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Fuel systemPart report

2021 BMW X3 Fuel system Problems

Complaints
6about this part
Share
5%of 113 total for the year
Median mileage
38,450miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the fuel system of the 2021 BMW X3, 5% of the 113 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 38,450 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“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, filed 2021-01, 6,900 miles

“The contact owns a 2021 BMW X3. The contact stated that upon refueling the vehicle and attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start on several occasions. The contact stated that the vehicle was able to restart after several attempts. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone, where DTC: P0172 and P0446 were retrieved. The contact related the failure to BMW TSB Number: SIB 01 02 24. An independent mechanic advised the contact to only fill the fuel tank to half full. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. …”

NHTSA complaint #11697141, filed 2025-11, 70,000 miles

“I'm reporting a safety issue with BMW vehicles equipped with the B58TU engine, primarily 2019-2021 models. These vehicles have an oil pump with an internal plastic component that regulates oil pressure, and this part is fracturing in the field, causing sudden loss of oil pressure. The failure typically occurs during cold starts in low temperatures. When it fails, oil pressure becomes erratic or is lost entirely, often with little to no warning before engine damage or vehicle disablement. …”

NHTSA complaint #11720995, filed 2026-02

“The oil pump failed and needs to be replaced. Yes it is available for inspection. If the pump does not get replaced, the oil will not flow through the car like it's supposed to and the engine could seize up and stop working. My dealership confirmed that the oil pump has failed. Another service center mentioned that it's a common problem with certain BMWs because of the plastic component that they used. Because of the issues, BMW switched to metal but never issued a recall to fix those who still have the plastic component. …”

NHTSA complaint #11655225, filed 2025-04

“This technical failure in the BMW B58TU engine (2019–2021) involves the variable-displacement oil pump's internal thermoplastic slide. In low ambient temperatures, the high viscosity of cold oil creates mechanical stress that causes this plastic component to fracture. ​ The Safety Hazard ​The primary risk is a sudden loss of motive power. When the slide fails, oil pressure becomes unregulated or drops entirely, triggering an immediate Drivetrain Malfunction or engine shutdown. ​ Immobilization: Vehicles may stall in active traffic or high-speed environments without sufficient warning. …”

NHTSA complaint #11721098, filed 2026-02

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Fuel system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202513%
202222%
202165%
202076%
201942%
20171718%
20161012%
20152625%
201422%
2013178%
201212%
201122%
200823%
200654%
200522%
200475%

Other parts of the 2021 BMW X3

Electrical system
34 complaints
Other or unknown
26 complaints
Engine
23 complaints
Body and structure
11 complaints
Vehicle speed control
8 complaints
Brakes
6 complaints
Exterior lighting
5 complaints
Forward collision avoidance
5 complaints
Steering
5 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
5 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaints
Suspension
3 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2021 BMW X3

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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