2018 BMW X3
2018 model shown · Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0

Luxury cars & SUVs · G01 generation

2021 BMW X3: reliability, problems and cost to own

Think twice Well 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.

Reliability

14/100

Well below average

Repairs, 5 years

$7,225

at 12,000 mi a year

Fuel, 5 years

$7,556

27 mpg, $3.40/gal

Price today

$20,617

$18,143 – $23,091, estimate

Recalls

10

on record

Owner complaints

113

filed with NHTSA

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

Check whether a specific car still has open recalls with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Before you buy

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Other years of the BMW X3

Of the years we rate, the 2016 scores best (44/100) and the 2019 worst (10/100).

YearReliability
202416/100
202343/100
202220/100
202114/100
202015/100
201910/100
201841/100
201735/100
201644/100
201538/100

Questions people ask

Is the 2021 BMW X3 a year to avoid?

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).

How many recalls does the 2021 BMW X3 have?

10 recalls on record with NHTSA.