005 325xi sedans and Sports Wagons; 2006 325i coupes and convertibles; 2001-2006 330i sedans, coupes, and convertibles; 2001-2005 330xi sedans; and 2001-2006 M3 coupes and convertibles to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag which may produce excessive internal pressure that could cause the air bag inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag.

Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure could cause rupturing of the inflator resulting in metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the passenger seat occupant or other occupants.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side frontal air bag, free of charge. An interim notice was mailed to owners in September 2014. A second notice was mailed when an adequate supply of parts became available, on December 1, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].

NHTSA campaign record ↗
15V318000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module

Reported: 2015-05-28 (May 28, 2015)

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2002-2005 325i, 325xi, 330i, and 330xi Sedans, and 325xi and 325i Sportswagons, 2002-2006 330Ci, 325Ci, and M3 Convertibles and 325i, 330i, and M3 Coupes, 2002-2003 M5, 540i, 525i Sedan, and 530i Sedans, and 540i and 525i Sportswagons, and 2003 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity Vehicles. Please note that the 5-series and X5 vehicles are only included if they are equipped with the optional sports steering wheel. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall began Aug 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-348 in its entirety. Additionally, vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air bag replaced previously as part of a recall remedy need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. Note: On December 17, 2015 BMW removed the model year 2004 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity vehicle from this recall. Those vehicles were mistakenly identified as including the air bags that are subject to this recall.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
20V018000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator Module

Reported: 2020-01-15 (January 15, 2020)

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2005 323iT, 325iT, 325xiT, 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 330i and 330xi and 2000-2006 323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci, 330Ci, M3 Coupe, 323Cic, 325Cic, 330Cic, and M3 Convertible vehicles equipped with non-desiccated frontal Takata PSAN inflators and PSPI passenger frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger's front air bag, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

31 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

71.0%Usable mileage22 / 31 records
100.0%Valid incident date31 / 31 records
100.0%Valid filing date31 / 31 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates31 / 31 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component201120122013201420152016201720182021202220232025
Air Bags
619.4%
ODI 10654689

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW M3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT FLICKERED WHILE THE SEAT WAS OCCUPIED OR UNOCCUPIED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE DEALER DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT DID NOT EXPERIENCE A FAILURE. …

Look up ODI 10654689 at NHTSA ↗

466.7%
ODI 10934302 · 63,000 mi

TAKATA RECALL IS TAKING TOO LONG TO REPLACE MY DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG IN MY 2012 BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE. I CALLED RUSNAK BMW IN WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA IN NOVEMBER 2016 FOR A STATUS UPDATE AS TO WHY THEY STILL HAVE NOT CONTACTED ME TO REPLACE MY DRIVER'S SIDE TAKATA AIRBAG DESPITE A RECALL NOTICE IN MARCH OF 2016. THEY INDICATED THEY HAVE NOT GOTTEN TO MY MODEL YEAR AND THAT REPLACEMENT TAKATA AIRBAGS ARE NOT COMING AS QUICKLY AS THEY SHOULD.

Look up ODI 10934302 at NHTSA ↗

753.8%
ODI 10873743 · 9,000 mi

TAKATA RECALL AIRBAG BMW TOLD ME NOT TO DRIVE CAR TO PARK IT AND THEY WANT TO GIVE ME RENTAL. UNKNOW HOW LONG FOR REPAIR I LEASE CAR AT $1245 PER MONTH WAY SHOULD I GET A LESSER CAR AND CONTINUE MY PAYMENTS .I HAVE 2 YEARS LEFT I WANT TO TRADE IT IN FOR THE SAME VALUE ON A M4 SHOULDNT THEY GIVE ME THE SAME DEAL TO GET ME OUT OF MY LEASE.. FLORIDA HAS A HIGHER RISK BECAUSEOF THE HEAT FOR THE AIR BAG TO EXPLODE. IM 5FT 1 AND IM AFRAID TO DRIVE MY CAR... I HAVENT DRIVEN IT SINCE THEY TOLD ME ABOUT RECALL ..I HAPPEN TO BRING CAR FOR SERVICE OR I WO…

