NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 BMW X3 Safety Ratings
The 2019 BMW X3 scores 81 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 10 recalls, and 163 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2019 BMW X3's recall burden is notable: 10 recalls contribute to a defect record sub-score of 6.75 out of 20, tempering an otherwise strong safety profile. Based on its crash-test performance, this vehicle provides excellent occupant protection. It achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 81 out of 100, placing it firmly in the Strong band.
The 2019 BMW X3 holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 81/100 and a 5-star NHTSA overall crash-test rating, according to NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 93 SUVs from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 BMW X3 ranks 51 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 81 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 17.1% |
| Recalls on file | 10 |
| Owner complaints | 163 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 51 of 93 SUVs tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 BMW X3?
The 2019 BMW X3 earns an 81/100 Safety Index rating, placing it in the Strong band. This score is established without a prior-year benchmark. The vehicle's crash protection is a significant strength, contributing 66 of a possible 70 points. This reflects near-perfect NHTSA star ratings in crash tests. Avoidance technology adds 8.5 of 10 points to the overall score, bolstered by standard forward collision warning and electronic stability control. The absence of standard lane departure warning prevents a higher score in this sub-category. The primary detractor from the 2019 X3's Safety Index is its defect record, which scores only 6.75 out of 20. Ten recall campaigns have been issued for this model year. These address structural attachments, frontal airbags, the backup camera system, and instrument cluster electronics. Of particular note are two structural campaigns issued in 2024; their late issuance means many used-market owners may not be aware of these safety directives. The 163 owner complaints, which include reports of alleged crashes and injuries, further underscore a notable administrative safety burden in real-world ownership, despite strong performance in controlled crash scenarios.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 BMW X3 perform in crash tests?
The 2019 BMW X3's rollover rating stands at 4 out of 5 stars, with a 17-percent rollover risk probability. This assessment is qualified by a "No Tip" result in the dynamic tip test. In all other crash-test categories, the X3 achieved the highest marks available from NHTSA, earning 5 out of 5 stars in both frontal and side impact evaluations, culminating in a 5-star overall safety rating.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13354
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 BMW X3 have any recalls?
Yes, the 2019 BMW X3 carries 10 recall campaigns. Identified components include structural attachment issues, frontal air bags, a backup camera sensing system, and an electrical instrument cluster. The two structural recalls are among the most recent issued. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is listed in the data provided, but owners should verify current remedy status by VIN through NHTSA.
STRUCTURE24V764000
Risk: Interior rear cargo rail detachment during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear cargo rail attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicles in this recall were previously remedied for this issue under recall number 24V-534 and will need to have the new repair completed.
Reported 2024-10-15
STRUCTURE24V534000
Risk: Interior cargo rail detachment during a rear crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear cargo rail attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 2, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Reported 2024-07-17
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL21V521000
Risk: A deactivated front air bag will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat foam, which includes the occupant classification system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Reported 2021-07-08
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA21V096000
Risk: If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Reported 2021-02-19
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL20V152000
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, the air bag could damage the instrument panel and cause small pieces of the panel to strike the driver or other occupants, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the instrument panel casing, free of charge. The recall began May 15, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Reported 2020-03-18
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA19V684000
Risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.
Reported 2019-09-27
SEATS19V563000
Risk: In the event of a crash, there is an increased risk of injury if the seatback folds forward or rearward.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front seats, free of charge. The recall began September 27, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service 1-800-525-7417.
Reported 2019-07-31
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE19V291000
Risk: If the front passenger air bag does not deploy properly in the event of a crash, the occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the instrument panel assembly, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Reported 2019-04-10
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER18V453000
Risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the rear brake circuit, free of charge. The recall began August 31, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Reported 2018-07-06
LANE DEPARTURE: LANE KEEP: STEERING ASSIST18V374000
Risk: If the sensors do not properly detect the driver's hands are off the wheel, the driver may not be alerted by one or more warning signals, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the steering wheel, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on July 19, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Reported 2018-06-06
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 BMW X3?
A total of 163 owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2019 BMW X3, including alleged 5 crashes and 3 injuries. These are unverified consumer allegations. The most frequently cited components in those reports are the Electrical System at 46 allegations, Unknown Or Other at 40, Structure at 31, and Engine at 30.
163 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 BMW X3?
Two structural recall campaigns and an additional frontal air bag recall are among the 10 open or recently issued campaigns for the 2019 BMW X3. Any shopper considering this model should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup prior to purchase to confirm that each remedy has been completed by a BMW dealer.
- The 2019 BMW X3 has 10 recall campaigns, with two structural attachment recalls issued in 2024 that may affect used-market vehicles whose owners have not yet received a remedy.
- NHTSA awarded this specific model year a 5-star overall crash rating with perfect frontal and side scores, but a 4-star rollover rating and a 17-percent rollover risk probability represent the weakest point in its crash-test profile.
- The defect record sub-score of 6.75/20 is the single largest drag on the 81/100 Safety Index, reflecting how heavily the 10 recall campaigns weigh against the otherwise strong crash and avoidance scores.
- Lane departure warning is listed as optional rather than standard on the 2019 X3, meaning not every example on the used market will have this crash-avoidance feature; buyers should confirm the specific vehicle's equipment before purchase.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 BMW X3 places
The 2019 BMW X3 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 BMW X3 safety questions
Was the 2019 BMW X3 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 BMW X3, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 81 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 BMW X3 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 BMW X3 earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 17.1%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 BMW X3 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 10 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2019 BMW X3. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 BMW X3?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 163 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 BMW X3. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other X3 years
Rivals in SUV (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Tesla Model X 60d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 75d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P100d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Nissan Murano | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13354), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the BMW X3 2019.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 51 of 93 in the SUV class for 2019.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.