2021 BMW X3 Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 4%of 113 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 7,200miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the visibility of the 2021 BMW X3, 4% of the 113 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 7,200 miles.
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.
“In June 2023, I purchased a vehicle from Enterprise Car Sales. Around June 2024, I reached out to them with concerns about the vehicle. They recommended I contact either the insurance or warranty company, but neither could address my issue. I then took the vehicle to the dealership, and they agreed to inspect it. They confirmed that the windshield and rear window molding trim were aftermarket parts, which were causing streaks on the window and obstructing the driver’s view. …”
NHTSA complaint #11623164, filed 2024-11“The contact owns a 2021 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the sunroof fractured with some pieces of glass detaching from the sunroof assembly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 7,200.”
NHTSA complaint #11462110, filed 2022-04, 7,200 miles“On many cars including mine, and a family members 2021 8 series, BMW uses a light sensor on the instrument cluster to set the daytime dimming of the digital cluster and backup cameras. However, Florida-legal window tint confuses the system, and causes the screens to dim in a way that cannot be overridden or adjusted. There is a setting for screen brightness, however it is only active for night. This has caused difficulties reading the instrument display repeatedly. This is includes: collision warnings, back up camera, vehicle speed, and safety warnings. …”
NHTSA complaint #11435343, filed 2021-10Related service bulletins
- 10250374Feb 16, 2024An interference noise (groaning noise) can be heard from within the heating and air-conditioning unit in thecenter of the instrument panel. The groaning noise always occurs when…
- 10249437Jan 16, 2024The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- 10244239Oct 18, 2023This situation can result in two customer complaints: 1. Wind noise 2. Excess water entry
- 10242699Aug 1, 2023?When driving over uneven pavement or cobblestones, a knocking noise is present from the passenger side front area (A pillar). Once the vehicle is driven on a flat, even surface…
- 10242696Aug 1, 2023?Water leaking into the vehicle from the headliner/microphone area.
- 10238080May 1, 2023Due to the semiconductor supply, the Local Interconnect Network module in either of the exterior mirrors was switched to another controller. That one provides an imprecise…
- 10238077May 1, 2023Upon opening or closing (i.e., folding in or out) the exterior mirror assembly, a creaking sound is heard from either the driver and/or passenger side.
- 10236229Apr 1, 2023Due to the semiconductor supply, the Local Interconnect Network module in either of the exterior mirrors was switched to another controller.
- 10227558Oct 1, 2022After opening the vehicle with the radio remote control and changing the profile, the exterior mirror settings are lost.
- 10227551Oct 1, 2022Due to the semiconductor supply, the Local Interconnect Network module in either of the exterior mirrors was switched to another controller. That one provides an imprecise…
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5 | 23% |
| 2025 | 3 | 8% |
| 2024 | 2 | 5% |
| 2022 | 1 | 1% |
| 2021 | 4 | 4% |
| 2020 | 3 | 3% |
| 2019 | 5 | 3% |
| 2018 | 2 | 3% |
| 2017 | 3 | 3% |
| 2015 | 1 | 1% |
| 2014 | 1 | 1% |
| 2013 | 2 | 1% |
| 2011 | 1 | 1% |
| 2010 | 1 | 3% |
| 2008 | 1 | 2% |
| 2007 | 2 | 2% |
| 2006 | 1 | 1% |
| 2005 | 2 | 2% |
| 2004 | 8 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2021 BMW X3
34 complaintsOther or unknown
26 complaintsEngine
23 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 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