Look up ODI 10873743 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

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00.0%

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00.0%

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133.3%
ODI 11611304

Unknown. I was driving home when I get a message stating “passenger restraint system malfunction”

Look up ODI 11611304 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

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00.0%

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00.0%

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Engine
1651.6%
ODI 10626663 · 35,150 mi

TICKING NOISE IN THE ENGINE GRADUALLY GOT LOUDER. OIL WARNING THAT IT WAS LOW ON OIL. ADDED OIL, STILL SAID IT WAS LOW, THEN SAID IT WAS TOO MUCH. THEN SAID IT WAS LOW (PARTICLES FROM BEARINGS WERE CLOGGED IN OIL SENSOR GIVING FALSE READING). FINALLY PARKED CAR WHEN NOISE WAS SO GREAT THAT I THOUGHT IT WAS GOING TO BLOW UP. ROD BEARS DISINTEGRATED ON CYLINDERS 2 AND 5. HAD TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. *TR

Look up ODI 10626663 at NHTSA ↗

233.3%
ODI 10779100 · 24,600 mi

DRIVING IN A PARKING LOT, SHIFTED FROM 1ST GEAR TO SECOND GEAR AND AT 4000 RPMS, THE CAR STOPPED. IT WOULD NOT RESTART. TOWED CARD TO DEALER AND IT NEEDED AN ENGINE REPLACEMENT WHICH WAS COVERED UNDER MY WARRANTY.

Look up ODI 10779100 at NHTSA ↗

430.8%
ODI 10821362 · 3,100 mi

VEHICLE HAS 3,100 MILES ON IT. I STOPPED TO GET FUEL AND ON THE WAY BACK HOME THE ENGINE STARTED TO MISFIRE HEAVILY, THEN STALL OUT IN HEAVY TRAFFIC ALMOST CAUSING ME TO GET REAR ENDED. LUCKILY THE CAR STARTED BUT FELT LIKE IT HAD ONLY 10% OF THE POWER, BMW TOLD ME TO DRIVE IT TO THE NEAREST SERVICE CENTER TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT. THEY CALLED ME THE NEXT DAY TO TELL MY MY ENGINE HAS FAILED. IM NOT SURE HOW IN 3,100 WELL CARED FOR MILES THE ENGINE WOULD FAIL, ALMOST CAUSING ME TO GET REAR-ENDED IN TRAFFIC. I AM DISAPPOINTED THAT BMW COULD RELEASE …

Look up ODI 10821362 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

125.0%
ODI 11289890 · 95,000 mi

CRANK HUB SPUN TIMING SPROCKET CAUSING VALVES TO IMPACT PISTON AND CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. QUOTED MORE THAN $10K OUT OF POCKET TO REPAIR. THIS IS CAUSED DUE TO POOR CRANK HUB DESIGN. CAR COMPANIES HAVE BEEN USING KEYED CRANKHUBS FOR GENERATIONS BUT BMW DECIDED TO NOT USED A KEYED HUB.. THIS IS VERY NEGLIGENT CONSIDERING HOW MANY OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO THIS.

Look up ODI 11289890 at NHTSA ↗

360.0%
ODI 11289880 · 28,000 mi

THE CRANKHUB ON THESE CARS ARE TICKING TIME BOMBS AND IS LIKELY TO FAIL JUST OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY FORCING HUGE REPAIR BILLS. IN SOME CASES, A "LUCKY" FEW JUST NEED TO BE RETIMED AND ONLY REQUIRE 18 HOURS OF LABOR. HOWEVER, OTHERS HAVE NOT BEEN SO LUCKY AND HAVE REQUIRED AN ALL-NEW ENGINE. THIS IS AN ISSUE BMW IS FULLY AWARE OF BUT HAS NOT TAKEN RESPONSBILITY FOR THEIR INSUFFICIENT ENGINEERING.

Look up ODI 11289880 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

222.2%
ODI 11289976 · 8,000 mi

CRANK HUB WILL BE PRONE TO SPIN AND THEREFORE WILL DESTROY ENGINE WHICH WILL REQUIRE A FULL ENGINE REPLACEMENT. *TR

Look up ODI 11289976 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

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00.0%

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00.0%

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00.0%

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Power Train:Automatic Transmission
00.0%

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00.0%

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00.0%

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0Unavailable

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00.0%

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Power Train
412.9%
ODI 10438472 · 10,000 mi

CLUNKING NOISE AND VIBRATION WHEN TURNING RIGHT FROM A STOP IN COOLER TEMPERATURES. *TR

Look up ODI 10438472 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

323.1%
ODI 11000438 · 7 mi

TAKATA RECALL. REASONABLE TIME HAS PASSED SINCE THE AIRBAG RECALL. BUT I HAVE NOT HEARD AS TO WHEN THIS SAFETY ISSUE WILL BE RESOLVED.EVERY TIME I DRIVE THE CAR I FEEL I AM RISKING MY LIFE OR CHANCE FOR SERIOUS INJURY. BMW HAS BEEN COMPLETELY NEGLIGENT WITH REGARDS TO RESOLVING THIS ISSUE. BMW SHOULD TEMPORARILY REMEDY THE SITUATION BY REPLACING THE CAR WITH A SIMILAR VEHICLE. I NEED THIS TO BE RESOLVED NOW!!!. ALSO THE DRIVE TRAIN HAS A CLUNKING NOISE OF WHICH I HAVE BEEN COMPLAINING SINCE NEW. THEY HAVE MADE TEMPORARY ADJUSTMENT BUT THE PROB…

Look up ODI 11000438 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

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120.0%
ODI 11232137 · 48,234 mi

KEEP HEARING A KNOCKING SOUND ON DRIVER SIDE WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS. FEELING VIBRATION UNDER CAR UNDER ACCELERATING AND BREAKING. CARBON FIBER ROOF LAMINATE PEELING OFF.

Look up ODI 11232137 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

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111.1%
ODI 11289976 · 8,000 mi

CRANK HUB WILL BE PRONE TO SPIN AND THEREFORE WILL DESTROY ENGINE WHICH WILL REQUIRE A FULL ENGINE REPLACEMENT. *TR

Look up ODI 11289976 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

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1100.0%
ODI 11714063

I am reporting a safety-related failure involving the clutch system on my 2022 BMW M3. At approximately 26,000 miles when I purchased, I began experiencing clutch-related issues, including slipping and abnormal engagement. I brought the vehicle to the BMW dealership on two separate occasions to report these concerns, but the dealership dismissed the issue and did not document or inspect the clutch. At approximately 33,000 miles, while driving on the freeway, the clutch failed to properly engage and would not catch gears, creating an unsafe dr…

Look up ODI 11714063 at NHTSA ↗

1100.0%
ODI 11669571

Car was parked and turned off in our driveway and it rolled backwards down the driveway and into the street

Look up ODI 11669571 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Electrical System
722.6%
ODI 10661151 · 44,000 mi

2011 BMW DCT M3 ENGINE TURNS OFF BY IT SELF WHILE DRIVING THROUGH INTERSECTION. TRANSMISSION GOES INTO NEUTRAL. "N" POPS UP ON THE CENTER COCKPIT. STEERING WHEEL LOCK. BRAKES WORK. HAD TO MAINTAIN FOOT ON BRAKES. HAVE TO PUSH "ENGINE START" BUTTON. CAR STARTS UP AGAIN. ENGINE STALLING AND SHUTTING OFF IS A SAFETY HAZARD, ESPECIALLY IF THE CAR IS IN MOTION. COULD CAUSE DEATH TO END USERS OR OTHER PEOPLE. CAN CAUSE PROPERTY DAMAGES AS WELL. THIS HAS HAPPEN TWICE WITHIN A 8 WEEK PERIOD. MOST RECENTLY ON NOV 26,2014 APPROXIMATELY 430…

Look up ODI 10661151 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

215.4%
ODI 10910460 · 20,000 mi

WHEN I ACCELERATE QUICKLY AT AN INTERSECTION WHEN I GET A GREEN LIGHT, THE ENGINE LOOSES ALL POWER BUT KEEPS RUNNING. BMW HAS NO IDEA AS NO CODES ARE BEING SAVED WHEN THIS HAPPENS. THE GENERAL MANAGER SAID IT PROBABLY COMPUTER PART BUT WE MAY NEVER KNOW.

