2021 BMW X3 Problems & Owner Complaints

Electrical System 30 1 fire

“Car spontaneously caught on fire. Total loss. Drove car home from haircut appointment 5 to 10 minutes away. Parked car as normal and went inside. Within approximately 5 minutes loud knock on door “Your car is on fire!” I came out of my home and saw my car in driveway with fire erupting from engine area onto windshield, and through hole in middle of hood. Took a few seconds of video, then ran into house for large fire extinguisher. Emptied fire extinguisher contents into hole of hood and into fire area coming out from engine area onto windshield.”
NHTSA complaint #11726141, 2026 · fire

“2021 BMW X3 M40i VIN# [XXX] Starter failed with the following BMW codes: [XXX] Starter Malfunction was displayed on the Dash and car took multiple attempts or waiting 10 seconds to start. I had the starter replaced by the Dealer, who confirmed the starter required replacing. I was told it was not part of the recall based upon VIN of car? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”
NHTSA complaint #11749372, 2026

“The contact’s wife owns a 2021 BMW X3. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle on several occasions, the vehicle failed to start. The message "Vehicle Failed to Start - Contact Dealer" was displayed. The contact stated that for the vehicle to start, the contact had to turn the power off in the vehicle power, lock and unlock the doors using the key fob, and then, after several attempts, the vehicle eventually started. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V056000 (Electrical System). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was…”
NHTSA complaint #11747188, 2026

Engine 23 1 crash 2 fire

“Explosion, fires while the vehicle was off and parked”
NHTSA complaint #11741729, 2026 · fire

“Car spontaneously caught on fire. Total loss. Drove car home from haircut appointment 5 to 10 minutes away. Parked car as normal and went inside. Within approximately 5 minutes loud knock on door “Your car is on fire!” I came out of my home and saw my car in driveway with fire erupting from engine area onto windshield, and through hole in middle of hood. Took a few seconds of video, then ran into house for large fire extinguisher. Emptied fire extinguisher contents into hole of hood and into fire area coming out from engine area onto windshield.”
NHTSA complaint #11726141, 2026 · fire

“I was slowly pulling into a parking space and as I applied pressure to the brakes, there was no response. In fact the car seemed to rev up and accelerate, jumping the curb and ramming a tree. I was able to steer away from the tree to avoid hitting the center of the front end, but smashing the left front. Even after hitting the tree the car did not slow and I’m trying to pump the brakes, there was no response… I kept going over a grassy area, across a sidewalk and back into the driveway in front of the building, finally the brakes engaged and the car came to a stop. I was then able to pull…”
NHTSA complaint #11520483, 2023 · crash

Unknown Or Other 23 1 fire

“Car spontaneously caught on fire. Total loss. Drove car home from haircut appointment 5 to 10 minutes away. Parked car as normal and went inside. Within approximately 5 minutes loud knock on door “Your car is on fire!” I came out of my home and saw my car in driveway with fire erupting from engine area onto windshield, and through hole in middle of hood. Took a few seconds of video, then ran into house for large fire extinguisher. Emptied fire extinguisher contents into hole of hood and into fire area coming out from engine area onto windshield.”
NHTSA complaint #11726141, 2026 · fire

“This technical failure in the BMW B58TU engine (2019–2021) involves the variable-displacement oil pump's internal thermoplastic slide. In low ambient temperatures, the high viscosity of cold oil creates mechanical stress that causes this plastic component to fracture. ​ The Safety Hazard ​The primary risk is a sudden loss of motive power. When the slide fails, oil pressure becomes unregulated or drops entirely, triggering an immediate "Drivetrain Malfunction" or engine shutdown. ​ Immobilization: Vehicles may stall in active traffic or high-speed environments without sufficient warning. ​Envi…”
NHTSA complaint #11721098, 2026

“To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this formal safety complaint regarding my 2021 BMW X3, which is currently subject to an active safety recall involving a potential engine starter defect that may result in a vehicle fire.BMW of North America has notified me that water may enter the engine starter, causing corrosion and overheating, which can lead to a fire even when the vehicle is parked and turned off. BMW has advised owners, including myself, to park the vehicle outside and away from structures due to this risk.Since receiving this recall notice, my vehicle has displayed a check engine…”
NHTSA complaint #11712290, 2025

