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2021 BMW X3

Verified August 31, 2026Sources: NHTSA · EPA · vPIC

Compare
Safety
5
of 5 stars
Recalls
11
on record
MPG
27
combined

Heavily recalled

11 safety recalls on record. Confirm with the seller that every campaign has been completed.

Vehicle Summary

2021 BMW X3

11 recalls
103 complaints
27 MPG combined
5/5 safety rating

Before You Buy

Confirm all 11 recalls were repaired — a dealer checks by VIN, free
Read the 3 complaints reporting a crash
Review the 103 owner complaints on record
Get a pre-purchase inspection
Check vehicle history report
Verify title is clean

Safety record at a glance

Recall campaigns
11
Owner complaints
103
Complaints citing a crash
3

These are raw counts from NHTSA records. They are not normalized by how many of these vehicles are on the road, so a model that sold in large numbers will tend to show more of everything. We do not publish a composite safety or reliability score.

11 Recalls on Record

1 of these is high-severity. Contact a dealer to verify these have been completed.

Enter your VIN to check if specific recalls apply to your vehicle.

Safety recalls

11 NHTSA campaigns affecting this model year.

  • 20V598000high

    Rear-visibility system issue

    BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 X3 sDrive 30i, X3 xDrive 30i, X3M 40i, X3 xDrive 30e, X4 xDrive 30i, X4M 40i, 530i, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 550e, 550e xDrive, and 550e iPerformance vehicles. A small portion of the rearview image may be slightly obscured. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    Consequence

    If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

    Remedy

    BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, program the rearview camera with updated software. The recall began November 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

    Full campaign record
  • 21V096000high

    Rear-visibility system issue

    BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

    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."

    Consequence

    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.

    Remedy

    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.

    Full campaign record
  • 21V199000high

    Fuel system issue

    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, and X4, and 2021 X4 xDrive30i vehicles. The inlet check valve weld may fail, allowing the filling pipe to separate from the fuel tank.

    Consequence

    Fuel may leak through the failed weld, increasing the risk of a fire.

    Remedy

    BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall is scheduled to begin May 17, 2021. Owners were also contacted by telephone. To date, all repairs have been done. No further owner notification letters will be sent. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

    Full campaign record
  • 20V601000high

    Electrical issue

    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 530e iPerformance and X3 xDrive30e and MINI Cooper Countryman All4 SE, 2020 BMW i8, and 2021 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le xDrive and X5 xDrive45e vehicles. Debris may have entered one or more of the hybrid battery cells during their production.

    Consequence

    The debris could result in a short-circuit, increasing the risk of fire or injury.

    Remedy

    BMW will inspect and, if necessary, replace the battery module free of charge. The remedy is currently being developed. Until the remedy is completed, drivers are instructed to not charge their vehicles. Drivers are instructed to not drive in manual mode, sport mode, and to not use the shift paddles. Owners were notified of the safety risk October 23, 2020. The recall began November 24, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

    Full campaign record
  • 20V490000high

    Battery sensor problem

    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 330e and X5 xDrive45e, 2020-2021 X3 xDrive30e, and 2020 MINI Countryman SE ALL4 vehicles. Loose welding beads may form a conductive path between the hybrid battery cells which could lead to a short-circuit.

    Consequence

    A short-circuited hybrid battery may increase the risk of a fire.

    Remedy

    BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the battery modules, free of charge. BMW issued owners an interim notification on October 16, 2020. Although potentially affected BMW owners received interim owner notification letters, all potentially affected BMW owner vehicles have been remedied; therefore, BMW Final owner notification letters will not be necessary. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

    Full campaign record
  • 23V211000high

    Safety restraint issue

    SEATS

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i xDrive, 2020-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, 2021 X3 xDrive30e, X4 xDrive30i, and X4M vehicles. The seat frame may not have been welded properly to the seat rails.

    Consequence

    An improperly welded seat frame may not properly restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

    Remedy

    Dealers will replace the seat frame and back rest, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

    Full campaign record
  • 24V534000high

    Body/structure issue

    STRUCTURE

    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.

    Consequence

    Interior cargo rail detachment during a rear crash can increase the risk of injury.

    Remedy

    Dealers will replace the rear cargo rail attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 2, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

    Full campaign record
  • 24V764000high

    Body/structure issue

    STRUCTURE

    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.

    Consequence

    Interior rear cargo rail detachment during a crash can increase the risk of injury.

    Remedy

    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.

    Full campaign record
  • 25V636000high

    Electrical issue

    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY:RELAY

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 BMW 330i, 2019-2022 BMW Z4, 2020-2022 BMW 530i, X3, X4, Toyota Supra, 2021-2022 BMW 430i, 430i Convertible, and 2022 BMW 230i vehicles. The engine starter relay may corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short circuit.

    Consequence

    A short circuit in the starter relay may increase the risk of a fire.

    Remedy

    Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is complete. Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 6, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov November 14, 2025.

