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.

También aplica a
- 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
| 2004 | 138 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 143 | |
| 2007 | 258 | |
| 2008 | 122 | |
| 2011 | 126 | |
| 2013 | 226 | |
| 2015 | 105 | |
| 2019 | 171 | |
| 2020 | 110 | |
| 2021 | 113 |
Most-reported systems
- Engine — 494
- Electrical System — 450
- Air Bags — 404
- Power Train — 247
- 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)
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.
Read owner complaints →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.
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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