2007 BMW X3 SAV Seats Problems
- Complaints
- 41about this part
- Share
- 26%of 160 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 85,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 41 complaints about the seats of the 2007 BMW X3 SAV, 26% of the 160 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 85,000 miles. 18 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Heated drivers seat started to burn me left side of seat. Burning smell. I shut it off, but it looks like it would have continued to burn through seat if I had not. Can feel the wire through the leather seat. Called Bmw and they said they would help with the cost of repair, but I have to pay a diagnostic fee first. Will take this to me regular mechanic first.”
NHTSA complaint #10919827, filed 2016-10, 111,000 miles“In cool climate on november 1, 2016. Turn on my heat seat, then I smelled something burned, then I felt sharp burn on left butt cheek. Then I knew something wrong with heat I turned off, , on november 7, 2016, I tried again,,, burning smell is so bad, the heat still burned almost through out side layer of seat”
NHTSA complaint #10926115, filed 2016-11, 105,000 miles“While idling for less than five minutes with the seat heat turned on, I smelled smoke but wasn't sure where it was coming from and ignored it. After driving home I found that there was a hole burned through the leather driver's seat and an exposed wire was showing through the hole. Luckily my jacket didn't catch on fire. The outside temperature was in the mid 20s at the time.”
NHTSA complaint #10700867, filed 2015-03, 44,410 miles“Driver side heated seat switch was turned on while driving. Few minutes after switch turned-on, burning smell was felt inside the car. Stopped the car and checked the engine (first guess). It was not from the engine. Sat on the seat and then realized the fume was coming from the seat. The driver seat was burned, my pant bottom was burned and my butt was also burned (not serious).”
NHTSA complaint #10669963, filed 2015-01, 73,000 miles“The driver's side seat has 2 burn holes where the heater has burned through. Often there has been a burning sensation where the holes are. Until it actually burned through we just thought that it was overly hot. We have an appointment to have it repaired. I am surprised that Bmw has not recalled this item already.”
NHTSA complaint #10672316, filed 2015-01, 108,000 milesSeats: other model years
Other parts of the 2007 BMW X3 SAV
46 complaintsAir bags
41 complaintsElectrical system
21 complaintsEngine
18 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2007 BMW X3 SAV
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology