YearToAvoid

2023 BMW M3 Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

No verdict

Complaint Index

58/100

#6 most-complained of 13 M3 years

NHTSA lists 1 complaint and 1 recall for the 2023 BMW M3, giving it a complaint index of 58, ranking 6th worst among 13 model years of data. It sits in the middle of the pack, not among the worst years.

Complaints
1
Recalls
1
Crashes / fires
1 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
19
16 city / 23 hwy

Top 2023 BMW M3 problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Transmission & Powertrain1 (100%)

2023 BMW M3 recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 23V118000Feb 23, 2023Electrical System120 vehicles

    Electrical system:body control module:software

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, M3, 330e, 330e xDrive, 430i Convertible, 430i xDrive, M440i, 2022-2023 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive, i4 eDrive40, and i4 M50 vehicles. During a service visit, a replacement electronic control unit (ECU) may have been installed with incorrect programming, which can cause the automatic door locking (ADL) function to not lock the doors as intended.

    Risk: Doors that do not lock as intended while the vehicle is in motion may open during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

    Remedy: Dealers will update the ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

2023 BMW M3 fuel economy and fuel cost

City
16 MPG
Highway
23 MPG
Combined
19 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$4,200
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Premium
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2023 compared with other M3 years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’21’22’23’25
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2021No verdict423319
2022No verdict81019
2023No verdict581119
2025No verdict672019

All BMW M3 years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2023 BMW M3 reliable?
NHTSA data shows only 1 complaint and a complaint index of 58 for the 2023 BMW M3, which ranks 6th worst out of 13 model years, putting it in the middle relative to other M3 years.
Does the 2023 BMW M3 have any recalls?
Yes, NHTSA recall 23V118000 covers the Electrical System. BMW dealers update the ECU software free of charge; owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2023.
What is the top problem area for the 2023 BMW M3?
The top problem area reported is Transmission & Powertrain, which accounts for 100% of the single complaint on file, including one crash and no fires.
What is the fuel economy of the 2023 BMW M3?
The EPA rates the 2023 BMW M3 at 19 mpg combined (16 city / 23 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,200.
How does the 2023 BMW M3 compare to other M3 years to avoid?
Years like 2010, 2011, 2013, and 2018 carry 'Avoid' verdicts with higher complaint indexes (83, 100, 92, and 75), while 2023 has a lower complaint index of 58 and no verdict assigned.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.