The Lemon Index2021 BMW X3.
The 2021 BMW X3 is better than average by owner complaints: 53 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 72, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about body structure, it has 10 recalls, and it gets 16 to 27 mpg combined. The best BMW X3 year is 2012.
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Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 113 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every BMW X3 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 4K to 72K miles on the car (17 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 10
- 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.
- body structure 2024
The attachment for the rear cargo rail may become damaged in a rear crash and result in the cargo rail detaching.
Show all 10 recalls
- body structure 2024
The attachment for the interior cargo rail may become damaged in a rear crash and result in the cargo rail detaching.
- seats 2023
The seat frame may not have been welded properly to the seat rails.
- fuel system, gasoline 2021
The inlet check valve weld may fail, allowing the filling pipe to separate from the fuel tank.
- 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.
- back over prevention 2020
A small portion of the rearview image may be slightly obscured.
- electrical 2020
Debris may have entered one or more of the hybrid battery cells during their production.
- electrical 2020
Loose welding beads may form a conductive path between the hybrid battery cells which could lead to a short-circuit.
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 195 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- FRONY DOOR PANEL LED FAILURES: The LED light on the front door is not working
- SUNROOF WATER LEAK DIAGNOSIS: This bulletin outlines multiple known areas of possible water…
- This situation can result in 2 customer complaints: 1
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW X3 SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| BMW X3 SUV RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| BMW X3 30e xDrive SUV AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2950–5000 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
The functioning of this feature has never worked. We have had a number of near misses in parking lots when exiting a parking space.
2021 BMW X3 owner · NHTSA complaint 11624845
More owner reports
Our car has just shutdown altogether waiting at a traffic light. Also, the main console above the steering wheel has gone completely black several times while driving.
NHTSA complaint 11390549
The high voltage battery recall has been open for 1 year, which any reasonable person would agree is far in excess of a reasonable amount of time as the issue is one that could lead to a fire / death.
NHTSA complaint 11434808
Quick answers
Is the 2021 BMW X3 reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.4× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 72; 100 is average, lower is better). The best BMW X3 year by this measure is 2012.
What are the most common 2021 BMW X3 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are body structure (15%), electrical (13%) and speed control (11%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2021 BMW X3 have?
10 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 X3 get?
16 to 27 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2021 BMW X3 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 X3 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2021 BMW X3 cost in fuel a year?
About $2950 to $5000 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2021 BMW X3 have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
What BMW X3 year is better than the 2021?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2012, 2018 and 2014.
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