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2021 BMW X3

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2021 BMW X3 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 86.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 17 of 109 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 33 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 23 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Structure. Review the 11 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

5 crash reports2 fire reports2 injury reports

What owners actually said

109 reports
Mileage unknown · Aug 11, 2023
Service BrakesStructureSuspension

I was driving down the street from my home and I slowed down turned right and my car was out of control I steered to the curb. I got out and saw that the tire had blown-up and a large piece of the tire which was cut in half was on the ground. I couldn’t drive the car I called a tow truck driver who was there within 30 min he tow…

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I was driving down the street from my home and I slowed down turned right and my car was out of control I steered to the curb. I got out and saw that the tire had blown-up and a large piece of the tire which was cut in half was on the ground. I couldn’t drive the car I called a tow truck driver who was there within 30 min he towed my car to BMW. It hasn’t been fully inspected I am waiting for USAA to inspect with Spectrum collision. Several people from the collision company have said it may be a tire failure.

NHTSA ODI #11537884

Mileage unknown · Jul 26, 2023
Power Train

Severe clunk while in reverse probably coming from rear differential

NHTSA ODI #11534701

Mileage unknown · May 18, 2023
Electrical System

The BMW X3 went in for a recall to reprogram the DME. After updating the DME software by BMW the DME was no longer talking to other modules. The BMW Assistant Service Manager said and I quote him "IT'S A KNOWN ISSUE WITHOUT A FIX". I ask for clarification and I was told that there were some 100 modules or so that are in the car …

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The BMW X3 went in for a recall to reprogram the DME. After updating the DME software by BMW the DME was no longer talking to other modules. The BMW Assistant Service Manager said and I quote him "IT'S A KNOWN ISSUE WITHOUT A FIX". I ask for clarification and I was told that there were some 100 modules or so that are in the car and that they now no longer reliably talked with other modules as a result of the updating the DME recall software. I was given one example by BMW of possible implications to modules not talking to each other where BMW was not sure if the airbag was getting correct information. BMW when on to say they were not sure what exactly was and was not affected but they considered it now a safety issue. They have had our BMW X3 since February 7th, 2023 after numerous fix attempts. As of today that would be 101 days at the BMW service department. BMW also said there were other BMWs with the same issue. Bottom line BMW treated the issue as a safety issue. Again that safety issue was created by a failed updating the DME software module on a recall. There is a dashboard emissions warning light that appears when the hybrid battery is drained. BMW also indicated that they have no idea what the full extent of failed software update, has done. RECALL . PLEASE PERFORM OPEN RECALL FOR THE DME PROGRAMMING, B121221, ADDDED ON 11/14/2022 AT 4:15 BY [XXX] preformed service Acton 12 12 21. defect code 0012690500. labor ops 00 71 240. ···WARRANTY, INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI #11522586

Mileage unknown · May 4, 2023
EngineService BrakesVehicle Speed ControlCrash

I was slowly pulling into a parking space and as I applied pressure to the brakes, there was no response. In fact the car seemed to rev up and accelerate, jumping the curb and ramming a tree. I was able to steer away from the tree to avoid hitting the center of the front end, but smashing the left front. Even after hitting th…

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I was slowly pulling into a parking space and as I applied pressure to the brakes, there was no response. In fact the car seemed to rev up and accelerate, jumping the curb and ramming a tree. I was able to steer away from the tree to avoid hitting the center of the front end, but smashing the left front. Even after hitting the tree the car did not slow and I’m trying to pump the brakes, there was no response… I kept going over a grassy area, across a sidewalk and back into the driveway in front of the building, finally the brakes engaged and the car came to a stop. I was then able to pull into another space safely out of the way. I was so lucky it was only 7:15 am and no pedestrians were around and no other vehicles. So I did not hit anyone and did not injure myself.

NHTSA ODI #11520483

Mileage unknown · Apr 21, 2023
Engine

Intermittent Check Engine Light with the Plug In Hybrid X3 30e since January 2023. Vehicle has been taken back to BMW 2 times and released back to me without permanent fix. Vehicle as of April 2023 is currently held at dealership for 3rd time still without fix. Each check engine light results in a trip back to the dealership ser…

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Intermittent Check Engine Light with the Plug In Hybrid X3 30e since January 2023. Vehicle has been taken back to BMW 2 times and released back to me without permanent fix. Vehicle as of April 2023 is currently held at dealership for 3rd time still without fix. Each check engine light results in a trip back to the dealership service center because we wouldn't know what is the severity of the issue. My safety is put at risk because a normal drive suddenly becomes worrisome and interrupted at random times and we have to attempt to safely pull over to call roadside assistance. Currently in communication with local dealership and have reached out to BMW Customer Relations without response yet.

