2021 BMW X3 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 23about this part
- Share
- 20%of 113 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 101,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 23 complaints about the engine of the 2021 BMW X3, 20% of the 113 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 101,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11749613, filed 2026-07“To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this formal safety complaint regarding my 2021 BMW X3, which is currently subject to an active safety recall involving a potential engine starter defect that may result in a vehicle fire.BMW of North America has notified me that water may enter the engine starter, causing corrosion and overheating, which can lead to a fire even when the vehicle is parked and turned off. …”
NHTSA complaint #11712290, filed 2026-01“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 complaint #11515636, filed 2023-04“Unknown . The safety recall is extremely dangerous and I drive my child around. This is unacceptable and very unavoidable by providing a remedy or give me a new car. This is not my fault and my life and my family’s lives are in danger.”
NHTSA complaint #11698060, filed 2025-11“The car has keyless ignition and was accidentally left on/idling in the garage despite no one in the car and the key fob not present. The car was on for 8.5 hours in the closed garage and filled the house with exhaust, which includes dangerous carbon monoxide fumes, known to be lethal and nearly ended in tragedy. Luckily, my wife woke up for an unrelated reason to check on our daughter and smelled the fumes in the house and found the car running in the garage. …”
NHTSA complaint #11638813, filed 2025-01Related service bulletins
- 11035500Jul 17, 2026The manual starting of electronic engine oil level measurement from inside the vehicle, usually afterperforming an engine oil service task, is inoperative or it may lock up at…
- 11035497Jun 29, 2026The EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original…
- 11032734May 7, 2026The EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original…
- 11032731May 6, 2026The EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original…
- 10236387Feb 6, 2023Engine Variants Updated.
- 10211853Mar 1, 2022BMW AG has issued a Delivery Stop (effective January 11, 2022) on a small number of Model Year 2022 BMW vehicles that were produced between December 23, 2021 and January 4, 2022…
- 10212524Feb 1, 2022A whistling noise is present from the fresh air inlet area (engine compartment bulkhead area), in the right front area of the vehicle, at speeds above 40 mph. The noise is…
- 10208177Jan 1, 2022DELIVERY STOP: REPLACE CONTROL UNIT TRANSFER CASE. Due to a production failure, the control unit was assembled with a capcitator instead of a resistor.
- 10206690Dec 1, 2021Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column.
- 10205613Nov 1, 2021The customer complains that under moderate throttle application or on deceleration after throttle application, a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is displayed in the instrument…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 5% |
| 2025 | 4 | 11% |
| 2024 | 6 | 14% |
| 2023 | 4 | 27% |
| 2022 | 11 | 13% |
| 2021 | 23 | 20% |
| 2020 | 26 | 24% |
| 2019 | 35 | 20% |
| 2018 | 16 | 21% |
| 2017 | 17 | 18% |
| 2016 | 13 | 16% |
| 2015 | 29 | 28% |
| 2014 | 19 | 22% |
| 2013 | 147 | 65% |
| 2012 | 8 | 19% |
| 2011 | 31 | 27% |
| 2010 | 6 | 19% |
| 2009 | 2 | 11% |
| 2008 | 16 | 24% |
| 2007 | 25 | 26% |
| 2006 | 6 | 4% |
| 2005 | 5 | 5% |
| 2004 | 6 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2021 BMW X3
34 complaintsOther or unknown
26 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsForward collision avoidance
5 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsSuspension
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 BMW X3
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology