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2021 BMW X3: Problems, Recalls and MPG

What this means

NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns for the 2021 BMW X3, most recently filed January 2026. Owners have filed 111 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system. In NHTSA crash tests it earned 5 stars overall.

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Recalls 10campaigns 4 electrical · 2 structure · 2 rear camera Source: NHTSA Complaints 111filed Owner reports, 2017–2026 shown Source: NHTSA ODI Crash tests 5★overall ★★★★★ Frontal 5★ · Side 5★ · Rollover 4★ Source: NHTSA NCAP Fuel economy 27mpg combined $2,419/yr at this week's prices Source: EPA · EIA Specs 2 L 4-cyl· 8-speed automatic 6 engine and transmission configurations Source: NHTSA vPIC
Compare

Recalls (10)

NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns for the 2021 BMW X3. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.

Check on NHTSA ↗
Listed for 2021 BMW X3. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 26V056000 Filed Jan 30, 2026

Starter Motor May Overheat and Cause a Fire

Electrical system · starter assembly
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
32.2% repairedof 87,394 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 26V056000
Listed for 2021 BMW X3. Not checked against your VIN.
Park outside: fire risk. NHTSA advises parking outside and away from buildings until the recall repair is done.
Recall 25V636000 Filed Sep 23, 2025

Engine Starter May Corrode and Overheat

Electrical system · starter assembly · relay
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
60.3% repairedof 199,674 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 25V636000
Listed for 2021 BMW X3. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 24V764000 Filed Oct 15, 2024

Interior Rear Cargo Rail May Detach in Crash

Structure
Official NHTSA text
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.
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.
92% repairedof 8,725 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 24V764000
Listed for 2021 BMW X3. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 24V534000 Filed Jul 17, 2024

Interior Rear Cargo Rail May Detach in Crash

Structure
Official NHTSA text
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.
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.
87.6% repairedof 282,387 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 24V534000
Listed for 2021 BMW X3. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 23V211000 Filed Mar 29, 2023

Front Seats Not Properly Welded

Seats
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
90.2% repairedof 51 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 23V211000
Listed for 2021 BMW X3. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 21V199000 Filed Mar 24, 2021

Fuel Tank Weld may Fail and Allow Fuel Leak

Fuel system, gasoline · storage · tank assembly
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
100% repairedof 17 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 21V199000
Listed for 2021 BMW X3. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 21V096000 Filed Feb 19, 2021

Rearview Camera Image Malfunction/FMVSS 111

Back over prevention · sensing system · camera
Official NHTSA text
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."
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.
97.6% repairedof 13,858 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 21V096000
Listed for 2021 BMW X3. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 20V598000 Filed Sep 30, 2020

Rearview Camera Image Obscured/FMVSS 111

Back over prevention · sensing system · camera
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
100% repairedof 312 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 20V598000
Listed for 2021 BMW X3. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 20V601000 Filed Sep 30, 2020

Debris in Hybrid Battery may Cause Fire

Electrical system · propulsion system · traction battery
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
100% repairedof 4,509 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 20V601000
Listed for 2021 BMW X3. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 20V490000 Filed Aug 18, 2020

Hybrid Battery May Short-Circuit

Electrical system · 12v/24v/48v battery
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
100% repairedof 713 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 20V490000

PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.

Which X3 years had the most recalls?Best & worst years →Every recall for the BMW X3All model years →Where is the VIN on my car?VIN location guide →

Owner complaints (111)

111 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The electrical system is mentioned most often.

5involved a crash
2involved a fire
2injuries reported
0deaths reported

As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.

Most-reported components

Complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2021 BMW X3, by component (top 10). One complaint can list several components, so these add up to more than 111.Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 · Report a data error

How 2021 compares with other X3 years

Best and worst X3 years →
92 76 170 109 111 80 15 38 38 17
2017201820192020202120222023202420252026
This year (2021)Other yearsStill collecting reports

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Crash tests: 5 stars overall

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crashDriver 5★ · Passenger 5★★★★★★
Side crashDriver 5★ · Passenger 5★★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
RolloverRollover risk 17.1%★★★★☆
Front seat of a modern car with the seat belt buckled across the passenger seat
Compare fairly. Compare stars only between vehicles of similar size and weight. Ratings apply to the tested configuration.

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), 2021 BMW X3 suv awd, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fuel economy: up to 27 mpg combined

27
mpg combined
25
city
29
highway
EPA annual fuel cost
$3,050
CO₂ tailpipe
332 g/mi
EPA class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle

What it costs you to run

$2,419per year
$202per month
556gallons a year

Miles ÷ 27 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.

EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.

Specs by configuration

2021 BMW X3 configurations with EPA data
Engine · transmissionDriveCity / Hwy / CombEPA $/yrCO₂ g/mi
2 L 4-cyl · 8-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive25 / 29 / 27$3,050332
2 L 4-cyl · 8-speed automaticAll-Wheel Drive23 / 29 / 25$3,300351
2 L 4-cyl · 8-speed automaticAll-Wheel Drive21 / 27 / 24$3,400204
3 L 6-cyl · 8-speed automaticAll-Wheel Drive21 / 27 / 23$3,550379
3 L 6-cyl · 8-speed automaticAll-Wheel Drive14 / 19 / 16$5,150546
3 L 6-cyl · 8-speed automaticAll-Wheel Drive14 / 19 / 16$5,150546

Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.

Used blue SUV on a sunny dealer lot with its hood open and a clipboard on the fender

Looking at a 2021 X3 for sale?

Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.

All X3 years

Where to next

Which X3 years drew the fewest complaints?Best & worst years →2022 BMW X3 report80 complaints · 7 campaigns →2020 BMW X3 report109 complaints · 16 campaigns →Have a VIN? Decode itVIN decoder →

2021 BMW X3 FAQ

How many recalls does the 2021 BMW X3 have?

NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns: 26V056000 (electrical), 25V636000 (electrical), 24V764000 (structure), 24V534000 (structure), 23V211000 (seat), 21V199000 (fuel system), 21V096000 (rear camera), 20V598000 (rear camera), 20V601000 (electrical), 20V490000 (electrical). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.

What are the most common 2021 BMW X3 problems?

Owners filed 111 complaints with NHTSA. Electrical system (33), Unknown or other (25), Engine (23) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.

What mpg does the 2021 BMW X3 get?

EPA rates the 2 L 4-cyl · 8-speed automatic version at 25 city, 29 highway and 27 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.

What safety rating did the 2021 BMW X3 get?

NHTSA rated the 2021 BMW X3 suv awd 5 stars overall, with 5 stars frontal, 5 stars side and 4 stars rollover (17.1% rollover risk).

How does the 2021 X3 compare with other years?

Among the 2017–2021 BMW X3 model years at least five years old, the 2018 drew the fewest complaints (76) and the 2019 the most (170). The 2021 drew 111. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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