Look up ODI 10910460 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

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00.0%

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00.0%

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133.3%
ODI 11301469 · 6,352 mi

VEHICLE IS A 2017 BMW M3 WITH 6352 MILES. IN THIS PARTICULAR CASE THE VEHICLE HAD STARTED AND HAD BEEN OPERATING NORMALLY THE DAY PRIOR. THE FOLLOWING DAY THE CAR WAS STATIONARY AND WOULD NOT START.IT WAS CLEAR THERE WAS NO POWER GETTING TO THE ELECTRONICS EVEN THOUGH THE BATTERY WAS FULLY CHARGED. THE VEHICLE WAS TRANSPORTED BY FLATBED TRUCK TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP TO DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE. THE DEALERSHIP INVESTIGATED THE ROOT CAUSE AND FOUND THE PRIMARY BATTERY CABLE CONNECTOR TO THE ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION BOX HAD FAILED WHERE THERE WAS NO LONG…

Look up ODI 11301469 at NHTSA ↗

111.1%
ODI 11759039

While driving, suddenly, with no warning smoke came from under the hood. I got off the road and turned off car immediately. Luckily, since I did turn off the car so quickly, it did not burst into flames but did create a fire within the engine. I have video of fire damage and BMW quote on repair stating fire damage. As in the past with BMW, there is a documented history of PCV-heater fires. NHTSA Recall 22V-119 states the BMW PCV valve heaters can short circuit, overheat and cause a fire.

Look up ODI 11759039 at NHTSA ↗

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00.0%

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Power Train:Manual Transmission
00.0%

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00.0%

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Unknown Or Other
00.0%

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00.0%

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00.0%

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0Unavailable

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125.0%
ODI 11341883

REAR VIEW CAMERA STOPPED WORKING, SCREEN DISPLAYS "NO SIGNAL". FUSE DID NOT BLOW.

Look up ODI 11341883 at NHTSA ↗

120.0%
ODI 11099977 · 3,000 mi

I'VE TAKEN MY VEHICLE IN TO THE SERVICE DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES SINCE I'VE PURCHASED THE CAR BACK IN NOV. 2016. I NOTICED A CLUNKING AND JOLTING SENSATION FROM MY REAR AXLE WHICH I KNEW WAS NOT NORMAL. THE DEALER AFTER DIAGNOSING THE ISSUE TOLD ME IT IS NORMAL AND THERE ISN'T AN ISSUE AT ALL. UPON FURTHER RESEARCH ONLINE AND PERSONAL FRUSTRATION KNOWING I'M PAYING FOR A NEW CAR WHICH DOESN'T FEEL NEW AT ALL, I FOUND THE ATTACHED RECALL NOTICE. MY CAR HAS A PRODUCTION DATE OF MAY 20, 2016 WHICH FALLS IN BETWEEN THE TIMELINE MENTIONED IN THE AT…

Look up ODI 11099977 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

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222.2%
ODI 11193822 · 13,500 mi

HELLO, I HAVE A 2018 BMW M3 THAT IS ABOUT 12 MONTHS OLD. THERE WAS A SIRIUS XM (SATELLITE RADIO) TRIAL PERIOD OF 1 YEAR, AND NOW THAT IT IS ABOUT TO EXPIRE, THERE IS AN ADVERTISEMENT IN MY NAVIGATION WINDOW THAT COMES UP EVERY TIME I TURN ON THE CAR, THAT HAS TO BE CLEARED VIA PRESSING "OK" OR ELSE IT DOESN'T GO AWAY. THE SAFETY CONCERN IS THAT IF I TURN ON THE CAR AND GO INTO REVERSE, THE REVERSE CAMERA WILL SHOW BUT GETS INTERRUPTED BY THE SIRIUS XM ADVERTISEMENT, AND DOESN'T COME BACK UNTIL THE ADVERTISEMENT TO RENEW IS MANUALLY CLEARED O…

Look up ODI 11193822 at NHTSA ↗

133.3%
ODI 11728419

Sunroof shattered while driving, no impact from outside.