Structure 11

“The sunroof glass spontaneously shattered while the vehicle was in motion. There were no weather events, debris, or damage to the sunroof prior to the incident. The panoramic moonroof behind the sunroof remained intact.”
NHTSA complaint #11706294, 2025

“The contact owns a 2021 BMW X3. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V534000 (STRUCTURE) and 25V636000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.”
NHTSA complaint #11703947, 2025

“The contact owns a 2021 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V534000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”
NHTSA complaint #11634641, 2024

Vehicle Speed Control 8 2 crash

“I was slowly pulling into a parking space and as I applied pressure to the brakes, there was no response. In fact the car seemed to rev up and accelerate, jumping the curb and ramming a tree. I was able to steer away from the tree to avoid hitting the center of the front end, but smashing the left front. Even after hitting the tree the car did not slow and I’m trying to pump the brakes, there was no response… I kept going over a grassy area, across a sidewalk and back into the driveway in front of the building, finally the brakes engaged and the car came to a stop. I was then able to pull…”
NHTSA complaint #11520483, 2023 · crash

“ON APRIL 12, 2021 I WAS DRIVING MY 2021 BMW X3 AND AS I WAS PULLING UP INTO A PARKING STALL, MY VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN CAUSING MY VEHICLE TO COLLIDE WITH A BRICK WALL.”
NHTSA complaint #11415588, 2021 · crash

“The contact owns a 2021 BMW X3. The contact stated that while reversing, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had decelerated and was jerking abnormally. There was an abnormal flickering sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who retrieved codes related to computer failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11680321, 2025

Service Brakes 6 1 crash

“I was slowly pulling into a parking space and as I applied pressure to the brakes, there was no response. In fact the car seemed to rev up and accelerate, jumping the curb and ramming a tree. I was able to steer away from the tree to avoid hitting the center of the front end, but smashing the left front. Even after hitting the tree the car did not slow and I’m trying to pump the brakes, there was no response… I kept going over a grassy area, across a sidewalk and back into the driveway in front of the building, finally the brakes engaged and the car came to a stop. I was then able to pull…”
NHTSA complaint #11520483, 2023 · crash

“Constant emergency braking when I’m not near another vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11659861, 2024

“The contact owns a 2021 BMW X3. The contact stated while approaching a stop light at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal stiffened while the contact was attempting to stop the vehicle. Due to the failure, the contact ran the red light; however, the brake pedal function returned soon after the failure. The contact was unaware if any warning light was illuminated during the failure. Despite the brake failure, the contact was able to drive the vehicle to the residence. The vehicle was later towed to a dealer and remained with the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The veh…”
NHTSA complaint #11581939, 2024

Exterior Lighting 5

“The headlights will turn on and off irregularly without any drastic changes in outside lighting conditions while set in the Auto setting. No controls will be touched and the lights will turn on and off completely by themselves. It appears something is wrong with the lights switch assembly, as if something is shorting / wire is pinched. Other owners online forums have experienced similar issues as well. Can become a serious problem if it occurs while driving, especially in dark conditions.”
NHTSA complaint #11704640, 2025

“The passenger side daylight running light stopped functioning. I called BMW dealership while it was still under warranty and was told that if it was simply a light needing replacement it would be $500. At the next oil change I had a diagnostic test done and was told that the modules for both daylight running lights had overheated and melted and that a headlight also would need replacement. The cost of this was quoted at $4,200. This is a huge safety concern as this could easily cause an electrical fire. BMW was contacted and refused to cover the cost as it was 2000 miles out of warranty when t…”
NHTSA complaint #11663898, 2025

