The Lemon Index2021 BMW 3 Series.
The 2021 BMW 3 Series is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 12 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 17, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 8 recalls, and it gets 25 to 30 mpg combined. The best BMW 3 Series year is 2022.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 47 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every BMW 3 Series year. 2021 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 17K to 41K miles on the car (5 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 8
- electrical 2026
Please see the recall report for a complete list of all models.
- electrical 2025
The engine starter relay may corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short circuit.
- seat belts 2023
The receiver audio module control unit software may fail to properly generate audible seat belt warnings to the driver to fasten their seat belt.
Show all 8 recalls
- seats 2023
The seat frame may not have been welded properly to the seat rails.
- seat belts 2021
During a crash, a seat belt retractor that does not function as intended increases the risk of injury.
- seat belts 2021
The bolt securing the seat belt assembly to the frame was not tightened to specification.
- back over prevention 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.
- electrical 2020
The connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator may not have been assembled properly, which can cause increased electrical resistance at the connections.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems BMW told dealers about
BMW sent dealers 231 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- WHISTLE NOISE FROM FRONT DOORS WHILE DRIVING: There is a whistling noise present from either…
- TICKING NOISE FROM DRIVERS FOOTWELL DURING LIGHT BRAKING WHILE COASTING: A ticking sound can…
- REPLACE EXHAUST TURBOCHARGER: Possible loss of engine output and illumination of the…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedPedestrian alert sounds2023
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 3 Series 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| BMW 3 Series 4 DR RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| BMW 330e 4 DR AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| BMW 330e 4 DR RWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2650–3200 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl.
Quick answers
Is the 2021 BMW 3 Series reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 5.9× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 17; 100 is average, lower is better). The best BMW 3 Series year by this measure is 2022.
What are the most common 2021 BMW 3 Series problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (33%), transmission & drivetrain (25%) and electrical (25%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2021 BMW 3 Series have?
8 safety recalls (latest: electrical). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2021 BMW 3 Series get?
25 to 30 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2021 BMW 3 Series safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
Does the 2021 BMW 3 Series have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 25% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2021 BMW 3 Series cost in fuel a year?
About $2650 to $3200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2021 BMW 3 Series have?
2.0L 4-cyl.
What BMW 3 Series year is better than the 2021?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2022, 2019 and 2017.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works