    Full campaign record
  • 26V056000high

    Electrical issue

    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Toyota Supra, 2022-2023 2 Series Coupe, 2021-2024 5 Series (xDrive), 2021-2022 Z4, 2022-2024 4 Series (Gran Coupe), 2021-2024 4 Series (Convertible and xDrive Convertible), 2021-2023 4 Series (Coupe), 2021-2024 3 Series, 2021-2023 X4, 2021-2024 X3 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of all models. The engine starter may overheat and catch fire due to wear on an internal component.

    Consequence

    Fire increases the risk of injury.

    Remedy

    Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 24, 2026.

    Full campaign record
  • 26V438000high

    Electrical issue

    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Toyota Supra, 2022-2025 2 Series Coupe, 2021-2023 5 Series, 2022-2026 Z4, 2023-2024 4 Series Gran Coupe, 4 Series Convertible, 4 Series Coupe, 3 Series, 2021-2025 X4, and 2021-2024 X3 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of all models. The engine starter may overheat and catch fire due to wear on an internal component.

    Consequence

    Fire increases the risk of injury.

    Remedy

    Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on August 28, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning August 28, 2026. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall 26V056.

    Full campaign record

NHTSA crash-test ratings

NCAP star ratings and the underlying test breakdown for the 2021 BMW X3.

  • Frontal crash

    Driver
    5 / 5
    Passenger
    5 / 5
  • Side crash

    Driver
    5 / 5
    Passenger
    5 / 5
    Side pole
    5 / 5
  • Rollover

    Rollover risk
    17.1%
    Dynamic tip
    No Tip

Driver-assistance technologies

Electronic stability control
Standard
Forward collision warning
Standard
Lane departure warning
Standard

What the ratings mean

NHTSA gives the 2021 BMW X3 5 out of 5 stars overall. NHTSA does not publish enough comparable results for this class and year to rank it against peers.

NHTSA published results for every NCAP test in this program, so the overall star rating rests on a complete set of crash and rollover results.

NHTSA's dynamic test put this vehicle's rollover probability at 17.1% in a single-vehicle crash — the figure behind the rollover star rating, published here because the star alone hides how wide each band is.

NHTSA crash tests

2021 BMW X3 Frontal crash crash test
Frontal crash Video
2021 BMW X3 Side crash crash test
Side crash Video
2021 BMW X3 Side pole crash test
Side pole Video

Fuel economy & emissions

EPA figures for the 2021 BMW X3, with tailpipe CO₂ and class context.

22

City

34

Hwy

27

Comb

Annual fuel cost
$1,944
Tailpipe CO₂
329 g/mi

How this compares

The EPA holds too few vehicles in this class and model year to rank the 2021 BMW X3 against its peers.

Tailpipe CO₂ is 329 grams per mile — about 4.9 metric tons over 15,000 miles of driving.

Consumer complaints

103 owner reports filed with NHTSA.

103
Total
3
Crashes
2
Fires
1
Injuries

Most reported components

  • ENGINE24
  • OTHER23
  • ELECTRICAL21
  • STRUCTURE9
  • BRAKES6

Notable Issues

103 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA. 1 report involves injuries. 3 reports involve a crash.

Most reported problems

engine problems (stalling, power loss, warning lights)24
miscellaneous issues23
electrical issues (battery, wiring, infotainment)21

Safety timeline

Every dated recall and NHTSA investigation for the 2021 BMW X3, newest first.

  1. Recall

    Recall 26V438000

    Fire increases the risk of injury.

  2. Recall

    Recall 26V056000

    Fire increases the risk of injury.

  3. Recall

    Recall 25V636000

    A short circuit in the starter relay may increase the risk of a fire.

  4. Recall

    Recall 24V764000

    Interior rear cargo rail detachment during a crash can increase the risk of injury.

  5. Recall

    Recall 24V534000

    Interior cargo rail detachment during a rear crash can increase the risk of injury.

  6. Recall

    Recall 23V211000

    An improperly welded seat frame may not properly restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

  7. Recall

    Recall 21V199000

    Fuel may leak through the failed weld, increasing the risk of a fire.

  8. Recall

    Recall 21V096000

    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.

  9. Recall

    Recall 20V598000

    If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

  10. Recall

    Recall 20V601000

    The debris could result in a short-circuit, increasing the risk of fire or injury.

  11. Recall

    Recall 20V490000

    A short-circuited hybrid battery may increase the risk of a fire.

Dates are the NHTSA report-received date for recalls and the ODI open/close date for investigations. Crash-test ratings are not shown here because the source does not provide a reliable publication date for them.

Specifications & ratings

Specifications

Body class
Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)
Drive type
FWD
Engine
2.5L 4-cyl
Fuel type
Regular Gasoline
Transmission
Automatic
Seats
5

Fuel economy

22

City

34

Hwy

27

Comb

Annual cost
$1,944
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

NHTSA crash ratings

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

Explore related

Safety timeline

Full timeline
  1. Recall

    Recall 26V438000

    Fire increases the risk of injury.

  2. Recall

    Recall 26V056000

    Fire increases the risk of injury.

  3. Recall

    Recall 25V636000

    A short circuit in the starter relay may increase the risk of a fire.

  4. Recall

    Recall 24V764000

    Interior rear cargo rail detachment during a crash can increase the risk of injury.

  5. Recall

    Recall 24V534000

    Interior cargo rail detachment during a rear crash can increase the risk of injury.