Look up ODI 11728419 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

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00.0%

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150.0%
ODI 11733289

I just did a software update for my 2025 M3 and all settings were lost. Most of this is a customer inconvenience, but brake auto hold was turned off so imagine my surprise when I took my foot off the brake and my car rolled forward. Thankfully I was paying attention or there could have been an accident. I rely on auto hold to keep my car stopped even when my foot is off the brake.

Look up ODI 11733289 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Air BagsToo few reports for a range91,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10864851 · 91,000 mi

TAKADA RECALL: NOTIFIED BY BMW JULY 2015 DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE DEFECTIVE. IN MAY 2016, BMW ADVISED THEY DID NOT KNOW WHEN AIR BAG WOULD BEFIXED. SINCE THEN ANOTHER PERSON HAS DIED. CONCERNED ABOUT SAFETY AND LENGTH OF TIME WAITING FOR FIX.

Look up ODI 10864851 at NHTSA ↗

Power TrainToo few reports for a range68,750 mi4 (sparse)
ODI 10484753 · 72,500 mi

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SMG HYDRAULIC PUMP FAILED. *TR

Look up ODI 10484753 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10522847 · 54,462 mi

THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAPPENED TO MY CAR THE SMG (SEQUENTIAL MANUAL GEAR) LIGHT COMES ON AND THEN MY SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AS WELL EVERY TIME IN THAT ORDER , ALSO MY CAR SHIFTS ITSELF INTO NEUTRAL ALL ON ITS OWN AND I CAN,T CONTROL THE ACCELERATION ON THE HIGHWAY OR ANYWHERE ELSE SO THE CAR BEGINS TOP SLOW DOWN, MANY PEOPLE HAVE ADDRESSED THIS ISSUE TO BMW N.A. AND NOTHING AND IT ONLY HAPPENS DURING HOT WEATHER, AND BMW RAN A DIAGNOSTIC ON MY CAR AND THEY GAVE ME MULTIPLE THINGS THAT CAN CAUSE IT SO THEY EXPECT ME TO PAY FOR ALL …

Look up ODI 10522847 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10542312 · 65,000 mi

VEHICLE DROPS OUT OF GEAR RANDOMLY. AS I WAS TAKING A LEFT TURN, THE VEHICLE DROPPED INTO 0 GEAR AND ON COMING TRAFFIC ALMOST RAN INTO ME HEAD ON. I HAD NO WAY OF MOVING THE CAR DUE TO TRANSMISSION BEING SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL. THIS IS DUE TO A DEFECTIVE TEMPERATURE SENSOR ON THE SMG PUMP. BMW IGNORES THE ISSUE.

Look up ODI 10542312 at NHTSA ↗

VisibilityToo few reports for a range77,000 mi4 (sparse)
ODI 10259666 · 55,000 mi

REAR VIEW MIRROR LEAKS CAUSTIC FLUID, AND TURNS BLACK, UNABLE TO BE USED. DEALERSHIPS WILL NOT REPLACE THE FAULTY UNIT. DOCUMENTATION OF COMMON OCCURRENCE: HTTP://WWW.M3FORUM.NET/M3FORUM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=167927&HIGHLIGHT=MIRROR+LEAK ACID HAS BEEN REPORTED TO CAUSE SKIN INJURIES. *TR

Look up ODI 10259666 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10335988 · 94,000 mi

LIQUID LEAKING FROM REAR VIEW MIRROR, POSSIBLY CORROSIVE AS CENTER DOME AROUND SHIFTER KNOB BEGAN TO PEEL FROM CONTACT WITH LIQUID. REAR VIEW MIRROR NO LONGER FULLY FUNCTIONAL; BLURRY, DISTORTED VIEW. *TR

Look up ODI 10335988 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10345127 · 60,000 mi

