Skip to main content

2021 BMW X3

10 recalls Risk Grade: B+ Most severe issue: Critical

All recalls are free to repair at your local dealership. Contact your dealer to schedule service.

Known Safety Recalls

Critical #21V199000 Plain English
Component

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The fuel tank in your vehicle is the part that holds the gasoline. In certain 2021 X3 and X4 models, the weld that connects the filling pipe to the tank can fail, causing a leak.
Risk if Unfixed
A leak could allow gasoline to escape, which could ignite and cause a fire. This is a serious safety risk, especially in a collision or while driving.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the fuel tank with a new one to prevent any leaks, and this repair is free of charge.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
Fuel may leak through the failed weld, increasing the risk of a fire.
Original — Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall is scheduled to begin May 17, 2021. Owners were also contacted by telephone. To date, all repairs have been done. No further owner notification letters will be sent. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Moderate #26V056000 Plain English
Component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The starter motor in your vehicle is the part that helps your engine turn over when you turn the key. In some 2021-2024 models, this motor can overheat and catch fire due to wear.
Risk if Unfixed
If the starter motor overheats and catches fire, it could cause serious injury. A fire in the engine compartment can spread quickly, releasing intense heat and flames.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the faulty starter motor with a new one, free of charge. You should schedule the repair as soon as you get the recall notice, and you can contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 for more information.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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 starter may overheat and catch fire due to wear on an internal component.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
Fire increases the risk of injury.
Original — Remedy
Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. A letter informing owners of the safety risk was mailed on March 27, 2026. Owners will receive another letter once the remedy is available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 24, 2026.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Moderate #25V636000 Plain English
Component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY:RELAY

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The starter relay in your vehicle is a small electrical component that helps the engine start. In some 2019-2022 BMW models, this relay can corrode, which could cause a serious problem.
Risk if Unfixed
If the starter relay overheats and short circuits, it could start a fire, which is a very serious risk.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the faulty starter relay with a new one at no cost to you. For now, please park your vehicle outside, away from nearby structures, until the repair is done.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
A short circuit in the starter relay may increase the risk of a fire.
Original — Remedy
Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is complete. Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. 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 November 14, 2025.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Moderate #20V601000 Plain English
Component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The traction battery in your car is the part that helps it move when it's running on electric power. In some 2020-2021 models, debris may have gotten inside the battery cells during manufacturing.
Risk if Unfixed
If this debris causes a short-circuit, it could lead to a fire or even an injury. In the worst-case scenario, the fire could spread to other parts of the vehicle.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will inspect the battery and replace it if necessary, at no cost to you. Until they can do the repair, you should avoid charging your car, driving in manual or sport mode, or using the shift paddles.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
The debris could result in a short-circuit, increasing the risk of fire or injury.
Original — Remedy
BMW will inspect and, if necessary, replace the battery module free of charge. The remedy is currently being developed. Until the remedy is completed, drivers are instructed to not charge their vehicles. Drivers are instructed to not drive in manual mode, sport mode, and to not use the shift paddles. Owners were notified of the safety risk October 23, 2020. The recall began November 24, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Moderate #20V490000 Plain English
Component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The 12V/24V/48V battery in your hybrid vehicle is what powers your electrical systems. In certain BMW models, the welding on the battery cells might be loose, creating a pathway for a short-circuit.
Risk if Unfixed
If the battery short-circuits, it could catch fire, which could lead to serious damage to your vehicle and potentially put you and others at risk.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will inspect the battery and replace it if needed – all at no cost to you. You should schedule the repair as soon as possible to ensure your safety on the road.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
A short-circuited hybrid battery may increase the risk of a fire.
Original — Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the battery modules, free of charge. BMW issued owners an interim notification on October 16, 2020. Although potentially affected BMW owners received interim owner notification letters, all potentially affected BMW owner vehicles have been remedied; therefore, BMW Final owner notification letters will not be necessary. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Low Priority #23V211000 Plain English
Component

