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    BMW X3

    EPA MPG: 25 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 10 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    We expect the 2025 X3 to be more reliable than other new cars. This prediction is based on BMW's brand score and the previous generation of the X3.

    The 2019 BMW X3 has been recalled 10 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2019 BMW X3 owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    What Owners Say

    Parking brake

    "Faulty parking brake switch caused failure of parking brake. Avoided parking on hills until repair. Switch replaced one month later after waiting for switch to become available."

    Anonymous, CA (2019 BMW X3 sDrive30i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Premature brake wear

    "Frustrating that we have had to do brake work 2 years in a row."

    Anonymous, VT (2019 BMW X3 xDrive30i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    "front and rear brakes were replaced at roughly 45K. BMW cost was over 1K per axle. I selected an aftermarket solution that was 1500... but now they squeak in reverse"

    Anonymous A., OH (2019 BMW X3 xDrive30i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Pulsation or vibration

    "It was resolved. Read the previous."

    Anonymous, KY (2019 BMW X3 xDrive30i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)
    Rotors

    "This was the only issue (besides depreciation :) we had with our BMW. At the first after purchase, service, we reported what felt like a pulsation when we applied the brakes. We were told that it was examined and it was normal. Not much more that we could do but almost immediately after the warranty was out, the brakes started squealing. We chose to take it to a qualified foreign car specialist and the brake pads had to be replace. But the problem remained. The pads were replaced again. Still problem. Then the pads were replaced again and the rotors were resurfaced. The squeals and the pulsation that we had lived with for three plus years, disappeared. It was the rotors all along. And we had to pay over $2000 for the brakes. (Also had to pay $2000 for non-run flat tires, even though we do not have a place for a spare :/ )"

    Anonymous, KY (2019 BMW X3 xDrive30i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

    "Rotors were replaced with the brakes"

    Anonymous A., OH (2019 BMW X3 xDrive30i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other/unsure

    "The Steering Column Switch has being diagnose because right now the wipers can't be off, the horn and the signal lights are not working in addition to the high beam. In five years this is the first serious problem I have experienced."

    Anonymous, PR (2019 BMW X3 xDrive30i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    "Notice on screen in car that the airbag system was not working and I needed to stop driving the car and bring it to BMW dealer. It cost $1,200 to replace the cable to fix the problem."

    Anonymous, FL (2019 BMW X3 sDrive30i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    "The radiator grill was stuck in open position."

    Anonymous, ON (2019 BMW X3 xDrive30i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    "failure of automatic sliding slats located as part of the front grill. these slats slide to either allow air to pass to the radiator and engine compartment or close to limit airflow to radiator and engine compartment."

    Anonymous, AB (2019 BMW X3 M40i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    What Owners Say

    A/C compressor

    "One of the two a/c compressors just stopped while on a weekend trip. The first replacement was bad and they had to install another."

    Anonymous, KY (2019 BMW X3 xDrive30i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Other climate system problem

    "Periodically the center console would get extreamly hot. This was caused by the malfunctioning of a door withing the console tunnel that directs conditioned air to the back seat. The only fix was to spend $3,000 to replace thew entire console assembly systen, not just the manfunctioning door. BMW provided some finsncial relief, however, things like this shouldn't happn in a BMW. I asked BMW North America for additional finncil relief and was told "No.""

    Anonymous, NY (2019 BMW X3 xDrive30i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Refrigerant leaks

    "It took 5 visits to the service department for them to figure out the problem. Just costly and frustrating."

    Anonymous, TX (2019 BMW X3 xDrive30i Unsure)

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    What Owners Say

    Display screen goes blank

    "Screen would periodically (every couple of months) either go blank or more often shift to the right making it difficult to use"

    Anonymous, MA (2019 BMW X3 xDrive30i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)
    In-dash navigation system (GPS)

    "I lost navigation after heavy storm in Florida. I took the car to BMW for what I thought would be recalibration of software. Instead, the problem was to replace my dolphin shaped antenna on the top of my car. This also affects my Bluetooth for my phone and sensors. Its all tied together. It is proprietary therefore only BMW can fix. $4,000.00 charge!!!!!!! When we asked specifically what was the problem, it was the TCM (telephone control module). Water had leaked into the antenna and because I live in Florida and have the car outside the sun and rain take a toll on the seal inside the antenna. Which is a known problem and easily fixed by using a better seal. We complained that this was criminal not to have a recall. But to no avail. We paid $4K. 2k for labor 2k for the dolphin antenna kit."

    Anonymous, IL (2019 BMW X3 sDrive30i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Other in-car electronics problem

    "The tachometer and speedometer display were could not be read because the display was overlapping itself. BMW first did a software update which didn't work, then did a firmware update which seems to have solved the problem"

    Anonymous, FL (2019 BMW X3 sDrive30i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    What Owners Say

    Interior lights

    "Ambient lighting not working properly"

    Anonymous, IL (2019 BMW X3 xDrive30i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Keyless entry

    "Keyless entry needed a sensor to allow for touch entry."

    Anonymous A., NH (2019 BMW X3 xDrive30i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Steering And Suspension

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    What Owners Say

    Ball joints

    "Vibration while driving"

    Anonymous, FL (2019 BMW X3)
    Shocks or struts

    "New tires. Unable to align due to arm problem"

    Anonymous, AZ (2019 BMW X3 M40i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    What Owners Say

    Radiator

    "Smell of radiator fluid in the ventilation system. leak found on maintenance check. Despite the repair, the smell continues."

