NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2025 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.
The 2025 BMW X3 earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 72 out of 100, an average result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. It has 8 recalls on record, reflected in the score.
- 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 20809
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record
STEERING:STEERING CONTROL MODULE25V857000
Risk: Unintended steering wheel movement while the vehicle is stationary increases the risk of an injury and on the road, a crash.
Remedy: The steering system software will be updated, free of charge, either over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer. 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 February 2, 2026.
Reported 2025-12-11
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC25V247000
Risk: Damaged front brakes may not function properly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front brake discs and brake pads, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 6, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Reported 2025-04-16
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY25V202000
Risk: A loose starter-generator connection can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, the wiring may overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the starter-generator and positive battery cable as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed May 28, 2025. Second letters will be sent once the remedy is available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Reported 2025-04-01
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS25V154000
Risk: A loss of rear brake function increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear brake hoses, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 9, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 800-525-7417.
Reported 2025-03-12
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES25V109000
Risk: An overheated battery cable connection can cause an engine stall and increase the risk of a crash. In addition, an overheated battery cable increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the connection between the positive battery cable and the starter-generator, or replace the positive battery cable and starter-generator if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 5, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 800-525-7417.
Reported 2025-02-21
SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING24V909000
Risk: A loss of vehicle handling and control increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front left-side swivel bearing, free of charge. One owner was contacted December 12, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Reported 2024-12-05
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN24V856000
Risk: An incorrectly assembled air bag can result in delayed activation or improper deployment of the head curtain air bag, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the right-side head curtain air bag, if necessary, free of charge. The vehicles have not been sold from dealer inventory and therefore no owner letters will be mailed. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Reported 2024-11-12
AIR BAGS:PASSENGER SIDE FRONTAL:CUSHION24V772000
Risk: A damaged air bag may not inflate properly, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag, free of charge. None of the affected vehicles have been sold yet and therefore no owner notification letters will be mailed. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Reported 2024-10-17
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
34 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.