2021 BMW X3
10 recalls and 109 owner complaints on record for this model year.
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This page describes the model. To see how one particular car is equipped, and whether its identifier is valid, decode its VIN.
Decode a VIN10 recalls and 109 owner complaints on record for this model year.
This page describes the model. To see how one particular car is equipped, and whether its identifier is valid, decode its VIN.
Decode a VINAlmost all of this describes the model year, not the individual car. Nothing here can tell you about this vehicle’s mileage, accidents or ownership — no identifier encodes those.
1 recall carries a do-not-drive or park-outside warning. Check whether this vehicle was remedied before driving or storing it.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
Published by model year, not by VIN — may not apply to this vehicle, or may already have been done. Confirm with a dealer.
Water may come into contact with the starter relay and gradually cause corrosion. This could affect the electrical connection inside the relay and make the engine difficult to start. It may also result in a short circuit and could cause the starter to overheat leading to a fire when the vehicle is in motion or when it is parked with the ignition off. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Due to a manufacturing failure, the protection of the two outer headrests in the second row is reduced. In the event of a collision or accident, passengers could be injured. In addition, headrest parts may become exposed and also cause serious injuries. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
The RSW22 starter with reinforced water tightness (RWT) may experience increased abrasion of the magnetic contact, causing deposits to build up at the lowest point inside the relay. These deposits may increase relay contact resistance, leading to starting failures or short circuits. If a short circuit occurs, either when attempting to start the vehicle or while driving due to vibration-related movement of the deposits, it could cause a thermal event and increase the risk of fire. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Damaged brake discs may have been fitted to the front axle. This can lead the brakes to fail when a heavy load is placed on the wheel concerned, increasing the risk of accident and injuries. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Failure to bolt the plus voltage (B+) cable tightly enough to the starter generator may result in contact problems and an increase in contact resistance at the bolted connection. This may in turn lead to local overheating and the vehicle catching fire or to the engine stalling while the vehicle is coasting. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
The positive battery cable of the starter-generator may not have been manufactured correctly. This could result in a loose electrical connection, leading to excessive contact resistance. The vehicle cannot charge or start. Contact points in the starter-generator could overheat and cause a vehicle fire. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
The propellant in the inflator of the driver airbag may deteriorate over time. If the airbags deploy, it could result in fragments of the inflator injuring the vehicle's occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
The driver airbag inflator may malfunction due to long-term degradation. In this case, if the airbag is deployed in an accident, the internal pressure in the inflator may be too high. The inflator could burst. Metal fragments may cause injuries. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
The failure concerns the RSW22 starter, type RWT (reinforced for watertightness). Increased abrasion of the magnetic contact can lead to the formation of deposits at the lowest point of the relay interior. This in turn can increase the resistance of the relay contact, causing accidental ignition or even short circuits, possibly leading to a thermal reaction and fire. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
The failure concerns the RSW22 starter, type RWT (reinforced for watertightness). Increased abrasion of the magnetic contact can lead to the formation of deposits at the lowest point of the relay interior. This in turn can increase the resistance of the relay contact, causing accidental ignition or even short circuits, possibly leading to a thermal reaction and fire. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
The failure concerns the RSW22 starter, type RWT (reinforced for watertightness). Increased abrasion of the magnetic contact can lead to the formation of deposits at the lowest point of the relay interior. This in turn can increase the resistance of the relay contact, causing accidental ignition or even short circuits, possibly leading to a thermal reaction and fire. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
The steering system sensor may malfunction causing an unintended steering movement of the vehicle. This increases the risk of accidents and injuries. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
The screw connection of the servo unit on the gear rack casing of the steering system may be faulty. This could cause the steering system to fail and become blocked, increasing the risk of an accident. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Due to faulty rear-most screws, the screw fixings of the boot's lashing rails can fail in the event of a rear-end collision with heavy intrusion and penetrate the backs of the rear seats. This increases the risk of injury to the occupants of the rear seats. The vehicles concerned have already been modified in connection with the recall code 0051960500. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
The propellant within the integrated inflator of driver airbags can deteriorate during time. If the airbag deploys, it could result in fragments from the inflator casing injuring the vehicle’s occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of Motor Vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
