2021 Bmw X3: complaints, problems and recalls

PARKING DISTANCE CONTROL IS FAULTY AND SOMETIMES LOCKS UP THE BRAKES IN A JARRING MANNER WHEN BACKING UP EVEN WHEN THERE IS NOTHING BEHIND THE CAR, CLOSE TO THE CAR OR IN THE ADJACENT PARKING SPACES. BMW EVEN SAYS TO TURN OFF PDC WHEN USING PARKING ASSISTANT PLUS. MANUAL SAYS CAR CAN STILL HIT CURB USING PDC. 3 TIMES ALREADY

Owner-reported narrative. 300 miles reported. Look up ODI 11366599 at NHTSA ↗

MY CAR'S SPEEDOMETER ONLY DISPLAYS SPEED IN 10 MILES INCREMENTS, WHICH MAKES IT NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO KNOW EXACT CURRENT SPEED OF THE CAR. FOR EXAMPLE WHEN SPEED IS BETWEEN 50 AND 60 I CAN ONLY GUESS WHAT MY ACTUAL SPEED IS, 52 OR 58. BMW FOR SOME STRANGE REASON SELLS AN OPTIONAL PACKAGE WHICH ENABLES ACCURATE DIGITAL SPEEDOMETER, AND I THINK ACCURATE SPEEDOMETER MUST BE STANDARD. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11383792 at NHTSA ↗

BRIGHTNESS ADJUSTMENT FOR CONTROL DISPLAY SCREEN (BACKUP CAMERA, NAVIGATION,MESSAGES ETC) HAS BEEN ELIMINATED FROM MENU. DRIVER HAS NO WAY TO ADJUST DAYTIME BRIGHTNESS ANYMORE. BMW REPLACED IT WITH A INTERIOR BRIGHTNESS SENSOR IN THE UPPER LEFT CORNER OF THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER ABOVE THE GAS GAUGE. THE DANGER INCURS BECAUSE THE SCREEN KEEPS CHANGING BRIGHTNESS IN THE DAYTIME BASED UPON LIGHT ENTERING THE AUTO AND HITTING THE LIGHT SENSOR. THIS HAPPENS COMING OUT OF A GARAGE, TREE LINED STREET, CLOUDY DAY ETC. THE DANGER IS THAT YOU CANNOT OB…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11383939 at NHTSA ↗

OUR CAR HAS JUST SHUTDOWN ALTOGETHER WAITING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. ALSO, THE MAIN CONSOLE ABOVE THE STEERING WHEEL HAS GONE COMPLETELY BLACK SEVERAL TIMES WHILE DRIVING.

Owner-reported narrative. 6,900 miles reported. Look up ODI 11390549 at NHTSA ↗

MY BRAND NEW BMW X3 3.0 IS NOT ABLE TO TRACK STRAIGHT, THE CAR NEEDS CONSTANT CORRECTIONS TO STAY ON STRAIGHT COURSE. MULTIPLE VISITS TO BMW DEALERSHIPS DID NOT HELP, THE DEALERS REFUSE TO RECOGNIZE THE ISSUE. THIS IS SAFETY ISSUE SINCE THE CAR TENDS TO GO OFF ROAD AND MAY LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT.

Owner-reported narrative. 450 miles reported. Look up ODI 11398131 at NHTSA ↗

3 TIMES TODAY SHORTLY AFTER ENGAGING CRUISE CONTROL AND SETTING IT TO 75MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED QUICKLY TO OVER 90MPH AND HAD TO BE MANUALLY DISENGAGED. WHEN THIS HAPPENED, I DID NOT HAVE MY FOOT ON THE GAS AND DIDN'T PRESS ANY OF THE CRUISE CONTROL BUTTONS EXCEPT TO DISENGAGE IT WHEN IT DANGEROUSLY ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN.

Owner-reported narrative. 1,300 miles reported. Look up ODI 11414757 at NHTSA ↗

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.

Owner-reported narrative. 900 miles reported. Look up ODI 11415569 at NHTSA ↗

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.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11415588 at NHTSA ↗

Reported: 2020-08-18 (August 18, 2020)

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.

Consequence: A short-circuited hybrid battery may increase the risk of a fire.

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.

Reported: 2020-09-30 (September 30, 2020)

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."

Consequence: If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

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.

Reported: 2020-09-30 (September 30, 2020)

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.

Consequence: The debris could result in a short-circuit, increasing the risk of fire or injury.

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.

Reported: 2021-02-19 (February 19, 2021)

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."

Consequence: 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.

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.

Reported: 2021-03-24 (March 24, 2021)

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.

Consequence: Fuel may leak through the failed weld, increasing the risk of a fire.

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.

Reported: 2023-03-29 (March 29, 2023)

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.

Consequence: An improperly welded seat frame may not properly restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

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.

Reported: 2024-07-17 (July 17, 2024)

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.

Consequence: Interior cargo rail detachment during a rear crash can increase the risk of injury.

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.

Reported: 2024-10-15 (October 15, 2024)

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.

Consequence: Interior rear cargo rail detachment during a crash can increase the risk of injury.

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.

Reported: 2025-09-23 (September 23, 2025)

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.

Consequence: A short circuit in the starter relay may increase the risk of a fire.

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 became searchable on NHTSA.gov November 14, 2025.

Reported: 2026-01-30 (January 30, 2026)

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.

Consequence: Fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2026. 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.

Reported: 2026-07-08 (July 8, 2026)

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Toyota Supra, 2022-2025 2 Series Coupe, 2021-2023 5 Series, 2022-2026 Z4, 2023-2024 4 Series Gran Coupe, 4 Series Convertible, 4 Series Coupe, 3 Series, 2021-2025 X4, and 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.

Consequence: Fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 31, 2026. 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 August 28, 2026. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall 26V056.