NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 BMW X3 Safety Ratings
The 2021 BMW X3 scores 79 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 10 recalls, and 98 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 BMW X3's safety profile is marked by strong crash-test performance but a significant number of recalls. Its 79/100 NHTSA Safety Index score places it in the Average band, a rating constrained by 10 recall campaigns. One of these recalls, a park-outside directive, is particularly notable. This recall record prevents the X3's otherwise favorable crash-test results from elevating its overall safety assessment.
The 2021 BMW X3 earned a 5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 79 out of 100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 BMW X3 ranks 81 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 79 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 17.1% |
| Recalls on file | 10 (includes park-outside) |
| Owner complaints | 98 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 81 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 BMW X3?
The 2021 BMW X3's defect record significantly limits its overall safety standing. Its contribution of just 3.25 out of a possible 20 points to the NHTSA Safety Index places the 2021 X3 in the Average band, despite a four-point improvement over the 2020 model, moving from 75 to 79. This index gain stems from stronger crash data, not a reduction in defect issues. A series of recalls defines the 2021 X3's safety profile. These include campaigns for structural attachment failures, which extend across X3 variants from 2018 through 2022. A separate recall addresses seat hardware, and two distinct campaigns concern electrical starter issues. One of these electrical recalls carries the serious recommendation for owners to park outside due to fire risk. The 98 owner complaints, which frequently cite electrical system problems, align with the documented recall patterns. The vehicle's strengths lie in its crash protection and avoidance technology. It achieves 66 out of 70 points for crash protection. All 10 available points are earned for avoidance technology, with forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control provided as standard equipment.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 BMW X3 perform in crash tests?
The 2021 BMW X3 achieved a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Its protection in both frontal and side impact scenarios was rated at 5 out of 5 stars. The vehicle's rollover resistance, however, presents a relative concern, receiving 4 out of 5 stars. This is accompanied by a measured rollover risk of 17 percent, though the dynamic tip-test indicated "No Tip."
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15285
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 BMW X3 have any recalls?
Yes, the 2021 BMW X3 carries 10 recall campaigns. Components addressed include the electrical starter assembly, starter relay, structural attachment points, and seat hardware. The starter relay campaign is classified as a park-outside or do-not-drive recall, meaning affected owners should not garage the vehicle until the remedy is completed.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY26V056000
Risk: Fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 24, 2026.
Reported 2026-01-30
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY:RELAY25V636000
Risk: A short circuit in the starter relay may increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is complete. Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 6, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov November 14, 2025.
Reported 2025-09-23
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
SEATS23V211000
Risk: An improperly welded seat frame may not properly restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat frame and back rest, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Reported 2023-03-29
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY21V199000
Risk: Fuel may leak through the failed weld, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall is scheduled to begin May 17, 2021. Owners were also contacted by telephone. To date, all repairs have been done. No further owner notification letters will be sent. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Reported 2021-03-24
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
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA20V598000
Risk: If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, program the rearview camera with updated software. The recall began November 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Reported 2020-09-30
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY20V601000
Risk: The debris could result in a short-circuit, increasing the risk of fire or injury.
Remedy: BMW will inspect and, if necessary, replace the battery module free of charge. The remedy is currently being developed. Until the remedy is completed, drivers are instructed to not charge their vehicles. Drivers are instructed to not drive in manual mode, sport mode, and to not use the shift paddles. Owners were notified of the safety risk October 23, 2020. The recall began November 24, 2020. Owne
Reported 2020-09-30
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY20V490000
Risk: A short-circuited hybrid battery may increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the battery modules, free of charge. BMW issued owners an interim notification on October 16, 2020. Although potentially affected BMW owners received interim owner notification letters, all potentially affected BMW owner vehicles have been remedied; therefore, BMW Final owner notification letters will not be necessary. Own
Reported 2020-08-18
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 BMW X3?
Owners have filed 98 unverified complaints with NHTSA, including alleged reports of 3 crashes and 2 fires. The most frequently cited components in these unverified allegations are the Electrical System with 28 reports, Unknown or Other with 23, and the Engine with 21.
98 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 BMW X3?
A significant recall campaign for the 2021 BMW X3, addressing an active park-outside starter relay, warrants immediate attention for potential owners. Verification that this remedy has been completed is crucial, as an outstanding repair directly impacts where and how the vehicle can be safely stored.
- The 2021 model year improved four points on the NHTSA Safety Index compared to the 2020 X3, rising from 75 to 79, driven by strong crash-protection scoring of 66 out of 70.
- A park-outside or do-not-drive recall covering the starter relay was issued for the 2021 X3, requiring owners to verify by VIN whether the remedy has been performed before garaging the vehicle.
- Two separate structural recalls address attachment failures on 2018 through 2022 X3 variants, meaning the 2021 model year falls within the scope of both campaigns simultaneously.
- The defect record sub-score of 3.25 out of 20 is the single largest factor preventing the 2021 X3 from moving above the Average safety band, despite near-perfect crash and avoidance-tech scores.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 BMW X3 places
The 2021 BMW X3 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 BMW X3 safety questions
Was the 2021 BMW X3 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 BMW X3, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 79 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 BMW X3 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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 2021 BMW X3 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 10 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 BMW X3, including a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign, which is the most serious class of recall. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 BMW X3?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 98 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 BMW X3. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other X3 years
Rivals in SUV (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15285), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the BMW X3 2021.
- 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 81 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- 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.