In the European service world, BMW lighting failures land on our lifts with regularity. 123 complaints across 24 year-model entries (2005–2021) is consistent with what we move in parts orders. The pattern repeats across model years, which usually points to a shared component supplier rather than a single bad production batch. 3 crash reports on file. Not a high count, but the failure mode has put owners in the position to file. Independent-shop repair on this category runs around $250; dealer pricing tends to run thirty to forty percent higher on European brands. Check the headlight assemblies in daylight for moisture or hazing. Sealed-beam swaps are cheap; matrix LED replacements run four figures.
ProblemsByVin BMW / LIGHTING
24 model-year entries · 2005–2021
BMW lighting problems
123 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against BMW vehicles for lighting issues. 2 active recall campaigns. See lighting across all makes →
Complaints
123
Recalls
2
Year-models
24
Avg fix
$250
3crashes
4fires
1injury
Worst-affected BMW model-years for lighting Top 24 by complaint volume
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
2017 BMW M2
15 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2008 BMW X5
13 complaints · ~$250 severe
2006 BMW X5
8 complaints · ~$250 severe
2014 BMW 328i
7 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2007 BMW X3
6 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2020 BMW X5
5 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2016 BMW M2
5 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2015 BMW 328i
5 complaints · 1 recall · ~$250 severe
2014 BMW 320i
5 complaints · ~$250 severe
2013 BMW 535i
5 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2009 BMW X5
5 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2019 BMW X3
4 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2018 BMW X2
4 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2012 BMW 535i
4 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2011 BMW 328i
4 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2011 BMW X5
4 complaints · ~$250 severe
2021 BMW X3
3 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2019 BMW X5
3 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2015 BMW 320i
3 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2014 BMW 528i
3 complaints · 1 recall · ~$250 moderate
2013 BMW 528xi
3 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2012 BMW 528xi
3 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2009 BMW X3
3 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2005 BMW M3
3 complaints · ~$250 moderate
Active recalls — BMW lighting 12 on file
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, and ActiveHybrid 5 vehicles
The vehicle may be less visible to other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear reflex reflectors, free of charge. The recall began July 28, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X7 xDrive40i and X7 xDrive50i vehicles
An inadequate amount of reflected light will decrease the vehicle's visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace both rear reflex reflectors, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2019 BMW X1 sDrive28i and X1 xDrive28i vehicles
If a taillight detaches from the vehicle, it would no longer provide the required lighting to following traffic, or it may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will properly secure the taillights, free of charge. The recall began March 28, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 X7 xDrive40i, and X7 M60i vehicles
A loss of illumination from one of the parking lights can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will reprogram the electronic control unit for the front parking lights, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW is recalling certain model year 2002-2005 325i, 325xi, 330i, and 330xi vehicles manufactured from september 1, 2001, through march 1, 2005
Intermittent light operation reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions. This could cause a vehicle crash without warning.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on february 15, 2012. Owners may contact BMW customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022 X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, and X4M vehicles
The incorrectly positioned license plate lamp cutouts could cause confusion to other drivers on the road, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will modify the rear license plate bracket, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on December 17, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW X3 xDrive30i and X3 M40i vehicles
Turn signals that flash multiple colors may confuse other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear turn signal lights, and replace if necessary, free of charge. The recall began August 20, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2019 M6 Gran Coupe vehicles
If the third brake light detaches from the vehicle, it would no longer provide the required lighting to following traffic, or it may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the third brake light and properly secure it with new fasteners. If the third brake light detached from the vehicle and is damaged, it will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began April 17, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 320i, 320xi, 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi, and ActiveHybrid3 vehicles manufactured October 20, 2011, to June 22, 2015, 2014-2015 328xi Sports Wagon vehicles manufactured March 21, 2013, to March 17, 2015, 2014-2015 328d, 328xd vehicles manufactured June 28, 2013, to April 21, 2015, and 2014-2015 328xd Sports Wagon vehicles manufactured July 5, 2013, to April 21, 2015
If the side marker lights do not illuminate, the vehicle may be less visible at night, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will upload revised software to correct the issue, free of charge. The recall began on October 7, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or by email at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2015 740i, 740Li, 740Lxi, 750i, 750xi, 750Li and 750Lxi and 2014 ActiveHybrid 7 vehicles
Vehicles with the incorrect left rear lamp assemblies may be less conspicuous to other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace any incorrect left rear taillight assemblies, free of charge. The recall began August 11, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 528i, 535i, 550i, and M5 passenger cars manufactured from March 1, 2007, through December 31, 2009
Intermittent light operation reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear lamp bulb carriers free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 X5 sDrive40i, xDrive40i, xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M, X6 sDrive40i, xDrive40i, X6 M50i, X6M, X7 M50i and 2021 X5 xDrive45e vehicles
Oncoming drivers may be confused by the blue light of approaching vehicles, which could potentially increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the headlamps and, if necessary, replace them, free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Common questions
How many BMW lighting complaints are on file with NHTSA?
123 complaints across 24 model-year entries from 2005 to 2021. 2 active recall campaigns cover lighting issues across the BMW lineup.
Which BMW model has the most lighting complaints?
The 2017 BMW M2 leads with 15 complaints in this category. Next: 2008 X5 (13) and 2006 X5 (8).
What does it cost to fix BMW lighting problems?
Independent shops average $250 for lighting repairs across the BMW lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there BMW lighting recalls?
Yes — 12 active recall campaigns cover lighting on BMW vehicles. Recall fixes are free regardless of mileage or warranty status. The list below shows current campaigns with their NHTSA numbers.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Frank DeSantis, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with BMW.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.