2020 BMW 3 Series problems and complaints

Owners have filed 52 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 BMW 3 Series. The most-reported areas: Engine (19), Electrical System (19), Unknown Or Other (7).

Key takeaways

  • 52 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
  • 4 involve a crash, 2 a fire, 4 reported injuries.
  • Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
Complaints by component
ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1937%
Electrical System1937%
Unknown Or Other713%
Air Bags510%
Lane Departure24%
Structure24%
Visibility/Wiper24%
Visibility24%
Power Train12%
Steering12%
Forward Collision Avoidance12%
Engine And Engine Cooling12%

One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

NHTSA 5-Star crash ratings
VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
2020 BMW 3 Series 4 DR RWDNot ratedNot ratedNot ratedNot rated
2020 BMW 3 Series 4 DR AWDNot ratedNot ratedNot ratedNot rated

Latest complaints, as filed

Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.

Power Train,engine - filed 2026-08-21

The left hydraulic engine motor mount (P/N 22117581621) completely collapsed and failed at 6 years and only 24,811 miles. The right mount was also replaced at the same time (P/N 22117581622). The failure allows unsafe, excessive engine movement and shifting under rotational torque loads. This shifting creates an immedi...

Electrical System - filed 2026-06-11

The contact owns a 2020 BMW 330i. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the starter made an abnormal, grinding metal-like sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the starter had failed. The starter was replaced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V056000 (Electrical System); however, the ...

Electrical System - filed 2026-04-21

It was discovered during a routine check that the alternator for my 2020 BMW 330i with xdrive was dying. The car had around 40,000 miles on it. Alternator was replaced with an aftermarket part.

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More for the 2020 BMW 3 Series

Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.