HADN'T DRIVEN THE CAR IN 2 WEEKS, WAS OUT OF TOWN. DROVE IT TO WORK ON MONDAY AND MONDAY EVENING OR TUESDAY MORNING NOTICED WHAT LOOKED LIKE A BUBBLE AT THE TOP OF MY REAR VIEW MIRROR. BY TUESDAY NOON, THE BUBBLE WAS IN THE CENTER OF THE MIRROR AND WHEN I CAME OUT TO THE CAR AT ABOUT 5:30 THAT AFTERNOON, THERE WAS A LIQUID SUBSTANCE ON MY CENTER CONSOLE THAT LEAKED OUT FROM THE MIRROR. IT WAS IN THE MID-90S MONDAY & TUESDAY. THE LIQUID WAS CAUSTIC AS IT ATE THE PAINT AND MELTED INTO THE PLASTIC CONSOLE. I WIPED IT OFF WITH A NAPKIN AS BEST…

Look up ODI 10345127 at NHTSA ↗

EngineToo few reports for a range83,893 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10542312 · 65,000 mi

VEHICLE DROPS OUT OF GEAR RANDOMLY. AS I WAS TAKING A LEFT TURN, THE VEHICLE DROPPED INTO 0 GEAR AND ON COMING TRAFFIC ALMOST RAN INTO ME HEAD ON. I HAD NO WAY OF MOVING THE CAR DUE TO TRANSMISSION BEING SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL. THIS IS DUE TO A DEFECTIVE TEMPERATURE SENSOR ON THE SMG PUMP. BMW IGNORES THE ISSUE.

Look up ODI 10542312 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10579266 · 102,786 mi

ONE OF THE VANOS EXHAUST HUB TAB BROKE AND DAMAGED THE OIL PUMP DISC. I HAD TO REPLACE THE VANOS EXHAUST HUB AND OIL PUMP DISC. *JS

Look up ODI 10579266 at NHTSA ↗

Exterior LightingToo few reports for a range65,500 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10535258 · 31,000 mi

THE REAR LAMPS IN MY BODY PANEL THAT HOUSE THE BRAKE LAMP, TURN SIGNAL, AND TAIL LAMP STOPPED WORKING AND NEEDED TO BE FULLY REPLACED. MY CAR IS A LOW MILEAGE VEHICLE. THIS SAME ISSUE WAS THE SUBJECT OF NHTSA #11V438000. HOWEVER, THIS RECALL DID NOT INCLUDE THE M3, JUST ALL OF THE OTHER 3 SERIES BMWS. PLEASE INVESTIGATE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND A COSTLY REPAIR FOR ME. THIS IS THE REFERENCE FOUND ON YOUR WEBSITE AND MY ISSUES ARE IDENTICAL TO THIS SUMMARY: NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V438000 REAR LAMPS IN BODY PANEL SUMMARY: BMW IS RE…

Look up ODI 10535258 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11197351 · 100,000 mi

WIRING PROBLEM WITH FACTORY HEADLIGHTS. THIS ISSUE CAUSES HEADLIGHTS TO FLICKER AND EVENTUALLY TURN OFF. IT HAPPENS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AND SITTING STILL.

Look up ODI 11197351 at NHTSA ↗

Structure:BodyToo few reports for a range95,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10475875 · 95,000 mi

HAD MY CAR INSPECTED BY A MECHANIC AND HE NOTICED A TEAR IN THE SUBFRAME NEAR THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE. TUNES OUT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM FOR E46 BMWS. BMW WILL ONLY COVER 50% OF THE REPAIRS AND HAS ADMITTED THAT THIS IS A DEFECT IN THEIR DESIGN. IT'S NOW A SAFETY ISSUE AS THE CAR IS OUT OF ALIGNMENT AND THE FLOOR HAS DROPPED, RUBBING ON THE REAR AXLE. *TR

Look up ODI 10475875 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine CoolingToo few reports for a range110,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10452254 · 110,000 mi

