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 2026-02Related recalls
- 21V199000Mar 24, 2021BMW 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…Covers: BMW X3 2021, X4 2021
Related service bulletins
- 10249015Jan 5, 2024A vehicle arrives at your center to be diagnosed for a micro-leak in the fuel evaporative (EVAP) system(NVLD natural vacuum leak detection).
- 10239602Jun 1, 2023A vehicle arrives at your center to be diagnosed for a micro-leak in the fuel evaporative (EVAP) system (NVLD natural vacuum leak detection). For this condition, the following…
- 10227547Oct 1, 2022The Check Engine Light is on (MIL). After checking faults and diagnosis there is raw fuel found in the charcoal canister and the NVLD pressure switch (in R/R wheel well)…
- 10184574Nov 1, 2020TANK VENTILATION DIAGNOSIS: There is software error in the diagnosis of the fuel tank ventilation valve. This error may result in the Service Engine Soon (MIL) light not being…
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 3% |
| 2022 | 2 | 2% |
| 2021 | 6 | 5% |
| 2020 | 7 | 6% |
| 2019 | 4 | 2% |
| 2017 | 17 | 18% |
| 2016 | 10 | 12% |
| 2015 | 26 | 25% |
| 2014 | 2 | 2% |
| 2013 | 17 | 8% |
| 2012 | 1 | 2% |
| 2011 | 2 | 2% |
| 2008 | 2 | 3% |
| 2006 | 5 | 4% |
| 2005 | 2 | 2% |
| 2004 | 7 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2021 BMW X3
34 complaintsOther or unknown
26 complaintsEngine
23 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsBrakes
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 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