“On many cars including mine, and a family members 2021 8 series, BMW uses a light sensor on the instrument cluster to set the daytime dimming of the digital cluster and backup cameras. However, Florida-legal window tint confuses the system, and causes the screens to dim in a way that cannot be overridden or adjusted. There is a setting for screen brightness, however it is only active for night. This has caused difficulties reading the instrument display repeatedly. This is includes: collision warnings, back up camera, vehicle speed, and safety warnings. Here is a video showing the effect…”
NHTSA complaint #11435343, 2021

Fuel/Propulsion System 5

“I am writing to report a known safety-related defect on my 2021 BMW X3, VIN [XXX]. 1 The vehicle was diagnosed at BMW of Manhasset, an authorized BMW dealer, with a coolant leak originating from the heat management module and oil filter housing. This is not ordinary wear and tear. BMW's own service bulletin SIB 11 10 25 identifies this failure mode as a known issue affecting B46/B48/B58-equipped vehicles, which includes my X3. 3 4 5 The same defect is also the subject of an active U.S. class action, XXX. v. BMW of North America, LLC (D.N.J.), covering the same engine families. This defect p…”
NHTSA complaint #11752053, 2026

“This technical failure in the BMW B58TU engine (2019–2021) involves the variable-displacement oil pump's internal thermoplastic slide. In low ambient temperatures, the high viscosity of cold oil creates mechanical stress that causes this plastic component to fracture. ​ The Safety Hazard ​The primary risk is a sudden loss of motive power. When the slide fails, oil pressure becomes unregulated or drops entirely, triggering an immediate "Drivetrain Malfunction" or engine shutdown. ​ Immobilization: Vehicles may stall in active traffic or high-speed environments without sufficient warning. ​Envi…”
NHTSA complaint #11721098, 2026

“The oil pump failed and needs to be replaced. Yes it is available for inspection. If the pump does not get replaced, the oil will not flow through the car like it's supposed to and the engine could seize up and stop working. My dealership confirmed that the oil pump has failed. Another service center mentioned that it's a common problem with certain BMWs because of the plastic component that they used. Because of the issues, BMW switched to metal but never issued a recall to fix those who still have the plastic component. The first error message I received said that the engine oil level is…”
NHTSA complaint #11655225, 2025

Power Train 5

“I am reporting a potential safety defect in BMW vehicles equipped with the B58TU engine, primarily model years 2019–2021. These vehicles use an oil pump containing an internal plastic component responsible for regulating oil pressure. This component has been reported to fracture in service, resulting in sudden and complete loss of oil pressure. Failures commonly occur during cold starts in low ambient temperatures. When the component fails, oil pressure may become erratic or drop to zero with little or no advance warning. In some cases, drivers may observe warning signs such as inability to m…”
NHTSA complaint #11729361, 2026

“This technical failure in the BMW B58TU engine (2019–2021) involves the variable-displacement oil pump's internal thermoplastic slide. In low ambient temperatures, the high viscosity of cold oil creates mechanical stress that causes this plastic component to fracture. ​ The Safety Hazard ​The primary risk is a sudden loss of motive power. When the slide fails, oil pressure becomes unregulated or drops entirely, triggering an immediate "Drivetrain Malfunction" or engine shutdown. ​ Immobilization: Vehicles may stall in active traffic or high-speed environments without sufficient warning. ​Envi…”
NHTSA complaint #11721098, 2026

“My vehicle is subject to an active safety recall (NHTSA #25V-636) issued in September 2025 involving the engine starter. As of today, no remedy has been provided by the manufacturer. Due to the safety risk associated with this recall, I do not feel safe operating the vehicle and have been forced to keep it parked and unused for an extended period of time. This has caused significant financial hardship, as I am still required to make monthly loan payments, maintain insurance, and cover related expenses for a vehicle that is unsafe to drive. The issue has effectively rendered the vehicle unus…”
NHTSA complaint #11725100, 2025

Forward Collision Avoidance 4

“Constant emergency braking when I’m not near another vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11659861, 2024

