NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 BMW X3
Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.
The BMW X3 is a compact luxury SUV that has anchored the premium crossover segment for years, targeting buyers who want European driving refinement alongside the practicality of a raised ride height and available all-wheel drive. Competing against the Mercedes-Benz GLC and Audi Q5, the X3 pitches itself at affluent families and driving enthusiasts who refuse to compromise on either dynamics or daily usability.
Despite a strong crash-test showing, the 2021 BMW X3 carries a park-outside or stop-driving recall, so read the recall section first. Both frontal and side crash protection reached the full 5 stars. It has 10 recalls on record, reflected in the score.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
Reviewers generally regard the BMW X3 as one of the more rewarding compact luxury SUVs to drive, praising its composed handling and well-appointed cabin. Most acknowledge it faces stiff competition in a crowded segment. Opinions on value relative to its price point tend to be more divided, though the driving experience consistently earns favorable mention across professional assessments.
NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown
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 // RECALLSRecall record
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY26V056000
Risk: Fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. A letter informing owners of the safety risk was mailed on March 27, 2026. Owners will receive another letter once the remedy is available. 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 beg
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 will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning 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 // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
98 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.