The propellant in the driver airbag may deteriorate over time. If the airbags deploy, it could result in fragments from the inflator injuring the vehicle's occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
The propellant in the driver airbag may deteriorate over time. If the airbags deploy, it could result in fragments from the inflator injuring the vehicle's occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Due to faulty rear-most screws, the screw fixings of the boot's lashing rails can fail in the event of a rear-end collision with heavy intrusion, and penetrate the backs of the rear seats. This increases the risk of injury to the occupants of the rear seats. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
The propellant in the driver airbag may deteriorate over time. If the airbags deploy, it could result in fragments from the inflator injuring the vehicle's occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
A seam on the inflator housing of the driver airbag may not have been correctly welded. In case of accident, when the airbag is deployed, the inflator can burst, releasing metal parts which could cause injuries. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
The driver's airbag inflator propellant may deteriorate over time. If activated during an accident, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to burst, and metal fragments could pass through the cushion material causing injury to occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Due to a manufacturing error, the weld seam of the integrated transmission control unit (ITCU) may not have been correctly executed. As a result, transmission oil could leak into the ITCU, causing it to fail. This may lead to transmission seizure, increasing the risk of an accident. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Matched on brand and model name — Safety Gate publishes no VIN. Check the production dates, and quote the recall code to a dealer.
The contact owned a 2021 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle in front suddenly stopped, and the contact moved over to the left lane and into the grass due to incoming traffic. The vehicle was 50 to 100 feet from a tree, and the vehicle crashed. The contact stated that the braking system and Forward Collision Avoidance failed to operate as designed. The driver's left arm was fractured. Medical attention was provided. The driver’s arm was still in a cast. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the bank. The driver test drove a 2024 and 2025 BMW X5, and the Forward Collision Avoidance feature failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was towed. There was smoke coming from the driver’s side front of the vehicle. The air bags deployed, and there was smoke coming from the air bags. BMW customer service was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 74,000.
The contact owned a 2021 BMW X3. The contact stated while parked and occupied in the vehicle, while shifting the gear shift into park, the vehicle accelerated independently and collided with a Tesla occupied by a mom and daughter, which was in front of her. The contact mentioned that the Tesla collided with another vehicle. The vehicle then reversed independently at a high speed and then accelerated again, and collided a second time with the Tesla and then into a BMW several times. The contact, while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. After accelerating independently, the vehicle came to a complete stop. The contact stated that no air bags deployed. The vehicle was towed was B&D Towing, and the vehicle was then towed to Copart. The contact sustained an injury in her lower back. The contact mentioned the doctor informed her that she sustained whiplash as well. No medical attention was required. No police report was filed. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The contact mentioned that the seat belt had retracted during the impact. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and they informed her that they would send someone from BMW to inspect the vehicle. The approximate failure mileage was 57,303.
Explosion, fires while the vehicle was off and parked
Car spontaneously caught on fire. Total loss. Drove car home from haircut appointment 5 to 10 minutes away. Parked car as normal and went inside. Within approximately 5 minutes loud knock on door “Your car is on fire!” I came out of my home and saw my car in driveway with fire erupting from engine area onto windshield, and through hole in middle of hood. Took a few seconds of video, then ran into house for large fire extinguisher. Emptied fire extinguisher contents into hole of hood and into fire area coming out from engine area onto windshield.
On XXX, while in the parking lot, after placing the car in 'park' I then placed the auto into 'reverse' to straighten out the auto in the parking in the space. However, the car automatically changed back to 'park.' Then tried to place the auto in 'drive' and again the the auto switched back to 'park.' I then turned off the engine and decided to begin the process again but experienced the same problem. After doing this once more and while the the auto was in the 'drive' position, and even though my foot was off the gas pedal, to my surprise the engine revered up with a rapid unintended acceleration. Before I could react, the auto went over the dividing curb and the parking island separating the row of cars. It then proceeded to slam into the auto in the parking space in front of my car before I could react. Extensive damage to both automobiles occurred. Both cars in now in their respective repair shops, which will be coved by my insurance. The accident occurred at the Gym located at [XXX]. The accident was reported toXXX and officer [XXX] badge # XXX responded. Their Accident Report will be available next week at the Englewood Police Department - report #XXX. Please let me know if any clarification is required. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.