NHTSA ODI #11518308

Mileage unknown · Apr 13, 2023
Forward Collision Avoidance

Traveling on 2 lane road with no cars around, bright day, 2:30pm about 40mph. Emergency braking beeped twice and immediately slammed on the brakes. Not sure what it thought it saw- tree shadows? The feature was set to medium. If another car was behind us it would have slammed into us. 5th time in 2 years. The dealer just shrugs …

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Traveling on 2 lane road with no cars around, bright day, 2:30pm about 40mph. Emergency braking beeped twice and immediately slammed on the brakes. Not sure what it thought it saw- tree shadows? The feature was set to medium. If another car was behind us it would have slammed into us. 5th time in 2 years. The dealer just shrugs and says to not set it to high responsiveness. This is a bad defect.

NHTSA ODI #11516916

Mileage unknown · Apr 5, 2023
Engine

The check engine light is on. We have taken the vehicle to 2 different BMW dealerships and the problem persists. I have contacted BMW of North America and they have not responded. We are hesitant to drive this vehicle since it is unknown why the "check engine" light is on. Thank you.

NHTSA ODI #11515636

Mileage unknown · Oct 9, 2022
Unknown Or Other

On 10/7/22 my wife started her 2021 BMW X3 and the instrument panel did not appear. She drove the vehicle to the local BMW dealership. After being told that the reported problem had not been previously reported by any other X3 owner, the dealer tested the vehicle. A scan returned a fault code, B7F8F9 HU-H. A software reset was p…

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On 10/7/22 my wife started her 2021 BMW X3 and the instrument panel did not appear. She drove the vehicle to the local BMW dealership. After being told that the reported problem had not been previously reported by any other X3 owner, the dealer tested the vehicle. A scan returned a fault code, B7F8F9 HU-H. A software reset was performed and a test plan was conducted. Test plan directed technician to program vehicle due to unfavorable software. Vehicle was programmed to the latest integration level. Vehicle was test driven to confirm the repair.

NHTSA ODI #11488519

7,200 miles · Apr 25, 2022
Visibility

The contact owns a 2021 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the sunroof fractured with some pieces of glass detaching from the sunroof assembly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The appr…

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The contact owns a 2021 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the sunroof fractured with some pieces of glass detaching from the sunroof assembly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 7,200.

NHTSA ODI #11462110

Mileage unknown · Feb 12, 2022
Unknown Or Other

wHILE DRIVING ON A MICHIGAN EXPRESSWAY 1/28/22 THE SUNROOF EXPLODED NOTHING HIT MY VEHICLE THE SUNROOF CAME CRASHING DOWN IN SMALL PICES AND COULD OF CUT A CHILD OR GOT IN ANYONES EYES PLUSH THE SHOCK OF THE EXPLODING GLASS I CONYACTED THE BME DEALER THEY DID NOT HELP PLUS ACTED LIKED THIS VEVER EVER HAPPEND i CONTACTED BMW USA…

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wHILE DRIVING ON A MICHIGAN EXPRESSWAY 1/28/22 THE SUNROOF EXPLODED NOTHING HIT MY VEHICLE THE SUNROOF CAME CRASHING DOWN IN SMALL PICES AND COULD OF CUT A CHILD OR GOT IN ANYONES EYES PLUSH THE SHOCK OF THE EXPLODING GLASS I CONYACTED THE BME DEALER THEY DID NOT HELP PLUS ACTED LIKED THIS VEVER EVER HAPPEND i CONTACTED BMW USA AND THEY ADVISED HARD TO PROVE IT WAS A DEFECT AND IT MUST OF BEEN OUTSIDE FORCE MY INSUREANCE COMPANY DID INSPECT

NHTSA ODI #11451640

Official recalls

10

26V056000 · Electrical System:starter Assembly

Jan 30, 2026

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 & remedy

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.

25V636000 · Electrical System:starter Assembly:relay

Sep 23, 2025

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 & remedy

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.

24V764000 · Structure

Oct 15, 2024

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 & remedy

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.

24V534000 · Structure

Jul 17, 2024

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 & remedy

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.

23V211000 · Seats

Mar 29, 2023

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 & remedy

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.

21V199000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly

Mar 24, 2021

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 & remedy

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.

21V096000 · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera; Back Over Prevention:software

Feb 19, 2021

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 & remedy

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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Back Over Prevention:software

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.

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.

20V598000 · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera

Sep 30, 2020

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 & remedy

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.

20V601000 · Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery

Sep 30, 2020

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 & remedy

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.

20V490000 · Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery; Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery

Aug 18, 2020

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 & remedy

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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical System:propulsion System:traction 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.

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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.