    Anonymous, TN (2019 BMW X3 M40i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    What Owners Say

    Driveshaft or axle

    "The rear axle seals are leaking and its a very expensive fix."

    Anonymous, KY (2019 BMW X3 xDrive30i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    What Owners Say

    Heated or cooled seats

    "Driver's seat heater stopped working due to wiring breakdown."

    Anonymous, UT (2019 BMW X3 M40i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    Paint And Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    Noises And Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    2019 SUVs Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    BMW vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
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    Overall Reliability Verdict
    NA
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    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
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    Engine Major
    NA
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    Engine Minor
    NA
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    Engine Cooling
    NA
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    Engine Electrical
    NA
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    Transmission Major
    NA
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    Transmission Minor
    NA
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    Drive System
    NA
    NA
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    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Steering and Suspension
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    Brakes
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical accessories. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    STRUCTURE
    Oct 15, 2024
    Interior rear cargo rail detachment during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
    Summary:
    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2022 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, and X3 M vehicles. The attachment for the rear cargo rail may become damaged in a rear crash and result in the cargo rail detaching.
    What should you do:
    Dealers will replace the rear cargo rail attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicles in this recall were previously remedied for this issue under recall number 24V-534 and will need to have the new repair completed.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 24V764000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 8725
    STRUCTURE
    Jul 17, 2024
    Interior cargo rail detachment during a rear crash can increase the risk of injury.
    Summary:
    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2023 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, and X3 M vehicles. The attachment for the interior cargo rail may become damaged in a rear crash and result in the cargo rail detaching.
    What should you do:
    Dealers will replace the rear cargo rail attachment bolts, free of charge. Letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed September 13, 2024. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed late November or early December 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 24V534000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 282387
    AIR BAGS
    Jul 08, 2021
    A deactivated front air bag will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
    Summary:
    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2019 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i and 2019 X4 xDrive30i, and X4 M40i vehicles. The front passenger seat occupant classification system may have been improperly assembled, which could result in the misclassification of the seat as unoccupied, and deactivate the front air bag.
    What should you do:
    Dealers will replace the seat foam, which includes the occupant classification system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 21V521000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 138
    BACK OVER PREVENTION
    Feb 19, 2021
    If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
    Summary:
    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Coupe, Convertible and Grand Coupe, 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le, 745Le xDrive, X5 xDrive45e, X3 xDrive30e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, M760i Drive, M760Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive Alpina, Alpina B7 xDrive, and 2021 4 Series Coupe 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive vehicles. When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
    What should you do:
    BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 21V096000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 13858
    AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
    Mar 18, 2020
    In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, the air bag could damage the instrument panel and cause small pieces of the panel to strike the driver or other occupants, increasing the risk of injury.
    Summary:
    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 X4 xDrive30i and X4 M40i, and 2018-2020 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, and X3M vehicles. The instrument panel casing may not have been tightened properly to the passenger air bag.
    What should you do:
    BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the instrument panel casing, free of charge. The recall began May 15, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 20V152000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 15
    BACK OVER PREVENTION
    Sep 27, 2019
    The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 530e, 530e xDrive, X3 sDrive, X3 xDrive, X3 M40i, X3 M, and 2019-2020 X4 xDrive, X4 M40i, X4 M, X7 xDrive, X7 M50i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 8 Series Convertible and Coupe 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, X5 sDrive, X5 xDrive, X5 M50i, X6 xDrive, X6 M50i, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, Z4 sDrive, Z4 M40i, 740Le xDrive and 745Le xDrive, 2018-2019 640i xDrive Gran Turismo and Rolls-Royce Phantom, 2019 M850i xDrive Gran Coupe and Rolls-Royce Cullinan and 2020 Toyota Supra vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
    What should you do:
    BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 19V684000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 257473
    SEATS
    Jul 31, 2019
    In the event of a crash, there is an increased risk of injury if the seatback folds forward or rearward.
    Summary:
    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2019 X3 sDrive30i, xDrive30i and M40i and 2019 X4 xDrive30i and M40i vehicles. The front seatback frames may have been improperly welded, allowing the seatback to unexpectedly fold forward or rearward.
    What should you do:
    BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front seats, free of charge. The recall began September 27, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service 1-800-525-7417.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 19V563000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 20
    AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
    Apr 10, 2019
    If the front passenger air bag does not deploy properly in the event of a crash, the occupant has an increased risk of injury.
    Summary:
    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, and X4 M40i vehicles. The instrument panel assembly may have been improperly manufactured, possibly affecting the deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag.
    What should you do:
    BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the instrument panel assembly, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 19V291000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 50
    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
    Jul 06, 2018
    A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2019 BMW X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i and certain 2019 X4 xDrive30i and X4 M40i vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have an insufficient coating, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
    What should you do:
    BMW will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the rear brake circuit, free of charge. The recall began August 31, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V453000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 5594
    LANE DEPARTURE
    Jun 06, 2018
    If the sensors do not properly detect the driver's hands are off the wheel, the driver may not be alerted by one or more warning signals, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2019 BMW X3 xDrive30i, X3 sDrive30i, and X3 M40i vehicles equipped with the "Active Lane Keeping Assistant" option. The steering wheel may be incompatible with the lane keeping assistant function and may not detect if the driver's hands are off the wheel.
    What should you do:
    BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the steering wheel, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on July 19, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V374000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 51
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