2021 BMW X3: reliability, problems and cost to own
Think twiceWell below average
It scores 14 out of 100 for reliability compared with other luxury cars and SUVs. Over the next 5 years we expect it to cost about $21,439 to own, including $7,225 in repairs.
Early estimate: this rating uses our own sales estimate for the BMW X3.
These are estimates, not guarantees. They come from public NHTSA complaint and recall data and EPA fuel economy, assuming 5 years of ownership and 12,000 miles a year. Change the assumptions or see how it works.
Where repair money is likely to go
Engine & cooling$4,064
Transmission & drivetrain$822
Electrical system$754
Body, glass & interior$677
Driver-assist & stability$370
Steering$153
Expected over 5 years, by area of the car.
Recalls
Electrical System › Starter AssemblyJan 31, 2026 · campaign 26V056000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Toyota Supra, 2022-2023 2 Series Coupe, 2021-2024 5 Series (xDrive), 2021-2022 Z4, 2022-2024 4 Series (Gran Coupe), 2021-2024 4 Series (Convertible and xDrive Convertible), 2021-2023 4 Series (Coupe), 2021-2024 3 Series, 2021-2023 X4, 2021-2024 X3 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of all models. The engine star
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 BMW 330i, 2019-2022 BMW Z4, 2020-2022 BMW 530i, X3, X4, Toyota Supra, 2021-2022 BMW 430i, 430i Convertible, and 2022 BMW 230i vehicles. The engine starter relay may corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short circuit.
StructureOct 15, 2024 · campaign 24V764000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2022 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, and X3 M vehicles. The attachment for the rear cargo rail may become damaged in a rear crash and result in the cargo rail detaching.
StructureJul 17, 2024 · campaign 24V534000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2023 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, and X3 M vehicles. The attachment for the interior cargo rail may become damaged in a rear crash and result in the cargo rail detaching.
SeatsMar 29, 2023 · campaign 23V211000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i xDrive, 2020-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, 2021 X3 xDrive30e, X4 xDrive30i, and X4M vehicles. The seat frame may not have been welded properly to the seat rails.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, and X4, and 2021 X4 xDrive30i vehicles. The inlet check valve weld may fail, allowing the filling pipe to separate from the fuel tank.
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › CameraFeb 19, 2021 · campaign 21V096000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Coupe, Convertible and Grand Coupe, 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive,
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › CameraSep 30, 2020 · campaign 20V598000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 X3 sDrive 30i, X3 xDrive 30i, X3M 40i, X3 xDrive 30e, X4 xDrive 30i, X4M 40i, 530i, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 550e, 550e xDrive, and 550e iPerformance vehicles. A small portion of the rearview image may be slightly obscured. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standa
Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction BatterySep 30, 2020 · campaign 20V601000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 530e iPerformance and X3 xDrive30e and MINI Cooper Countryman All4 SE, 2020 BMW i8, and 2021 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le xDrive and X5 xDrive45e vehicles. Debris may have entered one or more of the hybrid battery cells during their production.
Electrical System › 12V/24V/48V BatteryAug 18, 2020 · campaign 20V490000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 330e and X5 xDrive45e, 2020-2021 X3 xDrive30e, and 2020 MINI Countryman SE ALL4 vehicles. Loose welding beads may form a conductive path between the hybrid battery cells which could lead to a short-circuit.
Check whether a specific car still has open recalls with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Yes. It scores 14 out of 100, among the least reliable luxury cars and SUVs of 2015–2024.
Is the 2021 BMW X3 reliable?
It scores 14 out of 100 against other luxury cars and SUVs from 2015 to 2024, which is well below average. Based on 113 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, we expect about $7,225 in repairs over the next 5 years at 12,000 miles a year.
How much does a 2021 BMW X3 cost to own?
About $21,439 over 5 years: $6,658 in lost value, $7,225 in repairs and $7,556 in fuel at $3.40 a gallon. A typical one sells for about $20,617 today.
What are the best years of the BMW X3?
Of the years we rate, the 2016 scores best (44/100) and the 2019 worst (10/100).