“Upon starting the vehicle, the electronic dashboard comes on, declares “Reduced Driver Assistance” then about 15 seconds later, the entire dashboard goes dark and won’t come back on until the car has been shut down for several minutes. This sequence of events happens 95% of the time that I start the car. Upon restart, the dashboard will stay on about 40% of the time, the other 60% it shuts off again. While I can still see my speed in the heads up display, I have no idea how much gas I have, I can’t get any information from the dahsboard and I can’t use the cruise control. I’ve read about o…”
NHTSA complaint #11633069, 2024

“The malfunction involves the collision warning system and sudden braking functionality. The dealership inspection identified a problem with the KAFAS (camera) unit, specifically its housing being deformed from heat, which affected the functionality of the collision sensor and caused the system to malfunction intermittently. The component is still installed in the vehicle and available for inspection if required. The system triggered sudden braking without an actual threat, creating a serious risk of being rear-ended by vehicles behind me. This issue has occurred twice in the last month, with n…”
NHTSA complaint #11629071, 2024

Steering 4

“Vehicle is experiencing critical mounting component failure very early on. Vehicle has under 50k miles but the engine mounts and thrush rod bushings are failing, putting the car at risk when driving or starting. It has been inspected by the dealership and the manufacturer has confirmed that the issue exists.”
NHTSA complaint #11730794, 2026

“Both front end tie-rods had to be replaced at 28000 miles. They were making a loud popping noise when steering the vehicle on uneven pavement. The bushings on the tie-rods were worn out and could have failed at any time, resulting in a complete loss of steering control. The vehicle has not been in any accidents or received any damage to wheels and/or tires from hitting any curbs or potholes. In my opinion, this is a dangerous condition which warrants additional investigation. The repair / replacement was performed at the auto dealership where the vehicle was purchased new in April 2021.”
NHTSA complaint #11541760, 2023

“THE CAR IS NOT STABLE ON HIGHWAYS, DRIFTS LEFT OR RIGHT, EVEN AFTER WHEEL ALIGNMENT DONE BY A BMW DEALER. CONSTANT CORRECTIONS NEEDED EVERY 5-10 SEC TO STAY IN LANE.”
NHTSA complaint #11415569, 2021

Visibility/Wiper 3

“In June 2023, I purchased a vehicle from Enterprise Car Sales. Around June 2024, I reached out to them with concerns about the vehicle. They recommended I contact either the insurance or warranty company, but neither could address my issue. I then took the vehicle to the dealership, and they agreed to inspect it. They confirmed that the windshield and rear window molding trim were aftermarket parts, which were causing streaks on the window and obstructing the driver’s view. Additionally, the brakes and tires had been replaced with non-recommended parts, though I was willing to cover the cost o…”
NHTSA complaint #11623164, 2024

“Driving at highway speeds, the front sun roof exploded into the vehicle. 2nd time this has happened. Previous time was 03/2022.”
NHTSA complaint #11560540, 2023

“On many cars including mine, and a family members 2021 8 series, BMW uses a light sensor on the instrument cluster to set the daytime dimming of the digital cluster and backup cameras. However, Florida-legal window tint confuses the system, and causes the screens to dim in a way that cannot be overridden or adjusted. There is a setting for screen brightness, however it is only active for night. This has caused difficulties reading the instrument display repeatedly. This is includes: collision warnings, back up camera, vehicle speed, and safety warnings. Here is a video showing the effect…”
NHTSA complaint #11435343, 2021

Back Over Prevention 2

“Per the manufacturer, the car requires an oil change every 10,000 miles. However, the engine has a known defect to the manufacturer so that the car only makes it to about 6000 miles before you have to do an oil change. And sometimes the car doesn’t alert you. So your engine could possibly burn up and catch fire. Also, it’s a known issue to them that the back up camera malfunctions suddenly. So it’s really like you don’t have a back up camera at all.”
NHTSA complaint #11670316, 2025

“The functioning of this feature has never worked. We have had a number of near misses in parking lots when exiting a parking space.”
NHTSA complaint #11624845, 2024

Seats 2

“The driver's seat frame is loose, it has a play and a when accelerating or reducing speeds. The frames produce a click and some noise is heard coming from the seat frame when accelerating or reducing speed. I am the original owner of this BMW 2021 X3.at 34,500 miles. as of this date.”
NHTSA complaint #11740409, 2025

