Boletín de servicio

2021 BMW X3 Active Air Flap Fault Diagnosis

A Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) addresses the Active Air Flap Fault in 2021 BMW X3, 740i, M760i, and X4 models. This issue can trigger a check control message or Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL). The TSB provides detailed diagnosis and repair procedures for this common problem.

ByAhmet Topcu — Founder & Editor-in-ChiefAutomated summary2021 BMW X3
2021 BMW X3 — BMW Active Air Flap Fault
Editorial illustration generated for this article.
ACTIVE AIR FLAP FAULTcheck control messageMIL Malfunction Indicator LampBMW Active Air Flap FaultBMW X3 Active Air Flap FaultBMW 740i Active Air Flap FaultBMW M760i Active Air Flap FaultBMW X4 Active Air Flap FaultNHTSA 10181226BMW STRUCTURE component
BMW 740i
2021
BMW M760i
2021
BMW X4
2021

BMW has issued a manufacturer communication, identified as NHTSA ID 10181226, to address an "ACTIVE AIR FLAP FAULT" affecting certain 2021 models. This technical service bulletin (TSB) provides guidance for diagnosing and repairing issues related to the active air flap system.

Symptoms

Owners of affected vehicles may observe a check control message appearing on the instrument cluster. Additionally, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) may illuminate, signaling a potential issue with the vehicle's systems. These indicators point towards a problem with the active air flap system.

Addressing the BMW Active Air Flap Fault

This manufacturer communication focuses on the diagnosis and repair procedures for the "BMW Active Air Flap Fault." The TSB outlines the steps technicians should follow to accurately identify the root cause of the fault within the vehicle's STRUCTURE component and implement the necessary repairs. The goal is to resolve the underlying issue that triggers the check control message or MIL.


Source: NHTSA ID 10181226

What BMW X3 owners report

Counted from the records in our database across 23 model years.

2,295
Owner complaints
64
Recalls
1,126
Service bulletins
114
Crashes reported
133
Fires reported
118
Injuries reported

The 2021 model year

113 complaints, the 8th most of 23 model years on file. Owners reported 5 crashes, 2 fires and 2 injuries for this year, which also has 10 recalls on file.

Structure, the system this article covers, accounts for 126 of 2,295 complaints (5%), including 11 for 2021.

Complaints by model year

Model years with the most complaints for the BMW X3
2004138
2006143
2007258
2008122
2011126
2013226
2015105
2019171
2020110
2021113

Most-reported systems

  1. Engine — 494
  2. Electrical System — 450
  3. Air Bags — 404
  4. Power Train — 247
  5. Seats — 218

Latest recalls for the 2021 model year

  • 26V056000 — Electrical System (Jan 2026)
  • 25V636000 — Electrical System (Sep 2025) — Park outside
  • 24V764000 — Structure (Oct 2024)
All 2021 recalls →

Recent owner reports about structure

The sunroof glass spontaneously shattered while the vehicle was in motion. There were no weather events, debris, or damage to the sunroof prior to the incident. The panoramic moonroof behind the sunroof remained intact.

2021 BMW X3 owner, Dec 2025

The contact owns a 2021 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V534000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted.

2021 BMW X3 owner, Jan 2025
Read owner complaints →

Complaints are owner reports filed with NHTSA. They are unverified, and counts depend on how many vehicles were sold, so they are not a failure rate.

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2021-2024 BMW M Front Strut Noise TSB 31 01 24

BMW has issued Service Information Bulletin 31 01 24 for 2021-2024 M models (X3, X4, M2, M3, M4) addressing a 'cracking or clicking type noise' from the front struts. This bulletin clarifies that the noise is a normal operating sound of the thrust bearing and does not require parts replacement.

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