SEATS

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The seat frame in your vehicle is the metal structure that supports your seat. In certain models, it may not be properly attached to the seat rails.
Risk if Unfixed
If you're in an accident, an improperly attached seat frame could fail to keep you safe, increasing the risk of serious injury.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the seat frame and back rest with new, properly attached parts – at no cost to you. This repair is free, and you should schedule it as soon as you receive the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An improperly welded seat frame may not properly restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Original — Remedy
Dealers will replace the seat frame and back rest, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Under Review #24V764000 Plain English
Component

STRUCTURE

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The attachment for your X3's rear cargo rail is a critical part that keeps it securely in place. In a rear crash, this attachment could become damaged and fail.
Risk if Unfixed
If the cargo rail detaches during a crash, it could cause injury to you or your passengers. This is a serious safety risk.
Free Fix
Your authorized BMW dealer will replace the attachment bolts with new, more secure ones, at no cost to you. You'll need to schedule this repair, even if your vehicle was previously recalled for this issue.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
Interior rear cargo rail detachment during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Original — Remedy
Dealers will replace the rear cargo rail attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicles in this recall were previously remedied for this issue under recall number 24V-534 and will need to have the new repair completed.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Under Review #24V534000 Plain English
Component

STRUCTURE

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The interior cargo rail in your X3 helps keep your stuff organized and secure in the back. In a rear crash, the attachment that holds it in place might get damaged and break off.
Risk if Unfixed
If the cargo rail detaches during a rear crash, it could hit you or a passenger and cause injury. This is a serious safety risk.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the damaged attachment bolts with new ones, completely free of charge. Just schedule an appointment when you get your recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
Interior cargo rail detachment during a rear crash can increase the risk of injury.
Original — Remedy
Dealers will replace the rear cargo rail attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 2, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Under Review #21V096000 Plain English
Component

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The rearview camera system in your vehicle helps you see what's behind you when you're reversing. In certain models, the image on the screen might be partially blocked or not turn on at all when you shift into Reverse.
Risk if Unfixed
If you rely solely on the rearview camera to see what's behind you, a partially blocked or dark view could increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will check the camera system software and update it if needed – for free. You should schedule the update as soon as you get the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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, 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le, 745Le xDrive, X5 xDrive45e, X3 xDrive30e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, M760i Drive, M760Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive Alpina, Alpina B7 xDrive, and 2021 4 Series Coupe 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive vehicles. When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Original — Risk if Unfixed
If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Original — Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Under Review #20V598000 Plain English
Component

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The rearview camera system in your vehicle is the part that helps you see what's behind you. In some 2020-2021 BMW models, the image on the screen might be partially blocked, making it harder to see what's behind you.
Risk if Unfixed
If you rely on the camera, you could miss something behind your vehicle, like a person or a car, which could increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will update the camera system software to ensure you get a clear view of what's behind you - at no cost to you. They'll inspect and update the system as soon as you get the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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 Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Original — Risk if Unfixed
If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Original — Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, program the rearview camera with updated software. The recall began November 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →

Browse by Component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
4 recalls
STRUCTURE
2 recalls
BACK OVER PREVENTION
2 recalls
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 recall
SEATS
1 recall

Other BMW X3 Years

2026
1 recall
2025
8 recalls
2024
2 recalls
2023
4 recalls
2022
7 recalls
2020
16 recalls
2019
10 recalls
2018
11 recalls
2017
6 recalls
2016
5 recalls
2015
7 recalls
2014
6 recalls
2013
7 recalls
2012
2 recalls
2011
4 recalls
2010
4 recalls
2009
3 recalls
2008
3 recalls
2007
3 recalls
2006
2 recalls
2005
2 recalls
2004
1 recall

Related Pages

2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Recalls 2021 Audi A4 Recalls 2020 BMW X3 Recalls 2022 BMW X3 Recalls All BMW Recalls BMW X3 Recall History