BEFORE I START EXPLAINING, I SHOULD MENTION THAT THE CAR HAS BEEN METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED WITH MAJORITY OF THE PARTS BEING GENUINE BMW. THE CHASSIS HAS 110,XXX MILES AT THE MOMENT, AND THE ENGINE HAS 78,XXX MILES. THE ENGINE HAD A FAILURE IN 2006 DUE TO A ROD BEARING FAILURE (RECALLED FROM BMW), AND A REMANUFACTURED ENGINE HAS BEEN INSTALLED BY BMW TECHNICIANS AT A BMW DEALERSHIP SERVICE CENTER IN VIRGINIA. RECENTLY MY 2004 BMW M3 HAD A FAILURE INSIDE THE ENGINE THAT COULD HAVE BEEN VERY DANGEROUS. ON HALLOWEEN NIGHT 2011, AS I WAS LEAVING T…

Look up ODI 10452254 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-102026-09

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-061None
ODI 11745653

Below is a partial email to a BMW Dealer that replaced an airbag 2 1/2 years ago per a recall. The airbag light, convertible top light were both illuminated when I left the dealer. I have sent emails and contacted BMW USA. A friend scanned the car with a Snap-On scanner that showed that the light has been illuminated because of the air bag that they replaced. They continue to avoid the issue and they made my car unsafe and allowed me to leave with it. What can be done to resolve this issue? From: [XXX] <[XXX]> Sent: Friday, May 10, 2024 10:06…

Look up ODI 11745653 at NHTSA ↗

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-09 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 21 reports

2022: 0 complaints · 2023: 1 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2022000
2023001
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
2022100
2023100

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentAir BagsPower TrainVisibilityEngineExterior LightingStructure:BodyElectrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling
Air Bags—00000
1
ODI 11745653

Below is a partial email to a BMW Dealer that replaced an airbag 2 1/2 years ago per a recall. The airbag light, convertible top light were both illuminated when I left the dealer. I have sent emails and contacted BMW USA. A friend scanned the car with a Snap-On scanner that showed that the light has been illuminated because of the air bag that they replaced. They continue to avoid the issue and they made my car unsafe and allowed me to leave with it. What can be done to resolve this issue? From: [XXX] <[XXX]> Sent: Friday, May 10, 2024 10:06…

Look up ODI 11745653 at NHTSA ↗

0
Power Train0—0
1
ODI 10542312 · 65,000 mi

VEHICLE DROPS OUT OF GEAR RANDOMLY. AS I WAS TAKING A LEFT TURN, THE VEHICLE DROPPED INTO 0 GEAR AND ON COMING TRAFFIC ALMOST RAN INTO ME HEAD ON. I HAD NO WAY OF MOVING THE CAR DUE TO TRANSMISSION BEING SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL. THIS IS DUE TO A DEFECTIVE TEMPERATURE SENSOR ON THE SMG PUMP. BMW IGNORES THE ISSUE.

Look up ODI 10542312 at NHTSA ↗

0000
Visibility00—00000
Engine0
1
ODI 10542312 · 65,000 mi

VEHICLE DROPS OUT OF GEAR RANDOMLY. AS I WAS TAKING A LEFT TURN, THE VEHICLE DROPPED INTO 0 GEAR AND ON COMING TRAFFIC ALMOST RAN INTO ME HEAD ON. I HAD NO WAY OF MOVING THE CAR DUE TO TRANSMISSION BEING SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL. THIS IS DUE TO A DEFECTIVE TEMPERATURE SENSOR ON THE SMG PUMP. BMW IGNORES THE ISSUE.

Look up ODI 10542312 at NHTSA ↗

0—0000
Exterior Lighting0000—000
Structure:Body00000—00
Electrical System
1
ODI 11745653

Below is a partial email to a BMW Dealer that replaced an airbag 2 1/2 years ago per a recall. The airbag light, convertible top light were both illuminated when I left the dealer. I have sent emails and contacted BMW USA. A friend scanned the car with a Snap-On scanner that showed that the light has been illuminated because of the air bag that they replaced. They continue to avoid the issue and they made my car unsafe and allowed me to leave with it. What can be done to resolve this issue? From: [XXX] <[XXX]> Sent: Friday, May 10, 2024 10:06…

Look up ODI 11745653 at NHTSA ↗

00000—0
Engine And Engine Cooling0000000—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

1 patterns with matching reports.

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

1 mentions · 3.2% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 10809118

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW M3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. VIN TOOL CONFIRMED PARTS NOT AVAILAB…

Look up ODI 10809118 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b