NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2024 BMW X3 Safety Ratings
The 2024 BMW X3 scores 83 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 32 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2024 BMW X3 achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 out of 100, positioning it in the Strong band. This places it among vehicles with excellent crash protection and solid overall NHTSA star ratings. However, its performance is notably tempered by a low score in avoidance technology. The X3 demonstrates strong structural safety, but its active-safety equipment presents measurable gaps.
The 2024 BMW X3 received a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 out of 100 and a 5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating, according to NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 144 SUVs from 2024 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2024 BMW X3 ranks 98 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 83 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 17.1% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 32 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 98 of 144 SUVs tested for 2024 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2024 BMW X3?
The 2024 BMW X3 achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band, a marginal one-point increase from the 2023 model's 83. This score primarily reflects its robust crash protection, earning 66 out of 70 points in that category. The X3 received 5-star frontal and side crash ratings from NHTSA. However, its active safety technology shows a significant deficiency, with an avoidance-tech subscore of only 2 out of 10. NHTSA data confirms the absence of both forward collision warning and lane departure warning on this configuration, with electronic stability control being the sole active-safety feature credited. The vehicle's structural weak points are the 4-star rollover rating and a 17 percent rollover risk. The 2024 model year has two open recall campaigns: one for steering, the other for door latches and locks. With 32 reported complaints contributing to a defect-record subscore of 15.5 out of 20, the X3 demonstrates strong passive protection but lacks a comprehensive layer of preventive technology.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2024 BMW X3 perform in crash tests?
The 2024 BMW X3 attained a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, matching this top score for both frontal and side crash protection. Its rollover resistance category, however, presents a relative weakness at 4 out of 5 stars, corresponding to a 17 percent rollover risk. Despite this, the X3 did achieve a "No Tip" result in the dynamic tip test, a favorable outcome within its 4-star rollover assessment.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 19222
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2024 BMW X3 have any recalls?
The 2024 BMW X3 is covered by two NHTSA recall campaigns. The first addresses a steering system concern affecting the 2024 X3 sDrive30i, xDrive30i, and M40i among other BMW models. The second targets latches, locks, and linkages on second-row seat side doors across 2022 through 2024 X3 variants. Neither campaign has been designated a park-outside or do-not-drive order based on available NHTSA data.
STEERING:LINKAGES:KNUCKLE:SPINDLE:ARM26V524000
Risk: An incorrectly attached steering spindle can lead to a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the steering connection and replace hardware or replace the spindle and column, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 2, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 2, 2026.
Reported 2026-08-12
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LOCK25V106000
Risk: Doors that can be inadvertently unlocked and unlatched may open unexpectedly, increasing the risk of injury to rear seat occupants.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the second-row seat side door locking modules, free of charge. A letter informing owners of the safety risk was mailed on April 21, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 800-525-7417.
Reported 2025-02-20
STEERING23V770000
Risk: A loose steering gear can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the steering gear, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 11, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Reported 2023-11-16
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2024 BMW X3?
Owners have filed 32 unverified complaints with NHTSA against the 2024 BMW X3. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Electrical System with 7 reports, Back Over Prevention with 6, and Vehicle Speed Control and Latches/Locks/Linkages each with 4. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
32 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2024 BMW X3?
The 2024 BMW X3 carries two open recalls of immediate concern. Both the steering recall and the door-latch recall apply to this model year. For any prospective buyer, confirming that the remedy for each has been completed is a critical pre-purchase step. Open recall status is a safety matter independent of any other consideration.
- The 2024 BMW X3 carries two open NHTSA recall campaigns specific to this model year: one for a steering system concern and one for second-row door latches and locks spanning 2022 through 2024 X3 variants.
- The avoidance-tech subscore of 2 out of 10 reflects the absence of forward collision warning and lane departure warning on this configuration, which is the primary factor holding the Safety Index below 90 despite near-perfect crash-protection scores.
- NHTSA recorded 32 unverified owner complaints, with the Electrical System and Back Over Prevention systems drawing the highest alleged complaint volume at 7 and 6 reports respectively.
- The rollover risk figure of 17 percent and a 4-star rollover rating are the only areas where this vehicle's NHTSA crash results fall short of a perfect score, while the dynamic tip test did return a favorable No Tip outcome.
RANKINGSWhere the 2024 BMW X3 places
The 2024 BMW X3 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2024 BMW X3 safety questions
Was the 2024 BMW X3 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2024 BMW X3, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 83 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 2024 BMW X3 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2024 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 2024 BMW X3 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2024 BMW X3. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2024 BMW X3?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 32 owner complaints are on file for the 2024 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 (2024)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Lexus Rz 300e | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Tesla Model Y Rwd | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness | 98/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2024 Buick Encore GX | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2024 Nissan Murano | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 19222), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the BMW X3 2024.
- 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 98 of 144 in the SUV class for 2024.
- 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.