2008 BMW X3 SAV Seats Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 9%of 56 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 15,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the seats of the 2008 BMW X3 SAV, 9% of the 56 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 15,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving my 2008 Bmw x3, the driver side heated seat was turned on, than shorted out, burned through the protective layers, a stinky smoke created, melted my leather seat, and partially burned my jeans and leg. Due to the year and miles on the vehicle, Bmw would not fix any of the parts.”
NHTSA complaint #10808824, filed 2015-12, 124,100 miles“Passenger seat alarm would go off constantly without anyone or anything in the seat. Bmw replaced sensor under warranty. Problem appeared to be fixed until the following summer 2012 when alarm on seat would go off again on a regular basis. Bmw refused to replace until complaint filed and I stated it was a driving hazard due to attempting to fumble with belt while driving to stop alarm by securing belt. Bmw offered to replace alarm sensor I had to pay $300.00 for labor. This was late sept 2012. …”
NHTSA complaint #10558092, filed 2014-01, 12,000 miles“Passenger seat alarm would activate for no apparent reason on a daily use. Under warranty seat pad was replaced. Reported same seat malfunction one month after warranty ran out and Bmw agreed to pay for seat pad and I would have to pay for labor of $300.00. At this time seat no longer sounding alarm. Seat alarm would malfunction again the entire hot weather season of 2013. After contacting Bmw in dec of 2013 I was told no coverage. After researching internet I discovered this to be a regular complaint since 2003 when 1st x3 was manufactured. …”
NHTSA complaint #10559500, filed 2014-01, 18,000 miles“The seat occupancy detection mat failed at 7,285 and was replaced, then was failing again at 31,592 and Bmw did not repair/replace when serviced but did confirm the problem. Know the seat occupancy mat is in total failure at 59,000. Bmw will not address the problem. This problem is part of a recall for most vehicle of this age but for some reason not the x3.”
NHTSA complaint #10607392, filed 2014-07, 7,285 milesSeats: other model years
Other parts of the 2008 BMW X3 SAV
29 complaintsEngine
9 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 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