“The side seat rail plastic covers are easily detached from both driver and passenger side of front seats. On one occasion, the driver seat cover detached and slid forward near pedals while driving creating a potentially serious accident.”
NHTSA complaint #11448559, 2022

Suspension 2

“I was driving down the street from my home and I slowed down turned right and my car was out of control I steered to the curb. I got out and saw that the tire had blown-up and a large piece of the tire which was cut in half was on the ground. I couldn’t drive the car I called a tow truck driver who was there within 30 min he towed my car to BMW. It hasn’t been fully inspected I am waiting for USAA to inspect with Spectrum collision. Several people from the collision company have said it may be a tire failure.”
NHTSA complaint #11537884, 2023

“THE CAR IS NOT STABLE ON HIGHWAYS, DRIFTS LEFT OR RIGHT, EVEN AFTER WHEEL ALIGNMENT DONE BY A BMW DEALER. CONSTANT CORRECTIONS NEEDED EVERY 5-10 SEC TO STAY IN LANE.”
NHTSA complaint #11415569, 2021

Air Bags 1 1 crash 1 injury

“The contact owned a 2021 BMW X3. The contact stated while parked and occupied in the vehicle, while shifting the gear shift into park, the vehicle accelerated independently and collided with a Tesla occupied by a mom and daughter, which was in front of her. The contact mentioned that the Tesla collided with another vehicle. The vehicle then reversed independently at a high speed and then accelerated again, and collided a second time with the Tesla and then into a BMW several times. The contact, while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. After accelerating ind…”
NHTSA complaint #11671969, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Fuel System 1

“The contact owns a 2021 BMW X3. The contact stated that upon refueling the vehicle and attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start on several occasions. The contact stated that the vehicle was able to restart after several attempts. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone, where DTC: P0172 and P0446 were retrieved. The contact related the failure to BMW TSB Number: SIB 01 02 24. An independent mechanic advised the contact to only fill the fuel tank to half full. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the…”
NHTSA complaint #11697141, 2025

Lane Departure 1

“Lane keep assist performance has been degrading to the point that it very quickly disables itself when overcorrecting or an oscillation of the steering wheel is developed while system is trying to keep the car inside the lane (which eventually also disables the system). System always had a bit of “bounce” between the two sides of the lane and struggled to keep the vehicle exactly in the middle of the lane. But it is much worse now and I am now more often than not disabling it. System feels unsafe now. The KAFAS (camera) module is having random faults now that disable the system but go away a…”
NHTSA complaint #11748083, 2026

Seat Belts 1

“My vehicle is part of the cargo rails recall, how ever I also experiencing a separate safety issue with the seatbelts that I believe requires urgent attention . Seatbelts falling to block properly during sudden braking.”
NHTSA complaint #11637113, 2025

Tires 1

“Car only 9 months old, tread on both front tires bald, hydroplaning on wet roads. Almost was in an accident, I travel for work and got a BMW for reliability, I’m really second guessing my choice of cars right now.Bridgestone said tread is from out of alignment. BMW checked alignment and front is spot on. 13,000 miles on tires. Horrible driving experience in such a short time. Very disappointed that BMW would put such terrible tires on.”
NHTSA complaint #11423320, 2021

Visibility 1

“The contact owns a 2021 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the sunroof fractured with some pieces of glass detaching from the sunroof assembly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 7,200.”
NHTSA complaint #11462110, 2022

Wheels 1

“Vehicle is not alerting driver that flat tire has occurred. Especially problematic as vehicle has run flats. Pressure sensors are working correctly, and accurately reporting PSI and temperature. Software automatically "resets" tire pressure based off of tire size and set speed, this is not something that a user can control. In other words, I can't "reset" the sensors when the tire has 10 PSI, so that it will think that that is normal. Asked if others have seen similar issues in a forum: [XXX] Right away someone else has had newer car to dealer multiple times with the same issue. INFOR…”
NHTSA complaint #11633271, 2024