ON APRIL 12, 2021 I WAS DRIVING MY 2021 BMW X3 AND AS I WAS PULLING UP INTO A PARKING STALL, MY VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN CAUSING MY VEHICLE TO COLLIDE WITH A BRICK WALL.
The contact owns a 2021 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V438000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive with the unrepaired recall repair. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the concern. The contact was informed that the remedy was unavailable. The contact was advised that if he did not feel safe driving the vehicle, the vehicle should not be driven. The contact had not experienced a failure.
The contact owns a 2021 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V438000 (Electrical System). The local dealer confirmed that the remedy was not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure.
The contact owns a 2021 BMW X3. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine hesitated while turning over. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V438000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The failure mileage was 76,494.
The engine mounts on my BMW X3 have failed. It is a known national issue with the car, it can be exacerbated by the star/stop feature. There are no warnings or recalls and the repair is several thousand dollara.
I am writing to report a known safety-related defect on my 2021 BMW X3, VIN [XXX]. 1 The vehicle was diagnosed at BMW of Manhasset, an authorized BMW dealer, with a coolant leak originating from the heat management module and oil filter housing. This is not ordinary wear and tear. BMW's own service bulletin SIB 11 10 25 identifies this failure mode as a known issue affecting B46/B48/B58-equipped vehicles, which includes my X3. 3 4 5 The same defect is also the subject of an active U.S. class action, XXX. v. BMW of North America, LLC (D.N.J.), covering the same engine families. This defect presents a genuine safety risk, not merely a cost issue. The oil filter housing's internal wall structures, which separate the oil and coolant passages, are prone to failing or warping, and the gaskets sealing those passages are prone to premature failure. When this occurs, coolant can leak into the oil sump or drain externally, which can cause sudden engine overheating and/or engine failure, sometimes within minutes of the leak developing. If oil escapes and contacts the hot exhaust, it can also create a fire risk. A vehicle experiencing this failure is not safe to continue driving, and the risk of sudden, catastrophic engine damage or fire warrants a recall rather than leaving affected owners to discover and pay for this known defect on their own. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
There is an open safety recall for the engine starter on this vehicle. I contacted the local BMW dealer on 7/10/26 to have the recall fixed they advised me that they cannot address the recall because BMW North America has not sent the parts out for them to do so. I would like this on record in case there is any future damage to my vehicle due to the recall.
2021 BMW X3 M40i VIN# [XXX] Starter failed with the following BMW codes: [XXX] Starter Malfunction was displayed on the Dash and car took multiple attempts or waiting 10 seconds to start. I had the starter replaced by the Dealer, who confirmed the starter required replacing. I was told it was not part of the recall based upon VIN of car? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Lane keep assist performance has been degrading to the point that it very quickly disables itself when overcorrecting or an oscillation of the steering wheel is developed while system is trying to keep the car inside the lane (which eventually also disables the system). System always had a bit of “bounce” between the two sides of the lane and struggled to keep the vehicle exactly in the middle of the lane. But it is much worse now and I am now more often than not disabling it. System feels unsafe now. The KAFAS (camera) module is having random faults now that disable the system but go away and Lane Assist can be re-engaged without any change in the performance I described above. As an engineer I would simply call the Lane Assist control algorithm unstable with an oscillation that gets amplified. I’ve done simple tests where I center the vehicle inside the lane, engage the feature, and take my hands off the steering wheel (vehicle has some limited hands free capability—goal is to eliminate any disturbance from my hands to be the potential trigger for the oscillation). I used to be able to do this and now it rarely works and forces me to quickly take over. Another observation has been that the camera is also used to follow a vehicle ahead of me (in lieu of centering in the lane) and this rarely works now to the point of trusting it. Nothing recent has changed on the vehicle. At first I thought it may be a wheel alignment problem but when the camera module started to have sporadic errors I eliminated that root cause (recall that Lane Assist system always oscillated when engaged, but was definitely usable before). Seems like both problems originate at the camera module. Vehicle did have a windshield replacement and camera was recalibrated many months before this problem developed. Performance was the same immediately before and after replacement.
Filed by owners of this model year and unverified by NHTSA — one person’s account, not an established fact.