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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2021 BMW X3 Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
5about this part
Share
4%of 113 total for the year
Median mileage
—not reported
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2021 BMW X3, 4% of the 113 complaints for this model year.

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.

“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

“I am reporting a potential safety defect in BMW vehicles equipped with the B58TU engine, primarily model years 2019–2021. These vehicles use an oil pump containing an internal plastic component responsible for regulating oil pressure. This component has been reported to fracture in service, resulting in sudden and complete loss of oil pressure. Failures commonly occur during cold starts in low ambient temperatures. When the component fails, oil pressure may become erratic or drop to zero with little or no advance warning. …”

NHTSA complaint #11729361, filed 2026-04

“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 service bulletins

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2025411%
2024410%
202317%
2022910%
202154%
20201413%
201974%
201823%
201722%
2016911%
201599%
201467%
20136027%
2012717%
20112320%
2009316%
200858%
200766%
200611%
200544%
2004118%

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
Fuel system
6 complaints
Exterior lighting
5 complaints
Forward collision avoidance
5 complaints
Steering
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 29, 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