BMW X3 Rear Turn Signals Show Wrong Colors
medium How serious is it? About this label
Turn signals flashing more than one color can confuse other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. The notice does not tell owners to stop driving.
Key facts
| NHTSA campaign number | 18V431000 |
|---|---|
| Reported to NHTSA | Jun 21, 2018 |
| Manufacturer | BMW of North America, LLC |
| Part affected | Exterior Lighting:turn Signal |
| Vehicles covered | 1 model/year combination, model years 2018 |
| Do-not-drive advisory | No |
| Park-outside advisory | No |
| Repair | Free at any franchised dealer |
What's wrong, in plain English
On some vehicles, the outer rear turn signal glows red while the inner rear turn signal glows amber at the same time. Because the two lights flash different colors together, the turn signals don't work the way they're supposed to.
What you should do
2. Contact a BMW dealer to have the rear turn signal lights inspected and replaced if needed (customer service: 1-800-525-7417).
3. The repair is free.
Where do I find my VIN, and what do I tell the dealer?
Your VIN is the 17-character code on the lower left of the windshield, on your registration and usually on your insurance card. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether this recall is still open on your car. When you call the dealer, say you have an open safety recall and give them NHTSA campaign number 18V431000. More in how recalls work.
Affected vehicles (1)
Who to contact
BMW — official BMW recall lookup
Customer service: 1-800-525-7417
The bigger picture
- BMW Exterior Lighting Recalls Cover Headlight Failures and Loose Lamps · all 10 BMW recalls in this area
Other BMW X3 recalls
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- Sep 23, 2025BMW and Toyota Supra Starter Relay Fire Riskcritical
- Apr 16, 2025BMW X3 Front Brake Discs Damaged in Transporthigh
- Apr 1, 2025BMW 430i, X3 Starter Connection May Loosencritical
Official notice
- Component
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
- Summary
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW X3 xDrive30i and X3 M40i vehicles. The rear turn signals on the outboard side panel will illuminate red, while the inboard turn signals simultaneously illuminate amber. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Safety risk
- Turn signals that flash multiple colors may confuse other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- 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.
Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.